Reviving Vet Med

Send us Fan Mail

Veterinary teams are no strangers to trauma—emergency cases, euthanasia, client distress, and internal conflict can all leave an emotional mark. Yet, so often, we rush past these moments without stopping to process them. What if we didn’t have to carry that weight alone?

In this essential episode, we speak with Julie Morse Elliott, MPCC Provisional (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling Provisional), RVT, VTS(ECC), and trained CIGD facilitator, about Critical Incident Group Debriefing—a powerful, structured approach to helping veterinary teams process distressing events in a safe, supportive environment.

Julie explains how debriefing sessions can reduce emotional overwhelm, foster team cohesion, and protect against long-term impacts like burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD. We walk through what a typical session looks like, common signs a team might need one, and how leaders can begin introducing debriefing into their workplace culture.

This conversation is both practical and deeply affirming. If you’ve ever left work feeling rattled, numb, or isolated after a traumatic case—or you’re a leader wondering how to better support your team—this episode is a must-listen. 

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/PIdLiB70Fio

Resources
Learn more about Critical Incident Group Debriefings by Reviving Veterinary Medicine: https://revivingvetmed.com/critical-incident-group-debriefing-for-veterinary-teams/ 

Follow Julie Morse Elliott on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-morse-elliott-rvt-vts-ecc-mpcc-provisional-1ba373a7/ and Facebook / Instagram @ConsciousEvolutionCounselling

Visit Julie Morse Elliott’s website: https://consciousevolutioncounselling.com/ 

Critical Incident Debriefing: What You Need to Know (PDF): https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/critical-incident-debriefing 

Thank You to Our Sponsor
Reviving Veterinary Medicine: www.revivingvetmed.com

Order Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101487131-14076226?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FA-Compassionate-Calling-What-It-Really-Means-to-Be-a-Veterinarian%2FHolowaychuk%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032389035 

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Conflict is a part of every workplace—but in veterinary medicine, it’s often something we avoid at all costs. In this episode of Reviving Vet Med, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk explores why conflict avoidance is so common among veterinary teams and how it can silently erode trust, collaboration, and even patient care.

Through practical strategies and real-life examples, Marie breaks down the different types of conflict—whether it’s a disagreement over clinical decisions or a clash of personalities—and shares tools for navigating each with courage and compassion. You’ll learn how to give feedback without damaging relationships, how to handle emotionally charged situations, and why leaning into healthy conflict is essential for building resilient, connected teams.

If you’ve ever walked on eggshells at work or struggled to speak up, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to approach conflict with confidence—and create a workplace culture where both people and patients thrive.

Resources

How to handle conflict among coworkers (PDF): https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/HandlingConflict 

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote

Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo 

Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

Pre-Order Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian: https://www.routledge.com/A-Compassionate-Calling-What-It-Really-Means-to-Be-a-Veterinarian/Holowaychuk/p/book/9781032389035?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=26e8517167f611f0806101060a1eba24  

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Veterinary medicine isn’t just a career—it’s often a core part of who we are. But what happens when the role of “veterinarian” starts to overshadow the rest of our identity? How do we stay connected to ourselves when the profession feels all-consuming?

In this reflective episode, Dr. Melodie Chan—longtime veterinarian, industry leader, and mentor—shares her personal journey of navigating identity in veterinary medicine. From early influences that shaped her career path to moments when her professional role was deeply tested, Dr. Chan speaks candidly about what it means to grow, change, and redefine yourself throughout the arc of a veterinary career.

We explore the struggle many veterinary professionals face in separating their self-worth from their job title, and how to create space for interests, values, and roles outside of work. Dr. Chan also shares her thoughts on how veterinary schools and workplaces can better support students and team members in building a strong, flexible professional identity that promotes wellbeing and sustainability.

If you’ve ever felt lost in your role, or wondered who you are beyond the title of veterinarian, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/IxqMD29fOFs 

Resources
Connect with Dr. Melodie Chan on: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodie-chan-98839650/).

Listen to The Lost Vet | Podcast on Spotify and visit www.thelostvet.com for more information. 

