The Integrative Veterinarian

Dr. Susan Howell was previous guest on Episode 51 from December of 2021. At the time of the interview, she operated Thrive Holistic Veterinary Care as a brick and mortar practice in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.Since that time, she opted to close her brick and mortar practice and her work has evolved into doing Telehealth consultations in combination with seeing clinical patients two days a week in other doctor's offices.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Susan Howell as we trace her evolution from a traditional brick and mortar practice to a hybrid model

Cassidy Kelly was raised in the Chicago, Illinois area. Her interest in veterinary medicine was sparked during a biology class in high school.She earned earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Ohio State, and is now a first year veterinary student at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.Cassidy has spent significant time interning at the Royal Treatment Veterinary Center and is the CIVT University Liaison for Research and  Student Outreach.Please enjoy this conversation with Cassidy Kelly as we discuss her undergraduate education, introduction to Integrative Veterinary Medicine, and her experiences as a first year veterinary student.

Dr. Susan Recker was raised in Ames, Iowa. She earned her veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 1997, then practiced small animal medicine in a few offices in Wisconsin and Illinois.Looking for more ways to help with her clinical  cases, she earned her certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center.  She also developed an interest in clinical nutrition.In 2014, she designed an accredited Veterinary Technician training program for Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin. She was involved in everything from the design and implementation of the educational program as well as having input on the planning of the physical facility.After relocating to Arizona, she met Steve Brown and intensified her study of nutrition. She is currently on the staff of the Animal Diet Formulator  and loves to help people get the most out of the ADF software.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Susan Recker as we discuss her childhood, education, practice experience, and current position with ADF.

Isabella Pulido was raised in Southern California and grew up with a menagerie of pets. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. To that end, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree  in Animal Science with a minor in Spanish from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She was accepted into the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she completed her first semester in the Fall of 2023.Please enjoy this first installment of interviews with Student Members of CIVT as Izzy and I discuss her childhood, undergraduate education,  veterinary  school application process,  introduction to CIVT and Integrative Medicine, and future career goals.Be sure and stay current with Izzy's journey by following her blog, Dogtor-in-training.com.

Dr. Kate Millhouse was raised in various areas of Australia. She had a variety of pets growing up and began riding horses at a young age as well, stirring her interest in veterinary medicine.She earned her veterinary degree from Murdoch University in 1998. Afterwards, she spent time in mixed animal practice in Australia and following that, did locum work in the United Kingdom for two years.While in the UK, she began her integrative medicine journey by taking a short course in  acupuncture and starting a three year course in Veterinary Homeopathy through the Homeopathic Professional Teaching Group.Upon her return to Australia, she took the IVAS acupuncture course, received training in Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and completed the Food Therapy course from Chi University.In 2005, she founded her practice, Holistic Paws, where she offers acupuncture, Chinese Herbal medicine, Homeopathy, and Nutrition to her small animal patients.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kate Millhouse as we discuss her education, practice experience, holistic training, and the practicalities of a solo doctor holistic practice.

Dr. Jamie Lines was raised on a farm in Victoria,  Australia. He earned his Veterinary Science degree from the University of Melbourne in 1994.His first job was in an dairy oriented practice for two years, followed by some locum work in Australia and the UK. He returned to Australia where he and his wife purchased a dairy farm while he continued to work for local veterinary practices.He then made a career shift and trained as a mortgage broker, earning a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. He founded a financial planning business on the Gold Coast, which dissolved during the financial crisis a few years later.He found his way back to veterinary medicine, doing locum work and also  traveling in Southeast Asia with his family.He and his wife founded a veterinary clinic in Alice Springs, Australia while completing the CIVT course in TCVM and the Introductory Western Herbal course. His latest professional activity has been offering integrative therapies from two small animal clinics on Australia's East Coast.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Jamie Lines as we discuss his childhood, education, career path, and the building blocks that each phase of one's career can provide over time.

Dr. Colleen Smith was previously a guest on Episode 26. She is the owner of the Integrative Practice, Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.In this episode Dr. Smith and I discuss her decision to utilize some space in her clinic for sales of retail food and supplements. We dive into the thought behind the decision, how it has changed the workload in the practice, how she managed staffing, and her inventory decisions.Please enjoy this episode as we explore Dr. Colleen Smith's decision to open the store, Chai Life Pet Nutrition Market, and how a retail operation can provide an income stream for an integrative veterinary practice.

Dr. Nichola Spooner was raised on a beef cattle property in Queensland, Australia, knowing from an early age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. After graduating from the University of Queensland with first class honors in 2001, she worked in a  mixed animal practice for two years before completing a small animal rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists and Pet Emergency in 2004. She obtained her membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care in 2005.  After leaving the Emergency practice, she worked in both mixed and small animal private practice.Her son's health challenge led her to integrative medicine.  In 2018 she completed  Graduate Diplomas in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture with CIVT.She also earned her Certificate IV in Training and Education and has worked in the field of education for both veterinarians and veterinary nurses for 14 years. Currently, she works part-time in general practice offering integrative medicine consultations for small animal patients and serves as the Registered Training Organization Manager for CIVT.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Nic Spooner as we discuss her childhood, practice experience, training in integrative  medicine, and her suggestions for people interested in learning more about integrative medicine.

