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

This week’s That Vet Life Podcasts, is slightly different from the norm, as Dr. Moriah shares the mic with Dr. Annie Chavent and Dr. Marci Kirk (from My Veterinary Life Podcast), and Dr. Stacey Cordivano (The Whole Veterinarian). 

The veterinarians Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent are co-hosts of the podcast My Veterinary Life and Assistant Directors for Recent Graduate Projects at the AVMA. Dr. Stacey Cordivano is the owner of mobile veterinary practice and host of the Whole Veterinary podcast, a podcast devoted to helping veterinarians grow as whole people. Last but not least, the episode features Dr. Moriah, our beloved host of the That Vet Life Show.

During this episode, Drs. Moriah, Annie, Marci, and Stacey discuss their recent experience at the 2023 Veterinary Leadership Conference. They recap some of their key takeaways from the conference and share reasons why to join the conference, hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, next year.

Whether you're looking for inspiration as a professional, practitioner, podcaster, or student looking for tips on how to find the perfect balance in life, listen in to learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Conference.

Outline

• [01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Stacey Cordivano, Drs. Marci Kirk, Dr. Moriah, and Annie Chavent.
• [03:00] The three veterinary podcasters reveal why they attended the Veterinary Leadership Conference. 
• [06:47]  Covering the clinic aspects of the Leadership Conference, Dr. Moriah shares the key takeaways she received at the conference
• [08:50] As a practice owner, Dr. Stacy discusses the important lessons she learned at the Leadership Conference.
• [11:08] A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service.
• [11:25] Marci Kirk shares her experiences and insights gained as a podcaster at the conference. 
• [13:05] Dr. Marci and Annie discuss potential opportunities for networking at the conference, where industry leaders, podcasters, and practitioners all were in attendance.
• [16:30] Dr. Stacy discusses the most important lessons she learned about managing her life as a working professional.
•  [21:40] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah is joined by Dr.Melody Winterhalter. Melody was born in Switzerland and relocated to Geelong after earning her degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She adores all animals, but she is particularly fascinated by sharks and other aquatic creatures. When it comes to more traditional pets, Corgis are particularly important to her.

Melody likes to read, eat cheese, and explore the Australian outdoors when she's not working. She believes that having a strong mentor is essential for landing a job as a new graduate. And since she is passionate about educating and mentoring, she is passing this lesson on to the upcoming generation of veterinarians, nurses, and pet owners.

In this episode, Dr.Melody Winterhalter talks about her first job experience from a mentorship aspect, revealing what she was looking for in her mentor. She explains how her practice displays the culture of mentorship and how it influenced her decision when she was in her first job. Join in, if you are a young graduate looking for your first job and proper mentorship

Outline

01:13 - Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Melody Winterhalter

01:50 - Melody discusses the aspects of mentorship she sought as a young graduate beginning her career in vet medicine. She also shares the qualities young graduates should look for in a mentor.

03:40 - How can you assess if a practice has good mentorship as part of its culture?

06:20 - Dr. Melody talk about her first mentor, describing the qualities she valued in him or her as well as how the relationship advanced her professional development.

08:30 - How should you tell your mentor what you expect from them as a mentee?

10:47 - A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service.

11:30 - What your mentorship should provide you with during your first year?

16:15 -Melody discusses the mentorship experiences of some of her friends and the lessons she learned from them when deciding on a mentor for herself.

21:02 - Dr. Melody Winterhalter offers valuable advice to vet students who are looking for good internships at their first practice.

31:21 -Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley dives into the life of a vet student with Deianira Smith.

Deianira is a third-year veterinary student currying studying as part of the inaugural class at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and is set to graduate this August. 

In school, Deianira served as the first president of the student AAEP chapter, as well as a SAVMA delegate, Zoetis Student Representative, and Student Ambassador. She is also currently a 2022-2023 Ed Brown Society Scholar.

Deianira's goals are to become a board-certified surgeon in both equine and small animal medicine. Her passions in vet med are organized medicine, DEI, client education, and leadership. Currently serving on the AAEP DEI committee, Deianira is keen to help inspire the next generation of veterinarians and help other students recognize and grow their own potential.

Outside of school and vet life, you’ll find Deianira spending time with her three pets, including her two-year-old golden retriever Addison, her four-year-old Pomeranian Zsa Zsa, and her five-year-old cat, Munchkin. 

In this episode, Deianira shares her experience of starting a vet school during covid with a new curriculum. She also shares her experience throughout the school, some tips for new graduates, and her possible approaches after graduation for practice.

