Podcast A Vet: Stories, Support & Community From Leaders In The Veterinary Field

As veterinarians we often forget that sometimes we don’t just heal the animals, they can heal us in our time of need as well. Kate Neligan has fostered this human-animal bond since childhood, and after a career in Hollywood marketing, a Masters in psychology and creating powerful TV content, she turned to equine therapy and life coaching to help create positive change quickly. Kate admires the blend of strength and softness found in horses and seeks to share her knowledge about how they can help us relax, create patience and become more mindful in our day to day life, plus so much more. Today Kate is sharing everything she knows about becoming more aware of your senses through equine exposure, why it is easy to be vulnerable around horses, and how to best understand you and your companies needs to show you care. A refreshing departure from the medical perspective, Kate takes us on her journey through exploring options other than veterinary school. An advocate for accepting yourself as enough, forgiving your p

Happy New Year everyone! We are excited for the new year and Season 2 of Podcast a Vet (PAV). Kelsey joins me again to discuss what the future holds for PAV, what to expect from future guests, an update on our not-for-profit status, and more. We hope to bring as many connections and new opportunities moving forward into the new year, and that wouldn’t be possible without you, the listeners! Thank you for your dedication, and be sure to keep an eye out on January 8th for Season 2.   In This Episode Goals and resolutions for 2019 Staying positive and fostering wellness Sneak peeks into episode content for the new year What excites us most about the future of PAV   Quotes “If you guys have veterinarians or veterinary professionals that you want us to get on the show, please let us know. We want to bring you guys what you want to hear” (3:47) “I think resolutions are kind of a tricky topic sometimes, but its always good to press reset and share your goals and we're gonna share how we stay positive and foster we

Looking back on a full year of Podcast A Vet (PAV), I am so thrilled by the response to the podcast and the community that has grown around it. In the spirit of the holiday, today I am reflecting on past episodes and looking to the future of PAV. I am joined by Kelsey Cates, Director of Operations for PAV and a previous interviewee. She is reflecting on joining me at AVMA, how PAV has grown over the past year, and the core values we try and instill through the show. PAV would not be possible without the listeners, so this episode is dedicated to all of you. We love our community and are thrilled at the opportunity to bring people closer together through our stories. What has been your favorite episode? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode Updates on some favorite past guests What I love about podcasts and the reason I started PAV Why AVMA was a turning point for PAV Fixing the lack of access to the ‘behind the scenes’ of the industry A sneak peek into our Christmas Giveaway on I

Can you think of anything cooler than riding into a veterinary conference on a mountain bike in head to toe gear? Try adding being the Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at CSU, a DVM, board-certified zoo medicine, and the previous director of animal operations for Walt Disney Company, among others, to the list. This resume could belong to none other than Dr. Mark Stetter, an awesome conversationalist, and today's guest. Dr, Stetter is passionate about creating a culture focused on listening, passion and open communication in order for students to take care of themselves and feed their souls. He believes in hands-on experience and using positive reinforcement to direct behavior to better understand and utilize animal, and human, reactions. If you have ever been curious about what a laparoscopic vasectomy on an elephant in the middle of the African desert is like, what is involved in a typical day at the Bronx Zoo, or how the Walt Disney Company handled and cared for their animals,

Dr. Tracey Jensen is a board certified canine and feline practitioner, certified acupuncturist, practice owner, past president of the AAHA and president-elect of the ABVP. Suffice to say, Tracey has an impressive resume, and her impressive communication skills and attention to listening make her all the more a wonderful guest on today's episode. Transitioning from being a single doctor hospital to the AAHA Veterinary Hospital of the year in 2012, Tracey knows what she's talking about when it comes to building your own practice and working hard to play hard. Tracey looks to live life from the inside out instead of the outside in, and advocates for experiencing excellence as a journey, not a destination. Everything from what its like to run with the AAHA crowd, to tips for those who want to become their own practice owners, Tracey is a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring example of confidence in the veterinary world. Learn everything from what skills you need to become Practice Of The Year, to finding multiple