Hello Everyone,Welcome to our 100th episode! I want to take a minute and recognize those that have been so instrumental in getting us this far. First, I'd like to thank the Directors at CIVT for their continued support. Drs. Barbara Royal, Natasha Lilly, Nichola Spooner, and Mr Robert Kelly. Thank you to all of the guests who have so graciously given up your time in your busy schedules to tell us your stories; I have learned so much from all of you. Finally, I'd like to thank the listeners of the podcast for your support and positive feedback. It is really wonderful to know that you're enjoying these stories as much as I do.Along the way, we've heard a wide variety of origin stories, practice histories, and ways of making a living as an Integrative Veterinarian. Learning about how you all practice your craft has been inspirational. I'm as excited about the next one hundred interviews as I was for the first one.So for this episode, something a little different. This is a conversation between Dr. Barbara Fougere and I, who in a moment of weakness originally approved this little experiment.As most of you know, talking with Barbara is always a pleasure and I was happy to have the opportunity.Thank you all again for your support. Cheers!  

Dr. Julie Wentzel was raised in Annapolis, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech in 1998. After a few years of assisting in veterinary clinics and working on farms, she decided to enter veterinary training and earned her DVM degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.After graduation, she completed an internship in Emergency Medicine in Maryland, remaining on the clinic staff at that facility for seven more years. She continued to work  in Emergency Medicine as well as a Rehabilitation and Pain Management Veterinarian in association with a surgery specialty practice.She was certified by IVAS in acupuncture in 2013 and as a Veterinary Pain Practitioner and Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2014. She started an apprenticeship in Western Herbal Medicine in 2018.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Julie Wentzel as we discuss her childhood, education, work in a specialty rehabilitation practice, and her current position in an integrative medicine practice in Leesburg, Virginia. 

Dr. Rachel Klickman was raised in Oregon with a menagerie of animals. She served two years in the United States Army and then moved to Maryland where she worked as a veterinary assistant in an emergency clinic. She became a credentialed veterinary technician and then earned her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.After graduation, she did an internship in an Emergency Clinic, then worked in other small animal practices before staring her integrative medicine journey. She was certified by IVAS in acupuncture in 2015 and completed an apprenticeship in Western Herbal Medicine in 2017. She then worked in a hospice and palliative care practice, and earned her certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. After six years in the Hospice Practice, she joined Healing Paws, an Integrative Medicine practice in Maryland.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Rachel Klickman as we discuss her childhood, education, beginnings in Veterinary Medicine, and how important mentorship was to her professional journey.

Dr. Grant Hebel was raised in Overland Park, Kansas. His interest in veterinary medicine started at ten years of age, when his family dog became ill with parvovirus. He earned his DVM degree from Kansas State University in 1995. After graduation, he entered small animal private practice for a few years before enlisting as a Veterinarian in the United States Army. He served for eight years, three years in active duty, and five years in the reserves. He was deployed to the Middle East in 2003. After leaving the military, he worked for a food science company doing nutritional analysis and bacteriological testing. Afterwards he worked for the Fremont Fire and Rescue as well as the Omaha Fire and Rescue Service as a paramedic for 7 years. He was also the co-founder of a brewery at that time as well. In 2012, he and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Hebel, founded Five Elements Veterinary Alternatives in Omaha, Nebraska.  They offer acupuncture, chiropractic, rehabilitation, sound and vibrational therapy, nutritional and herbal therapy, and others. Grant received animal chiropractic training at Options for Animals and acupuncture training at Chi University. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Grant Hebel as we discuss his education, time in the military, establishing a holistic practice, and his activities outside the office.

Dr. Ann Scearce was raised in  Orange County, California. She had an interest in veterinary medicine when she was young, but changed her mind and studied International Relations and German at the University of California, Davis, with a mind toward a  career in the State Department.During a year of study abroad, she changed her mind and decided to apply to veterinary school. She earned her DVM from the  University of California, Davis in 1999. Afterwards, she joined a mixed animal practice in  Central California, with an emphasis on dairy medicine. After five years in that practice, she worked in a few small animal practices before settling at her current practice, where she has been for the last 17 years.Looking for additional tools to help her hospice patients, she became certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 2015. She is also certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine by Chi University, and completed David Winston's two year program in Western Herbal Medicine. She has additional training in both Western Herbal Medicine and Integrative Oncology.Currently, she continues to work in small animal practice and teaches with Dr. Laurie Dohmen  at Purple  Moon Herbs and Studies.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Ann Scearce as we discuss her education, practice progression, holistic training, and her thoughts on the future of integrative medicine.

Dr. Elaine Cebuliak was born in California, raised in Hawaii, and then moved to Australia as a teenager. She grew up in a holistic household, as her father was trained as a Chiropractor.She earned her veterinary degree and a Diploma in Education from the University of Queensland in 1981. After graduation, she moved to New Zealand and did locum work before moving back to Queensland and established two mixed animal practices in the Gladstone area. After moving to Brisbane in 1996, she did locum work before establishing her practice, "Animal Wellness" in 2010. She continues to be actively performing referral work and teaching.She has an intense interest in Dentistry and earned a Membership by Examination in 2000. She is certified in acupuncture by IVAS, and has training in Shiatsu, Tui Na, aromatherapy, advanced remedial massage, Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine, and is a Qualified Naturopath.Dr. Cebuliak lectures extensively both nationally and internationally and has been involved in providing volunteer veterinary care in Bali, the Cook Islands, and Northern India with the Vets Beyond Borders organization. She has also served in numerous roles in organized veterinary medicine in Australia.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Elaine Cebuliak as we discuss her childhood, education, and extensive career history.

