The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360

Megan Bendtzen, founder and CEO of a company called LifeBacon, is a motivational trainer, speaker, and life and business coach. She worked in the veterinary field for 14 years while studying leadership, communication, personal growth concepts, and relationships for over 18 years. Bendtzen has worked with thousands of people and delivered hundreds of impactful seminars on a variety of related topics.

Monique Y. Wells, VMD, MS, entered the University of Pennsylvania at the young age of 16, and Penn’s Veterinary School at 20. She completed this program by age 24, then proceeded directly to graduate school at The Ohio State University, earning a Master’s degree in veterinary pathobiology at the age of 28.

Now, as a resident of Paris since 1992, veterinary pathologist and toxicologist, world traveler, entrepreneur and arts enthusiast, Wells' understands the vast need to expose minorities to educational and cultural opportunities that will allow them to have a richer, more rewarding life. 

Additionally, Wells' work within fast-paced academia has taken her around the globe. She has spoken at events in China, Germany, India, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Visit https://wellsinternationalfoundation.org/ for more information.

Nick Nelson, DVM, MBA, has over 2 decades of experience within the veterinary industry. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master's in Business Administration from Washington State University. 

At BluePearl, Nelson is responsible for operations of 100+ specialty and emergency practices across the United States focusing on balancing the fiscal needs of running a national organization and the needs of 7,000+ veterinary professionals. He is excited about the plethora of associate-focused initiatives the company is offering including health and wellbeing, EI&D, and career pathways. 

Additionally, Nelson has served as Regional Medical Director for VCA Animal Hospital and CMO and President of Pet Partners.

Suzanne Ellis, DVM is a New Jersey shore native who knew since she was 8 years of age that becoming a veterinarian was her passion. 

About four years ago, Ellis proposed the idea to her clinic about offering a house call service, and became the primary doctor in the practice going out to clients’ homes for routine office visits, and, of course, euthanasia. It was during this time that she began to really appreciate helping families say goodbye to their beloved pets in the privacy of their own homes.

These experiences have brought Ellis to the decision of dedicating her work to end-of-life care and creating a personalized and peaceful experience for pets and their families.

Emily Dozeman, DVM, DACVECC is a board-certified emergency and critical care doctor. She is one of the managing partners and codepartment head of the emergency and critical care service at Philadelphia Animal Specialty and Emergency. 

Dozeman is experienced in all aspects of emergency medicine and critical care with a particular interest in the management of polytrauma patients, sepsis, and transfusion medicine. 

When not treating patients, Dr. Dozeman enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband, Brett, and being active. She has two rescue French bulldogs and a cat named Petry

Vernard Hodges, DVM, is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hodges is the founder of multiple successful veterinary hospitals, but he practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, Georgia. Hodges and Critter Fixer became so successful that they caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel and now star in a television show, currently in second-season production, called Critter Fixers: Country Vets on National Geographic Wild and Disney+.

In addition to his businesses, he started the Hodges It Takes A Village Charity Foundation in 2011.  He enjoys spending time with his 3 dogs and watching sports with his 16-year-old son, VJ.

Antonio L. Bowens, DVM, is the owner of Bowens’ Locum Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery Services. Bowens earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, cum laude, in 1997 from Tuskegee University and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. He completed a neurology neurosurgery fellowship, as well as a private practice specialty internship in 2005. Bowens has been practicing in the field of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery as well as emergency medicine since 2005. 

George Robinson, DVM, MSPH, is the founder and former CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners, a Chicago-based veterinary support organization. He has over 30 years of veterinary industry experience, holding numerous clinical, business operational, and senior management roles throughout his career. 

Steve Dale, CABC, writes for veterinary professionals and pet owners, hosts 2 national radio programs, and has appeared on TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to Oprah. He is on the dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board as well as the boards of the Human-Animal Bond Association and EveryCat Health Foundation. He appears at conferences around the world. Visit stevedale.tv. 

Billie Groom works exclusively with dogs over the age of 6 months to address anxiety, aggression, and behaviors associated with adolescent and adopted dogs. Groom is also the creator of UPWARD Dogology, a scientifically proven formula adhering to the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy.