Dr. Marie Holowaychuk joins Dr. Andy Roark on The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to share her journey through burnout, mental health struggles, and recovery as a boarded critical care specialist turned wellness advocate. In this insightful episode, Dr. Holowaychuk discusses the realities of perfectionism, the martyr complex, and the challenges veterinary professionals face in balancing work, identity, and life outside the clinic. Marie opens up about her personal transformation, the pivotal role of boundaries, and strategies to prioritize mental health. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking wellness solutions, or striving for a sustainable veterinary career, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for veterinarians, practice owners, and veterinary teams.

LINKS

Marie's Website: marieholowaychuk.com

Mental Health Hub: revivingvetmed.com

Instagram: @drmarieholowaychuk

LinkedIn: Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Know It All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.

Dr. Cathy Meeks dives into this episode to discuss diagnostic innovation and what really happens at the lab. In this episode of The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark sits down with his longtime friend and fellow University of Florida alum, Dr. Cathy Meeks, Global VP of Medical Operations at Antech Diagnostics. Together, they explore the inner workings of veterinary diagnostics, discussing hematology cases and the advanced resources available to veterinary teams. Dr. Meeks shares insights into the diagnostic process, highlighting how practices can utilize Antech's pathologists, AI-driven tools, and consult lines to improve efficiency and support their teams. If you're a veterinary practice manager, technician, or veterinarian looking to understand the cutting-edge innovations shaping diagnostics, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Roark and Dr. Meeks uncover ways to leverage technology, enhance technician development, and maximize the support available through reference labs. This episode is brought to you by Antech Diagnostics!

LINKS

Antech Diagnostics

Cathy Meeks on LinkedIn

Leadership Essentials Certificate

Charming the Angry Client Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Cathy Meeks received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, her Master’s degree in forensics and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2007.  She did a small animal internship and an internal medicine residency at BluePearl Veterinary Partners.  She received board certification in 2011 in Internal Medicine.  For the past 12 years she has practiced in the Tampa Bay area. From 2015-2020, she was the Regional Vice President of Medicine for Bluepearl Veterinary Partners overseeing the medical quality and developing medical leaders of 15 specialty hospitals. In 2021, she became Vice President of Medical Operations for Antech diagnostics and was recently promoted to Global Vice President of Medical Operations. Currently she is responsible for over 200 veterinary specialists and the day-to-day operations of the medical team.  

Struggling to get pet owners on board with dental care for their pets? In this episode of The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark tackles this common challenge with the help of board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon Dr. Amy Thomson, aka "Toothy Thompson." Together, they discuss practical strategies to inspire pet owners to adopt home dental care routines that actually get done. From realistic toothbrushing techniques to advice on leveraging treats and routines, Dr. Thomson shares actionable tips and communication strategies tailored for veterinary teams to use in exam rooms. Whether you're a veterinarian or practice manager, this episode delivers the tools you need to improve client compliance, enhance pet oral health, and ultimately support longer, healthier lives for pets. Don't miss this motivating and insightful conversation!

LINKS

At Home Dental Care Handout

American Veterinary Dental College: https://avdc.org/

Amy Thomson IG: https://www.instagram.com/toothy.thomson/

Amy Thomson website: https://toothythomson.ca

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Amy Thomson is a specialist in small animal dentistry & oral surgery. She began her career in small animal general practice and while challenging at times she was fortunate to gain a great deal of dentistry CE. The more she learned the more her passion for dentistry grew as well as a desire to become a specialist. While Dr. Amy enjoys all aspects of clinical practice as Board Certified Veterinary DentistTM, she also very much enjoys providing continuing education for all veterinary professionals in small animal general practice. There is a huge demand for veterinary dentistry and oral care, and she wants to support general practice teams to provide the best care to their patients. 

Dr. Doug Mader joins us to talk about all sorts of zoonotic diseases. Together, Dr. Doug Mader and Dr. Andy Roark on the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to discuss the zoonotic diseases found in exotic animals but also your common cat and dogs. They explore the history of salmonella in the pet trade, the risks of psittacosis from birds, and the potential for parasites like the dwarf tapeworm to infect humans. This episode is packed with valuable information for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike. Don't miss Dr. Mader's insights on protecting both animal and human health. Gang, let's get into this episode!

LINKS

Dr. Doug Mader: https://www.dougmader.com/

The Vet at Noah's Ark: https://www.dougmader.com/order

Dr. Know It All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist and has been a veterinarian for over three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker, has written three best-selling medical textbooks and numerous book chapters and scientific publications, and has had long standing pet columns in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Reptiles magazine, and the Key West Citizen. Dr. Mader is the recipient of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine, and is a seven-time winner of the North American Veterinary Community Speaker of the Year award and a four-time winner of the Western Veterinary Conference Educator of the Year award. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK. Dr. Mader practiced in California for many years, but today lives and works in the Florida Keys.

Dr. Sam Morello joins us for a conversation on changing lanes in veterinary medicine. Sam shares the mic with Dr. Andy Roark on this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to discuss her career reinvention, transitioning from a tenured equine surgeon to her current leadership. Dr. Morello shares her personal journey and insights on the importance of self-reflection, identifying personal and professional goals, and the courage required to step outside of one's comfort zone. She emphasizes the value of focusing on what you're moving towards rather than what you're leaving behind, and offers practical advice for veterinarians considering a career change. Gang, let's get into this episode!

