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The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

200 episodes — Page 3 of 4

Ep 165Ep 165: A Recap on VLC, with My Veterinary Life and The Whole Veterinarian

This week’s That Vet Life Podcasts, is slightly different from the norm, as Dr. Moriah shares the mic with Dr. Annie Chavent and Dr. Marci Kirk (from My Veterinary Life Podcast), and Dr. Stacey Cordivano (The Whole Veterinarian). The veterinarians Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent are co-hosts of the podcast My Veterinary Life and Assistant Directors for Recent Graduate Projects at the AVMA. Dr. Stacey Cordivano is the owner of mobile veterinary practice and host of the Whole Veterinary podcast, a podcast devoted to helping veterinarians grow as whole people. Last but not least, the episode features Dr. Moriah, our beloved host of the That Vet Life Show.During this episode, Drs. Moriah, Annie, Marci, and Stacey discuss their recent experience at the 2023 Veterinary Leadership Conference. They recap some of their key takeaways from the conference and share reasons why to join the conference, hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, next year.Whether you're looking for inspiration as a professional, practitioner, podcaster, or student looking for tips on how to find the perfect balance in life, listen in to learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Conference.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Stacey Cordivano, Drs. Marci Kirk, Dr. Moriah, and Annie Chavent.[03:00] The three veterinary podcasters reveal why they attended the Veterinary Leadership Conference. [06:47]  Covering the clinic aspects of the Leadership Conference, Dr. Moriah shares the key takeaways she received at the conference[08:50] As a practice owner, Dr. Stacy discusses the important lessons she learned at the Leadership Conference.[11:08] A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service.[11:25] Marci Kirk shares her experiences and insights gained as a podcaster at the conference. [13:05] Dr. Marci and Annie discuss potential opportunities for networking at the conference, where industry leaders, podcasters, and practitioners all were in attendance.[16:30] Dr. Stacy discusses the most important lessons she learned about managing her life as a working professional. [21:40] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Feb 21, 202322 min

Ep 164Ep 164: The Making of a Mentor: Dr. Melody Winterhalter

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah is joined by Dr.Melody Winterhalter. Melody was born in Switzerland and relocated to Geelong after earning her degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She adores all animals, but she is particularly fascinated by sharks and other aquatic creatures. When it comes to more traditional pets, Corgis are particularly important to her. Melody likes to read, eat cheese, and explore the Australian outdoors when she's not working. She believes that having a strong mentor is essential for landing a job as a new graduate. And since she is passionate about educating and mentoring, she is passing this lesson on to the upcoming generation of veterinarians, nurses, and pet owners. In this episode, Dr.Melody Winterhalter talks about her first job experience from a mentorship aspect, revealing what she was looking for in her mentor. She explains how her practice displays the culture of mentorship and how it influenced her decision when she was in her first job. Join in, if you are a young graduate looking for your first job and proper mentorship Outline01:13 - Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Melody Winterhalter01:50 - Melody discusses the aspects of mentorship she sought as a young graduate beginning her career in vet medicine. She also shares the qualities young graduates should look for in a mentor. 03:40 - How can you assess if a practice has good mentorship as part of its culture?06:20 - Dr. Melody talk about her first mentor, describing the qualities she valued in him or her as well as how the relationship advanced her professional development.08:30 - How should you tell your mentor what you expect from them as a mentee?10:47 - A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service.11:30 - What your mentorship should provide you with during your first year?16:15 -Melody discusses the mentorship experiences of some of her friends and the lessons she learned from them when deciding on a mentor for herself.21:02 - Dr. Melody Winterhalter offers valuable advice to vet students who are looking for good internships at their first practice. 31:21 -Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Feb 14, 202324 min

Ep 163Ep 163: Graduating The University of Arizona's Inaugural Class, with Deianira Smith

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley dives into the life of a vet student with Deianira Smith.Deianira is a third-year veterinary student currying studying as part of the inaugural class at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and is set to graduate this August. In school, Deianira served as the first president of the student AAEP chapter, as well as a SAVMA delegate, Zoetis Student Representative, and Student Ambassador. She is also currently a 2022-2023 Ed Brown Society Scholar.Deianira's goals are to become a board-certified surgeon in both equine and small animal medicine. Her passions in vet med are organized medicine, DEI, client education, and leadership. Currently serving on the AAEP DEI committee, Deianira is keen to help inspire the next generation of veterinarians and help other students recognize and grow their own potential.Outside of school and vet life, you’ll find Deianira spending time with her three pets, including her two-year-old golden retriever Addison, her four-year-old Pomeranian Zsa Zsa, and her five-year-old cat, Munchkin. In this episode, Deianira shares her experience of starting a vet school during covid with a new curriculum. She also shares her experience throughout the school, some tips for new graduates, and her possible approaches after graduation for practice.Outline[00:45] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a welcome and a brief introduction of Deianira Smith.[01:11] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discussed how they met each other.[02:01] Dr. Moriah and soon-to-be Dr. Deianira discuss the programs and current situation of Deianira’s vet school.[02:35] Deianira shares a little bit about herself and at this point which area of vet med she is looking to go into.[05:40] Deianira shares how her vet school is different and why the vet school is perceived as a new-age vet school.[08:28] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discuss what excites the most while starting a vet school and how things changed during covid.[10:12] A short ad break - Join our Career Concierge service - https://www.vetxinternational.com/career-concierge/.[19:35] Dr. Moriah and Deianira resumed the episode by discussing how new grad changes during vet school and their challenges.[14:22] Dr. Moriah and Deianira discuss the clinical and 1st year - the 2nd-year experience of the vet school.[19:30] Deianira shares her excitement of soon to be a vet graduate and her approaches to practice in the near future.[21:43] Deianira shares tips for 1st-year grads to help them get through vet school.[22:55] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Jan 31, 202324 min

