My Veterinary Life

“Often people see potential in us that we don’t see ourselves and if you can kind of lean into that and just embrace that, it just opens up so many opportunities.” Our guest today is Dr. Ellen Lowery. Dr. Lowery shared so many wonderful perspectives from her time in the veterinary profession. We are so excited to announce that Dr. Lowery is in a new role since recording this episode. She is currently the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Purdue University. What an awesome new chapter in an already amazing career! We learned so much from her and can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We have another special episode of the podcast today. We are joined by three different veterinarians from across the country. They share what adjustments their clinics and organizations have made in response to COVID-19 concerns. We kick things of with Dr. Melanie Bowden. She owns her own veterinary relief business and is currently located on the west coast but does have clients on the east coast, which has required increased communication in the past weeks. She discusses the challenges she has faced and how she is tackling them head on. Next, we chat with Dr. Kate Boatright who is in Pennsylvania. She is not only in clinical medicine but also very active in organized veterinary medicine and with things changing almost by the hour, there is no shortage of items that require her attention. Finally, we had to Dallas, Texas where we talk to recent graduate, Dr. Caitlin Conner. She is currently an ER veterinarian and discusses what steps they have taken to ensure the safety of their staff, clients and patients. W

“Sometimes taking a hit in your life can be one of the most beautiful things that happens to you.” Those wise words are from Dr. Kristin Wuellner. She joins us on a fun episode where we discuss what veterinarians can learn from the Football Industry. Even if you aren’t a football fan, there are some great insights shared today. We learned so much from each other’s perspectives. We can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastAs mentioned in the intro, be sure to check out the Veterinary Vitals Podcast which is hosted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and can be found on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veterinary-vitals/id1493205605

We have a special episode for everyone today. We chat with Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives about wellbeing tips during the time of uncertainty around COVID-19. Please visit AVMA.org or AVMA’s social media accounts for up to date information on the corona virus and the impacts on the veterinary profession. Our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Gail Golab and our entire Marketing and Communications Team have been working tirelessly to provide resources around COVID-19. Our teams are also advocating at every level for veterinary professionals to ensure we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our society. My Veterinary Life Podcast will continue to bring you weekly episodes each Thursday and deliver bonus content when possible! We hope everyone is staying healthy and well! 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

“I would just say know your worth. Know your worth and realize it is probably bigger than what you actually think it is.” Our guest today is Dr. Katy Nelson. We had a blast chatting with her! She is no stranger to media outlets, and we hear how taking a chance and putting herself out there has led to an amazing career, which includes hosting her own television series. She shares so much wisdom and insight throughout our conversation. She also manages to sprinkle in some truly hilarious stories that had us all laughing. We learned so much from her and can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

“My big goal is to prove to the profession that you can provide a flexible schedule for our emerging female workforce so that they can have a work-life balance- allow them to be a mom and a veterinarian and not have to choose between the two.” Our guest today is Dr. Cindy Barnes. Dr. Barnes is a 2012 graduate from Colorado State University. She has fit in so much throughout her personal and professional life and we were really inspired by our conversation. She’s held so many different roles in the profession including starting out in the kennel ward to owning a practice to now being the CEO of Shepherd Veterinary Software. We learned so much from her and can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

“It’s not always about you, right? Sometimes it’s about diarrhea and sometimes it’s about that other person and what’s going on in their head. and you know it’s just kind of, it’s a funny story that I-I just love, because it just helps me remember that little token of advice.” Our guest today is Dr. Ericka Mendez. She is the author of The Purposeful Vet Blog which tackles tough topics in veterinary medicine. Dr. Mendez is very open about her “love-hate relationship with my profession” and her personal struggles outside of work which brings a true authenticity to this interview and her blog. We learned so much from her and can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastIf you would like to learn more about the Purposeful Vet, visit her website here: https://www.thepurpo