LINKS

AAVMC Competency-Based Veterinary Education - https://www.aavmc.org/programs/cbve/

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Sam Morello obtained her DVM from Cornell University in 2006, followed by a residency in large animal surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and became board certified by the ACVS in 2010. Dr. Morello spent over a decade in academia as a large animal surgeon and has been a Courtesy Associate Professor at Cornell’s Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship. In addition to her clinical research on musculoskeletal disease, she became heavily focused on research related to organizational topics including gender and diversity, career pipelines, compensation, faculty experience, and work-life integration with a goal of directing data-driven strategy for leaders. She has published extensively and lectured nationally and internationally on these topics. In 2022, her work on postgraduate trainee compensation and living wages helped to catalyze a scaled national overhaul, resulting in program salary increases averaging 44% and 25% for interns and residents, respectively. She has served as Assistant Director of Continuing Education for the ACVS, a member of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative (WVLDI), an advisor to blendVETâ, a member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, and as a faculty member of AOVet, where she led a global analysis of organizational demographics and climate to help launch the international AO Access program, dedicated to improving diversity, opportunity, and mentorship in a global community of human and veterinary orthopedic surgeons. Sam joined the AVMA in 2023 as Assistant Director of Education & Research where, as part of her role, she supports the Council on Education as the programmatic accreditors for veterinary medical training programs

Dr. Kris Otteman joins us to discuss the critical topic of recognizing and reporting animal abuse within veterinary practices. On this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Otteman emphasize the importance of practical, action-oriented approaches to identifying signs of abuse and neglect. Dr. Otteman provides guidance on documentation, communication with authorities, and navigating the complexities of suspected abuse cases. Veterinarians and veterinary staff will learn valuable insights on how to be effective advocates for animal victims while maintaining their professional roles. This episode is essential for anyone in the veterinary field committed to protecting animal welfare.

LINKS

Victim to Verdict: https://www.victim2verdict.com/

Animal Legal Defense Fund: https://www.aldf.org/

Victim to Verdict Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victim2verdict/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Special Offer for Cone of Shame Podcast Listeners!

Attention, veterinary professionals! For a limited time, listeners of the Cone of Shame podcast can gain access to our online course, "Victim to Verdict: The Veterinarian's Role in Animal Cruelty Investigations", for just $49! This in-depth certificate course equips you with the tools and knowledge to play a critical role in recognizing, documenting, and assisting in animal cruelty cases, all from the convenience of your own schedule.

Expand your expertise and strengthen your commitment to animal welfare with this unique offer. Simply use the promo code V2VCOURSE$49 to secure your spot at this special price and join the community of veterinarians making a difference! Offer ends 12/31/24!  Download your free evidence placard template to ensure accurate documentation in animal cruelty investigations.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Kris Otteman's journey into veterinary forensics began as a teenager in Klamath Falls, where she first reported the neglect of a donkey she discovered while riding her horse through the woods. This early experience ignited a passion that would define her illustrious career. With 34 years of veterinary and leadership experience, Dr. Otteman now serves as the President of Victim to Verdict LLC and forensic veterinary consultant to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

A pioneer in veterinary medicine, she co-founded Banfield, The Pet Hospital, and played a crucial role in developing the nation’s first shelter teaching hospital at the Oregon Humane Society which provides care for over 12,000 shelter pets annually. Dr. Otteman's expertise in veterinary forensics has led to significant advancements in animal cruelty investigations, and she has shared her knowledge as a courtesy faculty member at Oregon State University, University of Florida Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, and through numerous national and international presentations.

Dr. Otteman's dedication to animal welfare extends beyond her professional achievements. She has served on multiple boards, including the Oregon Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, Banfield Charitable Trust, and is the current board president of the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association. Her contributions to veterinary education and animal welfare have earned her the prestigious OSU/CVM Alumni Fellow award. Residing in Washington with her family, Dr. Otteman continues to inspire and lead with her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of animals.

This time, you the audience, got to Ask Andy Anything! In this special 300th episode of the Cone of Shame veterinary podcast, host Kelsey Beth Carpenter turns the tables on Dr. Andy Roark, interviewing him about his journey from general practice veterinarian to renowned author, speaker, and conference founder. Dr. Roark shares insights into his career evolution, work-life balance strategies, and the importance of a strong team. He also reflects on memorable moments and guests from past episodes, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of this beloved veterinary podcast. If you're a veterinarian, technician, or other veterinary professional seeking inspiration and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS Uncharted Veterinary Podcast: https://unchartedvet.com/uncharted-veterinary-podcast/ Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/ Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/ Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: https://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Andy Roark is a practicing veterinarian, international speaker, author, and media personality. He is the founder of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference and DrAndyRoark.com. He has been an award-winning columnist for DVM360 and the magazine Today’s Veterinary Business. His social media, website, podcast and YouTube show reach millions of people every month. Dr. Roark has received the NAVC Practice Management Speaker of the Year Award three times, the WVC Practice Management Educator of the Year Award, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. His greatest achievement however involves marrying a bad-ass scientist and raising 2 kind and wonderful daughters.