My Veterinary Life

Out guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Raven Washington, a veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Raven shares her journey into veterinary medicine, overcoming a fear of animals and discovering her passion for animal welfare during college. She discusses her transformative experiences at the Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE) and her role in coordinating Auburn’s vet camp for high school students. The episode highlights Raven's dedication, leadership, and the impact of mentorship and hands-on experiences in shaping her career in veterinary medicine. This is truly and inspiring and uplifting conversation and we cannot wait to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Jessi Farris, Vice President of Campus Relations and Clinical Recruiting at Heartland Veterinary Partners. Dr. Farris shares her journey from aspiring shark veterinarian to small animal general practice, and eventually pursuing an MBA. She emphasizes the importance of networking, intentional career decisions, and a growth mindset. After hearing her story, we hope you will ‘say yes’ to the coffee and take time to reflect on what brings you joy in the profession. This is such a wonderful and inspiring episode and we are excited to share it with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Rena Carlson, the immediate past president of the AVMA. Dr. Carlson shares her unexpected journey to AVMA leadership, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and the support she received along the way. She discusses the roles of president-elect and immediate past president, and the different ways to balance personal and professional life. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of the veterinary community, and the diverse paths professionals take within the field. If you have ever wondered what it is like to be AVMA President, then this episode is for you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Mo Miller, a recent graduate veterinarian at a small animal hospital in Chicago. Dr. Miller shares their journey to becoming a veterinarian, highlighting their early passion for animal care and some of the speedbumps encountered along the way. They discuss their involvement with the Pride Veterinary Medical Community and their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the profession. Dr. Miller offers advice to LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking a sense of belonging, emphasizing the importance of community support and self-acceptance. We are so excited to share this journey with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of the My Veterinary Life podcast, Dr. Julie Cappel shares her multifaceted career journey, from practicing veterinary medicine with small animals, avians, and exotics to becoming a life coach. She recounts her early inspiration from a sixth-grade teacher and her path to practice ownership, where she learned valuable leadership skills and the importance of aligning with one's ethics. Dr. Cappel also discusses her experience of being fired from her first job, which, despite being challenging, taught her resilience and empathy, ultimately benefiting her leadership style. Balancing career and family life, she candidly admits to the challenges and imperfections of managing multiple roles, including raising children and holding leadership positions in veterinary associations. Dr. Cappel's story is one of growth, overcoming adversity, and embracing the diverse opportunities within the veterinary profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts a

This is our final installment of our three-part mini-series highlighting topics that will be covered in AVMA's Journey for Teams Educational Sharpenings. In this episode, we are focusing on how to be an upstander and stay interviews. We are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. They discuss the significance of being an upstander in the workplace, the implementation of stay interviews to gauge employee satisfaction, and the importance of trust and communication in leadership. The episode offers practical advice on fostering a supportive and inclusive culture in veterinary settings.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This is part two of our three-part mini-series, where we are focusing on Educational Sharpenings, a new program within AVMA's Journey for Teams. To share information on these topics, we are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. We focus today on the topics of  Perspective Taking and "What if I Say the Wrong Thing?" The conversation touches on the importance of these skills, addressing the fear of saying the wrong thing, and the value of genuine apologies all while sharing examples of how to apply these in veterinary medicine.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are kicking off a three-part mini-series focusing on Educational Sharpenings, a new program within AVMA's Journey for Teams. To share information on these topics, we are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. The program offers free modules to help veterinary teams understand and apply diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. It includes videos, essays, and worksheets for self-awareness and emotional regulation. Today’s focus is the first two modules which are self-awareness and emotional reactivity. Our guests share an overview of the topics and share examples and applications within veterinary medicine.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #M

