In the 6th episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou has a heart-to-heart conversation with Dr. Theodoros Ntallaris, whose remarkable journey spans from a small Greek island in Rhodes to becoming a leading voice in veterinary science. Now an Associate Professor in Ruminant Medicine at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Ntallaris brings over 15 years of academic and clinical expertise in reproduction, herd health, and sustainable veterinary practices. The episode explores his philosophy on teaching, team work, and the human-animal bond, as well as the delicate balance between academic life and personal commitments like family.

Dr. Ntallaris shares reflections on resilience, the power of mentorship, and the deep responsibility veterinarians hold toward their communities and the environment. He also speaks about the Dama Dama deer—an emblem of his heritage—and how local engagement plays a critical role in conservation. A two-time recipient of SLU’s prestigious Pedagogic Prize, Dr. Ntallaris is not only a researcher but also a passionate educator shaping the next generation of veterinarians. Through science, compassion, and a commitment to giving back, his story is a tribute to the interconnectedness of life and the legacy one builds through purpose-driven work.

Chapter Notes 00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine and Personal Journey 03:23 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Career 07:22 Human-Animal Bond 09:24 The Realistic Power of a Dream 11:59 Studying in Belgrade and the Conditions of Veterinary Science 14:07 Waiting for Greek License for Three Years 16:00 Moving to Sweden and Building Futures 17:13 New Language, New Ways of Living 19:30 Balancing Childhood with Responsibility 20:29 The Impact of Early Life Experiences 21:26 The Challenge of Communicating With Others Nowadays 23:12 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement 27:35 Inspiring Educators: The Role of Communication 28:08 Approach When Students are Struggling 30:02 Understanding Student Needs: Balancing Help and Independence 33:02 The Impact of Enthusiasm in Teaching 34:09 Loyalty and Growth: The Decision to Stay in Sweden 36:26 Balancing Parenthood and Academia 37:39 The Influence of Fatherhood on Teaching 39:17 Supportive Partnerships: The Role of Family 40:04 Antibiotics in Semen Extenders: A Controversial Practice 40:21 The Paradox of Government Legislation 41:56 Negative Consequences of Antibiotic Presence in the Semen 43:11 Cases of Antibiotic Resistance 44:16 Mechanisms On How Bacteria Can Become Resistant 44:57 Legislative Challenges in Veterinary Practices 45:56 Experiences in Africa: A Unique Perspective 48:28 The Case of Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda 50:13 Experience with Uganda 52:24 Hands-On Education: Training Farmers for Better Practices 54:32 The Importance of Education Amongst Farmers 55:11 Building Collaboration Between Academia and Agricultural Community 56:28 Memorable Moments from Farm Trainings 57:38 The Dama Dama Deer: A Unique Species of Rhodes 59:52 Is the Dama Dama Deer an Endangered Species? 01:01:24 Conservation Challenges and Community Involvement 01:03:41 The Importance of Education in Conservation 01:07:19 Culinary Passions and Personal Reflections 01:09:00 Zucchini, Tomato, and Cucumber Garden Challenges 01:09:39 Gardening as an Application of Research 01:10:51 The Importance of Escape from Clinical Work for Mental Health 01:12:33 The Interconnectedness of Life and Conservation 01:13:27 Lessons from Socrates about Preserving Nature 01:15:27 Pursuing Dreams and Leaving a Legacy 01:16:51 The Power of Kindness 01:16:59 Who Are You at the Core Minus the Distinctions?

Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetmore-podcast/id1809206363

Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RaHkqIhnpa6RYJN2joTTe?si=52e37a024730410b

Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetMoreOrg

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.

In the fifth episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with veterinary dermatologists, Dr. Patrick Hensel and Dr. Nao Hensel. They discuss their journey into dermatology, the importance of communication in veterinary practice, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation also touches on advancements in canine atopic dermatitis, the influence of farm life on their perspectives, increased prevalence of allergies, and challenges in diagnosing food allergies. Further, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Nao Hensel share insights on immunotherapy, the challenges of veterinary referrals, and their personal philosophies on happiness, identity, and fulfillment in their careers.