“Veterinarians make the best cocktail or dinner party guests.” We are changing things up on this week’s episode! Dr. Emily Tincher joins us for Vet Med True False. In this episode, each of us shares a statement or misconception about veterinary medicine and we debate if we believe it is true or false. We have a great time digging into these topics and we hope you enjoy our conversation. Next week, we will return to our regular show style and hear about another amazing journey from one of our colleagues! 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 You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

“The question is- what’s stopping us from doing the best work of our lives? And just let that hang in the air.” We are so excited to bring you this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast with special guest, Aaron Dignan. If you attended VLC, you are hopefully familiar with Aaron’s work as he was the Keynote for the 2020 conference. If you are not familiar with his work, this episode is a great introduction. His entire presentation and body of work centers around one question- What is stopping us from doing the best work of our lives? It’s a question we should be asking on an individual and organizational level. We only scratch the surface of how to achieve unlock the full potential of your workplace. We’ve included links below so you can learn more through his book and weekly podcast. We hope you enjoy this fun and lively discussion with Aaron Dignan. 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

: “If a profession limits itself to only including a certain group of people, then the problem with that is you get a limited number of ideas and perspectives and values. And over time, you know, you’ve kind of doomed yourself to becoming stagnant and halting your own growth” Those wise words are from Sean Gadson, our guest today on My Veterinary Life Podcast. Sean is a third-year veterinary student at UC Davis. He reached out to us to discuss diversity and inclusion within the veterinary profession. Sean has great insights and shares how prejudice and judgments by others has shaped his own life. His answers to some of our questions really surprised us! Our conversation was extremely interesting and thought provoking. We can’t wait 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

“But I always say relief vets are a little like pollinators. We will take ideas from practice and bring it to another, we will share things and I think the whole veterinary profession can grow as a result of that.” Our guest today is Dr. Cindy Trice. Dr. Trice is a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She is the founder and CEO of Relief Rover and a HUGE advocate for relief medicine. Throughout her career she has had the privilege of working in over 50 unique settings across the country. She shares what she has learned from her time in relief work and why she feels it is so important in veterinary medicine. We had the best conversation with Dr. Trice and can’t wait it 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastWant to know more about Dr. Trice’s company? Visit her

“Cows are just so resilient. I think for 2020 I’m going to try to have a more cow-like mind set.” We are changing things up on this week’s episode! Dr. Emily Tincher joins us for a game of Vet Med Would You Rather. We have a great time sharing our perspectives and thoughts on different scenarios. We hope you will play along too and reach out to us with your thoughts or suggestions for shows. We cover everything from clinical cases to meeting vet med royalty and even talk television. We hope you enjoy this fun and new format for an episode. Next week, we will return to our regular show style and hear from about another amazing journey from one of our colleagues! 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 You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

“It’s been an incredible journey and if someone had told me five years ago that I would be CEO of a company that sells globally, I would have said you must be joking. I have no training, no skills and an excel spreadsheet makes me break out into a cold sweat.” Our guest today is Dr. Liz Bales. Dr. Bales is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She has had a truly incredible career and is having a tremendous impact on how we care for our patients, specifically cats. Not only is she a practicing veterinarian, but she is also the CEO of Doc and Phoebe’s Cat Co. If you aren’t familiar with one of her revolutionary creations, be sure to check out the Indoor Hunting Feeder. This is just one way she is responding to behavior issues in cats, which is one of the top issues seen in clinical medicine. We learned so much from our conversation and can’t wait 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 lea

“and Dr. Mayer pulled out this massive jug of peanut butter and they stick to a pole and they stick it into the cage and the bear smelled the peanut butter and just immediately woke up and started licking the peanut butter.”Our guest today is Bryce Golsen. Bryce is currently a student at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He reached out to us to share his experience with research opportunities as a veterinary student. Learn how he first decided to take the leap into research and why he feels it is so important in veterinary medicine. We also loved hearing how his passions and career goals have changed throughout veterinary school. We shares the important role mentorship and community building has played in his life. We can’t wait 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.org You can also follow us on Social Media @AVMAVets #My

