This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley returns with a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to every new grad stepping out into the veterinary world. If you’ve just crossed the stage and earned your DVM, congratulations, this one’s for you.

Dr. McCauley reflects on her own journey five years post-grad and offers a candid, compassionate look at what the first year in practice really feels like. From the adrenaline rush of finally becoming a vet to the unexpected emotional turbulence of job interviews and gut instincts, this episode is a reassuring guide to navigating the choices ahead.

She shares her personal story of finding her first job through AVMA classifieds, and how an early encounter with her now-mentor helped shape the trajectory of her career. With clarity and care, she unpacks what to look for in a mentor, why psychological safety matters, and the five markers—The 5 C’s—that signal a truly supportive practice culture.

Whether you’re still searching for your first role or preparing to start next week, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and the reminder that growth often looks different than we imagined, but it can still be better than we ever hoped.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Welcome to the profession! 

[01:20] Why the first year is such a unique chapter

[02:15] AVMA 2025 announcement: The mentorship panel you won’t want to miss

[06:40] The importance of celebrating graduation

[08:13] You are not stuck: the flexibility of veterinary careers

[09:18] What to prioritise in your job search

[10:22] Dr. McCauley’s story: How she found her mentor

[14:57] The red flag test: what your nervous system is trying to tell you

[18:14] How to tell if a practice has psychological safety

[21:07] The 5 C’s of a supportive practice culture

[24:14] You don’t have to take the first job offer

[25:37] A final word of encouragement

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

We’d love for you to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Every review helps more veterinarians find this community and feel a little less alone.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley sits down with Dr. Whitney Terrell, veterinarian and social media educator, to explore how mentorship gone wrong can still lead to something incredibly right.

Dr. Terrell shares her story of starting out as a bright-eyed new grad with dreams of becoming a mixed-animal vet, only to face the crushing reality of broken promises, toxic culture, and emotional burnout during her first job out of vet school. Her story is a powerful account of resilience, self-respect, and the long-term impact of doing things differently.

From fielding gaslighting and isolation in a supposedly mentorship-based role to walking away with her dignity intact, and later becoming the kind of mentor she never had, Dr. Terrell’s story is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like quitting.

This episode is for the new grads navigating toxic clinics, the seasoned vets reflecting on how to lead with more grace, and anyone wondering if it’s ever okay to say, “This isn’t working.”

Episode Outline

[00:00] – When Walking Away Is the Right Call

[00:46] – Meet Dr. Whitney Terrell

[03:00] – First Job Hopes and Missteps

[07:00] – Mentorship Promises vs. Reality

[10:00] – Breaking Down in Silence

[15:00] – Reaching a Tipping Point

[20:00] – Choosing Dignity and Moving On

[24:00] – Coming Full Circle

[28:00] – Starting Fresh with Relief Work

[32:00] – Mentorship Done Right

[36:00] – Finding Joy and Balance

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley reflects on last week’s inspiring conversation with Dr. Zonram Liao [Ep 261], a veterinarian whose life and practice are deeply rooted in the power of community. In a world that often feels disconnected, Dr. Liao’s story reminds us how vital it is to be surrounded by people who uplift, support, and believe in each other. From growing up as a parachute kid to building a veterinary practice just minutes from his old school, his journey is one of giving back, intentional mentorship, and creating a clinic culture that thrives on collaboration and care.

Moriah also shares insights from recent Instagram polls about first-year experiences in practice. The responses reveal a concerning lack of support and mentorship, highlighting why this conversation around intentional mentorship and strong community ties is more crucial than ever.

Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned vet, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the kind of profession, and life, we’re all capable of shaping.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Why Community is a Professional Necessity

[00:38] Highlights from Episode 261 with Dr. Zonram Liao

[02:15] Dr. Liao’s Journey: From Parachute Kid to Practice Owner

[05:18] Creating a Culture of Mentorship and Support

[07:41] The Power of Mentorship: Benefits for All

[09:18] New Grads Speak: What’s Missing in Practice

[13:53] Rebuilding Community and Connection After Graduation

[16:01] Everyone’s Role in Mentorship Culture

[19:08] Join the Conversation: Sharing Your Story

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

We’d love for you to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Every review helps more veterinarians find this community and feel a little less alone.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley sits down with Dr. Zonram Liao—veterinarian, content creator, and founder of Sunshine Veterinary Care and Wellnergy Pets—to explore what it means to build a veterinary practice rooted in gratitude, mentorship, and service to community.

Dr. Liao, affectionately known as “Dr. Z,” shares the incredible story of how being a “parachute kid” in Diamond Bar, California inspired his return home to build something deeply meaningful for both pets and people. From opening a clinic just minutes from his childhood school to mentoring 18 students in under a year, Dr. Z shows us what it looks like to lead with heart, raise up the next generation, and grow a sustainable practice culture—one student, one client, one case at a time.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to mentor without a manual, why attitude sometimes matters more than experience, and how community-focused care can transform both your career and your life.