Outline

• [00:45] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a welcome and a brief introduction of Deianira Smith.
• [01:11] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discussed how they met each other.
• [02:01] Dr. Moriah and soon-to-be Dr. Deianira discuss the programs and current situation of Deianira’s vet school.
• [02:35] Deianira shares a little bit about herself and at this point which area of vet med she is looking to go into.
• [05:40] Deianira shares how her vet school is different and why the vet school is perceived as a new-age vet school.
• [08:28] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discuss what excites the most while starting a vet school and how things changed during covid.
• [10:12] A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service - https://www.vetxinternational.com/career-concierge/.
• [19:35] Dr. Moriah and Deianira resumed the episode by discussing how new grad changes during vet school and their challenges.
• [14:22] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discuss the clinical and 1st year - the 2nd-year experience of the vet school.
• [19:30] Deianira shares her excitement of soon to be a vet graduate and her approaches to practice in the near future.
• [21:43] Deianira shares tips for 1st-year grads to help them get through vet school.
• [22:55] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah is joined by veterinarian, TV star, author, and practice owner, Dr. Vernard Hodges.

Dr. Vernard Hodges is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the prestigious Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hodges is a founder and owner of multiple successful veterinary hospitals. He practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, GA. The hospital and Dr. Vernanrd caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel in 2019, and starred in their own television show “Critter Fixers”.

Alongside his career in veterinary, Dr. Hodges also started a real estate company, which has grown to a multi-million dollar business comprised of several apartment complexes and commercial properties. He has started writing a blog about how to win by betting on himself, which ultimately led to his writing a bestselling book: “Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions.” Bet on Yourself reached number #1 on the Amazon Personal Finance Booklist.

In addition to his businesses, Dr. Hodges takes his work in the community very seriously. He started the Dr. Hodges “It Takes A Village” Charity Foundation in 2011. The Foundation was started to teach business skills to children. Dr. Hodges has won numerous awards for his business acumen and his community services.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about his mentorship story and how he fell in love with vet medicine. Additionally, they discuss how his life experiences influenced his mentoring style, how he became a star of a TV show, and how that show gave him the opportunity to do so many amazing things in veterinary medicine.

Outline

• [00:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a brief introduction of Dr. Vernard Hodges and the topics covered in today's episode.
• [01:50] Dr. Vernard shares his journey to becoming a TV star and veterinarian.
• [06:35] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how his own mentor shaped him into a mentor.
• [07:50] Dr. Vernard discusses how his journey into veterinary medicine influenced other areas of his life.
• [09:50] Dr. Vernard shares his experiences as he went through vet school.
• [12:52] Dr. Moriah asked Dr. Vernard how he began practicing medicine after graduating.
• [18:15] A short ad break - Sign up for our career concierge service.
• 19:35 Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about Dr. Vernard's experience mentoring young graduates.
• [24:40] Dr. Vernard talks about his best-selling book.
• [27:30] Dr. Vernard shared how he ended up starring in a television show called “Critter Fixers”.
• [31:55] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss his mentorship experience on the show.
• [36:40] Dr.Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how the platform helped him do so many amazing things for students and vet med.
• [40:51] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

After a short break for Christmas, That Vet Life Podcast is back! Our first episode of 2023 kicks off with Dr. Sam Morello.

Dr. Sam Morello is a veterinarian, educator, researcher, and leader focused on professional sustainability. After receiving her BS and DVM from Cornell University and completing a large animal surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sam spent over a decade working as an Associate Professor of Surgery. Where she spent a great deal of time investigating professional sustainability, economics, and work-life in veterinary medicine focussing in particular on gender and diversity. 

Since then, Sam has been spreading her findings as a national and international speaker with the goal to improve mentorship, and career decisions, and guide policymakers to improve veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Sam currently serves as the assistant director for Continuing Education for the American College of Veterinary Surgeon, as a faculty with AOVet (a program she helped to design to improve gender and racial diversity and mentorship), and on the board for the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative. Alongside this, Dr. Morello works as a consultant and courtesy associate professor at the Cornell University Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship (CVBE). As a part of the team at the CVBE, Dr. Morello’s primary research and outreach focus is on gender in veterinary medicine and how the feminization of the labor market presents a unique challenge and opportunity for veterinary medicine. She also focuses on professional sustainability and developing an understanding of how to improve compensation, career advancement, and workplace value for veterinarians and trainees

In this week’s episode, Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam talk about the pay gap in vet med, how Dr.Sam pivoted into research from practice, the finding and outcomes of the research on the gender pay gap, mentorship and how we can use our hard-earned understanding of the scientific method as veterinarians to solve different problems than what we're normally used to.

