The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by dear friend and fellow Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies graduate, Dr. Dani Poll. Dr. Dani and Dr. Moriah both graduated in 2020, and their friendship has been a cornerstone as they have navigated the ups and downs of their veterinary careers. In this episode they relive the not-so-glory-days of vet school and their first year in practice, sharing everything they wish they’d known when they first graduated.

This episode is part one of a two-part series where Dr. Moriah and Dr. Dani dive deep into their experiences during vet school and their very first year in practice.

Dr. Dani grew up in northern Utah. She grew up on a farm which was part of her inspiration to pursue veterinary medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Utah State, and then attended veterinary school in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dr. Dani took full advantage of living abroad and travelled as much as she could. She spent some time in South Africa working with wildlife, especially rhinos. She also spent some time rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles in the Maldives who had been victims of ghost nets. She has also participated in spay and neuter programs to help to decrease wild cat and dog populations.

After finishing vet school, she came back to Utah to work in a small animal general practice that focuses on teaching vet technicians as well as future and current vet students. It’s here she found a love for teaching and helping others grow. Dr. Dani also volunteers at her local shelter to help neuter animals before they are sent out for adoption. She takes vet students with her to help them build their surgical skills.

Dr. Dani recently left general practice and is doing relief work while she builds a new vet practice in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Moose and Nala. She also enjoys playing piano, travelling to new places, and loving any animals she comes in contact with.

Episode Outline

00:00:48 - Vet School Memories

00:01:45 - Transition from Vet School to Practice

00:02:21 - Reflecting on the First Year

00:03:11 - Expectations vs. Reality

00:04:23 - Decision Fatigue and Imposter Syndrome

00:06:05 - Opening a Practice

00:07:38 - Vet School Preparation

00:09:25 - Real-World Challenges

00:11:18 - Mile Wide, Inch Deep Education

00:12:07 - Spectrum of Care and Communication Skills

00:13:00 - Are We Selecting the Right People for Vet School?

00:16:05 - Vet School Interview Process

00:21:00 - Trust and Performance in Vet Med

00:23:42 - Honesty with Clients

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Dani: https://www.loopabroad.com/faculty/danielle-poll-dvm/

Connect with Dr. Dani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-poll-8b86a5159/

Follow Dr. Dani: https://www.instagram.com/poll_dani/

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?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Lindsey Hedges, Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners, diving deeper into the theme of mentorship in veterinary medicine.

They reflect on the importance of intentional mentorship, discussing how regular check-ins and open communication can significantly enhance the mentoring experience for both mentors and mentees. Dr. Hedges shares insights on the challenges mentors face, particularly around providing surgical time and appropriate scheduling, and emphasizes the need for mentors to actively engage with their mentees to understand their needs. This episode is a valuable resource for both current and aspiring mentors looking to improve their mentoring skills and create a more supportive environment for veterinary professionals. Tune in to gain practical tips and learn how to foster effective mentorship in your practice.

Dr. Hedges is the Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners. A 2011 graduate of Purdue University CVM, she worked as an associate veterinarian for three years before opening her own denovo small animal clinic. In creating her practice, she was guided by her passions for fostering leadership in all employees, promoting Fear Free practices, and forming strong bonds in the community.

She has facilitated the Indiana VMA Power of 10 Leadership program since 2015 and currently sits on the IVMA Executive Board. Dr. Hedges is an avid board game geek and hosts monthly Dungeons and Dragons sessions with her friends. She lives in Lebanon, IN with her husband, two cats, and two dogs.

Episode Outline

[00:01:46] Mentor skills development.

[00:05:19] Mentorship and feedback dynamics.

[00:09:06] Safe words for feedback conversations.

[00:11:36] Surgical experience through mentorship.

[00:17:07] Surgical skills development.

[00:20:02] Mentorship in veterinary careers.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Hedges:

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

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?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Lindsey Hedges, Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners.

Following a recent survey on veterinary mentorship, many new grad vets revealed they didn’t get the mentorship they were promised when they entered the industry. Breaking down this alarming feedback, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Lindsey explore how mentorship is not just about providing answers; it's about fostering an environment where new graduates can learn, grow, and develop their own professional identities. Ultimately, it is about lighting a fire within both mentors and mentees, ensuring that the cycle of learning and support continues for future generations of veterinarians. Together, they dive into these unmet mentorship expectations, the current state of mentorship, and explore what mentors and mentees can both do to fix it.

Dr. Lindsey Hedges is the Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners. A 2011 graduate of Purdue University CVM, she worked as an associate veterinarian for three years before opening her own denovo small animal clinic. In creating her practice, she was guided by her passions for fostering leadership in all employees, promoting Fear Free practices, and forming strong bonds in the community.

She has facilitated the Indiana VMA Power of 10 Leadership program since 2015 and currently sits on the IVMA Executive Board. Lindsey is an avid board game geek and hosts monthly Dungeons and Dragons sessions with her friends. She lives in Lebanon, IN with her husband, two cats, and two dogs.

Episode Outline

[00:01:32] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.

[00:04:11] Mentorship challenges for new grads.

[00:08:29] Mentorship expectations in practice.

[00:14:25] SMART goals for veterinary surgery.

[00:18:00] Mentorship and professional development.

[00:20:43] Feedback and mentor relationships.

[00:23:58] Emotional intelligence in communication.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Hedges:

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

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?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley revisits her favorite conversation with Dr. Tannetje Crocker, an esteemed veterinarian, friend, and mentor. Dr. Crocker shares her inspiring mentorship journey, detailing her transition from an equine-focused background to her current role in small animal practice. As she reflects on her experiences since graduating from vet school ten years ago, she emphasizes the importance of not only clinical knowledge but also the human connection in veterinary care. This episode serves as a valuable resource for vet students and recent graduates seeking guidance and insight into building a successful career in veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Tannetje Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER Veterinarian for Veterinary Emergency Group in Dallas, TX. Recently she was excited to purchase Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. She plans to continue her support of fellow veterinary professionals, both virtually and in person through her various endeavors.

Dr. Crocker Pet Vet is dedicated to nurturing the future of veterinary professionals. Their unwavering mission is to empower veterinary students and young veterinarians, instilling them with passion and dedication for their chosen path. Their core belief is that being a veterinarian is not merely a job but a profound calling. With this belief, they’ve crafted a unique approach that prioritizes creating an environment conducive to growth, success, and personal fulfillment. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and a supportive community, they pave the way for the next generation to flourish in their veterinary careers and positively impact the lives of animals and their owners.

Episode Outline

[00:01:45] Career transition from equine to small animal.

[00:06:39] Client communication in veterinary medicine.

[00:08:50] Connection with pet owners.

[00:11:21] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.

[00:17:19] Mentorship in veterinary school.

[00:19:24] Mentorship without explicit agreements.

[00:24:27] Levels of mentorship in veterinary.

[00:28:18] Networking in veterinary medicine.

[00:35:26] Mentorship for veterinary students.

[00:39:34] Mentorship matchmaker concept.

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Crooker: https://drcrockerpetvet.com/dr-crocker-pet-vet-educating/

Follow Dr. Crooker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tannetje.crocker/

Follow Dr. Crooker on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.tannetje.crocker/

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 special episode of "So You're A Vet Now What," Dr. Dave Nicol takes over from Dr. Moriah McCauley to discuss an essential topic: progress. Dr. Dave is joined by Dr. Saskia, a team member at Roundwood Vets in London, who has just celebrated her three-year post-graduation anniversary. Saskia's journey from a nervous student graduating during the COVID-19 disruption to a confident and productive veterinarian is a testament to resilience and the power of the right support and mindset. Listen in to hear how Saskia navigated her early career challenges and emerged as a satisfied and brilliant team member. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling uncertain in their veterinary career.

Dr Saskia is a veterinary surgeon at Roundwood Vets. With a passion for animal welfare and a degree from a prestigious veterinary institution. She brings a blend of expertise and empathy to her practice. Her approach combines advanced medical knowledge with a gentle touch, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality care. 

Episode Outline

[00:00:00] Diagnosing animals and confidence.

[00:06:23] Struggling with imposter syndrome.

[00:08:40] Be more compassionate with yourself.

[00:14:09] Boosting surgical confidence in India.

[00:15:34] Building professional confidence

[00:19:10] Transferable skills from dentistry

[00:23:04] Learning the next steps

[00:28:12] Managing client expectations

[00:31:03] Reading James Herriot's books

[00:34:20] Saskia's Journey to Success

Episode Links

James Herriot’s book: All Creatures Great and Small

Learn more about Roundwood Vets

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 continues her conversation with Dr. Rachel, a small animal and exotic animal veterinarian. This week Moriah and Rachel dive into the deep end as they tackle the human side of exotic animal medicine, and the challenges that come with caring for and talking with the caretakers and pet parents of the animals that you’ll see in practice. Listen in as Rachel shares about the differences of perspectives and education that clients can bring to the table and how social media may be helping to turn the tide with regards to the care that can be provided. 

