My Veterinary Life

Dr. Kristin Jankowski, Director of Veterinary Services at Open Door Veterinary Collective, and Dr. Sheena Warman, Professor of Veterinary Education and Deputy Head of Bristol Veterinary School, explore spectrum of care (also known as contextualized care) on the podcast this week. They discuss how it helps veterinarians deliver compassionate, evidence-based medicine that fits the lives of pets and their families. Drawing on perspectives from the U.S. and U.K., our conversation highlights mindset shifts, education, mentorship, and practical case examples that support access to care and professional wellbeing. We can't wait to share their insights with you!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ra

Dr. Stephanie West, small and large animal practitioner, practice manager, educator, consultant, and now author, joins the podcast this week. She describes how mentorship and community have shaped her path, and why she believes veterinarians already have the skills to lead and manage— if they’re willing to apply them differently! She provides insights from her new book, S.O.A.P. for Success, on how to treat your business like a patient. Our conversation is full of practical insights and encouragement for growth, and we can't wait to share it with you.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVe

Dr. Marty Betts, a small animal practitioner in Charlottesville, VA, and Heather Hopkinson, a credentialed veterinary technician at North Carolina State University, join the podcast this week to explore the evolving role of veterinary technicians in practice. The conversation highlights their career journeys, their shared work on AVMA’s Committee on Advancing Veterinary Technicians and Technologists, and real-world examples of how empowering technicians to work at the top of their scope improves efficiency, patient care, job satisfaction, and retention. It's a great episode, and we are excited to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us

Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, small animal veterinarian, author, stand-up comedian, and TV star, returns to the show this week to share an update on his memoir, It Started With A Turtle, and to take a look back on his 43-year veterinary career. He emphasizes kindness, community involvement, and lifelong learning as core values of veterinary medicine. And you don't want to miss the tale of "Beanie Boy" from his early days in practice!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Jon Geller, emergency veterinarian and founder of the Street Dog Coalition, returns to the podcast this week to share how his relief efforts have evolved in both Ukraine and Gaza. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Geller reflects on resilience, creativity, and the importance of turning setbacks into opportunities, offering powerful lessons for those who feel called to make a difference, no matter where we are.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Amanda Fark, AVMA's Assistant Director of Veterinary Career Services, joins the show as this quarter's featured guest for a conversation about career coaching and how it can support your veterinary life. Amanda shares what to expect from a coaching relationship, how to find a qualified coach, and why self-reflection, accountability, and openness to the process are key to meaningful career growth. This episode offers practical insight and reassurance for anyone feeling stuck or curious about their next step, and we can't wait to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and revie

This special 400th episode is a heartfelt farewell to podcast founder Dr. Marci Kirk. In her final episode as co-host, Marci shares candid memories from the early days of podcasting, standout guest moments that changed how she views the profession, lessons on communication and storytelling, and the deep gratitude she feels for the veterinary community that made the podcast possible. Thank you, Marci, for your inspiring passion and dedication to the show for 6 wonderful years.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social med

Because student loans are a part of veterinary life for many of us, student loan expert Paul Garrard joins us this week for an in-depth yet approachable conversation about the federal  changes slated to take effect July 1, 2026. Paul breaks down the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, new federal borrowing caps, new and changing repayment options, and the status of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. It's a great episode to help you make an informed decision about your loans and repayment strategy.For more student loan resources-- including short video modules and an up-to-date repayment plan comparison chart-- visit the Finance section of myvetlife.avma.org.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemem

Mary Emfinger, a third-year veterinary student at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, joins us on the show this week for an inspiring episode. She shares how she balances vet school, motherhood, serving as a SAVMA senior delegate, and launching her own compression sock business, Bright Alert Responsive. She reflects on learning patience, following ideas that won’t let go, embracing work-life integration, and how being a second-career student highlights the strong teamwork and collaboration in veterinary medicine that she hopes to carry into her future career. We can't wait to share her story with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk returns to the show this week to discuss her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, which explores the realities of veterinary life. From her upbringing in a veterinary family to her emergency and critical care career, academic burnout, and transition into wellbeing advocacy, Marie reflects on the importance of mindset, speaks candidly about the emotional impact of mistakes, and shares how perfectionism and imposter syndrome shaped her early career. She also highlights the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to help the profession evolve and better serve its communities. We can wait to share this episode with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://w