Jackie Campbell has had a journey filled with constant travel, learning how to balance work and life, and persevering through setbacks. A boarded dermatologist, Jackie’s story is full of humility, humor, and heart. Today we are reminiscing about our CSU memories, how she developed a keen passion for dermatology, and why grades are not the whole picture when it comes to your veterinary skills and placement. The demand for dermatologists is rising, and Jackie makes an appealing case for the versatility and flexibility of the field. Learn everything from what a dermatology residency looks like, to how she started her own practice and why you should be creating a family in your workplace. Get ready for a story of beating the odds, accepting your failures and not letting them stop you from achieving your passions. A path filled with lots of high highs and some low lows, Jackie is an open and honest book with a ferocious laugh and wisdom to share. How do you relate to Jackie’s life journey? Have you ever considered

Jon Geller has led an incredible journey full of reinvention, community, passion, and kindness. Board certified in canine and feline practice, a certified and published vet journalist, trained hyperbaric technologist, and hospital and non-for-profit organization founder, Jon’s resume is an impressive homage to the tribe of self-discovery. Today, Jon is sharing stories such as the time he walked for six months in the desert with a donkey, to what he loves about ER medicine and why it's never too late to start your veterinary career. He is taking us on a journey to help you align your passions with your career and see the good in people, plus much more. Everything from caring for homeless pets, to addiction and abuse and creating a safe workplace are on the table today. Jon is an inspiration that has achieved both personal and professional success but still continues to strive to help more. If you are looking for a discussion about reinventing yourself, following your spiritual path and work towards closing the

Today we are diving into the mind of an undergraduate student with plans to go to veterinary school. Lance Sommer is a 3rd-year pre-vet student majoring in zoology and is here to share an interesting perspective about wanting to go to vet school, what the perception of going to vet school is like and his thoughts on the current state of the profession. The Vice President of the pre-veterinary club and avid traveler, Lance has a curious and candid outlook on how to better yourself in order to become a better veterinarian. He is sharing his thoughts on being okay with failure, why it's important to be passionate about what you do, and why optimistic stubbornness can be the key to success. An optimistic voice for the future generation of veterinarians, Lance promotes a mentality of working hard, staying open to new possibilities and having some fun along the way. What struggles and stresses are you pushing through in your vet school journey? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode How

Kim Ellis has had an incredibly impressive 32-year long career as a CVT and equine nurse and has created a lasting positive impact in the field. Today we are reflecting on highlights throughout her career, finding longevity as a nurse, and her three-year-long battle with breast cancer. A life motto of ‘lean into the collar and go’, developed from a childhood surrounded by horses, Kim is an open book and advocates for taking care of yourself first. Everything from the importance of becoming specialized in your field, to keeping your nurses happy and why Kim loves meditation, are on the table today. In addition to a passionate equine talk, get ready for an honest, open conversation about kicking cancers ass and the struggles and good times that have happened as a result. No topic is off limits today as we explore the emotional and raw side of not only being a vet tech, but also a human. Does Kim’s story of struggle and perseverance resonate with you? We would love to know your thoughts about today's episode, le

Even if the grass is green on the other side, we often lose sight of the green grass under our own feet. After vet school, Ryan Dunning recognized his passion for his native state of Arizona and the versatility that being a small animal practitioner allowed him, and has been thriving on his own green grass ever since. Having experience working in every aspect of the field from tech assistant to the receptionist, he is now the Medical Director at his childhood veterinary clinic. Another reunion episode, we are diving into everything from general practice to family, balance and why you should be sitting on the floor during all of your appointments. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge for those entering the veterinary field, those looking to make a switch, and those who have been thinking about reaching out to an old classmate. Everything from creating a lasting legacy, to how to continue to grow in the field and why you need to be honest with yourself and your colleagues first. A great model for success in so many w

A self-proclaimed ‘dude with a truck’, Dr. Luke Bass takes his passion for horses and love of helping people and animals everywhere he goes. After admittedly spending more time at the party than the library in his first years of schooling, Luke learned from his mistakes and pulled up his bootstraps to pave his way to an impressive resume and thriving career in the equine field. Nowadays, he spends his time training equine veterinary students in the field and has a seat on the CSU admission board, among many other hobbies and projects. Today Luke is sharing what can set you apart from the crowd in applications, why it's not always about the grades, and why you should be making self-care a priority. Everything from gangsta rap, to acknowledging your own self-flaws, and how to communicate what you are worth, is on the panel. Prepare yourself for a no holds barred episode as Luke cuts the curtain and gets real about how to succeed in veterinary medicine and in life. Do you share a similar equine passion? Inspired

I have long been a fan of Dr. Meghann Berglund and I am thrilled to have her spread her wisdom and incredibly powerful words with all of us today. From shelter medicine to private practice and relief work, Dr. Berglund has seen a lot. And with two daughters on top of that, she has a wide range of stories and life advice to share. We are discussing everything from the staggering 40,000 animals she has spayed or neutered over her career, to imposter syndrome and postpartum depression. She is sharing her theory of lizard brain and owl brain, why you need to make sure you ask for help when you need it, and why perseverance is the ultimate key to success. By appreciating your own little acts of bravery and checking the expectations you hold for yourself, you can stop doubting yourself and start embracing the practice of courage. Dr. Berglund believes that by working to speak for those who do not have the ability to speak for themselves, we can find small victories that ultimately amount to self-confidence and free

No matter what type of veterinary professional you are, there are some issues that affect pretty much all of us. We are digging into some of the deep questions with Dr. Nate Daughenbaugh today and tackling topics such as the wage gap, gender inequality, and dealing with anxiety and depression. Dr. Daughenbaugh is a native of one of the most beautiful places in the world, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and has had quite the journey to bring him back home. Born and raised on a cattle ranch, a former Marine and Army member, and current DVM, Dr. Daughenbaugh has had his fill of life experiences and is here to share his knowledge and passion with the Podcast A Vet Community. This episode is not only a great recap of Dr. Daughenbaugh’s incredible life, but also a tool of inspiration and influence for each of us on our own veterinary journeys. Do you have something to add to the safe space for discussion created today? Leave your thoughts in the comments on the episode page! In This Episode Putting life in the milita

Today we are joined by the first ever theriogenologist to grace the Podcast A Vet airwaves, Dr. Jennifer Hatzel. Jennifer is a board-certified theriogenologist at Colorado State Equine Reproduction Laboratory and is here to share her passion on her specification. Feeling lost after graduation, Jennifer bounced through different equine internships and residencies until realizing her true passion for reproductive health. She is sharing with us the different aspects of equine reproduction, what can go wrong and right, and why more schools should be focusing on problem-based learning. Jennifer is walking us through the day to day management of equine reproduction management including following reproductive cycles, breeding through artificial insemination and CSU’s pioneering embryo transfer. She is sharing tips on how to set yourself up to be a lifelong learner, how to keep an open mind through your veterinary journey, and so much more. Do you share Jennifer’s passion for placenta? Let us know your thoughts about

You might know where you want to end up in your career, but even if you're 100% clear on the destination, you probably have some questions about how you're going to get there. Chase Weldon shares his insights on getting into vet school, landing your dream job, and more. Chase is the career education manager at the College of Vet Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. From current students first entering the workforce to alumni who are looking for a change or new direction, Chase uses his expertise to help people use their voice and find their dream jobs. Chase’s shares his behind the scenes tips for the interview process, resume writing, how to stand out from the crowd, and so much more. He is walking us through how to demonstrate value, why a good connection is more important than the perfect GPA, and a look inside the modern veterinary student, and employer. The more knowledge you have about the pulse of your career, the better you can feel about yourself, and the better you can navigate that landscape when look