Chapter Notes 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds 00:35 Meet Dr. Patrick and Dr. Nao Hensel 03:36 Why Dermatology in Veterinary Medicine? 05:23 Debunking Myths in Dermatology 07:28 Is Dermatology Really That Easy? 08:40 From Wanting to Be an Equine Doctor to Dermatology 10:09 From Arts to Science 11:05 Growing Up in Japan and Deciding on a Second Career 12:06 How Did You Choose Dermatology? 13:54 The Journey of Becoming a Dermatologist 14:35 Dermatology as a Complex Science 16:43 Communication: Building Trust with Clients 19:02 Practicing Dermatology in the US and Going Back to Switzerland 20:34 The Upside and Downside of Academia 22:25 Journey Into Dermatology: From Japan to the US 26:23 Working in the Farm and Helping Farmers as Veterinarians 30:34 Transparency: A New Approach with Clients 33:44 Challenges in Diagnosing Food Allergies 34:52 Reason for More Increased Prevalence in Allergies 39:53 Lymphocyte Activation Testing for Allergy Diagnosis 45:52 Immunotherapy Innovations: A Case by Case Approach 49:54 Rapid-Fire Questions 52:17 Dermatology is Not Boring 53:33 Connection Gives Meaning to our Lives 55:18 Happiness Comes in Moments, Not in Plateaus 01:01:02 Personal Philosophy and Beliefs 01:02:04 Identity Beyond Titles

Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetmore-podcast/id1809206363

Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RaHkqIhnpa6RYJN2joTTe?si=52e37a024730410b

Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetMoreOrg

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.

In this fourth episode of the VetMore Podcast, host Dr. Vassiliki Sathopoulou engages with three remarkable veterinarians from Croatia—Dr. Lea Kreszinger, Dr. Ines Jović, and Dr. Iva Šmit—exploring their diverse backgrounds, passions, and the unique intersection of veterinary medicine and sports. The conversation highlights their professional achievements, personal stories, and the resilience they find in balancing their careers with athletic pursuits. Listeners are invited to discover how these dedicated professionals navigate their roles as veterinarians, educators, and athletes, while also being mothers and community leaders.

Chapter Notes

00:00 Meet the Guests: Inspiring Veterinarians 00:36 Early Aspirations: The Journey to Veterinary Medicine 05:34 Cultural Perspectives: Attitudes Towards Veterinary Medicine 08:38 Mentorship and Influence in Veterinary Education 10:54 The Shift in Knowledge Sharing in Veterinary Education 11:57 Coping with Pressure in Veterinary Practice 13:43 The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Medicine 15:14 Letting Go: A Challenge for Veterinarians 17:04 Support Systems in Veterinary Practice 18:49 The Burden of Responsibility in Veterinary Care 20:24 Coping with Grief: The Role of Psychologists 22:01 Mental Well-Being Initiatives for Veterinarians 23:20 Team Dynamics and Respect in Veterinary Work 25:09 Burnout: Recognizing and Addressing the Signs 26:31 Finding Balance: Sports and Mental Health 28:06 Individual Sports: A Personal Journey 29:50 The Role of Sports in Stress Relief 35:28 The Dynamics of Running Relationships 36:40 The Healing Power of Water 38:26 Lessons in Resilience and Limits 39:32 The Importance of Weight Training for Women 41:14 Personal Growth Through Athletic Endeavors 42:30 The Role of Family in Athletic Life 44:28 Navigating Motherhood and Career 46:21 Defining Success and Self-Care 54:41 Building a Supportive Team Environment 59:59 The Importance of Support in Preventing Burnout 01:02:41 Building a Supportive Veterinary Community 01:05:53 The Role of AI in Veterinary Medicine 01:09:16 Personal Reflections and Quickfire Questions

Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetmore-podcast/id1809206363

Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RaHkqIhnpa6RYJN2joTTe?si=52e37a024730410b

Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetMoreOrg

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.

In this thought-provoking third episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou talks to Dr. Wolfgang Dohne, a veterinary surgeon whose career spans clinical expertise, international leadership, and educational reform. Together, they explore Dr. Wolfgang Dohne’s unique path into veterinary medicine—sparked by a love of biology and a deep respect for animals. From the challenges of mentorship in large academic settings to the emotional demands of patient care, the conversation offers a grounded look at what it means to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and find fulfillment in the everyday moments of practice.

