Veterinary Ramblings

In this episode, Julian and Mike introduce Allison Johansson, an expert on managing stress and trauma. The discussion revolves around techniques for dealing with acute and chronic stress, using unconventional but effective methods such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and polyvagal theory. 

Allison explains how to identify and address stress responses, comparing them to a small child seeking attention. She elaborates on the physiological and psychological aspects of stress and trauma, offers quick tips for managing day-to-day stress, and highlights the importance of feeling safe. 

The dialogue also touches on specific stress triggers for veterinarians and strategies to cope with burnout. Allison concludes with a 60-second CPD segment on finding safety in stress and announces her upcoming book on well-being in veterinary medicine.

In this episode, Dr Dave Nicol joins Julian and Mike to share his journey from veterinary practice owner to author and mentor for aspiring vets. Together, they explore the complexities of leadership within veterinary medicine, the vital role of mentorship, and Dr Nicol's innovative approach to enhancing both emotional and practical support for new graduates. 

The conversation also touches on his passion for triathlons, the importance of rest and recovery, and key considerations in end-of-life care for pets. With a mix of personal stories, professional insights, and Dr Nicol's forward-thinking ideas, this episode offers valuable advice on making veterinary practice more sustainable and fulfilling. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that blends experience, empathy, and expertise.

In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by wildlife conservationist Nicky Fish for an inspiring exploration of bats, biodiversity, and beyond. 

Nicky shares her deep knowledge of bat conservation, discussing the threats they face from climate change and wind farms, while shedding light on their remarkable echolocation abilities. The conversation also dives into the art of bodging, building wildlife-friendly habitats, and Nicky’s personal truffle-hunting adventures with trained dogs in the picturesque landscapes of Snowdonia. 

With captivating stories of Welsh wilderness, practical conservation tips, and a deep passion for preserving nature, this episode is a must-listen for nature lovers and eco-enthusiasts alike.

Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad welcome renowned veterinary neurologist Clare Rusbridge to discuss her work on Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in toy breed dogs. 

Clare discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing these conditions, the genetic and breeding factors involved, and the significant impact on canine health. The discussion touches on Clare's efforts to develop better screening methods and public awareness, alongside her struggles against breeder resistance. 

The episode also explores broader topics like the influence of human preferences on dog breeding, veterinary pressures, and Clare’s personal insights into balancing a demanding career in veterinary medicine with her passion for practicing yoga. The episode offers valuable insights not just for veterinarians, but for anyone interested in the welfare of our canine companions.

In this episode, Mike and Julian sit down with Jackie Brearley, a trailblazer in the veterinary field as one of Cambridge's first female veterinary students. Jackie shares her inspiring journey, from overcoming a nervous breakdown to finding solace in marathon running—starting at the age of 60.

We explore her latest passion: wild fermentation. Jackie explains the fascinating role of local microorganisms in the process and candidly discusses the challenges of launching a safe and sustainable fermentation business, Wildly Preserved.

Throughout the episode, we touch on a range of topics, including the importance of patient comfort in veterinary care, the role of processed foods in modern diets, and sustainable living practices.

In this episode, Mike and Julian introduce Georgina Parsons, a driving force behind the National Union of Registered Veterinary Nurses (NURVN). The discussion covers Georgina's decade-long career as a veterinary nurse, her passion for the profession, and her role in advocating for nurses' rights and recognition through NURVN. The conversation delves into common issues veterinary nurses face, such as inadequate pay and lack of respect, and how the NURVN aims to address these challenges. Additionally, Georgina shares insights about the need for veterinary nurses to view and represent themselves as professionals.

Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to discuss osteoarthritis in dogs. They explore the challenges of managing chronic pain, the importance of communication with pet owners, and share tips for creating a comprehensive treatment plan. Hannah also shares her experiences traveling through Europe in a camper van and the inspiration behind CAM. The episode emphasises the need for a supportive veterinary community and provides valuable insights into the multimodal management of osteoarthritis.

In this episode, we explore the importance of civility in the workplace with Helen Silver-MacMahon, a registered veterinary nurse pursuing a PhD in non-technical skills for veterinary nurses. Helen shares insights on managing stress, the power of empathy, and effective communication, including how to handle incivility. She discusses her journey from veterinary nursing to her current research and offers practical advice for thriving in the veterinary profession. The episode also includes a segment on the philosophy of thriving and the importance of love and belonging in professional settings.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned consultant HPB and emergency surgeon Giles Bond Smith to gain deep insights into the life of a surgeon in human medicine.

We cover a range of topics, from the humorous maxim 'knife before life before wife' to exploring the essentials of surgical site infection control. Giles shares the importance of inclusive team dynamics, the challenges of surgical emergencies, and offers practical advice for reducing infection rates.

Whether you're in the medical field or simply fascinated by surgical stories, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and entertaining anecdotes. This episode is sponsored by Adaptix. To learn more about how they can revolutionise your practice head over to https://info.adaptix.com/adaptix-vet-3d-3 

In this episode, Julian and Mike have a fascinating conversation with Cath Bishop, an inspirational speaker, author, and former Olympic rower.

They discuss a range of topics including Cath's Olympic journey and her experiences speaking at the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Congress. Cath shares her insights on leadership, corporate culture, and the importance of redefining success through her book 'The Long Win.'

The episode also touches on her venture into poetry, her new podcast 'Inside Out Culture,' and her enduring love for rowing. Cath's reflections on motivation, cultural issues, and the qualitative aspects of success provide valuable lessons for both professional and personal growth.

This episode is sponsored by Adaptix. To learn more about how they can revolutionise your practice head over to https://info.adaptix.com/adaptix-vet-3d-3