Dr. Rachel Siu has dedicated over a decade to the specialized field of exotic pet medicine. Her extensive experience encompasses a diverse array of species, including reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians. Dr. Rachel has a significant following on social media, where she aims to raise awareness and profile of exotic pets, their treatment, and care. 

Dr. Rachel Siu (previously Dr. Rachel Ellerd) graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2017 from The University of Texas at Austin. While in veterinary school she did externships with the Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and Dallas World Aquarium, and worked with native wildlife in South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. Her special interests include avian, reptile, and small exotic mammal medicine, as well as dog and cat preventative medicine and emergency medicine. She also takes a special interest in educating the public about the world of veterinary medicine through her social media platforms, where she shares animal facts with over 1 million followers worldwide.

Episode Outline

[00:01:48] Anesthesia techniques for exotic pets.

[00:05:23] Tools for examining exotic pets.

[00:08:26] Exotic pet diagnostics and care.

[00:10:44] Exotic pet veterinary challenges.

[00:15:00] Building relationships in exotic medicine.

[00:18:19] Exotic medicine for new grads.

Follow Dr. Rachel Siu at: 

Instagram: exotic.pet.vet 

TikTok: @exotic.pet.vet 

LinkedIn: Rachel Siu 

Facebook: Reptile Vet 

YouTube: Dr. Rachel

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 Dr. Rachel Siu, a small animal and exotic animal veterinarian who loves to share her experience with pet parents and veterinarians through her social media accounts. Maybe you’re a new graduate who wants to bring exotic medicine to your practice but you just don’t know where to start? Well, over the next two weeks Rachel and Moriah will break down the basics of seeing exotic animals within a GP practice. As you’ll hear there is way too much information to cover in just two episodes, so Rachel and Moriah will be sticking to the specifics surrounding small and exotic mammals. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy because they'll be covering everything from resources to medication, staff training and beyond in this week’s episode.  

Dr. Rachel Siu has dedicated over a decade to the specialized field of exotic pet medicine. Her extensive experience encompasses a diverse array of species, including reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians. Dr. Rachel has a significant following on social media, where she aims to raise awareness and profile of exotic pets, their treatment, and care. 

Dr. Rachel Siu (previously Dr. Rachel Ellerd) graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2017 from The University of Texas at Austin. While in veterinary school she did externships with the Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and Dallas World Aquarium, and worked with native wildlife in South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. Her special interests include avian, reptile, and small exotic mammal medicine, as well as dog and cat preventative medicine and emergency medicine. She also takes a special interest in educating the public about the world of veterinary medicine through her social media platforms, where she shares animal facts with over 1 million followers worldwide.

Episode Outline

[00:00:56] Seeing exotic animals

[00:05:10] Pocket pets, 101

[00:07:44] Husbandry challenges.

[00:11:01] Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary

[00:14:25] Monitoring exotic animals under anesthesia.

[00:17:42] Human challenges of exotic animals.

Follow Dr. Rachel Siu at: 

Instagram: exotic.pet.vet 

TikTok: @exotic.pet.vet 

LinkedIn: Rachel Siu 

Facebook: Reptile Vet 

YouTube: Dr. Rachel

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?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Danielle Conway, an ACVIM board-eligible veterinary nutritionist. Together, they tackle the challenge of nutrition conversations with clients. When it comes to meeting clients where they are at on nutrition, each situation will require a different level of finesse. Listen as Danielle shares some of her favourite tools and expert tips that can allow you to have more effective and empathetic conversations with clients on the topic of nutrition.

Dr. Danielle Conway is a nutrition residency trained veterinarian with extensive experience in evidence based integrative medicine. Her pursuit of “helping patients live their best lives” has led to training and working alongside leading professionals countrywide. She has certifications and advanced coursework in veterinary acupuncture, spinal manipulation, rehabilitation, and nutraceutical support. Her approach is to combine traditional medicine with individualized integrative modalities to achieve optimal wellness.Her career has spanned private practice and academia. She is currently pursuing board eligibility toward becoming a certified veterinary nutritionist.

Dr Conway’s personal interests include researching science based next-generation wellness techniques, environmental stewardship, and anything outdoors (gardening, skiing, biking, hiking, etc.). She is also passionate about using her integrative training to help reduce veterinary profession burnout. Dr Conway shares her home with her husband, feisty human primates (aka two beautiful and spirited daughters) and a variety of hooved, scaled, feathered, and furry companions.

Episode Outline

[00:01:44] Nutrition conversations with clients.