Building a healthy professional identity in veterinary medicine (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/building-a-healthy-professional-identity-in-veterinary-medicine/ 

Identity, environment and mental wellbeing in the veterinary profession (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29950340/ 

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo 

Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed 

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this calming bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk invites you to pause and gently lay down some of the emotional weight you may be carrying—grief, stress, responsibility, or expectations. Whether you're a veterinary professional navigating a difficult season or simply someone feeling the heaviness of the day-to-day, this 8-minute guided meditation offers a safe space to rest, release, and reconnect with yourself.

Through breath awareness, a body scan, and a powerful visualization practice, you’ll be guided to acknowledge what’s present without needing to fix or solve it. Allow your breath to soften the tension, your body to ground you, and your heart to open to the idea that you don’t have to carry everything alone.Close with gentle affirmations and a reminder that rest is not only allowed—it’s necessary. Share this meditation with someone who could use a moment of release, and find more practices from Dr. Marie Holowaychuk on YouTube or Insight Timer.

Resources

Check out additional meditations from Dr. Marie Holowaychuk on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/marieholowaychuk 

Find other meditations from Dr. Marie Holowaychuk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarieHolowaychukDVM 

Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.  

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities

Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Grief is a constant presence in veterinary medicine—quiet, cumulative, and often ignored. From euthanasia and patient loss to a co-worker resigning or a colleague moving away, grief takes many forms in the lives of veterinary professionals. But what happens when we don’t acknowledge it?

In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Kira Valentine, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Veterinary Technician, about the hidden grief that veterinary teams carry—and why making space for it is essential for healing, connection, and sustainability in the profession.

Kira shares her powerful journey from ER technician to trauma-informed coach, and how her lived experience informs her work supporting individuals and leaders through burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional overwhelm. We explore why many in vet med don’t feel entitled to grieve, how unresolved grief can quietly erode wellbeing, and what it looks like to lead with emotional awareness.

If you’re holding grief you haven’t named—or supporting others who are—this episode offers permission to pause, reflect, and begin to release. 

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/KsDZ1NZ7dQo

Resources
Follow Kira Valentine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-valentine-21639917b/ 

Beyond death: Understanding grief in all its forms (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/beyond-death-understanding-grief-in-all-its-forms/ 

Grief in Response to Uncertainty Distress Among Veterinary Students During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic (article): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8295725/ 

Impacts of the process and decision-making around companion animal euthanasia on veterinary wellbeing (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31409747/ 

Thank You to Our Sponsor
Reviving Veterinary Medicine: www.revivingvetmed.com

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Neurodiversity remains a largely misunderstood and under-discussed topic in veterinary medicine, despite the profound ways it shapes how professionals experience and engage with their work. In this episode, we speak with Helen Allwood — small animal vet turned coach and trainer — about her journey from veterinary practice to coaching, following a late ADHD diagnosis that transformed her sense of self and professional path.

Helen shares how her diagnosis ignited a passion for neurodiversity advocacy and how she now supports veterinary professionals — especially those who are neurodivergent — through leadership development, career transitions, and work-related challenges. We explore common misconceptions about ADHD and autism in the profession, the struggles neurodivergent individuals often bring to coaching, and the strategies that help them thrive.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, work with someone who is, or lead a team and want to do better — this episode offers powerful insights, practical guidance, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly revive veterinary medicine.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/Vh8eRSTzaFI 

Resources
Follow Helen Allwood on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-allwood-5993a3211/ 

The Vet Project: https://www.thevetproject.co.uk/ 

Thank You to Our Sponsor
Reviving Veterinary Medicine: www.revivingvetmed.com

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Allyship isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessary practice for creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments in veterinary medicine. In this episode, we explore what it means to be a true ally to LGBTQIA+ veterinary professionals, especially during Pride Month, but also throughout the year.

We unpack the mental health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the profession, why representation alone isn’t enough, and how everyday actions — like using inclusive language and respecting personal pronouns — can make a meaningful difference.

Drawing from insights by DEI experts and organizations like PrideVMC and the AVMA, we discuss the “Seven Types of Allies,” and share practical, actionable ways you can show up for your colleagues with authenticity and courage.