Dr.  Laurie Dohmen was born in Kentucky and spent the bulk of her childhood in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. She rode horses from an early age and always wanted to be a veterinarian. She did her undergraduate work in Biochemistry and Greek Studies at Mount Holyoke College, and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After graduation, she started a mobile mixed animal practice in Delaware.Soon after starting her practice, Dr. Dohmen received training in Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Bach Flower Essences, and Herbal Medicine.   She has studied with Dr. Steve Marsden, Dr. Huisheng Xie, Registered Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, and many others. She earned her Masters of Therapeutic Herbalism from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2014, and  was accepted as a Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild in 2020.In 2013, Dr. Dohmen down-sized her clinical practice and is now a full-time continuing educator and lectures regularly on Veterinary Herbal Medicine, and other holistic topics.  In 2017 she partnered with Dr. Kris August to start the only hands-on veterinary herbal medicine course for western veterinary herbal medicine in the United States. She is published frequently in journals such as the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal.Dr. Dohmen is the Past President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and is a member of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.  She serves  on the Editorial Board of the AHVMA Journal. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Laurie Dohmen as we discuss her education, clinical practice, teaching career, and her Delaware farm and teaching center in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. 

Dr. Vicky Simon was raised in Somerset, UK and knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. She earned her veterinary degree from the Royal College in London in 2012, and immediately afterwards started a two year course in Western Veterinary Herbalism.She took a position in an Integrative small animal practice in the Yorkshire region of the UK and then one in  another similar practice in West Sussex UK. She earned her MF Hom degree in 2019.In 2020, she opened her own holistic practice, Holistic Vet Vicky. She offers her patients nutritional consultations, Western Herbal Medicine, and Homeopathy. She primarily treats dogs and cats, but also works with horses and other smaller animals.  She also enjoys conducting educational seminars for animal owners.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Vicky Simon as we discuss her education, early practice experience, starting a practice during the Coronavirus pandemic, and building her practice through client referrals and social media.

Dr. Sarah Brett was raised in Perth, Australia and earned her veterinary degree from Murdoch University in 1986. After graduation, she spent time in a mixed animal practice in South West Western Australia. Afterwards, she moved north to Dongara for 3.5 years to work in a mixed practice and spent time working as a barmaid, sheep roustabout, and freight deliverer. She then took a three month locum position in Kununurra, a northern border town in the Kimberley, and hasn't left in the last 33 years! The practice is mixed but mostly small animal. They also have a satellite practice 100 km away. Dr. Brett has had a long-standing interest in wildlife medicine and does this as well. After learning the value of holistic medicine first-hand after some injuries, she uses homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na, and nutritional supplements in her patients. She has lectured about the use of holistic medicine in treating wildlife at conferences around Australia. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Sarah Brett as we talk about her education, practice life, and her life outside of practice on a property with 800 Mango trees and a wonderful stone home. We also discuss her love of live music and belly dancing. 

Dr. Judy Jasek was raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. She earned a degree in Zoology from Colorado State University in 1984, and her DVM from CSU in 1988. After graduation, she went into mixed animal practice in Idaho. She then transitioned to small animal practice in Salt Lake City, Utah and then moved to Denver, Colorado in 2001. She purchased an allopathic practice near Denver in 2003, added holistic therapies to the practice, and sold the practice in 2015. After selling her practice she opened a home-based holistic practice. She recently limited her practice to telemedicine, and she and her husband have relocated to Tennessee. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Judy Jasek as we discuss her education, early practice life, adding holistic modalities to her treatments, and her recent conversion to a telemedicine only practice. 

Dr. Holly Mash grew up in both urban and rural areas in England. She discovered a love for animals at an early age and set a goal to be a veterinarian. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Bristol in 2001. While in veterinary school, she spent time on a farm in Norway and an externship at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Equine Center. After graduation, she worked in both mixed and small animal practices for a few years, before deciding to go to Australia and New Zealand for a year to take a break from practice. At the same time, her interest was kindled in holistic medicine because of successful treatment of a resistant corneal ulcer in her parent's dog. While in Australia, she spent time at Dr. Barbara Fougere's practice and was convinced to take the IVAS acupuncture course during her year away from practice. When she returned to England, she started a referral acupuncture practice, which continues to this day. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Holly Mash as we discuss her education, holistic training, visiting King Charles III organic dairy farm and a leading pet food brand, and her two books, The Holistic Dog and the Holistic Cat. 

Dr. Emily Mangan was raised on a small farm outside of Eugene, Oregon. She developed a love for animals at an early age and was able to spend time in veterinary clinics as a young teenager. She was accepted into an Honors program at Oregon State University that prepared her for entry into the College of Veterinary Medicine there, where she earned her veterinary degree. While a student, she got exposure to acupuncture through a faculty member who treated patients in the University clinic. After graduation, Emily completed a one year Internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center before doing an Internship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. During her Internship, she was able to complete a number of certifications at Chi University, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui-Na, Food Therapy, and Rehabilitation.After completing her Internship, Emily moved back to Oregon and established a mobile practice, Wisewood Integrative Medicine.  Her time is spent between growing her practice, lecturing, and scientific writing.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Emily Mangan as we discuss her childhood, university experience, Internships, clinical practice, teaching, and her upcoming webinar for CIVT.

Dr. Nicole Rous was raised in Melbourne, Australia. She decided at an early age that she wanted to make veterinary medicine her life's work. She earned a degree with Honours in Animal Science with a co-major in Vision Science from the University of Melbourne in 2003. Her Honours Thesis work led to the publication of a paper in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2007.She then earned her Veterinary Degree, with Honours, from the University of Sydney in 2008. After graduation, she and her husband moved to the UK where she worked in a two doctor small animal practice near Norwich. In 2009 they moved back to Australia and she joined the Monash Veterinary Clinic, where she completed her Membership in small animal reproduction and was the co-author of a paper published in the journal Theriogenology.In 2017, Dr. Rous joined Mont Albert Veterinary Surgery in Melbourne, and she and her husband purchased the clinic in August of 2021.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Nicole Rous as we discuss her education, practice evolution, and the entrepreneurial spirit which led her to become a practice owner and start a holistic veterinary business, which is the subject of an upcoming CIVT webinar.