[00:05:36] Client engagement and expectations.

[00:07:01] Nutrition as a passionate debate.

[00:10:43] Ancestral-based feeding misconceptions.

[00:13:43] Effective client communication strategies.

[00:17:21] Nutrition in veterinary practice.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Conway: https://www.instagram.com/vitalvetnutrition/

Connect with Dr. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-conway-2a38354b/

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?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes Dr. Danielle Conway, an ACVIM board-eligible veterinary nutritionist. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of nutrition conversations between veterinarians and pet owners. Danielle is incredibly passionate about supporting veterinary teams in nutritional conversations. As new grads you know the science and research behind your recommendations, but bringing clients on board can be daunting if you don’t know how to even start the conversation. 

This is part 1 of Dr. Moriah’s conversation with Danielle as she gives you the tips and tools for emphatic and effective conversations with clients when it comes to nutrition.  

Dr. Danielle Conway is a nutrition residency trained veterinarian with extensive experience in evidence based integrative medicine. Her pursuit of “helping patients live their best lives” has led to training and working alongside leading professionals countrywide. She has certifications and advanced coursework in veterinary acupuncture, spinal manipulation, rehabilitation, and nutraceutical support. Her approach is to combine traditional medicine with individualized integrative modalities to achieve optimal wellness.Her career has spanned private practice and academia. She is currently pursuing board eligibility toward becoming a certified veterinary nutritionist.

Dr Conway’s personal interests include researching science based next-generation wellness techniques, environmental stewardship, and anything outdoors (gardening, skiing, biking, hiking, etc.). She is also passionate about using her integrative training to help reduce veterinary profession burnout. Dr Conway shares her home with her husband, feisty human primates (aka two beautiful and spirited daughters) and a variety of hooved, scaled, feathered, and furry companions.

Episode Outline

[00:02:36] Nutrition conversations in veterinary practice.

[00:05:30] Handling backlash on social media.

[00:08:26] Responding to social media backlash.

[00:12:08] Opening conversations about pet diets.

[00:15:49] Building trust through conversation.

[00:18:04] Client nutrition conversations challenges.

[00:21:16] Nutrition recommendations for pets.

[00:25:12] Handling raw diet discussions.

[00:26:39] Pet food decision-making empowerment.

[00:30:51] Nutrition accessibility in veterinary care.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Conway: https://www.instagram.com/vitalvetnutrition/

Connect with Dr. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-conway-2a38354b/

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?", host Dr. Moriah McAuley welcomes back board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kieran Bourget to discuss how to navigate congestive heart failure as a new grad vet. These are cases that can make any veteriniaran’s heart race, as they require both knowledge and finesse. Listen in as Kieran breaks down the diagnostics you can use to make informed decisions for the stabilization of your patients. This is a longer episode that is absolutely jam packed with valuable knowledge, we just had to keep it all in. 

Dr. Kieran Bourget is an American, European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. He graduated from the University of Bristol with an intercalated degree in Veterinary Science, and worked first in general practice, where he achieved the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology. He went on to complete his specialist training at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Kieran has spoken internationally and published widely in various veterinary cardiology fields. In addition, he is senior examiner for the RCVS CertAVP modules in Cardiology, based at the RVC, and a member of the ECVIM Cardiology Credentials Committee. In the past, he has acted as Chair of the ACVIM Cardiology Research Committee and as a member of the UK Veterinary Cardiovascular Society Committee.

He has published over 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals and written a large number of articles for professional journals. Kieran also speaks internationally on cardiac disease and interventional radiology, and leads the Cardiology and Interventional Surgery services at Eastcott. He has helped pioneered pulmonic stent procedures and hybrid vascular surgeries in the UK, being one of the first to perform trans-catheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the mitral valve in dogs with mitral valve disease. He has a strong interest in feline heart disease, inherited heart disease, and congenital heart disease in both dogs and cats.

Episode Outline

[00:02:11] Congestive heart failure management.

[00:06:56] Cardiac vs. respiratory distress assessment.

[00:11:26] Lung ultrasound in veterinary practice.

[00:15:35] Ultrasound vs. radiographs in diagnosis.

[00:19:36] Managing congestive heart failure.

[00:28:18] Patient management decisions in veterinary care.

[00:30:36] Managing respiratory distress in pets.

[00:32:28] Client communication in veterinary care.

[00:36:42] Congestive heart failure management.

[00:39:51] Podcast on veterinary cardiology.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Kieran: https://www.instagram.com/vet_cardio_/

Connect with Dr. Kieran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-borgeat-9079081b5/

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.