Outline

• [00:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr.Sam Morello.
• [02:05] Dr.Sam shared her professional journey and how she ended up as a mentor.
• [08:02] Dr. Moriah and Dr.Sam discuss their vet school experience.
• [09:30] Dr.Sam explains how she started her research path to help students make better decisions about their careers and possible pivots.
• [12:06] Dr.Sam explains her experience of pivoting to research from vet practice.
• [15:44] A short ad break - sign up to our Career Concierge service.
• [17:04] Dr.Sam explains the topic of the research and the findings of the research.
• [20:06] Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam talked about the outcomes of the research and how it is changing the face of the veterinary profession.
• [24:02] Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam discussed stereotypes and biases about the gender pay gap in the profession.
• [27:23] Dr.Sam shared where you can find more information about her work and research.
• [28:44] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr Angela Hofmann to discuss her unique journey in becoming a veterinary practice owner. We hear about the negative mentorship experiences she had while still in the early stages of being a veterinarian, and how these influenced her work ethic as a mentor and practice owner.

Dr Angela’s veterinary journey has not been as linear as that of a normal vet student. Before becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in 2011, Dr Angela had already graduated with two other degrees from two different fields: her first degree was in English Literature and the second one was in Journalism. 

Dr Angela has previously worked as a Veterinarian at Sunset Cliff Animal Clinic Inc, as well as at Thrive Affordable Vet Care. She is currently the practice owner of The Temple Heights Animal Hospital. 

Listen in as Dr Angela shares her journey to becoming a veterinary practice owner and how she practices the best work ethic to give valuable mentorship to her externship students and works.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:29] Dr Angela Hofmann gives us a brief history of her life and how she became a veterinarian.
• [10:31] We hear why she chose to become a practice owner instead of a practice associate.
• [14:44] Ad break - Join Thrive
• [15:53] The episode resumes with Dr Moriah emphasizing the importance of continuous learning even after graduating from vet school.
• [18:15] Dr Moriah asks Dr Angela if she had a mentor when she decided to go into practice ownership.
• [23:33] How negative mentorship experiences shape the mentees.
• [26:40] Dr Angela talks about the things she is willing to do for her mentees.
• [32:30] Sharing business knowledge and being transparent to mentees and vet students on externships.
• [35:35] How to connect with Dr Angela Hofmann.
• [36:50] Dr Moriah McCauley wraps up the episode.

Connect with Dr Angela Hofmann

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Website

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Alexandru Pop to talk about mentorship in a mixed animal practice, explaining what a good workplace with a positive learning atmosphere looks like. 

Dr. Alexandru Pop is a large animal veterinarian who has been in practice for more than three years. Dr. Alexandru graduated with a veterinary medicine degree in 2019 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. He spent more than a year working at Pineview Veterinary Hospital before buying Appalachian Veterinary Services, an organization that he is now the president of. 

As a veterinarian, Dr. Alexandru's major objective is to improve and preserve animal health. To do this, he places a high value on open communication, reliable information, and providing the most enriching and satisfying veterinary experience he can. Apart from veterinary science, he is also interested in ophthalmology, technology in medicine, data analysis, and ruminant medicine. 

Listen in as Dr. Alexandru Pop discusses what vet students should look for in a practice from a mentorship perspective! 

Outline 

• [01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Alexandru Pop.
• [06:40] As a practice owner, Dr. Alexandru Pop reveals the initial conversation his practice had with the vet students around mentorship. 
• [08:16] Dr. Alexandru details some of the questions he asks to assess the potential and expectations of the new hire. 
• [11:25] The performance evaluation of externs. 
• [15:06] What are the qualities of a good intern? 
• [16:11] A short ad break - join Thrive 
• [17:18] How can you create a safe environment and a good learning environment at your practice? 
• [19:30] The green flags that vet students should be looking for before joining a practice that offers mentorship. 
• [24:25] Dr. Alexandru reveals how he communicates with vet externs and answers their queries. 
• [27:00] We hear valuable advice to vet students who are looking for internships at a mixed animal practice. Dr. Alexandru talks about the work culture of his practice Appalachian Veterinary Services. 
• [31:21] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Connect with Dr. Alexandru Pop:

•  Instagram 
•  Linkedin 
•  Website 

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah is joined by Dr. Sydney Pokard to discuss her mentorship experiences in her first job - both the positive and negative aspects of it - as well as how mentorship helps to position yourself for success in the veterinary field.  

Dr. Sydney Pokard is a veterinarian in Southern California who specializes in exotic and small animals. Dr. Sydney entered practice right away after earning her degree in veterinary medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She also joined the staff of a nearby zoo and worked with small animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. 