Ep 162Ep 162: The Making of a Mentor, Dr. Vernard Hodges’ Story

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah is joined by veterinarian, TV star, author, and practice owner, Dr. Vernard Hodges.Dr. Vernard Hodges is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the prestigious Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hodges is a founder and owner of multiple successful veterinary hospitals. He practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, GA. The hospital and Dr. Vernanrd caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel in 2019, and starred in their own television show “Critter Fixers”.Alongside his career in veterinary, Dr. Hodges also started a real estate company, which has grown to a multi-million dollar business comprised of several apartment complexes and commercial properties. He has started writing a blog about how to win by betting on himself, which ultimately led to his writing a bestselling book: “Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions.” Bet on Yourself reached number #1 on the Amazon Personal Finance Booklist.In addition to his businesses, Dr. Hodges takes his work in the community very seriously. He started the Dr. Hodges “It Takes A Village” Charity Foundation in 2011. The Foundation was started to teach business skills to children. Dr. Hodges has won numerous awards for his business acumen and his community services.In this week’s episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about his mentorship story and how he fell in love with vet medicine. Additionally, they discuss how his life experiences influenced his mentoring style, how he became a star of a TV show, and how that show gave him the opportunity to do so many amazing things in veterinary medicine.Outline[00:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a brief introduction of Dr. Vernard Hodges and the topics covered in today's episode.[01:50] Dr. Vernard shares his journey to becoming a TV star and veterinarian.[06:35] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how his own mentor shaped him into a mentor.[07:50] Dr. Vernard discusses how his journey into veterinary medicine influenced other areas of his life.[09:50] Dr. Vernard shares his experiences as he went through vet school.[12:52] Dr. Moriah asked Dr. Vernard how he began practicing medicine after graduating.[18:15] A short ad break - Sign up for our career concierge service.19:35 Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about Dr. Vernard's experience mentoring young graduates.[24:40] Dr. Vernard talks about his best-selling book.[27:30] Dr. Vernard shared how he ended up starring in a television show called “Critter Fixers”.[31:55] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss his mentorship experience on the show.[36:40] Dr.Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how the platform helped him do so many amazing things for students and vet med.[40:51] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Jan 24, 202343 min

Ep 161Ep 161: Understanding the Veterinary Income Gap, with Dr. Sam Morello

After a short break for Christmas, That Vet Life Podcast is back! Our first episode of 2023 kicks off with Dr. Sam Morello.Dr. Sam Morello is a veterinarian, educator, researcher, and leader focused on professional sustainability. After receiving her BS and DVM from Cornell University and completing a large animal surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sam spent over a decade working as an Associate Professor of Surgery. Where she spent a great deal of time investigating professional sustainability, economics, and work-life in veterinary medicine focussing in particular on gender and diversity. Since then, Sam has been spreading her findings as a national and international speaker with the goal to improve mentorship, and career decisions, and guide policymakers to improve veterinary medicine. Dr. Sam currently serves as the assistant director for Continuing Education for the American College of Veterinary Surgeon, as a faculty with AOVet (a program she helped to design to improve gender and racial diversity and mentorship), and on the board for the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative. Alongside this, Dr. Morello works as a consultant and courtesy associate professor at the Cornell University Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship (CVBE). As a part of the team at the CVBE, Dr. Morello’s primary research and outreach focus is on gender in veterinary medicine and how the feminization of the labor market presents a unique challenge and opportunity for veterinary medicine. She also focuses on professional sustainability and developing an understanding of how to improve compensation, career advancement, and workplace value for veterinarians and traineesIn this week’s episode, Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam talk about the pay gap in vet med, how Dr.Sam pivoted into research from practice, the finding and outcomes of the research on the gender pay gap, mentorship and how we can use our hard-earned understanding of the scientific method as veterinarians to solve different problems than what we're normally used to.Outline[00:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr.Sam Morello.[02:05] Dr.Sam shared her professional journey and how she ended up as a mentor.[08:02] Dr. Moriah and Dr.Sam discuss their vet school experience.[09:30] Dr.Sam explains how she started her research path to help students make better decisions about their careers and possible pivots.[12:06] Dr.Sam explains her experience of pivoting to research from vet practice.[15:44] A short ad break - sign up to our Career Concierge service.[17:04] Dr.Sam explains the topic of the research and the findings of the research.[20:06] Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam talked about the outcomes of the research and how it is changing the face of the veterinary profession.[24:02] Dr.Moriah and Dr.Sam discussed stereotypes and biases about the gender pay gap in the profession.[27:23] Dr.Sam shared where you can find more information about her work and research.[28:44] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.