This week we are featuring returning guest, Dr. Kemba Marshall to discuss her new book on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine. Dr. Marshall shares her motivation, the collaborative writing process with 23 co-authors, and how the book offers practical, actionable steps for veterinary professionals. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety, inclusive workplaces, and the vital role DEI plays in fulfilling the veterinary oath and improving patient care and team culture. We are so excited to share this episode with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave u

Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Engagement and Belonging Officer, joins us to explore why fostering a sense of connection, motivation, and inclusion across the profession isn’t just good for teams — it’s vital for the health of our entire field. She shares stories and statistics to help us better understand the value these concepts bring to the team as well as approachable ways to get the conversation started with anyone!  Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating 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. Ken Gorczyca about his pioneering work in end-of-life care for animals. Dr. Gorczyca shares his journey from early influences and activism during the AIDS crisis to becoming a veterinary death doula. He discusses the importance of compassionate in-home euthanasia, integrating ritual and storytelling, and supporting both pet owners and veterinary professionals. The episode also highlights Dr. Gorczyca’s creative pursuits, including art and personalized memorials, and his advocacy for holistic, respectful approaches to animal end-of-life care.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscr

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, currently a leadership and energy coach and previously a small animal practice owner, is our guest this week on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Edwards discusses trusting intuition, navigating career pivots, overcoming burnout, and embracing the power of conscious choice and personal responsibility. Her story is a refreshing reminder that career paths are rarely straight lines and that fulfillment often comes from following your heart rather than a rigid plan.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on

Megan Gerhardt, the founder of Gentelligence®, is our guest on this week’s episode of the My Veterinary Life® podcast. Megan will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Veterinary Leadership Conference, hosted by VLC Presenting Partner, Zoetis. She shares insights about navigating generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the value of curiosity, respect, and open dialogue. She introduces practical tools, like “power questions” and the “house walls” metaphor, to help teams identify core values and embrace innovation. The conversation highlights how reframing generational diversity as an opportunity fosters trust, collaboration, and growth within veterinary teams.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/care

Dr. Bonnie Wright shares her journey to becoming a veterinary anesthesiologist, pain specialist, and educator in this week's My Veterinary Life podcast episode. She discusses how a life-changing car accident reaffirmed her career choice, her evolving interests in anesthesia and pain management, and her embrace of acupuncture as a science-based tool. Dr. Wright highlights the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and following one’s passions, while also addressing the challenges and surprises of her career. Her story encourages veterinarians to remain open to new opportunities and diverse career paths.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subsc

Our guests on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast are Drs. James Orsini and Nora Grenager, co-authors of Comparative Veterinary Anatomy: A Clinical Approach. They discuss the evolution of veterinary education, the importance of adapting to diverse learning styles, and integrating multimedia resources. The guests share insights into textbook development, as well as the value of professional networks. This episode highlights creativity, adaptability, and collaboration in advancing veterinary education and supporting the next generation of veterinarians. It’s a great conversation, and we are so excited to share it with you.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers Remember, we want to hear from you! Pleas

Dr. Jacey Cerda, a postdoctoral fellow in biodiversity conservation and emergency response, is this week's guest on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Cerda shares her unique journey from wildlife biology to law to veterinary medicine, and discusses her experiences as a Fulbright fellow, attorney, and AVMA Government Relations Division extern. The conversation highlights the versatility of veterinary careers, the importance of advocacy, and opportunities like the AVMA GRD externship for students interested in policy. Dr. Cerda’s story inspires listeners to explore non-traditional paths and make a broad impact in veterinary medicine.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you!

Dr. Michelle Greenfield-Feig, a zoological medicine resident with an aquatic focus at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, shares her career journey thus far through veterinary school, a small animal rotating internship, and a zoo internship up to today. She discusses the value of hands-on experiences, mentorship, and networking in building her career. Dr. Greenfield-Feig also introduces her podcast, "Aqua Docs," and emphasizes the importance of flexibility and diverse clinical experiences for success in zoological and aquatic veterinary medicine.Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating 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. Joya Griffin. Dr. Griffin is a veterinary dermatologist and star of National Geographic’s "Pop Goes the Vet." Dr. Griffin shares her journey into dermatology, overcoming challenges during her training, and her experiences filming the TV show. She discusses the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of treatment options in veterinary dermatology. The episode also features behind-the-scenes stories from the show and advice for young veterinarians, highlighting the impact of specialized care and the value of confidence and resilience in the profession. It’s an incredible conversation and we can’t wait to share her story with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Pod