The Integrative Veterinarian

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.

Dr. Clare Middle was born in England, and raised in both England and Australia. She earned her veterinary degree as a member of the first class to graduate from Murdock University in 1979. She entered private practice and took a basic short course in veterinary acupuncture in 1981. After working with natural solutions to help her own children with their health issues, Dr. Middle earned a Professional Diploma in Homeopathy and her certification in Acupuncture from IVAS in the early 1990's. She also was trained in Animal Chiropractic by Dr. Sharon Willoughby. She worked at, then purchased, the East Fremantle Veterinary Clinic, an Integrative Practice that offered allopathic medicine in conjunction with homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, flower essences, reiki, Bowen therapy, and kinesiology from a variety of practitioners including veterinarians and veterinary nurses, craniosacral therapists, chiropractors, and spiritual healers. Seeking to restrict her practice to holistic medicine, Dr. Middle sold the practice in 2004 and began to work in a private consultation room, which continues to this day. In 2019 she moved to Balingup, Western Australia and continued to practice in a private consultation room, both in-person and via telemedicine. Dr. Middle was the Founding President of the Australian Association of Holistic Veterinarians, which has since become the Integrative Veterinarians of Australia. She has also published three books on natural diets for pets. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Clare Middle as we talk about her childhood interest in veterinary medicine, what it was like to be in the inaugural veterinary class at Murdock, her journey in holistic veterinary medicine, and where she sees her career after over forty years in practice.

Dr. Joyce Harman was raised in the Washington, DC area. She started riding horses at a young age and this fueled her interest in veterinary medicine.She got her veterinary degree as a member of the first class at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. After graduation, she held positions studying equine exercise physiology in both England and Ireland. She returned to the United States to work in private equine practice in New Jersey before starting her own practice, Harmany Equine, in Virginia in 1990.She is certified in Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Advanced Homeopathy. She incorporated these modalities into her equine practice while adding computerized saddle fitting services. She soon limited her practice to holistic therapies and also has written and lectured extensively for over thirty years.Dr. Harman was involved in the Therapeutic Options Committee for the American Association of Equine Practitioners and was part of the Alternative Medicine Task Force for the American Veterinary Medical Association, helping to write guidelines for the practice of Alternative Veterinary Medicine in the United States.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Joyce Harman as we discuss her childhood, veterinary education, interest in equine performance science, and the transition into the next phase of her long and distinguished career.

Dr. Bill Ormston grew up in Marshalltown Iowa. He got his BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1982 and his DVM from Iowa State University in 1988. After some time working in mixed animal practice, he purchased a practice in Climax Springs Missouri. Seeking care solutions for an autistic son led Bill to investigate alternative health modalities. He was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998 and earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy in 2003. Dr. Ormston was a founder of the Animal Chiropractic training program at Parker Chiropractic College in Texas, where he served as an Instructor from 2001 to 2013. In 2013, he and Dr. Amy Hayek founded the Animal Chiropractic Education Source, pioneering the combination of online and in person animal chiropractic training and continuing education. Bill has written over 100 articles for publication and a number of books in the areas of nutrition and chiropractic. He is also a prolific speaker, lecturing both nationally and internationally on the benefits of Chiropractic.Please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Dr. Bill Ormston as we discuss his childhood showing cattle, his early years in veterinary medicine, his training in Chiropractic, and why Chiropractic medicine is the key to health.

Dr. Amy Watson knew from six years of age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. She got her Veterinary Degree with advanced study in Pathology from the University of Cambridge in 2005. After graduation, she joined a large group veterinary practice for eight years, before doing locum small animal work for an additional three years. In 2016 she founded her practice, Pinpoint Veterinary Care.She started her holistic education with the Acupuncture course from the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists in 2013. In that course she met Dr. Linda Boggie and was inspired to complete IVAS training in 2017. Dr. Watson is also certified in rehabilitation from CRI. She is currently finishing her Advanced Certification program in Chinese Herbal Medicine from CIVT. She is also a two time nominee for Pet Plan's Veterinarian of of the Year. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Amy Watson as we discuss her childhood Guinea Pigs, her veterinary education, starting practice, and the events that led her to founding her own practice.

Veterinarian Dr. Shelley Epstein is a 1985 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She started practicing at Wilmington Animal Hospital, and has since become its sole owner. In 1997, Dr. Epstein became certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has studied chiropractic as well, and her practice incorporates many CAVM modalities alongside conventional medicine and surgery.Dr. Epstein is a 1985 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She immediately started practicing at Wilmington Animal Hospital where she introduced CAVM modalities to the practice. She became the owner in 1994, and sold the business in early 2016. She loves the practice and is still working there, filling in her newly-discovered free time with work at local animal shelters. Dr. Epstein became certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy in 1997. She has studied with Dr. Richard Pitcairn, Lou Klein, and Dr. Prafull Vijakar, among others. After going through the process of having a homeopathy case report published in JAAHA, Dr. Epstein became dedicated to furthering the publication of papers in homeopathy and all CAVM modalities. She serves on the editorial committee for the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association where she does reviewing and copy editing. She has also reviewed for the journal Homeopathy of the British Faculty of Homeopathy. Dr. Epstein is past-president of the AVH and a current Board member. In her free time she enjoys cycling as far as her legs will take her.

Dr. Susan Andresier was raised in the United Kingdom. Her love for animals was strengthened during periodic trips to a relative's farm in Ireland when she was growing up. She got her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in 2002 and worked in traditional small animal practice for the next ten years.She became curious about holistic therapies as a result of being frustrated with clinical outcomes using conventional medicine in her patients. She became certified in Acupuncture and opened her own holistic practice, Acupaws, in 2012. She treats her patients using Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Homeopathy.She is also active in the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists and the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Susan Andresier as we discuss her education, her time in conventional small animal practice, beginning her own holistic practice, and her involvement in organized veterinary medicine.

Dr. Ruth Roberts was raised in Anchorage, Kentucky. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at Warren Wilson College and her Veterinary Degree from North Carolina State University in 1990. After working in a few small animal practices after graduation, she purchased a solo doctor practice in 1993. Because of some health challenges, she sold the practice in the midst of doing training at the Chi Institute. She started a mobile practice, seeing patients for holistic care in a converted mobile veterinary clinic. In 2009 she opened a brick and mortar integrative medicine practice, which expanded to employ two other veterinarians. During that time she started doing telemedicine, focusing on creating diet and supplement plans for her patients. In 2016 she sold the brick and mortar practice and has been doing only telemedicine ever since. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Ruth Roberts as we discuss her education, exposure to holistic medicine, training in holistic medicine, and how she has used that training to practice in some unique ways, both in person and remotely. We also discuss her upcoming webinar on telemedicine for CIVT.

Dr. Veerle Dejonckheere was born in the Flemish Region of Belgium. She got her DVM from the University of Ghent in 2001, with a concentration on Equine Practice. She spent the next two years in a large animal practice in rural France, then moved to Leicester England to work in small animal practice. She spent five years in allopathic small animal practice before starting to work in a rehabilitation and sports medicine practice. Today she works in a number of clinics working with patients using Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Therapeutic Exercises, Nutrition, and Herbal Medicine. She studied Veterinary Phytotherapy with Peter Conway, Medical Herbalism with Kerry Bone, and Chinese Medicine with both Giovanni Maccioca and CIVT . She is certified in Acupuncture by the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists and in Chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She also is one of the founders of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists. In this conversation as we discuss her childhood in Belgium, her veterinary school experience and her exposure to a wide variety of veterinary experience through traditional employment, locum practice, and as a volunteer for animal charities in Europe and Asia. We also cover how she structures her practice in order to best serve her clients. Please enjoy!

Dr. Jean Hofve was raised in Oakland, California. She worked a number of jobs before  veterinary school, including working as a sheriff's deputy while taking prerequisite courses. She got her DVM from Colorado State University in 1994. She was introduced to holistic medicine by visiting speakers while in veterinary school, and even took a short course in homeopathy while still a student. After graduation, she started practicing in a feline only integrative medicine practice. After working in a number of practices, she started the Little Big Cat website with Jackson Galaxy. She has continued to teach, write, and consult since then. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Jean Hofve as we talk about attending veterinary school as an older student, finding holistic medicine, serving as an advisor to AAFCO, consulting, formulating and selling flower essences, and working with Jackson Galaxy.

Dr. Susan Howell was raised in Washington State. She got her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts, then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska with her husband and worked as a veterinary technician for a number of years before returning to get her veterinary degree from Washington State University in 1997. After graduation, she worked in a number of small animal practices in Washington as well as the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. There she developed an interest in holistic medicine and began her journey. She was employed by the Standard Process Company to support Veterinarians by giving lectures in the field as well as answering technical questions. She was certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Veterinary Food Therapy by Chi University in 2017. In 2017, she also opened her own holistic practice in White Fish Bay, Wisconsin. Thrive Holistic Veterinary Care provides complementary veterinary care with a focus on Nutrition Response Testing, functional nutrition, TCVM food therapy, and acupuncture. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Susan Howell as we discuss her education, her time at Standard Process, opening her own holistic practice, and providing care both in person and remotely.

Dr. Christina Chambreau was raised all over the globe, as her father served in the United States Air Force. At age 12, she worked on a school project with the Air Force Base Veterinarian in Tokyo which started a love of veterinary medicine that has continued to this day. She earned her Veterinary Degree from the University of Georgia in 1980. While in veterinary school, she attended an Acupuncture short course taught by Drs. Marvin Cain and Grady Young, which cultivated an interest in holistic medicine.After graduation, she became interested in Homeopathy and helped Dr. Pitcairn form the Academy of Homeopathy. Dr. Chambreau has taught an introductory homeopathy course for years, starting countless veterinarians on their holistic journeys. She wrote the Healthy Animal Journal, a book that assists pet guardians in keeping an accurate health history, and has done remote holistic consulting and lecturing. Today, she consults with pet owners who want to provide holistic care for their pets. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Christina Chambreau as we talk about attending veterinary school in the 1970's,  her varied practice career, her outlook on holistic care for pets, and her current consulting practice.

Dr. Barbara Royal was raised in the Chicago, Illinois area. She got her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois in 1995. She made an effort during her veterinary education to get exposure to a wide range of different facets of veterinary medicine, including work with aquatic, zoo, and wildlife species. After graduation, she practiced in a variety of different environments, while discovering an interest in holistic medicine and nutrition. She did IVAS acupuncture training, studied Western and Chinese herbal medicine at Tufts University, and Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. She is the founder of the Royal Veterinary Treatment Center in Chicago, has published magazine articles and a book, and is an international speaker. She has also served as President of the AHVMA. Dr. Royal and her business partner Dr. Natasha Lilly founded the Royal Animal Health University, which is dedicated to teaching holistic care to pet parents, industry professionals, and veterinarians, with an emphasis not only on animal health, but on the health of our environment and planet as well. Please enjoy this discussion with Dr. Barbara Royal as we discuss her education, her variety of experience in veterinary medicine, her interest in nutrition and environmental health, and the recent merger of Royal Animal Health University with CIVT.

Dr. Barbara Fougere was born in England and raised in Australia. She earned her veterinary degree from Murdoch University in 1986. After graduation, she went into practice, and spent some time in the UK doing locum work before returning home to Australia. She founded her practice, All Natural Vet Care in 1997 as a mobile practice, and evolved to a brick and mortar practice in 2003.She did post-graduate work in Organisational Development, Social Science, and Business Management before becoming interested in holistic medicine. She earned a Master's Degree in Health Science with a focus on Herbal Medicine in 2005. She co-authored the textbook "Veterinary Herbal Medicine" with Dr. Susan Wynn, which was published in 2006. That same year, she and Dr. Steve Marsden founded the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies, the world's first online College teaching Integrative Veterinary Medicine. Dr.  Fougere is a current Board Member of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. She has served as a Director for numerous conventional and holistic veterinary organizations and is a member of many more. She has lectured internationally, contributed to numerous textbooks, and written a number of scientific articles. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Barbara Fougere as we discuss her education, her exposure to holistic medicine, founding CIVT, her health journey, and the recent merger of CIVT with Royal Animal Health University. 

Dr. Karen Goldrick was born in Sydney, Australia. She got her veterinary degree from the University of Sydney in 1987. After graduation, she spent some time traveling and doing locum work in the UK for a few years before returning to Australia.After ten years in private small animal practice, Karen joined All Natural Vet Care in Sydney in 2005, where she practices to this day. She was certified in Acupuncture by IVAS, and has studied Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Sydney College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Herbal Medicine at the Sydney College of Natural Therapies. She has also studied extensively through coursework at CIVT.Please enjoy this conversation as Karen and I talk about her education, practice experience, evolution as an Integrative Veterinarian, and her advice for new graduates with an interest in Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Mona Boudreaux was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. She earned her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University in 1987. After graduation, she moved to Idaho and was in private practice there and at Washington State University's Emergency Service. She then relocated to Albuquerque New Mexico and started her journey into holistic medicine. She is certified in Acupuncture by IVAS and Chiropractic by the AVCA. She was mentored in Chinese Medicine by Dr. Gary Allen, OMD and discovered her love for Energy Medicine. While in New Mexico she and Dr. Allen began teaching Chinese Herbal Medicine to small groups of Veterinarians and at the same time founded her herbal company, A Time To Heal. Dr. Boudreaux relocated to Illinois and continued teaching Herbal Medicine to Veterinarians while working in private practice. In addition to her practice and teaching, Dr. Boudreaux has served as President of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture as well as the President and Executive Director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Although she sold the herbal business and now identifies as retired, Dr. Boudreaux hasn't ruled out another foray into the business world in the future. She is happily living on a small property in the mountains South of Asheville, North Carolina. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Mona Boudreaux as we discuss growing up on a farm, aspiring to be a veterinarian as a woman in the 1980's, discovering holistic medicine, and paying attention to what the universe brings you. 

Dr. Diana Drumm was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Montana, and got her Veterinary Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1999. After graduation, she did a residency in Comparative Medicine at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego California. She then joined a mixed animal practice in Bishop, California. She purchased a small animal practice in Reno, Nevada before moving to San Diego and purchasing the Animal Healing Center. Dr. Drumm was certified by IVAS in 2006 and in Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2007. She has training in Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, Ozone therapy, and Homeopathy. She is the incoming President of the AHVMA as well. In this episode we discuss her education, growing a multi-doctor holistic practice, how Covid has changed the way we work, and her thoughts on becoming AHVMA President in October of 2021.

Dr. Marge Lewter was raised in Virginia with a menagerie of pets ranging from rabbits to horses. She did her undergraduate work at Virginia Tech, and got her DVM from the University of Georgia in 1981. She then completed an Internship in Rural Practice at the University of Tennessee before joining a Dairy Practice.After eight years in Dairy practice, she started to do relief work for over twenty practices in Virginia while getting her Acupuncture training from IVAS in 1992, and her Chinese Herbal Medicine training also from IVAS in 1995.Shortly afterwards she started a mobile practice and in 2010 transitioned that practice to an exclusive holistic practice, both mobile and in a facility, for both small animals and horses.Dr. Lewter has a keen interest in mentoring veterinary students and young veterinarians  with an interest in holistic medicine, and she has supported them by serving on the AHVMA/AHVMF scholarship committee as well as hosting many at her practice over almost two decades.I was interested in speaking with her as she has been considering a number of questions as she approaches the end of her career. Among those are how to try to continue to provide service to her clients, how to pass on the knowledge she has gained over decades of holistic practice, and how to provide for the welfare of her staff as she transitions out of the office. These are questions that every solo holistic veterinarian has to face as they near retirement. Associates and potential buyers are in short supply in veterinary medicine in general, and our type of practice is especially affected. Unfortunately, there are no good answers at this point, but we shouldn't stop looking. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Marge Lewter as we remember her training and career, and hear what thought she has about eventual practice transition.

Dr. Jamie Moran was born in Connecticut. She got her undergraduate degree in Biology from St. Lawrence University and her DVM from Cornell in 1980. She then became the resident veterinarian for a commercial dairy farm in Pennsylvania until she joined the Willow Creek Veterinary Center in Pennsylvania, where she still practices today. She transitioned to treating only small animals in 1996. She was certified by the Chi Institute in Acupuncture in 2008 and has studied herbal medicine and food therapy as well. She did David Winston's two year Western Herbal course and is now in his graduate program. Dr. Moran is a member of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and is the  President-Elect for 2021. Away from the office, she enjoys gardening, playing the violin, swimming, sewing, and knitting. Please enjoy this conversation as we talk about her education, practice life first as a resident herd veterinarian and now as the only integrative veterinarian in a small animal practice, and her life outside the office.

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Colleen Smith, President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA). Colleen and I discuss the upcoming in-person AHVMA Annual Conference at the Peppermill Casino and Resort on October 2-5, 2021. We talked about the Conference program and what lectures and events we're looking forward to. We finish the conversation by talking about some organizational changes at the AHVMA office and our vision for the Association moving forward. 

Dr. Krisi Erwin was born in Leesburg, Virginia. She got her bachelor's degree from Longwood University and her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She was certified in Acupuncture by IVAS in 2008, as a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner from CRI in 2009, and as a Pain Practitioner by the IVAPM in 2013. Dr. Erwin received a certification in Hospice and Palliative care from the IAAHPC in 2017, an Advanced Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine from CIVT in 2018, and did an Apprenticeship in Western Herbal Medicine with Purple Moon Herbs and Studies in 2018. Her practice in Loudon County, Virginia is called Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services. Dr. Erwin has additional training in pet loss and bereavement as well. Please enjoy this conversation as we discuss her education, moving from traditional small animal practice into a holistic practice with an emphasis on pain management and hospice care, and the benefits of owning a business with your spouse.

Dr. Rona Sherebrin was born in London, Ontario. She earned her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1991. After graduation, she spent a number of years doing locum work in Ontario before completing her acupuncture training from Chi University in 2005. She currently has a holistic small animal practice in Toronto, Canada, where she uses mainly nutrition, acupuncture, and herbal medicines for her patients. In addition to practice, she has been on the Board of Directors of both the Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists of Canada and the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. She is currently finishing her term as VBMA President. Please enjoy this conversation as we discuss her education, starting her own holistic practices, and her current practice location that is located inside a corporate small animal practice. We also touch on how important it is to be involved in mentoring students and organized veterinary medicine.

Dr. Laura Lee was born in Windsor, Ontario. She got her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1979. After graduation, she moved to Nova Scotia and joined a mixed animal practice. After 15 years in that practice, she purchased a small animal practice in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where she still practices to this day. She got her Acupuncture certification from IVAS in 2000 and her Chiropractic training at Options for Animals in Illinois in 2003. Since then she has done advanced training in Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology and Functional Neurology with Dr. Carl DeStefano, as well as fascial work. This varied training has molded her clinical practice philosophy into a unique style that she is sharing with others through continuing education lectures. Dr. Lee has been a lifelong athlete, horse enthusiast, and musician. She continues to stay physically active and plays with various jazz percussion groups as well as the Brazilian Samba drums. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Laura Lee as we talk about her education, her practice path, and how she will be sharing her knowledge with fellow veterinarians in some upcoming continuing education webinars for CIVT.

Dr. Liza Schneider was born in South Africa. Her conservationist father introduced her to a variety of animals, and she grew up with her own menagerie of pets. After receiving her veterinary degree, she moved to Auckland, New Zealand in 2000 and began working in small animal practice. In addition to enjoying general practice and surgery, she found herself drawn to holistic therapies that could help her address the root of her patient's problems. In 2003 she started a mobile practice that included both allopathic and holistic care. That practice, Holistic Vets, has grown from a mobile practice to a multi-doctor practice in a large stand alone facility that continues to offer the best of both traditional and holistic health solutions, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Schneider serves as President of the New Zealand Veterinary Association's Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch. She is also the Founding Trustee and Veterinarian for the ARRC Wildlife Trust, whose mission includes wildlife rehabilitation, a community cat project, and education of children about environmental sustainability, conservation, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Schneider as we discuss growing up in South Africa, moving to New Zealand to practice, starting a mobile integrative practice, and growing that practice into an award winning Veterinary facility while being active in wildlife rehabilitation and education.

Dr. Kris August was born and raised in Tuscon, Arizona. She got her DVM from Colorado State University in 1991, then returned to Arizona with her husband, Radford Davis DVM. After working in various small animal practices she and her husband relocated to Ames, Iowa when he took a position at Iowa State University. After some time raising children and investigating her interest in herbal medicine, Dr. August started a mobile practice including a focus on hospice and palliative care. She is certified by the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and has contributed to the text Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals, published in 2017. Dr. August was in the first cohort of of CIVT's Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine program. A large part of her practice is now Western Herbal Medicine. Dr. August teaches Western Herbs for Purple Moon Herbs and Studies and participates in the certification process for the IAAHPC. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kris August as we talk about growing up in Arizona, attending veterinary college in Colorado, and how her practice has evolved to focus on providing herbal medicine, palliative and hospice care, as well as teaching other veterinarians about her areas of interest.

Dr. Margo Roman was born in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree, then got her DVM from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.She did an externship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and an internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston after graduation. While in veterinary school she was able to take the IVAS Acupuncture course, so she was able to treat patients during her internship using Acupuncture. Dr. Roman has extensive training in homeopathy as well as herbal medicine and Chiropractic. In 2005, she was introduced to Ozone Therapy while looking for a new modality to treat her own horse. In 2012 she started the world's first fecal bank and has performed over 16,000 microbiome restorative therapy procedures.  Dr. Roman founded the Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton clinic in 1983 and practices there to this day. She is both a National and International speaker and contributed to the text "Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice." In this conversation Dr. Roman and I talk about her upbringing and her various life challenges;  as a woman applying to veterinary school in the 1970's,  as an advocate for her own health, and as holistic veterinarian challenging conventional thinking. We also discuss her upcoming webinars for CIVT.  Please enjoy!

Dr. Nell Ostermeier was a guest on Episode 10, which aired on May 9, 2020. There we discussed her childhood, her veterinary school experience, her training in integrative medicine, and her clinical practice and teaching in Portland, Oregon. In this episode we discuss the Coaching services that she provides through her website People + Pets. She offers coaching and consulting for both Veterinarians and Pet Owners alike. This conversation focuses on her coaching services for Veterinarians. Please enjoy this conversation as we discuss the factors that affected her implementation of acupuncture into her conventional practice, her unique perspective into trends based on her role teaching acupuncture students, and the five biggest concerns that new integrative veterinarians should consider when adding new modalities to their practice. Show Notes: People + Pets Website: https://www.peopleandpet.com/ Free E-guide: “5 Common Mistakes Vets make when Integrating Holistic Modalities”: https://www.peopleandpet.com/5vetmistakes

Dr. Alexia Tsakiris was a guest on Episode 8, which aired on April 11, 2020. There we covered her upbringing, veterinary education, work experience, and practice life. In addition to her clinical work, Alexia offers coaching services for veterinarians and is forming a Women's Veterinary Collective. Today we talk about the events that led her to recognize that she was experiencing burnout, the strategies she used to get past those rough patches, and her philosophy behind coaching and offering a space for female veterinarians to have a community where they can gather, share, and support one another. I'm a big believer in coaching and wellness support, so I'm happy to be able to share this conversation with Alexia with you. Show Notes:Dr. Alexia Tsakiris' websiteKefi Collective (Women's Veterinary Collective, Kefi Collective, and Integrative Business Coaching)

This episode is a little different from the previous ones in that I'm talking with an acupuncturist rather than a Veterinarian. Eric Grey is a good friend who is an experienced Classical Chinese Medicine practitioner. In addition to the things we talk about on the podcast, Eric has lectured to veterinarians both at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference as well as the Midwest Veterinary Conference. When I started practicing holistic veterinary medicine and learning different modalities, I saw that the culture was for practitioners to learn a multitude of modalities to have a full range of things to offer a patient. At least in my case, it sometimes seems like a juggling act to balance keeping current in multiple modalities so that I can offer my patients the best care possible. Eric's recent decision to limit his practice was intriguing to me, so I was able to arrange for us to talk about that decision in the context of his professional life to date. Eric Grey, MSOM is an Acupuncturist in Astoria, Oregon. He has a BS in both Biology and Philosophy from Oregon State University. He got his MSOM from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2009.He and his wife and business partner Amanda Barp founded the Watershed Wellness Clinic in the Ladd's Addition neighborhood of Portland, Oregon in 2009. Eric also served as Adjunct Faculty at NUNM.  He continued his studies including an herbal discipleship and clinical training with Heiner Fruehof, PhD and is a Diplomat of Canonical Chinese Medicine from the Institute of Classics in East Asian Medicine. While still a student at NUNM, Eric founded the website Deepest Health, which started as a blog about his experiences as a Classical Chinese Medicine student, but now has evolved into not only a blog about his experiences as a practice owner, but also an Educational Center offering short online courses in topics related to Classical Chinese Medicine and the business of acupuncture.After building  Watershed Wellness to include multiple practitioners, Eric and Amanda decided to relocate to Astoria, Oregon in 2016.  They started Watershed Wellness Astoria while continuing to commute to Portland part-time to practice. In 2018 they closed the doors in Portland and have devoted their energy to Astoria full-time.Join me for this conversation with Eric as we talk about founding two clinics, running an online business, and the thought process behind his most recent decision to stop practicing acupuncture in order to limit his practice to herbal medicine.Show Notes:Deepest Health WebsiteQuitting Acupuncture: on transitioning to Herbs-Only Practice, Part 1Quitting Acupuncture: on transitioning to Herbs-Only Practice,  Part 2 Quitting Acupuncture: on transitioning to Herbs-Only Practice,  Part 3 Quitting Acupuncture: on transitioning to Herbs-Only Practice,  Part 4

Dr. Shelley Doxey was raised outside of London, England. She got her veterinary degree from The Royal Veterinary College in 2002. She has been involved in small animal practice since graduation. Her focus is on the management of painful and debilitating conditions such as osteoarthritis and geriatric diseases. She provides integrative care to patients both in her own solo practice and as part of a multi-person small animal practice She is certified in acupuncture by the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists. She has a strong interest in Western Herbs, and has a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine from CIVT. She is a member of the British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Association, the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists, and the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. Please enjoy this conversation as we talk about her education, her early years in small animal practice, adding acupuncture and herbal medicine to her skills, and practicing both solo and in a group.

Dr. Nancy Scanlan was born in Maine, but spent her childhood constantly moving both around the United States and overseas, following her father's career in the United States Navy. She got her DVM from the University of California Davis in 1970. After graduation, she worked in various private practices and taught in Veterinary Technician programs. Her path to integrative medicine started with an in interest in vitamins and supplements. She was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 1989, and also has training in chiropractic, Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine, and Homotoxicology. She spent nearly 20 years as an Integrative Practitioner in a 7 person small animal practice in the Los Angeles area. She has also consulted for supplement and herbal companies. She is the author of a textbook for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses and has lectured both nationally and internationally. She has also served as the Executive Director of both the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. She is currently the Student Services Director for CIVT. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Scanlan as we discuss her childhood travels, her veterinary school and practice experience, serving as an Executive Director, and how she now spends her time living in a remote cabin in Mount Shasta, California while working for CIVT.

Dr. Matthew Muir got his veterinary degree from Charles Stirt University in Australia in 2010. After a few years in mixed practice in Australia, he relocated to the UK to spend a few years doing dairy practice, small animal emergency and critical care work, and small animal private practice. He then returned to Sydney, Australia to join All Natural Vet Care, an integrative small animal practice with an emphasis on preventative health through nutrition and other natural therapies. He embraces the One Health concept and is interested in sustainable food production, ecology, and natural diets for pets. He is the co-founder of the Lyka Pet Food company, whose mission is to combine science and sustainable ingredients to formulate outstanding quality meals for home delivery. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Muir as we discuss his veterinary school experience, his various practice experiences, and his current professional activities in private practice, the Lyka food company, and exotic animal rehabilitation and conservation.

Dr. Jim Clark was born in Kamloops, British Columbia.  He got his bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of British Columbia, and his veterinary degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 1979. He joined a mixed animal practice in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where he practices to this day.In 1996 Dr. Clark did a sabbatical at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. He then attended his first American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association meeting and began his journey into integrative medicine. He is certified in acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.Outside of veterinary medicine, Jim enjoys dancing, singing in a barbershop quartet, flying vintage airplanes, as well as practicing and teaching Tai Chi. If you've attended an AHVMA Conference you know Jim as the leader of  Tai Chi practice in the mornings before sessions begin.Please enjoy this conversation as Dr. Clark and I discuss his childhood in the Western Canadian desert,  choosing veterinary medicine as a career after his physics studies,  the importance of sabbaticals, and how he has maintained a love for the practice of veterinary medicine for over forty years.

Dr. Kim Henneman is a native of Utah. She did her undergraduate studies at Utah State University and her veterinary training at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, graduating in 1986. She was certified by IVAS in acupuncture in 1991, by the AVCA in Animal Chiropractic, in Chinese Herbal Medicine by IVAS in 2000. She has training in both basic and advanced classical homeopathy. She achieved Fellow Status with the AAVA in 2008, and was Board Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, both in 2013 (Canine) and 2014 (Equine). She is the only Diplomate in the College to be credentialed in both disciplines. She also has expertise in thermal imaging for both diagnosis and rehabilitation. Her holistic practice is located in Park City, Utah, but her interests and skills have taken her around the globe, both teaching and performing clinical duties. She is a well respected veterinarian for sled, working, performance, and search and rescue dogs as well as performance horses in numerous disciplines. Dr. Henneman has served her profession by being on the Board of Directors of both the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association as well as the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kim Henneman as we discuss her veterinary education, holistic training, and her work in holistic veterinary medicine both in Utah and around the world.

Dr. Kelly Halls was born in Melbourne, Australia. She got her Veterinary Science degree from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in 2002. She then went into mixed animal practice in Southern Australia for a few years, followed by two years as a locum veterinarian in various parts of the UK. Returning home in 2007, she then worked in a large small animal practice as well as an emergency practice. In 2015, she founded Bentons Road Veterinary Clinic in Mount Martha Victoria. The practice emphasis is on integrative management of patient health through individualized nutrition, vaccine programs, and parasite control. Behavior is another focus area of the practice, by use of behavior based handling techniques and offering puppy training classes from the nursing staff. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Halls as we talk about her time in veterinary school, mixed veterinary practice, travelling during time as a locum veterinarian, and founding the type of practice she thinks should be a model for small animal practice today.

Dr. Kim Lim received her veterinary degree with honors from the University of Melbourne in 1990. She then entered small animal practice and was certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1992. She earned a Master's Degree in Animal Chiropractic from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000. She has also completed the animal rehabilitation program from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She has been in Integrative Veterinary Practice since 1996. Dr. Lim currently owns a solo practice in Geelong Australia. She is also a national and international speaker, and has served the Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association, the Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group, and Geelong Australia Veterinary Association. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Lim as we discuss her veterinary school experience, her introduction to integrative medicine, and how integrative medicine has changed the way she practices.

Dr. Pedro Rivera was born in Munich, Germany. He was raised in Puerto Rico, and attended Purdue University for both his undergraduate and veterinary degree. After graduation he returned to Puerto Rico to practice, then moved back to Indiana to work in private practice before starting the Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Sturtevant, Wisconsin with his wife Michelle in 1993.Dr. Rivera earned a certificate of completion from the Options for Animals Veterinary Chiropractic program in 1998. He also completed advanced training at Options as well. He has also studied Chiropractic Neurology from the Carrick Institute and is a Fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology, the only veterinarian to do so. He is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.Dr. Rivera and Michelle established the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in 1998. The school has both a Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy as well as a Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation programs that are nationally accredited. Dr. Rivera is also on Faculty at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in Ontario, Canada as well as the Backbone Academy for Veterinary Chiropractic and Healing Arts in Sittensen, Germany. He also has extensive experience as both a national and international speaker.Please enjoy this conversation as Dr. Rivera and I discuss his upbringing, education at Purdue University, early years in practice, and his experience in teaching Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Rehabilitation to licensed professionals for over two decades. 

Dr. Colleen Smith got her DVM from Ross University in 2004. Prior to Veterinary School, she was a licensed veterinary technician and worked at the teaching hospital for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Smith worked with Dr. Michelle Tilghman at Loving Touch Animal Center near Atlanta, Georgia. She was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 2006. She then moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and and worked as an associate veterinarian before starting her own practice, Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute, in 2012. The practice offers both conventional and integrative care along with rehabilitation services. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Smith as we discuss her vet school experience, becoming interested in holistic medicine, starting her own practice, volunteering in organized veterinary medicine, and her consulting role for a company that produces CBD products for pets.

Dr. Allen Schoen was raised in the New York City area. He received his D.V.M. from Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 1978. Prior to his veterinary education he earned a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior and Neurophysiology from the University of Illinois. Dr. Schoen also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Becker College in 1998 for his contributions to Integrative Veterinary Medicine. He was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 1982. He also has advanced training in botanical medicine, chiropractic, mind/body medicine, and homeopathy. In 1982, Dr. Schoen established the first Department of Acupuncture outside of China at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. He has been a faculty member at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University of College of Veterinary Medicine, and Chi University.  He has also lectured extensively both nationally and internationally and has served as an expert involved in policy formation for the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Schoen is the co-editor of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Principles and Practice, the editor of both Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine, and Problems in Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Acupuncture.Dr. Schoen's most recent effort is the Compassionate Animal Lover's Movement (CALM). The mission of CALM is for all animal lovers to help co-create a more harmonious world based on the love of our animal family. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Allen Schoen. 

Dr. Laurie McCauley grew up in New York City and got her DVM from Colorado State University in 1992. After 6 years in private practice, she was certified in acupuncture and chiropractic. After a personal injury introduced her to physical therapy, she started the first veterinary rehabilitation specific practice in 1998 in Illinois. She helped design the first underwater treadmill for animals during this time. A prolific author and speaker, Dr. McCauley has written numerous articles, scientific papers, and books. She is the author of the books Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy for Veterinary Technicians, Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Building the Canine Athlete. She has presented lectures and done wet labs at countless conferences both nationally and internationally. She has been on the faculty at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute for 14 years as well. She received the Iams AARV Award for Excellence in 2011 and the AHVMA Holistic Practitioner of the Year award in 2015. In 2016 Dr. McCauley moved to North Carolina and started a house call rehabilitation practice. In April of 2020 she launched Optimum Pet Vitality, an online platform for teaching rehabilitation to Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Physical Therapists. She is planning to launch an extended laser therapy course on that platform in August of 2020. If you are interested in the course, use the discount code OPVCIVT to register. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Laurie McCauley.

Dr. Tanya Grantham received her Veterinary Science degree from the University of Pretoria in 1994. Prior to Veterinary School, she got a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and Genetics and an Honors Degree in Genetics from the University of Pretoria as well. She also holds a Certificate of Safety and Competence in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, is certified in Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner from the University Of Tennessee, and is a certified Caninology Canine Body Worker. Dr. Grantham is also certified in veterinary acupuncture by Chi University, and has completed the Canine Sports Medicine module with Dr. Chris Zink at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She has also recently passed the examination for the Caninology Canine Myofascial Release Course Level One. Please enjoy this conversation as we talk about her upbringing on a farm in Zimbabwe, her veterinary training, the events that led to her interest in holistic medicine and rehabilitation, what her rehabilitation practice looks like today, and her upcoming webinars for CIVT.

Dr. Michelle Tilghman was raised riding horses and showing dogs in Florida. She got her DVM from the University of Georgia in 1982 and was certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1984. She did two years in a small animal practice in Dallas Texas afterwards, where she mentored with an experienced veterinary acupuncturist. Afterwards she moved home to Georgia and established her own integrative small animal practice. She was certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine by IVAS soon afterwards. Dr. Tilghman was certified in rehabilitation by the University of Tennessee in 2004. She has served as President of the AHVMA, on the Board of the AAVA, and as the Education Chair for IVAS. She was one of the founders of the AAVA as well. In 2017 she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the AAVA. Dr. Tilghman has lectured nationally and internationally for decades. She has held an Adjunct position at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and was a contributor to the 2nd Edition of Schoen's Veterinary Acupuncture text. Please enjoy this conversation as Dr. Tilghman and I discuss her upbringing in Florida, her veterinary school experience, learning acupuncture soon after it was introduced into veterinary medicine in the United States, starting her own practice as a new graduate, teaching, being involved in organized veterinary medicine, and maintaining life balance. 