Whether you're new to allyship or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers a compassionate, informative, and nonjudgmental guide to becoming a more effective advocate for equity and belonging in veterinary spaces.

Resources
AVMA Journey For Teams: https://www.journeyforteams.org/educational-modules/ 

How sharing pronouns supports LGBTQIA+ veterinary professionals (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/how-sharing-personal-pronouns-supports-lgbtqia-veterinary-professionals/ 

Why gender-inclusive language matters in veterinary medicine (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/why-gender-inclusive-language-matters-in-veterinary-medicine/ 

7 Types of Allies (poster and discussion guide): https://www.journeyforteams.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-2-1-Discussion-Guide_Topic-14_Allyship-1.pdf 

Pride VMC: https://pridevmc.org/ 

Celebrating Pride month in support of LGBTQIA+ veterinary professionals (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/celebrating-pride-month-in-support-of-lgbtqia-veterinary-professionals/ 

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo 

Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Perinatal mental health is still a taboo topic in many medical professions — including veterinary medicine — despite the very real impact it has on professionals during pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Emily Singler — veterinarian, mom of four, and author of Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team — to discuss how mental health challenges show up during this pivotal life phase, and what can be done to support those going through it.

Emily shares insights from her chapter on mental health, including distinctions between mental health and wellness, common perinatal mental health disorders (such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis), and the many ways veterinary professionals can access help and healing. We also explore the vital role of social support, self-care, therapy, and medication, and how veterinary workplaces can evolve to better support expectant and new parents.

If you’ve ever struggled with the demands of working parenthood, or want to be a better ally to colleagues who are, this episode is full of practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and compassionate guidance.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/iZSqsXSaSpI

Resources
Purchase Dr. Emily Singler’s book: Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team: https://www.routledge.com/Pregnancy-and-Postpartum-Considerations-for-the-Veterinary-Team/Singler/p/book/9781032524993

Follow Emily Singler on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-singler-vmd/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emilysinglervmd/

Explore Emily Singler’s website for her coaching and consulting offerings: http://emilysinglervmd.com/

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/

Thank You to Our Sponsor
Reviving Veterinary Medicine: www.revivingvetmed.com

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In a profession where high stress and long hours often drown out the signals from our bodies, tuning into those quiet whispers can be a radical act of self-preservation. In this episode, we sit down with Simmi Latulippe—functional medicine consultant, menopause coach, and trauma-informed yoga teacher—to explore the intersection of hormonal health, trauma, and holistic healing in veterinary medicine.

Simmi shares what it really means to “biohack” menopause, why perimenopause should be on the radar for professionals in their 30s and 40s, and how small daily practices can lead to powerful changes in body, mind, and soul. We also dive into the link between unresolved trauma and physical distress, and how trauma-informed yoga can be a pathway back to the self.

Simmi brings a fresh, embodied approach to wellbeing. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, or unsure where to start, this conversation is full of gentle wisdom and grounded guidance.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKH4U-6qiHg

Resources
Follow Simmi Latulippe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simmi-latulippe-a5081011/

Check out Simmi’s Biohacking Menopause Masterclass: https://www.menopausebiohackingsecrets.com/biohacking-menopause-masterclass

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo

Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/. 

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential for effective teamwork and sustainable wellbeing. In this episode, Avery Alston, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Veterinary Emergency Group, shares how fostering belonging can transform veterinary workplaces from the inside out.

We explore the connection between DEI and team performance, the role of psychological safety in high-pressure environments, and practical strategies that any practice can implement to build a more inclusive culture. Avery also offers powerful insights from her experience leading Culture Camps and mentoring diverse teams — reminding us that when everyone has a seat at the table, the whole team thrives.

Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just starting your DEI journey, this conversation is filled with real talk, actionable ideas, and plenty of hope for the future of veterinary medicine.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/F3K60ObmrqU

Resources
The missing piece in veterinary wellbeing: Why DEIB matters more than ever (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/deib-in-veterinary-medicine/

Follow Avery Alston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-alston-6596a3b3/

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo

Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected] 

Support the show