The VetMed Mind

In this episode of The VetMed Mind, hosts Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg sit down with Aaron Shaw, whose mission is to help veterinary professionals build durability for the long haul. As founder of the Vetspan Collective and VP of Operations at Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, Aaron blends clinical science with real‑world, clinic-ready strategies that go far beyond “eat better and exercise.”

Together they explore the often-overlooked physical toll of vet med, static postures, awkward restraint, heavy lifting, repetitive strain, and how these stressors compound emotional burnout and decision fatigue. Aaron makes the case for preparing like athletes do: strength training, mobility work, and smart ergonomics that make practice “harder than the game,” so the workday feels more manageable.

You’ll get practical, immediately usable tips:

1. Break-room nutrition swaps to avoid sugar crashes (think Greek yogurt, fruit + nut butter, cheese sticks, pre-made wraps)
2. Simple culture shifts and buddy systems to gamify movement and accountability
3. Safer lifting, hinging, and posture cues that protect backs, shoulders, and hands
4. Sleep hygiene you can start tonight: screen curfews, cooler rooms, darker spaces, and intentional wind-down routines

Aaron also shares how the Vetspan Collective community offers videos, PDFs, and toolkits, plus deeper-dive courses and coaching for clinics ready to lead a wellness culture change. If you want your team to feel stronger, hurt less, and thrive longer, this episode is your playbook.

#VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeManagement #WorkplaceWellness #InjuryPrevention #Leadership #vgpvet #veterinarygrowthpartners #aaronshaw #vetmedmindpodcast

In this episode of VetMed Mind, hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey sit down with Dr. Leslie Bauer—Medical Director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in San Antonio. A dvm360 Veterinary Hero Award winner, Dr. Bauer shares her journey from a second-grader who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian to a 23+ year ER career devoted to elevating emergency medicine and the people who practice it.

Dr. Bauer opens up about early imposter syndrome, working solo overnight shifts, and the long road to confidence—and why normalizing vulnerability is essential for retention and growth. She also details how she helped transform a “broken” hospital into a collaborative, training-centered center of excellence, and how Thrive is building a university-style ecosystem of interns and residents across multiple specialties (including ER as a true specialty track).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to navigate imposter syndrome without losing your love for the work
2. Practical steps to build confidence: mentorship, movement, community, and reflection
3. Why ER medicine deserves a seat at the governance table—and how advocacy changes culture
4. How Thrive’s House Officer programs and ER Academy are shaping career-long ER vets
5. Hiring and retention wisdom: set expectations, avoid crisis hiring, overcommunicate
6. A powerful reframing: work is part of life—find joy in the profession you worked so hard to join

To learn more about Dr. Bauer's work:

Website - https://www.thrivepetcare.com/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

Background & career path

1. Early calling to veterinary medicine (second grade)
2. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; dairy cattle focus early on
3. ER “bug” during first-year vet school while working nights
4. Rotating internship at UPenn; move to San Antonio, TX

Early-career challenges & mindset

1. Imposter syndrome; fear of mistakes and outcomes
2. Overnight solo ER shifts; perfectionism; confidence gap
3. Difficulty separating case outcomes from self-worth

Coping strategies & growth

1. Walking/exercise; “walkabout” as stress management
2. Mentors/peers/therapy; normalize talking about doubt
3. Focus on wins to counter negativity bias

Leadership & ER advocacy

1. Elevating ER from “stepchild” status in vet med
2. Advocacy with data (surveys) to leadership/shareholders
3. Push for parity in benefits, governance, and collaboration

Hospital turnaround & culture building

1. Joined Thrive; repaired a “broken” hospital via ownership mindset
2. Strong MD–PM partnership; accountability and continuity
3. Visibility of value (P&L, intern impact) to avoid being “sold again”

Thrive roles & programs

1. Medical Director, Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists–San Antonio
2. Director, House Officer Training Programs (interns/residents)
3. National Director, ER Academy

Training ecosystem & cohort methods

1. ER-track internships at 4 sites; mentorship safety net
2. ~95 house officers across specialties (IM, surgery, cardio, radiology), plus exotics and equine interns
3. “University-style” model across locations with connected cohorts
4. In-person orientation; weekly didactics; case presentations

Symposium & continuing education

1. House Officer Symposium: RACE-approved CE, specialty-level content
2. Cross-site networking; build relationships likely to carry into careers

Professional fulfillment & recognition

1. Joy in client communication and emergency decision-making
2. dvm360 Veterinary Hero Award (Emergency category)
3. Team’s celebratory prank when award announced

Mindset & resilience guidance

1. Be kind to yourself and staff; avoid snark
2. Remember your “why”; work is part of life—find joy in it
3. Confidence comes with reps and support; don’t leave before it gets better

Hiring, retention & management practices

1. Set and model clear expectations; avoid crisis hiring
2. Continuous communication to surface issues early
3. Choose the right people to prevent churn

Culture rituals & operating cadence

1. “Best business/best personal” check-ins (24 doctors)
2. Pathway/strategy planning cadence for continuity
3. Daily use of VGP tools and frameworks

ER’s position in specialty hospitals

1. ER often contributes 30–50% of revenue but historically underrepresented
2. Need for integration, respect, and leadership seats for ER

This episode of VetMed Mind highlights the journey of Dr. Megan Sprinkle, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), a trailblazer in veterinary nutrition.

Hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey explore Dr. Sprinkle's dynamic career, from her foundational work in clinical medicine to her influential roles in the pet nutrition industry. As the Scientific Communications Manager at Whitebridge Pet Brands, Dr. Sprinkle has made significant strides in bridging the veterinary and pet industries, offering her expertise as an internal nutrition advisor and marketing strategist.

Discover how Dr. Sprinkle's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found a 3D printing company and advise several pet start-ups. Her leadership as the President of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN) further underscores her commitment to advancing the field. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of innovation and veterinary nutrition, offering insights into the possibilities of a bright future for the profession.

To learn more about Dr. Sprinkle's passions in life and work:

Website - http://vetlifereimagined.com/ 

Follow Dr. Sprinkle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-sprinkle-dvm/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

Early Inspirations and Career Path:

• Dr. Sprinkle's childhood fascination with animals and her initial dream of becoming a dolphin trainer.
• The influence of her father, a child psychiatrist, in nurturing her interest in medicine.
• Transitioning from a focus on marine mammals to veterinary medicine, with a growing interest in nutrition.

Educational Background:

• Veterinary school at Auburn University and residency at the University of Missouri.
• The decision to pursue a career in the pet nutrition industry rather than academia or private practice.

Industry Experience:

• Roles at Royal Canin and Whitebridge Pet Brands, emphasizing her work in scientific communication and education.
• The importance of making scientific concepts accessible and engaging for non-scientific audiences.

Entrepreneurial Ventures:

• Co-founding a 3D printing company and advising pet start-ups.
• The significance of collaboration and relationship-building in her professional success.

Challenges and Achievements:

• Overcoming hurdles in becoming a board-certified nutritionist and the perseverance required.
• The role of feedback and self-awareness in navigating her career path.

Vision for the Future:

• Dr. Sprinkle's optimism about the possibilities within veterinary medicine, including the impact of technology and AI.
• Encouraging veterinary professionals to explore diverse career paths and embrace change.

In this engaging episode of the VetMed Mind podcast, hosts Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg sit down with Judi Bailey, a seasoned practice manager with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Judi shares her remarkable journey from starting as a veterinary technician to becoming a leader in practice management. She discusses the importance of mentorship, building strong relationships, and staying true to one's career vision. Judi also offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary field, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in veterinary practice management.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Judi Bailey's career path from veterinary technician to practice manager
• The founding and impact of the Georgia Veterinary Managers Association
• Strategies for effective practice management and leadership
• Overcoming career challenges and staying aligned with personal goals
• The importance of mentorship and building professional relationships
• Hiring practices and managing a diverse workforce
• Strategic planning and adapting to changes in the veterinary industry
• The evolving role of veterinary technicians and practice managers
• Managing generational differences in the workplace
• Judi's personal insights and advice for aspiring veterinary managers

To learn more about Judi Bailey's passions in life and work:

Veterinary Practice - Lanier Animal Hospital

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of The VetMed Mind, Bob Murtaugh joins Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg to reflect on his remarkable 40+ year journey in veterinary medicine. From academic leadership to executive positions, he shares the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and shifting perspectives that have defined his impactful career and lasting contributions to the field.

Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, FCCM, has over 40 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with leadership roles at Tufts University, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Thrive Pet Healthcare. He has played a key role in expanding veterinary services nationwide and currently serves as Chair of Veterinary Medicine at the National Academies of Practice. A passionate advocate for accessible care, Bob is committed to advancing the profession through innovation, collaboration, and bold systemic change.

To learn more about Bob Murtaugh's passions in life and work:

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbobmurtaugh/

Follow on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/murtdvm

Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MurtDVM

Check out his website - https://www.murtdvm.com/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this compelling episode of the VetMed Mind podcast, hosts Rachel and Shawn welcome back Dr. Laura Cauthen, a veterinarian, investor, entrepreneur, and financial educator. Dr. Laura shares her remarkable journey from building a successful veterinary practice to navigating a multi-million dollar acquisition, all while retaining ownership and expanding her ventures into real estate and oil and gas investments.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. Laura's business acumen, her passion for financial literacy, and her commitment to helping other professionals increase the value of their businesses through her latest venture, Smart Money Moves. Discover how Dr. Laura's mindset and strategic planning have paved the way for her success, and learn about her upcoming book, "Everything's Funny When You're Making Money," which offers a lighthearted yet informative take on financial concepts.

Key topics include:

• The importance of understanding financial statements and business valuation
• Building a strong team culture and maintaining a positive work environment
• Strategies for planning profitable business exits
• Insights into alternative investments and financial independence

Whether you're a veterinarian, entrepreneur, or anyone interested in financial empowerment, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in to learn how to make smart money moves and achieve your business goals!

Episode length: 33 minutes, 7 seconds

To learn more about Dr. Laura Cauthen's passions in life and work:

Her website: https://www.smartmoneymoves.com/

Follow on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/laura-cauthen-0a8b9214

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Rachel Teichberg sits down with Dr. Jason Coe & Dr. Jane Shaw to explore the art and science of building stronger client relationships.

Dr. Jane Shaw, a Professor at Colorado State University, is a leading expert in veterinarian-client-patient communication and clinical interviewing. Dr. Jason Coe, Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College and VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine, has spent two decades advancing communication, primary care, and the human-animal bond. Together, they bring a unique blend of expertise and insight, sharing highlights from their 2024 book, Developing Communication Skills for a Veterinary Practice, to help you build stronger client relationships and a more compassionate practice.

To learn more about Dr. Coe & Dr. Shaw's passions in life and work:

Check out their book - https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Developing+Communication+Skills+for+Veterinary+Practice-p-9781119382713

Follow Dr. Shaw's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-shaw-0785866/

Follow Dr. Coe's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-coe-690190262/?originalSubdomain=ca

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Grace Ursery and Rachel Teichberg dive deep into veterinary practice management and financial coaching, sharing tips to lead strong teams, improve clinic operations, and build financial confidence.

Grace Ursery is a trailblazing force in the veterinary world, known for her resilience, versatility, and deep commitment to growth. A first-generation immigrant and proud Taiwanese American, Grace is a UCLA alum, an RVT, a CVPM, a passionate sports fan, and a dedicated single mom. She is the founder of Vet Money Geek, where she helps small independent veterinary practices navigate their finances with confidence through coaching and data-driven strategies. Grace’s journey is defined by her relentless curiosity, her drive to empower others, and her ability to blend business acumen with compassion—making a lasting impact on both the people and practices she serves.

To learn more about Grace Ursery's passions in life and work:

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracewursery/

Learn about Veterinary Money Geek - https://www.vetmoneygeek.com/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Stuart Johnson joins Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg for a candid conversation about his time at CareCredit and the pivotal experiences that shaped his professional journey. From lessons learned in finance to his passion for leadership and service, Stuart shares the moments that led him to where he is today.

Stuart “Stu” Johnson is the Vice President of Market Expansion for the Veterinary Industry at CareCredit, a division of Synchrony Financial. With over eight years at Synchrony—and the past five focused on CareCredit—Stu has dedicated his work to helping veterinary practices tackle one of their toughest challenges: cost as a barrier to care. Through innovative tools and technology, Stu empowers practices to streamline financing conversations, reduce friction, and ultimately provide better access to care for pet owners and their animals.

To learn more about Stuart's passions in life and work:

Check out CareCredit: https://www.carecredit.com/

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-johnson-72302214/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Dr. Jennifer Edwards and Rachel Teichberg discuss conscious leadership, mindset, and personal growth, empowering veterinary professionals to overcome challenges and create a life of purpose and success.

Jennifer is a mindset and leadership coach, speaker, and veterinarian who empowers people to cultivate conscious leadership and make empowered choices in their lives. With a background in psychology, experience as a successful CEO, and extensive training in self-development, she helps veterinary professionals overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful success through coaching, training, and workshops.

To learn more about Dr. Edward's passions in life and work:

Check out her website: https://drjenniferedwards.com/

Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/

Follow her on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards

Follow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwards

Follor her on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drjenniferedwards

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.