Episode Outline

[00:00] – Why Mentorship Isn’t Just About Pets

[02:00] – VMAX, Hive Minds, and First IRL Meetings

[03:00] – What It Means to Be a Parachute Kid

[04:00] – Giving Back to the Community That Raised You

[06:00] – Cultural Shifts in Pet Ownership and Education

[08:00] – How a Cousin’s Emergency Sparked a Career

[10:00] – Dr. Wang & Dr. Lee: First Mentors, Forever Mentors

[12:00] – The Power of Push and the Gift of Belief

[14:00] – Attitude, Effort, and Communication: Hiring for Culture

[16:00] – Building a Practice Where Mentorship Is the Business Plan

[17:00] – 18 Students in 10 Months: Mentorship in Action

[19:00] – Designing Externships Around Passion, Not Just Protocol

[22:00] – Why Sustainable Vet Careers Begin with Purpose

[23:00] – Patience, Grace, and Difficult Clients

[25:00] – The Staff Who Make Mentorship Possible (and Joyful)

[27:00] – “When Can I Come Back?”—The Best Feedback a Mentor Can Get

[29:00] – Sunshine, Spurs Culture, and the No-Exit-Strategy Strategy

• Learn more about Sunshine Veterinary Care: https://sunshineveterinarycare.com/
• Explore Wellnergy Pets: https://www.wellnergypets.com
• Follow Dr. Zonram Liao on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zonramliao
• Follow Sunshine Veterinary Care on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineveterinarycare 
• See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley
• Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley invites us to hit pause and take a breath as we reflect on the veterinary year so far. With May marking the halfway point, it’s the perfect time for a values-driven check-in. Drawing inspiration from last week’s episode with Dr. Christine Staten, Moriah dives into how defining (or redefining) your mission, vision, and values—both personally and as a practice—can lead to better culture, stronger mentorship, and more aligned career choices. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned leader, this episode is your nudge to recalibrate and lead with intention.

Episode Outline

[00:00] The Culture You Step Into (or Create)

[02:58] Lessons in Mentorship from Dr. Christine Staten

[06:29] Why Mission, Vision & Values Aren’t Just Buzzwords

[10:05] The Practice Check-In: Does Culture Match Intent?

[16:08] Crafting Your Own Vision, Mission & Values

[21:40] July Announcement: Leading the Mentorship Conversation

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Dr. Christine Staten—veterinarian, longtime practice owner, and founder of Veterinary MBA—to share the evolution of her mentorship model at Adobe Veterinary Center in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. Staten opens up about the hard lessons she learned after losing five new grads in a row, and how that wake-up call from her clients sparked a complete overhaul of their onboarding and mentorship approach. From SOP binders to salary safety nets, Dr. Staten lays out the nuts and bolts of how they now set up every new graduate for long-term success—both clinically and financially.

This episode is a must-listen for private practice owners feeling behind on the “mentorship buzz,” as well as new grads trying to figure out what mentorship actually looks like (and what questions to ask to get it).

Episode Outline

[00:00] – The Case for Private Practice and Mentorship

[00:05] – Mentorship Missteps and the Client Wake-Up Call

[00:07] – Turning One-Year Stints into Long-Term Careers

[00:09] – Letting Techs Lead the Hiring Process

[00:11] – Redefining Job Ads and Setting Expectations

[00:13] – Creating a Culture of Teaching and Growth

[00:15] – From Mindset Shift to Written Mentorship Plan

[00:17] – Weekly Check-ins, Smart Goals, and Flexibility

[00:20] – Salary Safety Nets, Production Pay, and ROI

[00:23] – What New Grads Need to Ask (but Don’t Know Yet)

[00:25] – The Trap of Rigid Mentorship Plans

[00:28] – Final Advice to Practice Owners and New Grads

• Learn more about Adobe Veterinary Center: https://adobevetcenter.com
• Explore Veterinary MBA: https://www.veterinary-mba.com/
• Follow Dr. Christine Staten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christine-staten-030bb168/
• See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley
• Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

Dr. Moriah McCauley kicks off this episode with a heartfelt pulse check on the veterinary profession, acknowledging the weird and wobbly energy many are feeling right now. From shifting job markets to corporate clinic closures, she sets the tone for a conversation that’s all about support, growth, and resilience. The spotlight then turns to Dr. Kate Boatright, whose journey through mentorship—both the good and the bad—offers a powerful roadmap for what real mentorship can look like in vet med today.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Vet Med Pulse Check

[02:00] Last Week’s Chat with Dr. Kate

[03:19] What You Don’t See at VMAX

[04:03] Mentorship That Actually Works

[06:34] Scheduling, Support & Green Flags

[08:44] Investing in Mentees Long-Term

[10:11] Interview Questions New Grads Should Ask

[13:33] Why Mentorship Keeps Vets in the Game

[14:59] Listener Stories: Why I Stayed

[19:10] Avoiding Bore-Out, Building Passion

[21:13] Clients as Burnout Buffers

[23:00] Seeing the Good in Tough Times

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going.