In this episode I check back in with Eric Grey, licensed acupuncturist, who was a guest on episode 35. Eric and his wife and business partner, Licensed Massage Therapist Amanda Barp, own Watershed Wellness Astoria. In episode 35, Eric and I discussed the history of their business and his intention to limit his practice to herbal medicine. In this episode, he and I return to that decision, talk about the changes that have occurred at the practice, and how his recent commitment to Buddhism has given him the space to resume practicing both acupuncture and herbal medicine. We also discuss how they have managed transitioning patients between providers in the practice. Please enjoy this episode with Eric Grey as we examine how stress affects our professional practice and the importance of self-care in maintaining our health. Notes: Great Vow Zen Monastery

Dr. Rosemarie Niznik was raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She was admittedly one of those children that new from an early age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. She earned her B.S. in Animal Bioscience at Pennsylvania State University and her DVM from the University of Georgia in 1990. She did a small animal Internship, followed by a number of positions in small animal practices in the Northeastern United States. Like many of us, she experienced holistic medicine first-hand while getting treatment for a back injury. She completed the mixed animal acupuncture course at Chi University in 2017, and her holistic education has continued every since. Dr. Niznik is also certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy from the Healing Oasis and in Veterinary Food Therapy from Chi University. She has studied Chinese Herbal Medicine and Tui Na at Chi University and is currently enrolled in their Masters Program. She has also served as a Teaching Assistant for both Chi University and IVAS. Currently, her clinical work is divided between relief work in allopathic small animal practice and her own holistic house call practice in both Wisconsin and Illinois. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Rosemarie Niznik as we discuss her education, practice life, activities in organized veterinary medicine, and life outside of work. 

Dr. Wil Moorhead was raised in Beach Island, South Carolina. He grew up riding barrel racing horses. He earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Auburn University and his veterinary degree from Mississippi State University in 2019.After graduation, he did an Internship at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Texas and took an Associate position in that practice after his Internship year. While he was an Associate, he completed the animal chiropractic program at the Animal Chiropractic Education Source in Meridian, Texas. He is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In November of 2021, he took the big step of leaving general equine practice and starting his own animal chiropractic business, FLEXX Animal Chiropractic. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Wil Moorhead as we discuss his education, experience in equine practice, the factors that led him to start his own animal chiropractic business, and how he is building that business while working as a Music Director for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. 

Dr. Jeff Judkins was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He did his pre-veterinary work at the University of Arkansas, then earned his veterinary degree from Louisiana State University in 1984. Afterwards, he worked in traditional small animal practices in Austin, Texas and Fairbanks, Alaska. While he was in Fairbanks, he attended a three day acupuncture course taught by Dr. Allen Schoen. He moved to Portland, Oregon and worked in conventional practice before starting a house call acupuncture practice. During that time, he listened to audio recordings of Dr. Richard Pitcairn's Homeopathy course between patients. He also took courses in Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine. In 1995, he founded Portland's first holistic veterinary practice, Hawthorne Veterinary Clinic. He sold the practice in 2011 and relocated to Jacksonville, Oregon and opened Animalkind Veterinary Clinic in 2012. He treats his patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Jeff Judkins as we discuss his education, practice life, the future of holistic practice, and his long-standing membership with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 

Dr. Kevin Landau was raised just North of New York City with dogs, cats, and horses. Initially intending to attend medical school, he got an undergraduate degree in Biology from Oberlin College in Ohio. He took a year after graduation to get some varied veterinary experience in both small animal and equine practice, he earned his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994. Afterwards, he did a one year internship at Mid Atlantic Equine in New Jersey. He then spent 3 years in equine practice in Burlington, Vermont. After a brief stop back in New Jersey, he relocated to Massachusetts and started a holistic equine practice that has evolved to a brick and mortar holistic practice that is 80% small animal and 20% equine. He is certified in Chiropractic by the AVCA, in Acupuncture by Chi University, and in Chinese Herbal Medicine by A Time to Heal. He also had advanced study in Chiropractic and Chinese Herbal Medicine. His practice also includes laser therapy, Applied Kinesiology, and Autonomic Response Testing. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kevin Landau as we discuss his education, time in traditional practice, the future of holistic medicine, and his time serving on the Board of Directors of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.  

Dr. Ava Frick was raised on the family farm outside of St. Louis, Missouri and knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri in 1980 and went into mixed animal practice in the Lake of the Ozarks area of Missouri after graduation. She then transitioned to traditional small animal practice, honing her surgery and emergency medicine skills. She moved to Arizona in 1980 and worked both at the Humane Society and as a locum in area small animal practices. She moved back to Missouri in 1985 and worked in shelter medicine before transitioning into holistic practice. Her holistic practice includes chiropractic, rehabilitation, exercise, and nutrition. She is an expert in veterinary microcurrent therapy and has consulted for the Standard Process Company, developing the Clinical Animal Nutrition Survey (c) to help doctors prioritize organ system function through nutrition. Dr. Frick also designed the first Laser Spinal Pad (R) for animals. Her career has involved sharing her knowledge through teaching, writing books and articles, and creating instructional videos. She has been honored as a Runner-Up for Hartz Veterinarian of the Year, the Franklin County Humane Society Visionary Award, and as one of the first inductees into the Animal Chiropractic Hall of Fame. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Ava Frick as we discuss her childhood, her education, her journey into holistic medicine, the stages of her veterinary career, being honored by your peers, and her current life in Cave Creek, Arizona. 

Dr. Renee James was raised outside of Brisbane, Australia. She developed an interest in veterinary medicine and after deciding to forego being a chopper pilot (for now!) she earned her veterinary degree with honors from the University of Queensland in 2003. She entered mixed animal practice after graduation and soon after recognized that she had an interest in using integrative modalities with her patients. She studied homeopathy and then earned a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine from CIVT. During this time she had transitioned into exclusive small animal practice. She partnered with Dr. Henry Stevenson and in 2015 they co-founded their Integrative practice, The Natural Vets, in Forest Glen Australia. That practice has grown rapidly to employ six veterinarians and offer a wide range of holistic modalities. Their tag line fits their practice philosophy perfectly- "At the Natural Vets we do normal stuff. Differently."Dr. James uses Nutrition, Homeopathy, and Chinese Herbal Medicine and has a special interest in Dentistry, Palliative Care, Integrative Cancer Care, and Client Education. She has spoken to the Integrative Veterinarians of Australia group on vaccine titers, minimal vaccine protocols, and Integrative Veterinary Oncology. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Renee James as we discuss her education, her interest in holistic treatments, her practice experience, and her thoughts on managing a thriving integrative veterinary practice.  

Dr. Jodi Van Tine was born in Washington DC and raised in Arizona. She got her bachelor's degree in Microbiology and began work with monoclonal antibodies in industry afterwards. She then earned a Master of Science degree in Cellular Immunology from San Jose State in 1990 while continuing to work in industry. She decided to attend veterinary school and earned her DVM from the University of California Davis in 1994. She went into mixed animal practice in Auburn California for a few years before moving to exclusive small animal practice in 1997 at the Folsom Animal Hospital. In 2004, a cancer journey with her own dog led her to integrative medicine and she began her own holistic education. She was certified by IVAS in acupuncture in 2006. At the same time she was working as an associate veterinarian at the Integrative Veterinary Center. She went back to Folsom in 2007 and worked there until 2018, when she moved to the Sterling Pointe Veterinary Clinic. She was certified in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine by CIVT in 2009, and has also earned a Graduate Diplomas in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture from CIVT as well as completing the CIVT Advanced Certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture. She is also certified in Chinese Food Therapy by Chi University. She is a highly respected Professor at CIVT, working with students in both the Veterinary Acupuncture and the Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine courses. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Jodi Van Tine as we discuss her education, practice experience, holistic journey, and her roles at CIVT.  

Dr. Carol Falck was raised in Maryland. She was interested in attending medical school, so she got a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology and discovered that she had an interest in Marine Science, which led her to earn a Master's Degree in that subject. She started a PhD program in Biological Oceanography when she decided to attend veterinary school.She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997. While a veterinary student, she was introduced to veterinary acupuncture by one of her anesthesia professors. After graduation, she completed an Internship in small animal practice at the Friendship Hospital for Animals. Afterwards, she moved to Florida and worked as an associate in small animal practices and began studying holistic medicine. She was certified in veterinary acupuncture by IVAS in 2001, followed by Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na, and Chinese Food Therapy by Chi University. During this time she founded one of the first integrative veterinary clinics in Florida, the Friendship Animal Wellness Center. Dr. Falck sold her Florida practice and established her current mobile practice, Petwise, in Cleveland, Georgia in 2012. A client introduced Dr. Falck to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, and she completed a course offered by the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy in 2017.Dr. Falck has been active in the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and currently serves as the Chair of the Conference Program Committee. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Carol Falck as we discuss her education, introduction to holistic medicine, practice history, and the Essential Oils course that she teaches for CIVT. 

Dr. Jane Fraser was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1973. She then went into mixed animal practice in the north of England, followed by locums in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand before returning to Scotland.She then worked as a government veterinarian in Papua, New Guinea for two years followed by positions in Australia and Kenya. She moved back to South Africa to do locum work in 1985 and has been there since. She became interested in therapeutic alternatives for her patients, and attended the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association conference in 1984. Afterwards, she traveled around the United States, visiting the holistic practices of Drs. John Limehouse, Allen Schoen, and Ihor Basko. She began a Vet MFHom program in London in the early 1980's as well, and also did locums for Dr. George MacLeod. She did the IVAS acupuncture course in the UK in 2000 and has attended a number of IVAS and AHVMA conferences over the years. In South Africa, she and some colleagues formed a Complementary Veterinary Medicine group that hosted continuing education lectures from a number of doctors including Barbara Fougere, Joe Demers, and Allen Schoen. Dr. Fraser started a holistic practice in her home in South Africa, and she still sees patients there today.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Jane Fraser as we discuss her education, early practice life, holistic education, and get her advice on how to have a long and fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.  

Dr. Amy Hayek was born in Cedar Rapids Iowa. She got a BS in English and an MA in Technical Writing from Iowa State University in 1986 and 1987. She spent some time teaching English at the University level while also working with horses before earning her DVM from Colorado State University in 1998.After graduation, she started working in clinical practice and began to study holistic medicine. She was certified by Chi University in Acupuncture in 2000, followed by certification in Animal Chiropractic after attending the Healing Oasis for both the basic program and other advanced coursework. In 2012, she partnered with Dr. Bill Ormston to start their Animal Chiropractic program, Animal Chiropractic Education Source (ACES). Theirs was the first chiropractic program to employ extensive online coursework to make the program more convenient for working students. ACES also offers a complete catalog of approved animal chiropractic continuing education online. She and Dr. Ormston also maintain a clinical animal chiropractic practice in Meridian, Texas.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Amy Hayek as we discuss her education, founding of the ACES school, how ACES embraces a chiropractic philosophy of health, and her business coaching services for animal chiropractors.  

Dr. Ann Hutchinson was raised in Glasgow, Scotland. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in 1980. Afterwards, she entered mixed animal practice and after a few stops, spent the majority of her career in a small animal practice in Ayr. Her holistic journey started with an MFHom course for humans, followed by a short veterinary acupuncture course. She then completed the IVAS acupuncture course in 1999, and then spent time with Dr. Maria Glinski in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and two other Midwestern United States practices getting her acupuncture internship hours. Afterwards, she completed a 3.5 year course in human Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, UK while working in small animal practice. She is also one of the few veterinarians in the UK to be certified in rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Hutchinson has lectured both nationally and internationally on various rehabilitation and acupuncture topics. She retired from practice in May of 2020, but joined Herbal Vets Scotland in October of 2021 and practices solely holistic medicine there. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Ann Hutchinson as we discuss her veterinary education, early years in general practice, her time in the United States, adding holistic modalities to her practice, and the benefits of not having to muzzle humans in order to treat them with acupuncture.

Dr. Gisela Novaes was raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and spent lots of time tending to local animals as a child. While in veterinary school in Brazil, she met a veterinary homeopath while trying to help her sister's dog that was suffering from chronic skin disease. That experience kindled an interest in natural healing techniques.After graduation, she studied homeopathy, earning a Master's Degree in Homeopathic Medicine from the Brazilian Institute of Homeopathic Studies. She is also certified by the Brazilian Association of Anthroposophic Medicine. She began working in the reproductive section of the veterinary clinic at the Sao Paulo Veterinary School, using homeopathy to work with patients. That work extended to using natural methods to treat cancer as well. Dr. Novaes partnered with a commercial company to investigate the effectiveness of Viscum album in treating Transmissible Venereal Tumors in dogs. This work resulted in scientific publication of the results and research awards. That partnership has given her both experience in clinical research as well as expertise in using Viscum album in the treatment of a variety of cancers in animals. She has relocated to Nova Scotia, where she is the founder and owner of Nature's Pet, a business dedicated to providing products and information in the use of natural methods to promote animal health to both veterinarians and animal owners.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Gisela Novaes as we discuss her education, clinical and research experience, her CIVT webinar, and her life in holistic veterinary medicine.

Dr. Kim Samuelsen was born outside of Copenhagen, Denmark. He earned his veterinary degree from the University of Copenhagen in 1981.After working in bovine practice, he discovered acupuncture from a colleague as a way of treating uterine torsions. He transitioned to equine practice and was certified by IVAS for acupuncture in 1997, and was certified by the International School of Osteopathy in 2003. In 2006 he studied indirect osteopathy with Dr. Patricia Kortegaas.In 2015 he began to use acupuncture to treat small animals, horses, and humans at his home. Earlier this year he transitioned out of being a collective of equine practitioners that shared emergency call and is concentrating solely on his acupuncture practice.Dr. Samuelsen has long been active in organizational medicine. He has served as Treasuerer for NoVAS since 2004, has been involved with the IVAS Examination Committee since 2008, has served as an IVAS Board Member and as IVAS President.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kim Samuelsen as we discuss his childhood, his discovery of acupuncture, practice life, and the freedom that comes from not having to take emergency equine call duty.

Dr. Madeline Yamate was born in California. She got her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Amherst College in 1982. Deciding against attending medical school, she worked in business and then earned her MBA in Marketing and Organizational Behavior from Northwestern in 1991. Returning to work in business for a bit, she then graduated with her DVM from the University of California Davis in 2005. During her veterinary school years, she helped to develop three courses on holistic medicine for veterinary students at Davis. After graduation, she worked in an integrative practice, then at the urging of Dr. Xie from Chi University, she served as an acupuncture Intern at the University of Florida. She is certified in Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Food therapy, and Tui Na from Chi University and in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy from the Healing Oasis. Dr. Yamate solidified her training by teaching for Chi University both in the United States and Europe. After her internship, she founded the Center for Integrative Animal Medicine in Davis, California, where she continues to practice. She has also served as Treasurer of both the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Madeline Yamate as we discuss her education, her work developing holistic courses for veterinary students, her acupuncture internship, and her thoughts on the future of holistic veterinary practice.

Masterminds are becoming increasingly popular with business owners. In general, they are small groups of peers that give each other advice and support regarding a variety of issues affecting business owners. Activities can include brainstorming ideas, education, and may even involve support for personal issues. A Mastermind can serve to help an individual build a referral network, provide continuing education, and be a sounding board for ideas one might have for improving their business. Today's episode is a conversation with Dr. Nell Ostermeier, who has appeared on episodes 10 and 37. We discuss how her One on One coaching practice has evolved into offering Masterminds for veterinarians who provide acupuncture services to their patients. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Nell Ostermeier as we discuss her Mastermind program and the trends she is seeing in the integrative medicine industry based on her interactions with participants in the program. Dr. Ostermeier can be found at peopleandpet.com

Dr. Nick Thompson earned his veterinary degree from Edinburgh University in 1992. While in veterinary school, he did a year of advanced study in immunology as well. After graduation, he worked in a few mixed animal practices before engaging in advanced studies in both homeopathy and veterinary acupuncture. A colleague introduced him to the writings of Dr. Ian Billinghurst, and his journey into investigating and promoting raw feeding was soon underway.In 1999, Dr. Thompson founded his holistic practice, Holisticvet, in the United Kingdom. He uses homeopathy, acupuncture, natural nutrition, and herbal medicine to treat his patients. In 2014 he was a founder of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society, an international group of veterinarians and veterinary nurses dedicated to raw feeding and species appropriate nutrition in dogs and cats. Dr. Thompson is an international industry leader and subject matter expert on holistic medicine and natural feeding. He has a wide range of speaking experience and has created a large volume of online content, including participating in weekly Facebook Live sessions called "Raw Pet Medics" where he and Drs. Conor Brady and Brendan Clarke discuss holistic approaches to health issues in pets. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Nick Thompson as we discuss his exposure to holistic philosophy at an early age from his parents, his veterinary education, how he became a holistic expert, and how he manages to stay current on nutrition while maintaining his roles as a consultant, clinician, husband, and father.