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Mike Adkesson, President and CEO of Brookfield Zoo. Dr. Adkesson recounts his journey from a young zoo volunteer to a zoo veterinarian and eventually to his current executive role. He shares insights into the challenges and rewards of zoo medicine, emphasizing the importance of conservation and education. The episode also explores Brookfield Zoo's upcoming centennial and its plans for immersive animal habitats and conservation efforts. Dr. Adkesson's passion for his work and the zoo community's dedication to animal care and conservation are highlighted throughout the conversation.  Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Chrissie Schneider. Dr. Schneider shares her transition from an equine medicine internship to her residency at Ohio State and then her transition to industry as a Senior Equine Professional Clinical Services Veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. She discusses the importance of understanding both animal care and client interactions, her path to becoming board-certified in equine practice, and her involvement in mentorship and sustainability initiatives within the equine veterinary community. The episode highlights the value of setting professional boundaries and advocating for oneself in the veterinary field.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Manuela Suarez. Dr. Suarez graduated from veterinary school in Argentina and practiced there for several years. Recently, she relocated to New York and is currently working on her certification to practice in the United States. Dr. Suarez shares her educational background, the transition to the U.S., and the ins and outs of the U.S. certification process. She emphasizes the importance of community support and offers advice to others in similar situations. The episode highlights the fact that determination and positive attitude can take you a long way when facing challenging situations.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent discuss the advantages of pursuing advanced education opportunities. Dr. Chavent shares her experience and motivation for obtaining her MBA as well as the benefits she is already seeing from earning this degree. They also explore how an MBA can enhance career prospects in veterinary practice and delve into the considerations for selecting a program. Dr. Kirk shares about her recent experience at the Disney Institute for Leadership Excellence and why exploring education outside of the veterinary profession is a great option to explore. Let us know what educational opportunities you have pursued! Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Emily Nutt, an area clinical lead at IndeVets. Dr. Nutt shares her career journey from an equine intern to a small animal emergency vet, and now to a leader in veterinary relief organization. She discusses the benefits of relief practice, such as flexibility and the chance to impact various hospitals. Dr. Nutt also talks about the importance of mentorship, building relationships, and the support her team provides to independent veterinarians. The episode highlights the evolving nature of veterinary medicine and the diverse opportunities it offers.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, Dr. Marci Kirk talks with Sarah Parsons, a licensed veterinary technician with a popular social media presence. They discuss Sarah's journey in veterinary medicine, her approach to creating positive and relatable content, and her methods for dealing with difficult situations in the clinic with compassion and empathy. Sarah shares her experiences with failure and resilience, particularly regarding her initial failure to pass the veterinary technician exam. The episode also covers the importance of laughter and support within the veterinary community. Additionally, Sarah introduces Camp Vet Med, a new event she's organizing to foster connections among veterinary professionals through fun activities and competitions. We are so excited to share this episode with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVM

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Karisa Tang. Dr. Tang is the Vice President of Animal Health at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL. Dr. Tang discusses her path to veterinary medicine, her current role, and the joys and challenges of working with aquatic animals, including incredible stories about Baluga Whales and a heartwarming story about rescuing a baby sea otter. She offers advice to vet students interested in exotic animal medicine, emphasizing perseverance despite the competitive nature of the field. This is episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of the My Veterinary Life podcast, we chat with Kyle Barron, a second-year vet student at Purdue University. Kyle discusses his early interest in veterinary medicine, his educational background in anthropology and biology, and how these disciplines intersect with his veterinary pursuits. He shares insights into vet school life, his leadership roles with SAVMA, and his efforts to enhance student communication, including starting a TikTok page and a podcast. Kyle also offers advice to combat imposter syndrome and underscores the value of self-confidence in the veterinary field.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review.You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are chatting with Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA President Elect and Chief Veterinary Officer at NVA. Throughout the conversation Dr. Sandra Faeh discusses her path in veterinary medicine, her leadership roles, and her advocacy for mentorship and professional development. We explore the challenges and responsibilities of veterinary leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse voices in the field. Dr. Faeh also shares her dedication to enhancing veterinary teams' lives. The episode underscores the significance of embracing new experiences, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing wellbeing in the veterinary profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review.You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of "My Veterinary Life," co-hosts Dr. Marci Kirk and Dr. Annie Chavent chat with guest Dr. Erin Casey about her path to veterinary medicine and her role on the AVMA Board of Directors. They delve into the duties of board members, the significance of mentorship, and the push for inclusive leadership. Dr. Casey shares her experiences from the AVMA Future Leaders Programs to AVMA Committees and House of delegates. They also discuss the travel and time commitments involved in various leadership roles. It’s a fun, engaging conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you!   Remember we want to hear from you!Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast we are joined by AVMA’s very own Dr. Kevin Dajka and Amanda Fark. They are here to discuss a new resource for AVMA’s Veterinary Career Center, AVMA’s JobFIT. Throughout the episode you will hear real time exploration of the tool's features, which help veterinarians find jobs that align with their personal and professional priorities, such as cost of living and location. In additional to learning how to navigate this new resource, the AVMA’s career services team also emphasizes the importance of self-assessment in career transitions and prioritizing what matters to you. This is an incredible new tool and we are so excited to share it with you!  To learn more visit: JobFIT resource: https://gis.avma.org/JobFIT/ JobFIT video: https://youtu.be/z6jdDJM2g18  Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.org  Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #My

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Annie Chavent and Marci Kirk interview Dr. Ricky Walther, a 2020 UC Davis graduate. Dr. Walther is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Pawlicy Advisor, a pet insurance marketplace. They discuss Dr. Walther's lifelong interest in veterinary medicine, his leadership roles during vet school, and his transition into the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Walther shares his journey from aspiring small animal veterinarian to exploring non-clinical career paths, highlighting the importance of networking, keeping an open mind, and seeking roles that align with personal passions and values. He also discusses his current role, where he helps pet owners navigate pet insurance options, emphasizing the impact of ensuring more pets are covered and the veterinary profession's ability to provide better care.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contac