Dr. Wolfgang Dohne also shares insights from his diverse experiences across Europe, touching on the power of communication, the richness of locum work, and the role of cultural fluency in client care. Beyond the clinic, his contributions to veterinary education, scholarship programs, and reflective writing in The Blue Vet Diary highlight a lifelong commitment to growth and connection. Whether you're a student, a seasoned vet, or navigating the locum life, this episode offers valuable lessons in leadership, wellness, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond.

Chapter Notes:

00:00 Introduction to VetMore and Wolfgang Dohne 03:54 Wolfgang's Early Life and Influences 04:19 Education and Mentorship in Veterinary School 06:03 Career Path and Diverse Expertise 10:35 Human Medicine VS Veterinary Medicine 11:35 The Burden of the Responsibility 12:26 University Life in Hanover 14:45 Reflections on Happiness and Life Balance 20:27 Delayed Gratification 21:31 Career Spanning Multiple Countries 25:59 People Bloom in Different Environments 27:05 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 28:11 Shifts and Work Hours in Veterinary Medicine 29:52 Adapting to Different Work Environments 30:35 Working Through Winter 30:45 Leisure After Work 31:39 Doing Emergency and Critical Care Work 32:26 The Role of Teamwork in Veterinary Practice 33:08 What is the Locum Work? 35:12 Working with Professional Nursing Teams 36:08 Communication and Client Relationships 36:53 Appreciating The Team 41:24 Learning from Specialists and General Practitioners 49:04 Leadership Qualities in Veterinary Medicine 53:59 Feeling At Home in the Workplace 55:54 The Value of Travel in Professional Development 58:42 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 59:29 The Importance of Personal Connections at Work 01:01:11 Corporate vs. Independent Practices 01:01:18 The Human Capital 01:02:42 Navigating Corporate Challenges 01:06:02 Experience with Corporate 01:07:02 Making Decisions Based on What You Love 01:09:38 The Evolution of Veterinary Education 01:17:29 Establishing Scholarships for Future Generations 01:22:43 The Blue Vet Diary: A Personal Reflection 01:26:10 The Essence of Resilience and the Human Spirit 01:27:21 Integrating Advanced Veterinary Practices 01:28:33 Perceptions of Veterinary Medicine 01:29:49 The Intersection of Travel and Veterinary Medicine 01:31:02 Overcoming Skepticism as a Foreign Veterinarian 01:35:12 Building Trust with Clients 01:37:04 Lessons from Starting One's Own Clinic 01:40:58 The Value of Honesty in Clinical Work 01:44:12 Reflections on Mortality and Life Choices 01:50:14 Lessons from Animals 01:54:09 The Importance of History and Human Experience 01:54:19 The Joy of Reading in the Age of Social Media

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.

In this thought-provoking episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with Dr. Maria Kokozidou to explore a journey that crosses continents, species, and scientific disciplines. From her early days in Greece studying veterinary medicine to her transition into human medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research, Dr. Kokozidou shares the defining moments that shaped her path in science and academia.

Through candid reflections, Dr. Maria Kokozidou explores the intersections of veterinary and human medicine, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in research, and the ethical complexities of working with animals in science. She also shares her teaching philosophy, thoughts on mentorship, and personal insights on life, purpose, and resilience — all framed by her cultural heritage and global academic experience.

Whether you're a student, researcher, or science enthusiast, this episode offers rich life lessons, practical advice, and inspiration for navigating the world of science with heart and integrity.

Dr. Maria Kokozidou is a distinguished veterinary scientist with expertise in anatomy, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. She holds a diploma in veterinary medicine from Aristotle University and a Master's Degree in Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. She earned her doctorate in 2003 from Justus Liebig University in Gießen with magna cum laude distinction for her research on PCR methods in "Leishmania infantum" detection, which is a huge problem in Europe and in the Mediterranean. 

With a German veterinary license and specialization, as a human anatomist, she has held research and teaching roles at institutions such as the Boehringer Ingelheim START, RWTH Aachen Maastricht University and Paracelsus Medical University. Her research spans from molecular parasitology to vascular biology, securing substantial grants for the university, including those from Boehringer Ingelheim and the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation. She has served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and contributed to international cardiovascular research initiatives. 