Dr. Liz Fernandez was raised in Southern California and decided at an early age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and her veterinary degree from the University of California Davis in 1982. She went into emergency and small animal relief practice for the next twenty five years.A shoulder injury led her to seek acupuncture care, and she decided to pursue veterinary acupuncture training for herself. She is certified in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na, and Food Therapy from the Chi Institute. She is also certified in TCVM Palliative and End of Life Care by the Chi Institute and in Hospice and Palliative Care by the IAAHPC. Dr. Fernandez started a holistic house call practice while still working in conventional practice, moving to full time house calls in 2010. In 2016, she published a book about her patients, "Sacred Gifts of a Short Life: Uncovering the Wisdom of our Pets end-of-life Journeys."In 2019, she created Wisdom Paws, an online program and individual consultation practice to support End-of-Life guidance for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Liz Fernandez as we discuss her education, transition to holistic practice, creating educational materials, and finding balance while doing emotionally taxing clinical work .

Dr. Chelsea Dawson was raised in Brantford, Ontario in a home filled with pets. Her family was active volunteering for the local ASPCA, and Chelsea worked in the kennels, as a volunteer coordinator, and as a humane agent before earning her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in 2011.She was introduced to holistic medicine by one of her instructors in veterinary school, Samantha Lindley, who taught pain management as well as acupuncture.After graduation, she took a position in a multi-doctor small animal practice in England and earned her General Practitioner's Certificate in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management. She began to see pain patients at the practice, and after many client requests regarding herbal medicine, took an introductory Western Herbal medicine course through CIVT. Dr. Dawson has advanced training in nutrition and behavior, and has taught acupuncture to veterinarians and veterinary nurses and co-founded a UK-based herbal medicine course as well. She currently has her own referral practice in the North of England where she focuses on multi-modal pain management, nutrition, herbal medicine, and behavior.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Chelsea Dawson as we discuss her childhood, her education, working in a multi-doctor practice and then transitioning to solo referral practice, and her plans to move back to Ontario in 2023.

Dr. Edward Bassingthwaite grew up riding horses on a cattle property in North Queensland. He earned his veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in 1995 and went into mixed animal practice afterwards. He then spent time doing small animal locum work in both Australia and the UK before falling ill and being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lyme Disease. In searching to improve his own health, he investigated and experienced a number of holistic modalities and began to use some to treat his patients. He developed a unique system of treatment called the Whole Energy Body Balance Method (TM), which allows the practitioner to find and heal silent pain, anxiety, and trauma. Not only does Dr. Bassingthwaite use this method to treat his patients, he teaches the method to others. He then started his own mobile practice, which has evolved into working in a brick and mortar practice where he uses a wide variety of modalities to treat his patients, including Whole Energy Body Balance, acupressure, nutrition, Bach Flowers, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and supplements. He has a special interest in dogs with behavior issues and anxiety. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Edward Bassingthwaite as we discuss his childhood, veterinary training, the personal health challenge that led him to holistic medicine, and how he manages his time and energy as both a practicing clinician and an online business owner.

Dr. Sara Baldey was raised in Northern Australia. She earned a Dual Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry as well as Post Graduate Honors in Organic Chemistry from Northern Territory University. She graduated with a veterinary degree from Murdoch University in 2004 and went into mixed animal practice in Victoria after graduation. She then transitioned into a small animal locum position near Melbourne.In 2009, Dr. Baldey sustained a neck injury that resulted in years of debilitating pain. This experience led her to holistic medicine. She was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 2011, and afterwards became both a demonstrator and lecturer for the IVAS course. She earned her Cert IV TAE in 2012 and this allowed her to work with veterinary nurses in surgical training as well as veterinarians enrolled in acupuncture training. Her current activities include performing acupuncture in a veterinary rehabilitation practice and working on the student services team at CIVT.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Sara Baldey as we discuss her education, early years of employment, dealing with her cervical injury, and how that experience helped shape her relationship with her patients.

Drs. Jordan and Reagan Carnwath both knew from an early age that they wanted to be veterinarians. After earning their veterinary degrees from the University of Glasgow, Jordan did an equine internship while Reagan went into mixed animal practice. They both had an interest in holistic medicine, and after practicing separately in conventional practices, decided to work together as Holistic Vet Scotland, Scotland's first referral only holistic practice. The practice is located in Glasgow, where they offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser medicine, nutrition, and more. They also have a veterinary nurse on staff who is trained as a human herbalist and treats people. Please enjoy this conversation with Drs. Jordan and Reagan Carnwath as we discuss their education, leaning holistic medicine, opening a practice just prior to a pandemic, and the factors surrounding having a dedicated holistic veterinary practice.

Dr. Gundala Rhoades was born and educated in Germany. After earning her veterinary degree, in 1991 she moved to England and worked in a small animal practice for two years, then a mixed animal practice for five years. She moved to New South Wales Australia in 1998. She and her husband raised Angus bulls. In 2002, she started Gowrie Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice. It was initially located on the ranch, and eight years later moved to a new location in the town of Inverell. Dr. Rhoades was raising three children as a single mother while both practicing veterinary medicine and running the ranch when she decided to convert the ranch to organic. In that journey, she has become an expert on soil health, regenerative agriculture, gut health, and the relationship of food to both human and animal health. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Gundala Rhoades as we discuss her education, her move to Australia, starting a clinic from scratch, challenging conventional norms in ranching, and her new book, "The Food Solution."

