Veterinary Today Podcast

Kimberly King, CVT, shares her unique path into veterinary medicine and why imaging became her professional passion. Now at Veterinary Diagnostic Centers, Kim helps run the Schaumburg location and is training to become an ultrasound sonographer. She walks listeners through what a fear-free, one-patient-at-a-time ultrasound practice looks like, including how cases are supported and how results get back to the primary veterinarian. Kim also offers practical radiology tips for veterinary teams, with an emphasis on obtaining the right view for the clinical question, improving image quality, and avoiding the “catagram” approach whenever possible. The conversation highlights hands-free radiology fundamentals, positioning tools, and when sedation can help teams get diagnostic images safely and efficiently. Kim also speaks candidly about VTNE test anxiety, her own experience retesting, and how preparation includes both content review and test-taking strategies. 

Bio

Kimberly King, CVT, began her animal career in wildlife and zoological settings before transitioning into small animal practice. After years in general practice and a strong interest in diagnostic imaging, she joined Veterinary Diagnostic Centers, where she runs the Schaumburg location and is training to become an ultrasound sonographer. She is also an instructor for the ISVMA VTNE Master Class program, focusing on radiology and safety. 

In this episode

•  Kim’s career path from big cat internships and zoo work to becoming a CVT in Chicagoland 
•  What a fear-free, owner-present, ultrasound-only clinic model looks like day to day 
•  Radiology fundamentals: take the right image for the right diagnostic question, not “whole body and hope” 
•  Hands-free radiology: positioning tools, efficiency, and when sedation supports safety and better images 
•  VTNE reality check: test anxiety, retesting, and preparing your mindset along with the material 

Whether you are a veterinary technician student gearing up for the VTNE, a practice owner mentoring a vet tech hopeful, or a CVT who has been putting off licensure, this episode is for you. Channing Benson, Program Manager of the Exams Department at the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), joins the Veterinary Today Podcast to pull back the curtain on everything VTNE-related.

Channing oversees the VTNE from creation to administration and brings a clear, candid perspective to a process that can feel overwhelming. In this conversation, she walks through who is eligible to sit for the exam, how Illinois candidates in particular should approach the application process, what to expect on test day whether you choose live remote proctoring or a testing center, how scores are reported, and what resources the AAVSB offers to help candidates prepare and succeed. If you have questions about the VTNE, this episode answers them.

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SHOW NOTES

In this episode:

• What the VTNE is, who is eligible to take it, and how the application process works, including Illinois-specific eligibility requirements
• The two testing options available to candidates: live remote proctoring at home and in-person testing centers, and what each experience actually looks like
• How the AAVSB's exam content outline serves as a blueprint for the entire test, including domain breakdowns, task statements, and question distribution
• Cost, exam length, test day logistics, and what to do if your name does not match your application
• What happens after you submit: how pass/fail results are delivered, how long scores are available in your portal, and what the 31-day retake policy looks like

Resources mentioned:

AAVSB website: https://aavsb.org 

VTNE study page and exam content outline: https://aavsb.org (navigate to the VTNE section, then Study Resources) 

AAVSB Practice Advance: available through the AAVSB website 

Celebrating Diversity Award (exam voucher opportunity): https://aavsb.org 

ISVMA VTNE Masterclass Series: available on demand through ISVMA 

Connect with Channing and the AAVSB:

Website: https://aavsb.org Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Veterinary Today, we’re joined by Dr. Mark Acierno, Associate Dean at Midwestern University's College of Veterinary Medicine. With a career that spans across academia, clinical practice, and business, Dr. Acierno discusses his unconventional path from finance to veterinary medicine, his groundbreaking work in veterinary nephrology, and how he's shaping the future of veterinary education. Learn about new trends in curriculum design, the integration of technology like AI in veterinary practices, and the hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges in veterinary medicine.

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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Coretta Patterson, an esteemed veterinarian with a passion for teaching and curriculum development. Dr. Patterson walks us through her diverse career journey, from her veterinary education at the University of Illinois to her role in building the future of veterinary education at Midwestern University. We dive into her experiences as an educator, her approach to fostering supportive environments for students, and her vision for the future of veterinary programs.

In this episode of Veterinary Today, Dr. Addie Reinhardt, Founder and CEO of MentorVet, discusses the evolving role of mentorship in veterinary care. She shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout, the importance of structured mentorship programs, and the innovative strategies MentorVet is using to support veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers. Dr. Reinhardt also highlights the significance of peer mentorship and how expanding our networks can provide the emotional and professional support every veterinary professional needs.

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Dr. Jennifer Quammen, DVM, MPH, AVMA President-Elect (2025–2026) joins Veterinary Today from the ISVMA Annual Conference to talk about leadership that strengthens you and your team. Dr. Quammen shares her path from credentialed veterinary technician to practicing veterinarian, entrepreneur, and chief veterinary officer of Otto, plus how organized veterinary medicine shaped her leadership journey from the Kentucky VMA to AVMA.

This conversation matters for veterinarians because leadership is not limited to titles. It shows up in how you manage your energy, make decisions, and create healthy team culture inside your practice. If you want to grow as a leader without losing yourself in the process, this episode offers grounded, practice-relevant takeaways.

In this special episode of Veterinary Today, we sit down with Dr. Matt Bussan, the outgoing president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA), and Dr. Kate Brucker, the incoming president, as they discuss their journey in veterinary leadership, the importance of organized veterinary medicine, and the challenges facing the profession today. Dr. Bussan reflects on his tenure, sharing insights from legislative work at the state and national levels, including the introduction of key bills like CBT title protection. Dr. Brucker shares her excitement about taking on the presidential role, focusing on her vision for strengthening connections with students and continuing the work on vital legislative issues. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, advocacy, and community in the veterinary field.