Dr. Doug Knueven was born in Cincinnati Ohio. He got his DVM from Ohio State University in 1987, and went into private practice in Pennsylvania directly afterwards. He founded the Beaver Animal Clinic in 1994. He was certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1995, and around that time did training in Bach Flower Remedies and Clinical Nutrition. He took the Pitcarin Homeopathy course in 1999. He was certified in Animal Chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2001, and in Chinese Herbal Medicine by the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in 2001 as well. Dr. Knueven has been a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association since 1995. He has lectured on holistic veterinary medicine both nationally and internationally and has published two books- Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, their People, and the the Lives They Share Together, and The Holistic Health Guide for Dogs: Natural Care for the Whole Dog. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Doug Knueven.

Dr. Cindy Lankenau has an alternative medicine exclusive practice in Colden, NY. She received her DVM from Cornell University in 1981. She was certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1992, in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1994, and in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopaths in 1997. Dr. Lankenau has extensive training in veterinary herbology. She has studied Chinese Herbal Medicine with IVAS, the Chi Institute, and the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. She has studied Western Herbal Medicine with Rosemary Gladstar at Sage Mountain and also with CIVT. She is recognized as a Registered Professional Herbalist by the American Herbal Guild. She has worked private practice as a dairy practitioner, served as a veterinary officer in the Peace Corps, in mixed animal private practice, and now practices exclusively alternative medicine in her own practice. She has lectured nationally as well as internationally and is a CIVT faculty member as well. She has served her profession as a Board Member and President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, the Committee Head of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine sub-committee for the New York State Veterinary Society, founder and Board Member of the New York Complementary and Alternative Medicine Association, a Board Member of the World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and as Secretary-Treasurer of the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. In this conversation we discuss growing up on a dairy farm, being a female large animal veterinarian, how stubborn cases led her in the direction of holistic medicine, and how she works with her state veterinary association to promote complementary and alternative medicine. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Cindy Lankenau.

A brief update on what is happening at CIVT in August of 2020.

Dr. Erin Bannink is from Rochester, Michigan. She received her DVM from Michigan State University in 2002. She then completed a general internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey, followed by an internship and residency in medical oncology at the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She was Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, sub-specialty in Oncology in 2008. She was certified in Veterinary Acupuncture by IVAS in 2007. In addition, she has taken multiple advanced courses in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine. She obtained a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) as well. Dr. Bannink practices Integrative Oncology with Classical Chinese Veterinary Medicine at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She is a faculty member at CIVT and lectures to international audiences about integrating conventional cancer therapies with Chinese Herbal Medicine in veterinary cancer treatment. She is also a contributing lecturer for the A Time To Heal Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine courses. She has studied Yogic and Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy and meditation since 2003. She is also a certified yoga instructor and has led classes, workshops, and retreats on the topics of yoga, meditation, Buddhism, pranayama, kirtan, and mantra practice. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Bannink as we discuss her Veterinary College experience, her introduction to Acupuncture, her postgraduate training in both Oncology and Chinese Herbal Medicine, and her Integrative Oncology practice.

Dr. Michelle Schraeder was raised in New Jersey, got her bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, and her DVM from Ohio State in 1985. In 1986 she and her husband moved to Bellingham Washingston and purchased a clinic there, where they practice to this day. She was certified by International Veterinary Acupuncture Society for Acupuncture in 1997 and is a charter member of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, the US affiliate for IVAS. She has also completed certifications in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine and Tui-Na. In 2006, she was one of the first veterinarians to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, which is the AAVA's Advanced Certification. Dr. Schraeder also has a Master's of Education in College and Continuing Education from Western Washington University. In addition to her clinical practice, she is chair of the IVAS International Education Committee, serves on the IVAS Board of Directors, is a member of the AAVA's Advanced Certification Committee, and is involved in teaching the Neuroacupuncture course through CIVT. She is also involved in IVAS' online education program. She has lectured on Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine both nationally and internationally. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Michelle Schraeder.

Dr. Carol Gifford is a native of Northeast Ohio. Veterinary Medicine was a second career for her; she graduated from the Tufts University School of Veterinary School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She was certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2007. She then competed the Chinese Herbal Medicine course at the Chi Institute in 2012, followed by becoming certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in 2016. She started a Complementary Care house call practice in the Boston area in 2013 and then again in 2017 when her family relocated to Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Gifford has served as a teaching assistant in the IVAS course and in 2014 passed the Advanced Certification Examination from the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture to become a Fellow of the AAVA. She has been on the Board of Directors of IVAS and currently serves as President of the AAVA. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Carol Gifford.

Here what's new at CIVT for the month of July 2020.

Dr. Liane Sperlich was born in Montreal Canada and earned her DVM from Washington State University in 1988. She purchased a practice two years later. She is certified in acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Tui Na by the Chi Institute, and in Animal Chiropractic by Options for Animals. She also is a Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. She has an integrative practice in Tacoma, Washington (Browns Point Veterinary Clinic) and also a satellite clinic in which she only practices holistic medicine. She also does charity veterinary work for low income clients and we discuss how she uses holistic therapies for those patients as well. Dr. Sperlich considers herself a lifelong leaner. She is currently studying Classical Chinese Medicine with Dr. Sabine Wilms, a Chinese Medicine scholar. She also practices Aikido in her spare time. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Liane Sperlich.