Dr. Maria Kokozidou's research portfolio includes extensive work on vascular remodeling, placental biology, and the development of biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Dr. Kokozidou has also held research and teaching positions at institutions such as Klinikum Nueremberg Nord and has been actively involved in mentoring students in both English and German.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• From Pan-Hellenic exams to veterinary school in Greece 🇬🇷
• A transformative academic moment at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 🎓
• Shifting into human medicine and cardiovascular research 🫀
• The power of mentorship, community, and cultural adaptation 🌍
• Teaching with empathy and building student trust 🧠
• Animal ethics and the future of organoids in research 🐾🧪
• Artificial intelligence: potential, limitations, and human oversight 🤖
• The meaning of life, legacy, and nurturing the soul beyond science 🌱

Chapters Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine Journey 04:21 The Path to Research and Academia 06:31 Cultural Adaptation and Resilience 08:27 Surrounding One's Self with Good People 08:48 The Role of Mentorship in Science 10:53 Our DNA Has Memory 11:18 Transitioning from Veterinary to Human Medicine 12:46 Transitioning to Human Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research 13:25 Creating Opportunities in Research 14:34 The Children of This Era Are Afraid To Dare To Do Something 16:13 Just Do It — Create Opportunities 18:37 The Evolution of Veterinary and Medical Education 20:53 Personal Values and Relationships 23:18 Future of Research and Personal Aspirations 25:25 Nurturing the Soul Beyond Science 27:27 A Purpose To Fulfill 27:51 Fashion and the Art of Science 30:05 Organoids and the Future of Animal Use in Research 30:28 Ethics in Animal Research 30:32 The Role of Organoids in Research 33:22 Ethics and Regulations in Animal Research 35:04 Not Taking Criticisms Personally 35:47 The Pursuit of Grants and Funding in Academia 38:50 Robotics and Training in Medicine 40:04 Artificial Intelligence in Research 44:08 Living in a Changing World 44:22 Change is Underground 46:33 What is the Meaning of Life? 49:37 The Role of Women in Academia 51:56 The Importance of Asking for Help

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.

Join Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou as she interviews the incredible Dr. Panos Azmanis, a world-renowned veterinarian specializing in avian medicine, wildlife conservation, and falconry. From the deserts of Dubai to the cultural heritage of falconry recognized by UNESCO, Dr. Azmanis shares his remarkable journey into veterinary science, his experiences with royal families, and the deep bond between humans and animals.

0:00 - Intro 04:14 - Falconry: Tradition and Practice 24:04 - The Art of Falconry and its Controversies 30:19 - Ethics in Wildlife Conservation 34:20 - The Role of Wildlife Veterinarians 47:22 - The Balance of Ethics 54:58 - Childhood Influences on Veterinary Aspirations 01:06:53 - Passion and Specialization in Veterinary Medicine 01:15:08 - Navigating Work-Life Balance and Career Goals 01:30:00 - Conservation and the Drive to Help Wildlife 01:43:25 - Precision Medicine in Veterinary Care 01:49:32 - Falconry: Tradition Meets Modern Applications 02:05:00 - A Life Well Lived: Reflections on Purpose

Explore the ethical dilemmas of hunting, the role of veterinarians in conservation, and the complex relationship between modern science and ancient traditions. Learn how falconry is more than a practice—it’s a bridge between cultures and a testament to human ingenuity and survival.

Discover how Dr. Azmanis’ childhood fascination with animals evolved into a lifelong passion for conservation and innovation. Whether you’re a vet, a nature enthusiast, or curious about the intersection of science and tradition, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

🎙️ Topics Covered:  • Falconry as an art and its roots in Bedouin culture.  • Ethical questions surrounding hunting and animal welfare.  • Conservation efforts in the Mediterranean and beyond.  • Dr. Azmanis’s mobile veterinary clinics and his role in wildlife rehabilitation.  • The evolving role of science, AI, and tradition in addressing ecological challenges.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion that celebrates the intersection of compassion, culture, and conservation.

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmore on IG, Meta, and TikTok.