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode, Dr. Moriah McCauley reconnects with Dr. Kate Boatright for a candid look at how mentorship shapes veterinary careers—for better or worse. Kate opens up about her early years in practice, comparing a supportive first clinic to a second job that nearly broke her confidence.

She shares how one life-saving emergency case helped her turn the corner, and how those experiences now fuel her mission to help others build better mentorship programs. 

Whether you're a new grad vet or someone who’s survived a rough start, this episode is packed with honest, practical wisdom on what makes mentorship work—and what happens when it doesn’t.

[00:00] Starting Strong: What Great Mentorship Looked Like

[04:26] Early Wins and Scheduling Challenges

[08:07] When Culture Supports Growth

[12:25] The Second Practice: Promises vs. Reality

[18:04] The Review That Changed Everything

[23:03] Finding Support Again

[24:04] A Turning Point

[28:33] Learning to Lead and Mentor

[34:03] Turning Hard Lessons into Lectures

[35:48] Key Interview Questions for Vet Job Seekers

See more from Dr. Kate Boatright:

https://www.instagram.com/writetheboat/ 

Connect with Dr. Kate Boatright:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboatrightvmd/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode, Dr. Moriah McCauley dives headfirst into a hot topic stirring debate across Vetstagram, TikTok, and beyond: Should veterinary influencers be allowed to speak at CE conferences?

Before diving into the controversy, Dr. Moriah offers a warm recap of last week’s episode with Dr. Katie Miller from Rockingham Veterinary Clinic—a rural Kansas practice quietly building a mentorship model that goes far beyond the basics. She highlights how Katie and her team built a species-specific action plan for their new grad, setting quarterly growth goals and fostering a practice-wide culture of mentorship—from vets to vet assistants and beyond.

Then it's on to the deep end: What role should social media-savvy vets play in shaping continuing education? Dr. Moriah breaks down the concerns raised by a recent podcast episode questioning the credibility of influencers on the CE stage, and offers a nuanced, thoughtful rebuttal. She explores what really matters when evaluating speakers—credibility, content, and connection—and why influence doesn’t have to dilute quality.

You’ll also hear Dr. Moriah answer listener questions about CE, race-approved content, and the value of resonance in education. If you’ve ever wondered how social media is shaping the future of veterinary learning—or what qualifies someone to be on stage at a conference—this episode is for you.

[00:00] The Mentorship Model at Rockingham Vet

[04:26] Action Plans for New Grads: Skills by Species

[08:07] Creating a Culture of Mentorship Beyond the Vets

[12:25] Listener Q&A: Should Influencers Be Teaching at Conferences?

[14:51] The Podcast That Sparked the Debate

[19:17] Evaluating Credibility Beyond Follower Counts

[22:00] What Actually Counts as CE?

[26:22] Why Communication, Marketing & Mentorship Matter Too

[28:33] The Problem with Focusing on the Worst-Case Influencers

[32:04] Information vs. Resonance: What Makes a Great Educator

[37:07] What We Can Learn from Social Media Communicators

[38:33] The Future of CE: Panels, Collaboration, and Connection

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.

In this episode of So You're a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley sits down with Dr. Kathryn Miller of Rocking KM Veterinary Services, a mixed animal practice in central Kansas that's rewriting the mentorship playbook for rural medicine. Dr. Miller shares how her practice has embraced a culture of mentorship—not just for new grads, but for the entire team.

She opens up about how mentorship became a cornerstone of their clinic’s growth, the structure they developed to support new grads, and the mindset shift that’s helped everyone on the team—from CSRs to senior vets—grow through collaboration. Through candid reflections, we learn how knowing your team's personalities can make or break a mentorship experience.

Whether you're a vet student unsure what to ask for in a first job, or a practice owner hoping to build a program from scratch, this episode is packed with honest insights and ideas you can take back to your clinic.

Episode Outline

[00:00] – Meet Dr. Kathryn Miller and Rocking KM Vet Services

[00:01] – What Mentorship Means in Their Practice

[00:03] – Culture and Collaboration Across the Team

[00:05] – Supporting the Rural Veterinary Community

[00:07] – Mentorship Beyond Doctors: CSRs and Techs

[00:09] – Growth in Confidence for New Grads

[00:11] – The Mentor's Learning Curve

[00:13] – Communication Styles and Personality Clashes

[00:15] – Building a Written Mentorship Plan

[00:17] – What Success Looks Like in Practice

[00:19] – Advice for Vet Students Seeking the Right Fit

Episode Links 

Learn more about Rocking KM Veterinary Services: https://rockingkmvet.com

Follow them on Instagram: @rockingkmvet

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills.