Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey

Welcome to episode #30 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, I sit down with veterinary student Eric Marker to break down everything you need to know about veterinary externships, including how to find them, how to choose the right ones, and how to actually make the most of the experience. Eric shares his firsthand experience completing multiple externships and walks through how he narrowed down his options, from word-of-mouth recommendations to school resources and personal career goals. We also cover the logistics of setting up externships, including reaching out to clinics and planning ahead during an already busy veterinary school schedule. Most importantly, Eric offers practical advice on how to show up, get involved, build relationships, and leave a lasting impression during your time on externship.

Whether you’re just starting to explore externships or trying to refine your plans for clinical year, this episode provides a clear, realistic guide to making these experiences both meaningful and worthwhile.

SHOW NOTES:

EID= Electronic Identification Tags, used in cattle

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #29 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, I sit down with fourth-year veterinary student Alison Lynch for an honest, practical conversation about preparing for the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination). Alison shares how she structured her study timeline and the resources that made the biggest difference. From practice questions and pacing strategies to imposter syndrome and burnout, this episode dives into both the academic and emotional sides of NAVLE preparation. Whether you’re months away from taking the NAVLE or just beginning to think about it, this episode provides clarity, encouragement, and realistic advice from someone who’s been in your shoes.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@alison.lynch14

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #28 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Carla Savage for a powerful conversation about what it really means to build a unique and nonlinear career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Savage joined the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 as an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Population Health Sciences, but her journey to this role has been anything but traditional. After earning her DVM and Master’s in Food Animal Medicine at the University of the West Indies and later completing a PhD in Aquatic Animal Medicine at the University of Florida, she built an international career in aquatic animal health, marine mammal medicine, diagnostics, research, and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Savage shares how her path evolved over time, how opportunities emerged, how she navigated transitions across countries and disciplines, and how she adapted when her career didn’t follow a straight line. Together, we explore the breadth of careers available in veterinary medicine beyond traditional small animal practice and how students can remain open to unexpected opportunities. If you’ve ever felt unsure about choosing the “right” path, or wondered what else is out there, this episode will expand your perspective on what a veterinary career can truly look like.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow me on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #27 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Emergency medicine certainly has a reputation, and not all of it is accurate. In this episode, I sit down with emergency veterinarians Dr. Cassale, Dr. Germain, and Dr. Robyn Hahn for an honest panel discussion unpacking the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding veterinary emergency medicine. Together, we dive into what ER actually looks like day to day, from the pace and pressure to the teamwork, and emotional realities that don’t always make it into vet school conversations.

Show Notes:

Big 4: PCV (packed cell volume), TS (total solids), BUN, Blood Glucose

GDV: Gastrointestinal Dilation Volvulus

TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@lonecedarfarm (Dr. Hahn)

@dr.n.cassale (Dr. Cassale)

@sassydvm_ervet (Dr. Germain)

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #26 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Today, we welcome Dr. Bobbi Conner to the podcast to discuss common misconceptions about ER medicine, the realities of training, and what students actually need to succeed in ER and ICU settings. Dr. Conner also shares her perspective on internships and how confidence develops over time. With her ongoing Master’s in Educational Psychology, she offers evidence-based insights into how veterinary students learn best, common study pitfalls, and practical strategies to make learning more efficient and sustainable.

Whether you’re considering ER, debating an internship, or just trying to survive vet school with your sanity intact, this episode delivers honest advice, reassurance, and a reality check from someone who’s been on both sides of the exam room and the classroom.

Show Notes:

LOCUM: A person who stands in temporarily for someone else of the same profession, especially a doctor.

IVECCS: International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium.

Dr. Conner's Podcast: Veterinary Journal Club and Discussions

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow me on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #25 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Vet school is intense, but does it have to consume everything? Is there life outside of vet school? In this episode of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey, we talk honestly about what it looks like to live a full life while in veterinary school. From maintaining friendships and hobbies to navigating dating and relationships, this conversation breaks down the pressure to “pause life” for four years and explores how students can protect their well-being while still showing up academically.

Show Notes:

Attached Book can be found here on Goodreads.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #24 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Virginia Edwards, Assistant Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, known for her dedication to teaching surgical skills, supporting community practice, and preparing the next generation of veterinarians for real-world medicine.

But Dr. Edwards is at a turning point. She will be transitioning to a new remote role helping develop Colorado State University’s groundbreaking Master's in Veterinary Clinical Care program which will prepare candidates for a new mid-level practitioner role called the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). This initiative aims to expand access to veterinary care, support overburdened clinics, and redefine team structure.

Dr. Edwards joins us to share her teaching journey, explain why she believes in the potential of the VPA model, and where she thinks veterinary medicine is headed in the future.

Whether you’re a veterinary student, practitioner, or someone trying to understand where our field is headed, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #23 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Robyn Hahn, a veterinarian whose career path truly showcases the diversity of what’s possible in vet med. From equine practice to emergency medicine and leadership at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG ER for Pets), Dr. Hahn has done it all. Now leading her own VEG hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and mentoring new ER doctors through the NERD (New ER Doctor) program, Dr. Hahn shares how her approach to medicine, leadership, and teaching has evolved over the years. We also dive into her passion for exotics, what it’s like to guide new veterinarians in high-stakes ER settings, and the lessons she’s learned along the way about adaptability, confidence, and leading with empathy.

Whether you’re a pre-vet student dreaming of your DVM or a current veterinary student exploring career paths, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and insight into the many ways you can grow within this profession.

Episode Mentions:

Veterinary Emergency Group NERD Program

MD = Medical Director

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@lonecedarfarm

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

"We never lose, we win or we learn."

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide in veterinary medicine.

Welcome to episode #22 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey, I sit down with Dr. Tim Loonam—veterinarian, Army veteran, hospital founder, and leadership mentor. From earning a Bronze Star Medal in Iraq to building a thriving AAHA-accredited mixed-animal hospital from the ground up, Dr. Loonam shares lessons in resilience, business strategy, and authentic leadership. We’ll talk about his transition from military service to veterinary medicine, the realities of starting a practice, and his advice for the next generation of veterinary leaders.

Episode Mentions:

Dr. Tim Loonam's clinic: Grace Animal Hospital

Dr. Tim Loonam Book Contributions:

• Rule Number Two by Heidi Kraft
• Farewell to Football by Steven Liparulo
• Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling

Dr. Tim Loonam is also featured on a documentary about military working dog teams called Always Faithful.

Dr. Peter Clough's Research on Mental Resilience

Provide Veterinary Financial

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on Social Media!

Instagram:

@scrubbedinthedvmjourney

@grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

Welcome to episode #21 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Marker, a third year veterinary student at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine whose path to vet school was far from straightforward. In college, Eric learned the importance of discovering what isn’t the right fit before finding what truly is, after dipping his toes into human medicine, education and banking before deciding on veterinary medicine. He shares how this process shaped his perspective and prepared him for the challenges of veterinary school. From advice on navigating career changes to strategies for building effective study habits early in vet school, his insights are both practical and motivating. Join us for a candid conversation about embracing uncertainty, finding your learning style, and redefining success on the journey to becoming a DVM.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Follow me on Social Media!

Instagram: @grace_gaynor

LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor