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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dyanna Durr CVT, Regional Technician Director for VCA's South Atlantic Group. Listen in as she shares her inspiring journey in veterinary medicine, detailing her early fascination with animals, her career progression, and the challenges she has faced along the way. She discusses her role as a regional technician director, the importance of veterinary technicians and assistants and her insights into feline practice. 

Dyanna also emphasizes the need for regular veterinary care for cats and offers advice on making veterinary visits easier for both cats and their owners. She provides valuable training resources for veterinary associates and concludes with encouraging words for those considering a career in veterinary medicine.

For more information about the resources mentioned in this episode, we invite you to check out the following sites: 

CatFriendly.com

Feline Veterinary Medical Association

Dyanna is a Florida native who has actively pursued a career in veterinary medicine from a very young age. Her first opportunity to step into the veterinary world was enrolling in the Veterinary Academy at Tarpon Springs High School. At the age of 16, she got her first job with a small private practice in her hometown. Dyanna’s next milestone was pursuing an AS in veterinary medicine from St. Petersburg College and earning her credentials in Florida from the FVMA. Eventually her hometown practice was sold to an aspiring doctor who accomplished two renovations of the original facility and constructed two additional locations in a 10-year period. Dyanna was involved in the development of the facilities, team training, and standardization of policies within those practices. She divided her time as a Lead Technician between all three
locations for five years. Eventually, the opportunity for growth into a supervisor role brought her to VCA Carrollwood Cat hospital in 2017. This was an invaluable experience which helped to support her continued leadership goals. In 2022 Dyanna became the RTD for the Southeast working to support teams in Florida and Georgia. She loves spending quality time with her family which includes husband (and high school sweetheart) Joshua, daughter Fayth, and son Andrew and four purrfect kitties: Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Turtle, and Princess.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Justin Allen and Dr. Maureen Mueller discuss their journeys in veterinary medicine, the common cardiac conditions they encounter, and the innovative interventional cardiology procedures they offer at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, the role of veterinary technicians, and the advancements in treating mitral valve disease. Their conversation with Dr. Kerl also highlights the significance of training the next generation of specialists and the need for continuous learning in the field. 

Dr. Mueller received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University in 1997. This was followed by a one year rotating internship at Washington State University, School of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed her surgical residency in 2001 at the Animal Medical Center, New York, and was awarded her Diplomate status in 2002. Dr. Mueller performs both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. She has a strong interest in Surgical Oncology which involves the removal of cancerous masses in pets. In challenging cases, this requires her
to employ reconstruction techniques. She continues to strive to learn new techniques that enable her to remove these masses in challenging cases.
When Dr. Mueller is not at work she enjoys many activities with her husband and daughter, including hiking, biking, museums and movies. She also enjoys running with her rescued Australian Shepard dog, yoga, crafts and gardening.

Dr. Justin Allen grew up on a farm in central Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois, he traveled to Los Angeles, California for an internship program at Advanced Veterinary Care Center; he then moved to California Animal Hospital in Los Angeles for a 3-year private practice residency program
in Cardiology. He received board-certification in 2010 and after practicing in Chicago and Northern California, he and his family moved to Los Angeles to join VCA West Los Angeles in 2016. His particular interests in cardiology include interventional therapy of structural heart diseases and emergency therapy of heart failure/arrhythmias. He and his wife Kimberly share a love of food, and have been enjoying the wide variety of incredible food in the LA area. They currently live in an extremely busy household in Rancho Palos Verdes with a doodle puppy (Curry), two boys (Nathan, 10 y, and Evan, 7 y), and one girl (Audrey, 4 y).

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In this conversation, Dr. Kerl interviews VCA's former Vice President of People and Organization, Paola Perez Loaiza. Listen in as she shares her unique journey from engineering to HR leadership in the veterinary field. She discusses the vital role of overseeing People and Organization at VCA Animal Hospitals, emphasizing the importance of culture, associate well-being, and professional development. Paola highlights the significant investments made in associate support, including health resources and internship programs. She also reflects on the Mars Associate Survey's findings and its impact on employee engagement and client experience. As she transitions to a new role at Royal Canin, Paola expresses her excitement for the future of veterinary medicine and the ongoing commitment to world-class care.

Paola has held several leadership roles within the Mars Petcare ecosystem, including AniCura P&O head, Vice President for Mars Vet Health International and Diagnostics, and various P&O leadership roles with Mars Global Pet Nutrition and U.S. Pet Nutrition. Before joining Mars, Paola was at Procter & Gamble for 17 years, where she held multiple roles in supply and procurement in Latin America, Europe and North America.

Eighteen months ago, Paola’s family adopted Zula, a mixed-breed dog from a shelter. She has brought much joy to Paola and her family. This adoption was one of the first success stories of VCA Charities' "Dog Day Out" program. Paola is passionate about finding and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. She believes that every person needs to find their own definition of happiness and, from there, work hard and persevere in pursuing their dreams. She loves traveling, learning about different cultures and experiencing their gastronomy. Paola, her husband and two children have lived in different countries and cities across Latin America, the US and Europe. She loves spending time with family and friends and doing CrossFit. 

Paola has accepted the position of Vice President, P&O, Royal Canin European Region and joined the Royal Canin team on June 1, 2025. In this enhanced role, Paola will serve as the P&O Business Partner for the Regional President and the leadership team supporting a multi-year transformation of Royal Canin Europe, the home of 2,700 talented Royal Canin Associates across 28 countries and 10
business units. She will also own the strategic direction for global Royal Canin Talent, Leadership and OE agenda.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Jose Carvajal shares his journey in veterinary medicine, detailing his experiences from veterinary school to becoming a surgical specialist. Dr. Kerl and Dr. Carvajal discuss the rigorous training involved in surgical residency, the importance of mentorship, and his specialization in joint replacement surgery. Dr. Carvajal also highlights the challenges and rewards of being a surgeon, the innovations in veterinary surgery, particularly the role of 3D printing in orthopedic procedures, and the collaborative efforts to improve surgical outcomes for pets. He highlights the advancements in joint replacement surgeries, especially hip replacements, and contrasts them with the challenges faced in other joint surgeries. Jose also shares his journey towards specialization in joint replacement surgery and emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation and curiosity in veterinary medicine to improve patient care.

After receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Florida in 2017, Dr. Carvajal completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA NWVS. He then returned to his alma mater for a small animal surgical residency. Following completion of the surgical residency, he stayed at UF as a Clinical Professor of Small Animal Orthopedics and became the first fellowship trained ACVS Joint Replacement Surgery Fellow prior to moving back to the Pacific Northwest to join the team at VCA NWVS.

Dr. Carvajal enjoys all aspects of orthopedic surgery, with special interest and expertise in total joint replacement surgery, custom 3-D printed angular limb deformity correction surgery, and minimally invasive fracture repair and arthroscopic surgery.  

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Roy Wilson. Listen in as he shares his diverse journey in veterinary medicine, highlighting his experiences from practicing in Germany to his current role as a Regional Medical Director at VCA. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and technicians, the pivotal role of primary care veterinarians in educating clients, and the significance of building long-term relationships with pet owners. Dr. Wilson also discusses preventive healthcare and the role of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) in promoting pet health. In their conversation, they explore the dynamic collaboration among veterinary professionals, the resources provided by CAPC, and the various parasite-associated diseases that pet owners should be aware of. The discussion also highlights the risks parasites pose to both pets and their owners, the significance of preventive measures, and the evolving perspectives on parasite prevention in veterinary practice.

For more information on Companion Animal Parasite Control, please visit the CAPC Page.

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In this conversation of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is thrilled to welcome long time friend, colleague, and mentor Dr. Todd Tams. Listen in as Dr. Tams shares his extensive journey in veterinary medicine, highlighting his experiences from his education at Ohio State University to his pivotal role as Chief Medical Officer at VCA Animal Hospitals. He discusses the evolution of VCA, the challenges faced during its rapid growth, and the importance of maintaining high-quality medical standards. Dr. Tams emphasizes the significance of internships in shaping veterinary careers and the advancements made in internship programs at VCA, including improved compensation and support for interns. He and Dr. Kerl also chat about the importance of quality care, education, and the future of veterinary medicine, particularly with the integration of technology and AI.

Dr. Tams received his DVM from The Ohio State University in 1977. After working in mixed animal practice in Vermont and then completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Colorado State University. Dr. Tams was a staff internist at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston and clinical assistant professor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine from 1981-84, and achieved board certification in internal medicine in 1982.
Dr. Tams returned to Los Angeles in 1984 to rejoin the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group as a staff internist and gastroenterologist. In January 1987 West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group became the first VCA hospital. For more than 30 years he served as Chief Medical Officer for VCA, as well as being on staff as a
part-time internist at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. In 2020 Dr. Tams transitioned to his new role as Mars Veterinary Health CMO for External Affairs and in 2022 he joined the MVH Corporate Affairs team serving as VP for External Affairs. At MVH Dr. Tams focuses on university liaison, chairing the MVH Deans Council and annual House Officer Summits, advanced educational programs (student extern and preceptor programs and internship and sponsored residency training programs), while also working with the VCA Japan team and representing the various Mars hospital business units. Dr. Tams was named as a Distinguished Alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.

Dr. Tams has published two textbooks:
1. Small Animal Endoscopy (3 editions)
2. Handbook of Small Animal Gastroenterology (2 editions)

Dr. Tams has presented numerous seminars and wet lab courses in the U.S. and abroad on his special interest areas of gastroenterology and GI endoscopy.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Dr. Virginia Frauenthal and Dr. Scott Weese to discuss their journeys in veterinary medicine and their study of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). In this fascinating conversation, they focus on the recent emergence of HPAI in cats. They explore the characteristics of HPAI, its transmission, and the implications for pet health and public safety. Their conversation also delves into the broader context of influenza viruses, the challenges of diagnosing emerging diseases, and the importance of collaboration with public health authorities. They discuss the One Health concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, they highlight the importance of communication with pet owners regarding risks and preventative measures, as well as the challenges surrounding vaccination for pets.

Dr. Frauenthal leads the team of doctors at VCA Care Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital and is board-certified in the specialty of Emergency and Critical Care. She was raised in San Clemente, CA. Virginia received her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from UC Davis in 2005. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University in 2009. Dr. Frauenthal then continued her education with a rotating internship at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre, the largest private practice in Canada located in downtown Toronto. She then gained experience as an emergency veterinarian at VCA West Coast before completing a 3-year residency program in emergency and critical care and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2016. Dr. Frauenthal's professional interests include toxicology, traumatology, electrolyte and acid/base disorders, management of patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome and Sepsis/Septic Shock. In 2017, she published the only article detailing the recognition and treatment of serious injuries secondary to coyote attack in dogs. Dr. Frauenthal's other professional love in life is her music. She is an accomplished opera singer and
enjoys performing whenever her schedule permits. In addition to singing, she fills her spare time with tending her 137 exotic houseplants, 1 acre garden, travel and cooking with her husband Sam and 3 year old son Theo. Her life is enhanced with the antics of her rescue pets Charlette (dog), Basil (cat) and Mushu (cat).

Dr. Weese is a veterinary internist and Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Director of the University of Guelph Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Chief of Infection Control at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre. He runs the infectious disease website WormsAndGermsBlog. 

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On this 60th episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Dr. Anne Kimmerlein and Dr. Christian Leutenegger to discuss their pivotal study on the occurrence of COVID-19 antibodies in pets. Listen in as they share their journeys in veterinary medicine, the challenges faced in conducting a nationwide study, and their significant findings that reveal the infection rates of Covid-19 in dogs and cats. This conversation emphasizes the importance of One Health, the interconnectedness of human and animal health, and the need for collaboration in veterinary research. You can read more in depth about their work in this article mentioned in the podcast. 

Key Takeaways:

• Veterinary epidemiology is crucial in understanding zoonotic diseases.
• The study revealed that 33% of dogs and 27% of cats were infected with COVID-19.
• Antibody testing is essential for understanding historical infections in pets.
• Collaboration between veterinary professionals enhances research outcomes.
• One Health emphasizes the link between human, animal, and environmental health.
• The study's large sample size provided confidence in the findings.
• Pets can serve as vectors for diseases, highlighting the need for preventive care.
• Innovative methodologies were developed to facilitate nationwide research.
• Community engagement was vital for the success of the study.
• Future research should focus on early warning systems for outbreaks in pets.

About our guests: 

Dr. Anne Kimmerlein received her DVM degree from the University of Minnesota. She holds a Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis and is a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Dr. Kimmerlein began her veterinary career as an animal shelter veterinarian and remains passionate about increasing access to veterinary care and reducing pet overpopulation. She lives in Sacramento, CA where she volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a foster youth and enjoys cycling, baking, and caring for her extensive orchid collection.

Dr. Christian M. Leutenegger graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland in 1992. He completed a doctoral thesis developing recombinant vaccines for FIV. After a postdoctoral course in medical science, he completed a PhD testing the first DNA vaccines in veterinary medicine. He developed a strong interest in molecular immunology and virology and started to develop early protocols for DNA quantification using real-time PCR. In 1999, he founded the Real-time PCR Research and Diagnostics Core Facility at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and expanded services until 2006. After 13 years at IDEXX Laboratories introducing standardized molecular diagnostics in the veterinary industry, he joined Antech Diagnostics to expand the molecular testing portfolio. He has an extensive network of collaborators and published over 250 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters.

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Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Sibele Konno to the VCA Voice Podcast. In their conversation, she shares her journey into veterinary medicine, discussing her early inspirations, the landscape of veterinary education in Brazil, and the challenges faced by new graduates. Dr. Konno reflects on her career evolution, her leadership role at Petcare Brazil, and the importance of quality care in veterinary practices. The discussion highlights the significance of hands-on training, the impact of leadership in veterinary care, and the growth of Petcare Brazil under her guidance. In this conversation, Marie and Sibele discuss the innovative pet care services offered in Brazil, including specialized medical treatments and the importance of training new veterinarians through internship programs. They explore the challenges faced by veterinary technicians in Brazil and the potential for future certification. Their discussion also highlights the cultural differences in veterinary practices between Brazil and the U.S., as well as the evolving relationship between pet owners and veterinarians, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding of pet parents' expectations.

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In her conversation with Dr. Kerl, Dr. Julia Georgesen shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to VP of Veterinary Goods and Services, Sourcing and Quality at Mars Veterinary Health. She discusses her early influences, career development, and the challenges and rewards of owning a veterinary practice. Julia emphasizes the importance of teamwork, quality in veterinary medicine, and the role of partnerships in enhancing animal health. She also highlights her current responsibilities in sourcing and quality assurance, and the significance of having veterinary technicians involved in decision-making processes. Dr. Georgesen discusses the vital roles of veterinary technicians, the importance of sustainability in veterinary practices, and her involvement in charitable work aimed at improving access to veterinary care. She also shares insights on global vaccination efforts in Africa through her work with the Africa Network for Animal Welfare- USA and offers advice for veterinarians considering career changes, emphasizing the value of relationships and staying curious.

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