Dr. Lisa Fox is a third generation veterinarian from Northern Ohio. She earned a Bachelor's degree in biology from Ohio University followed by a DVM from Ohio State University in 2009. She was first introduced to acupuncture by a clinician while she was a veterinary student.After graduation, she returned to the family practice, where she stayed for nine years. She was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 2014, earned a Graduate Diploma from CIVT in Western Herbal Medicine in 2016, and was certified in Food Therapy by Chi University that same year. She was also certified by Chi University as an Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Medicine Practitioner and is currently enrolled in their Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation program. She has a Master's Degree in Iridology and training in grief counseling and suicide awareness. Her current practice activities include a mobile holistic practice and locum work in two traditional small animal clinics. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Lisa Fox as we discuss growing up in her family's veterinary practice, her education, working in traditional practice and equine racetrack regulatory medicine, and her immersion into holistic medicine. A note to listeners: in this episode we discuss issues of mental health as well as suicidal awareness and prevention.

Dr. Julia Ledger-Muennich discovered her interest in veterinary medicine while working with rescue animals as a child. She got her veterinary degree from Justus Liebig University in Glessen Germany in 2007. Afterwards, she worked in an equine clinic on the overnight shift while completing her thesis work, which involved ultrasound studies of the udders of mares. She then went to England to work in an equine practice. She left that practice to start her own, which continues to this day. She was certified in chiropractic in 2008 and veterinary acupuncture in 2011. She is certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine by both the World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She is also certified in Tui Na. In addition, she is accredited by the FEI to work as a treating veterinarian at sanctioned events. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Julia Ledger-Muennich as we discuss her education, her first years in practice, her transition to a holistic-only practice, and how she is constantly looking for opportunities to further her knowledge and skills.

Dr. Ashley Rossman was raised in Northbrook, Illinois and spent many hours at her father's veterinary clinic, Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and her veterinary degree from Ross University in 2006, doing her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she joined the Glen Oak practice. She was certified in Acupuncture by the Chi Institute in 2007 and was mentored extensively by Dr. Ralph Weichselbaum in diagnostic ultrasound. She has also spent time at the Royal Treatment Veterinary Center and TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Ashley Rossman as we discuss growing up in the family veterinary practice, attending Ross University, the benefits of mentoring, and her experience representing the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association in the American Veterinary Medical Association's House of Delegates.

Dr. Rob Silver was raised in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. He attended Columbia University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, a Master's Degree in Cardiopulmonary Physiology, and his DVM from Colorado State University. After graduation, he worked as a relief veterinarian in the Denver, Colorado area and taught in a veterinary technician program as well. After relocating to Colorado Springs, Colorado to work in an Emergency Practice, he started a House Call practice that evolved into a brick and mortar practice. He started prescribing his patients home cooked diets and herbal medicines. He was certified by IVAS in 1993 and began teaching Chinese Herbal Medicine courses with Jake Fratkin and Dr. Shen Xie. That same year he also relocated to Boulder, Colorado, opening a new practice, Boulder's Natural Animal.In 1994 Dr. Silver became the Chief Medical Officer for Rx Vitamins, where he formulated 40 products for the veterinary market. He sold his practice in 2013 and the next year launched the Well Pet Dispensary website, which is still in operation. He also served as Chief Veterinary Officer for Folium Biosciences, a vertically integrated Hemp Company. In 2015 Dr. Silver published the ground-breaking text "Medical Marijuana and Your Pet," which has served as a guide to both veterinarians and animal caretakers alike since it was published. Dr. Silver has served as a Board Member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the President of both the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at both Lincoln Memorial and Chi University.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Rob Silver as we discuss his introduction to veterinary medicine on a Kibbutz, his early practice years and immersion into holistic medicine, his new position as the Chief Veterinary Officer for Real Mushrooms, and his upcoming course for CIVT.

Dr. Aleid Hillebrand was raised in Amsterdam and decided that she wanted to become a veterinarian at a young age. She attended veterinary college in Belgium and went into small animal practice in England after graduation.About four years after being in practice, she developed a chronic debilitating illness that was diagnosed as Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. She returned home to the Netherlands and was unable to work for over ten years. In 2012 she was diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and was successfully treated through holistic methods. After discovering the power of holistic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, she took the IVAS acupuncture course in 2016 and was trained as a human acupuncturist in 2017. She has extensive training in other areas of acupuncture, including food therapy, Dr. Tan's Balance Method, scalp acupuncture, and ear acupuncture. She is currently a self-employed acupuncturist, treating both human and animal patients. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Aleid Hillebrand as we discuss her schooling, the demands of private small animal practice, her illness and recovery, and her journey into holistic medicine.

Dr. Katja Görts knew from age 4 that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. After a brief career in business, she earned her veterinary degree from the University of Hanover in 1999. After graduation, she worked in the Pharmaceutical industry for 10 years before starting her own holistic practice. Her practice is currently 80% equine and 20% small animal. She got her Chiropractic training through the BackBone Academy, her Acupuncture training from GerVAS, and Craniosacral Training through the Upledger Institute. She mentored with Dr. Bruce Ferguson for a month as well. She has also studied Kinesiology, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Neurophysiologic Acupuncture. Dr. Görts has served as President of GerVAS and IVAS, as a Board Member for IVAS as well as an IVAS House of Delegates Representative. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Katja Görts as we discuss her early interest in veterinary medicine, her time in the pharmaceutical industry, her pivot to holistic practice, and her special interest in Hirudotherapy.