We all know that things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes life’s curveballs result in unexpected opportunities, and sometimes devastating consequences. How can we plan for these unexpected challenges and setbacks, and how can we move forward after them? Kristin Gablehouse shares her amazing story of how she lives life to the fullest after an accident that changed everything. Kristin wasn’t always sure she wanted to be a veterinarian. But she decided to get into it when her mother asked her why she didn’t want to be a “real doctor.” Her tenacity took her on a path full of unexpected twists and turns until a biking accident forced her to reluctantly stop practicing. Never one to be told she can’t do something, Kristin did the only logical thing next, she ran a 100-mile race! In this incredible episode, we discuss the path Kristin took to becoming a vet including how she went from equine surgery to small animals emergency care to day practice. We also talk about what it’s been like coping with an inju

Did you know that bees pollinate 1/3 of everything you eat? I am joined by Christina Geldert, 2nd-year vet student and president and founder of the Honey Bee Veterinary Medicine Club at CSU. This club is the first of its kind and works to highlight the role of veterinarian medicine in bees. Christina is all-in for bees and is helping bridge the gap between veterinary medicine, agriculture, and honey bee sustainability. By figuring out how veterinarians can help bees and bee health, Christina hopes to put an end to the death of bee colonies and quantify the issues that affect bees. We are tackling all things bee related on today’s episode including farm to table sustainability, education, and exposure. If you are fascinated by bees and want to learn something new, today’s episode is for you. Let us know what you think about today’s bee fact’s and your best bee related dad jokes in the comments on the episode page.   In This Episode  The surprising connection between veterinary medicine and agriculture Why bee

As you’re probably aware, there is a constant stream of new research, technology, and information available to us in the veterinary profession that helps both make our jobs easier, and deliver better care to our patients. Today we’re diving into the veterinary applications of cannabis oil with one of the leaders in the field Dr. Stephanie McGrath. Dr. McGrath is a board-certified neurologist and assistant professor at Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital. She is here to talk neurology, family, stem cells and CBD oil, among others. We are discussing Dr. McGrath’s recent field of study, cannabis oil in veterinary use, and how she came to be one of the first veterinarians out there researching the effects of CBD in veterinary medicine. In addition to cannabis, Stephanie tells us all about attending school at Columbia, Michigan State, and CSU; plus how she made the decision to become a veterinarian, and who inspired her to become a neurologist. We are tackling the tip of the iceberg when using cannabis i

As veterinary professionals - not to mention humans - it’s important to keep learning, growing, and evolving as we move through our careers and lives. Not only will we be happier, but this mindset is essential to staying engaged in our work, avoid mistakes, and building a sustainable career. I’m still riding the high of the past week at the AVMA Conference by catching up with my friend and former teacher, Ame Moon. Ame is a CVT and a VTS in Emergency and Critical Care. Today we are tackling issues such as finding longevity in being a vet nurse, finding happiness, and evolving your career throughout the years. Find out about what ER cases and procedures continue to drive Ame’s passion, why you should allow yourself to make mistakes and how to cultivate the teacher inside of you. Ame shares her tips on how to find support in your vet tech community, the reality of financials in the veterinary profession, and why she is staying away from being a ‘go-for’ tech and thinks you should too. Superstar veterinary nurse

It’s easy to look at the news every day and feel like the world is quickly becoming a meaner, more dangerous place. Whether it’s clients, co-workers, bosses, or other people in our lives, it often feels like we’re surrounded by jerks, and are powerless to change things. However, as Dr. Cyndie Courtney shares today, we have incredible power to reshape our view of the world and to make our practices, communities, and the world, friendlier, and more inspiring places. Dr. Courtney practices at Grand View Animal Hospital in Missouri, as well as hosting the Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast and working on her passion project, The Jerk Project. She is an expert in more areas than one and is sharing her techniques on how to deal with disenfranchised grief, as well as her tips on her ability to respond to negative reviews with confidence, competence, and compassion. We take a humble look at ourselves, our flaws and how we can work together to build each other up on today’s episode, which we recorded on the floor of the AV