“Be a reasonable freaking human being, and it doesn’t seem like it should be a hard bar to fit, but I am often surprised when I encounter people who don’t meet that. And that is, you know, just be nice to people and don’t be dramatic and just take life as it is and just be a reasonable freaking human being”Our guest today is Dr. Erik Hofmeister. Dr. Hofmeister is a professor of Anesthesiology at Auburn University and has had an incredible career so far. As someone who is committed to life-long learning, it is no surprise that his credentials are quite impressive! On top of being board certified in anesthesiology, he also has a master’s in public health education and promotion as well as a masters in sport pedagogy. He is also the creator and editor of the vetducator blog (link below). Even with all his professional roles and volunteer roles, he still finds time to pursue his passion, which may surprise you. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subsc

“I had to actually to put into practice all of these things that I had learned in veterinary school that I didn’t necessarily think I would use. And I think it built my confidence pretty early in my practice experience”Our guest today is Dr. Heather Case. Dr. Case received her DVM from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She didn’t stop there. She also has her Master’s in Public Health, is a diplomate for the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and a Certified Association Executive. She did all this while also exploring some amazing career opportunities throughout veterinary medicine. Following an internship at the University of Guelph, she was in private practice. She has also been an AAAS Science and Technology Fellow, worked for the AVMA and is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the International Council for Veterinary Assessment. She has accomplished so much and yet is one of the most down to earth, inspiring, generous and optimistic people you will meet. We ca

“I’ve decided that since we are friends, I can hijack your podcast for just a moment and instead I would love to play with you guys two truths and a lie veterinary version”Our guest today is Dr. Emily Tincher. Dr. Tincher is a 2016 graduate from Auburn University. After veterinary school she pursued an internship with the intention of going on and practicing emergency medicine. Beyond clinical practice, she also volunteers her time with the Veterinary Business Management Association, the AVMA’s Early Career Development Committee as well as the Veterinary Leadership Institute. Throughout the episode you will learn why she prioritizes opportunities like this. We had a blast chatting with her and lost track of time but be sure to stick with us until the end where she flips the script on us, and we play a fun game in the end of podcast questions. We can’t wait to share her 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 revie

“I mean really anything could happen, I could be a relief vet. That’s the beauty of being a veterinarian is you can really do anything and you can reinvent yourself at any point in your career. And that’s the best part of being a veterinarian.”Our guest today is Dr. Jenn Bornkamp. Dr. Bornkamp is a 2009 graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After veterinary school she pursued a large animal internship at Iowa State and went on further to complete a residency in Anesthesia at the University of Florida. Dr. Bornkamp is currently an associate doctor at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, specializing in anesthesia. We had a very open and honest conversation and were so grateful she was willing to share her story, including some of her challenges. We can’t wait to share her 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.org You can

“I had no idea what public health was until the first couple weeks of vet school. I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I started vet school, I thought I was either going to be a wildlife vet or an equine vet. Which probably will sound familiar to many of your listeners because I think a lot of us started out thinking things like that”Our guest today is Dr. Katharyn Kryda. Dr. Kryda is a 2011 graduate from University of Illinois. Her career journey has taken her where no veterinarian has gone before, and we really couldn’t ask for a better advocate and ambassador for the profession. She shares with us how she got to where she is today, which *spoiler alert* was not how she initially set out to do things, but ultimately worked out perfectly for her. We learned so much throughout this conversation and can’t wait to share her 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 MVLPod

"Prioritize your safety at all times. Even if that means you have to have an uncomfortable conversation of ‘I don’t feel comfortable doing this’ because there is likely somebody else in your environment that feels the same way and is just waiting for someone to be that safety champion. So I encourage folks to be that safety champion, to prioritize their safety.”Our guest today is Dr. Heather Fowler. Dr. Fowler is a 2010 graduate from University of Pennsylvania. She also has her Master’s in Public Health from Yale School of Public Health and a PHD in Environmental and Occupational Hygiene from University of Washington. We had a great time talking about the importance of safety in veterinary medicine and her amazing career that is only just getting started! We learned so much throughout this conversation and can’t wait to share her 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 MVLPodca