Dr. Pokard has enjoyed working with numerous endangered species while traveling the globe and practicing veterinary medicine. Her passion for the profession influenced her to become a mentor to young veterinarians. By serving as a reliable resource for exotic medicine when it isn't taught in school, she motivates and encourages veterinary students and other emerging veterinarians who are eager to treat exotic animals.

Listen in as Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney discuss their mentorship experiences while offering helpful suggestions for recent graduates and veterinary students seeking the right mentorship.

Outline

• [01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Sarina Manifold. 
• [02:05] What the mentorship experience was like while at vet school.
• [05:25] We hear Dr. Pokard's experience with mentorship in her first practice, highlighting the challenges she encountered and the help she received from the staff.
• [08:15] Talking about the communication aspect of mentorship, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Pokard discuss how to convey your expectations and needs as a mentee to the mentor and other staff members.
• [13:45] A short ad break - join Thrive
• [14: 54] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney discuss the most important question young veterinarians should ask before joining a practice: "Have you had a fresh graduate work here before?
• [20:30] How the role of mentorship changed during the first three years of Dr. Sydney's career.
• [26:45] Both Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney Pokard express how happy and proud they feel to be a mentor and see the recent grads grow.
• [30:05] Dr. Pokard discusses how she uses social media to mentor and inspires young graduate and veterinarian students.
• [34:18] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Connect with Dr. Sydney Pokard:

• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Website

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Anna Schozer to discuss the questions that young veterinarians should ask before joining a practice, as well as highlighting the red and green flags to watch out for during an interview.

As a small animal emergency veterinarian, Dr. Anna Schozer practices in the state of New Hampshire. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 2021 with a DVM, she returned to the east coast and fell in love with relief work. During her second year of veterinary school, she launched an online health and fitness company that has since assisted over 250 women in finding balance in their lives. Building on this, Dr. Anna Schozer is also a talented content creator who shares educational and inspiring content about the field on social media.

Listen in as they discuss what new graduates should look for when choosing a practice.

Outline

• [01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Anna Schozer
• [03:30] We are given a short preview of the episode.
• [05:10] Dr. Anna Schozer talks about her journey in the Veterinary profession, highlighting the challenges she faced as a young veterinarian.
• [09:10] Diving straight into the questions young vets should ask before going into practice.
• [13:05] "Have you ever had a new graduate work here?" Learn interview etiquette from Dr. Anna Schozer, and whether asking questions as straightforward as this is okay.
• [16:00] A short ad break - join Thrive
• [17:08] How can you get past the sugar-coated interview process? What are the best interview questions to ask to bring up those red and green flags?
• [19:05] Dr. Anna Schozer and Dr. Moriah list the essential questions that new grads should ask before joining a practice.
• [22:00] Is it ok to negotiate the salary during the interview? Discussing the financial aspect of a job including the salary, relocation bonus, signing bonus, and other perks.
• [32:17] Dr. Anna offers valuable advice for young veterinarians looking to join a practice as their first job.
• [34:15] Dr. Moriah thanks Dr. Anna for joining and wraps up the episode.

To listen to extended TVL episodes, join our Thrive community for free. 

Connect with Dr. Anna Schozer

• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

In this week’s episode of the That Vet Life podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley shares invaluable knowledge on the subject of externship. She discusses their importance  to students, the various ways students can get externships, and how they can get the most from the externship opportunities. 

Veterinary externships provide a platform for students to exercise their veterinary knowledge and learn hands-on skills. It is no surprise that most vet students strive to get these externships during their schooling years. However, getting externship opportunities is usually difficult mostly due to factors such as travel expenses and the expected cost of living in the externship station. 

Throughout the discussion, Dr. McCauley gives real-life examples and illustrations that will directly assist you as the listener. The main aim of the episode is to help you easily find an externship opportunity and consequently get the best outcome out of it. Tune in to learn more about this exciting topic!

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast Intro
• [00:40] Review of a past poll on the evaluation of externships
• [03:32] Purpose of external externships
• [08:28] Where to find externships
• [10:12] Ad break - Learn more about our Thrive Community
• [11:23] Using word of mouth to find externships
• [12:07] Getting externships via corporate listings
• [14:28] Searching externships through job site listings
• [16:17] How to know if the externship opportunity will be high quality
• [19:28] Defining mentorship as a mentee or as an extern
• [22:58] How to get the most out of the mentorship experience
• [23:29] Episode wrap up
• [25:35] The end

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley

• LinkedIn
• Instagram