Jan 17, 202330 min

Ep 160Ep 160: The Journey to Practice Ownership, with Dr. Angela Hofmann

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr Angela Hofmann to discuss her unique journey in becoming a veterinary practice owner. We hear about the negative mentorship experiences she had while still in the early stages of being a veterinarian, and how these influenced her work ethic as a mentor and practice owner.Dr Angela’s veterinary journey has not been as linear as that of a normal vet student. Before becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in 2011, Dr Angela had already graduated with two other degrees from two different fields: her first degree was in English Literature and the second one was in Journalism. Dr Angela has previously worked as a Veterinarian at Sunset Cliff Animal Clinic Inc, as well as at Thrive Affordable Vet Care. She is currently the practice owner of The Temple Heights Animal Hospital. Listen in as Dr Angela shares her journey to becoming a veterinary practice owner and how she practices the best work ethic to give valuable mentorship to her externship students and works.Episode Outline[00:00] Episode Intro[01:29] Dr Angela Hofmann gives us a brief history of her life and how she became a veterinarian.[10:31] We hear why she chose to become a practice owner instead of a practice associate.[14:44] Ad break - Join Thrive[15:53] The episode resumes with Dr Moriah emphasizing the importance of continuous learning even after graduating from vet school.[18:15] Dr Moriah asks Dr Angela if she had a mentor when she decided to go into practice ownership.[23:33] How negative mentorship experiences shape the mentees.[26:40] Dr Angela talks about the things she is willing to do for her mentees.[32:30] Sharing business knowledge and being transparent to mentees and vet students on externships.[35:35] How to connect with Dr Angela Hofmann.[36:50] Dr Moriah McCauley wraps up the episode.Connect with Dr Angela HofmannLinkedInTwitterWebsite

Nov 29, 202238 min

Ep 159Ep 159: The New Age of Mentorship in Mixed Practice, with Dr. Alexandru Pop

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Alexandru Pop to talk about mentorship in a mixed animal practice, explaining what a good workplace with a positive learning atmosphere looks like. Dr. Alexandru Pop is a large animal veterinarian who has been in practice for more than three years. Dr. Alexandru graduated with a veterinary medicine degree in 2019 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. He spent more than a year working at Pineview Veterinary Hospital before buying Appalachian Veterinary Services, an organization that he is now the president of. As a veterinarian, Dr. Alexandru's major objective is to improve and preserve animal health. To do this, he places a high value on open communication, reliable information, and providing the most enriching and satisfying veterinary experience he can. Apart from veterinary science, he is also interested in ophthalmology, technology in medicine, data analysis, and ruminant medicine. Listen in as Dr. Alexandru Pop discusses what vet students should look for in a practice from a mentorship perspective! Outline [01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Alexandru Pop.[06:40] As a practice owner, Dr. Alexandru Pop reveals the initial conversation his practice had with the vet students around mentorship. [08:16] Dr. Alexandru details some of the questions he asks to assess the potential and expectations of the new hire. [11:25] The performance evaluation of externs. [15:06] What are the qualities of a good intern? [16:11] A short ad break - join Thrive [17:18] How can you create a safe environment and a good learning environment at your practice? [19:30] The green flags that vet students should be looking for before joining a practice that offers mentorship. [24:25] Dr. Alexandru reveals how he communicates with vet externs and answers their queries. [27:00] We hear valuable advice to vet students who are looking for internships at a mixed animal practice. Dr. Alexandru talks about the work culture of his practice Appalachian Veterinary Services. [31:21] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.Connect with Dr. Alexandru Pop: Instagram  Linkedin  Website 

Nov 22, 202232 min

Ep 158Ep 158: The Making of a Mentor, with Dr. Sydney Pokard

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah is joined by Dr. Sydney Pokard to discuss her mentorship experiences in her first job - both the positive and negative aspects of it - as well as how mentorship helps to position yourself for success in the veterinary field.  Dr. Sydney Pokard is a veterinarian in Southern California who specializes in exotic and small animals. Dr. Sydney entered practice right away after earning her degree in veterinary medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She also joined the staff of a nearby zoo and worked with small animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. Dr. Pokard has enjoyed working with numerous endangered species while traveling the globe and practicing veterinary medicine. Her passion for the profession influenced her to become a mentor to young veterinarians. By serving as a reliable resource for exotic medicine when it isn't taught in school, she motivates and encourages veterinary students and other emerging veterinarians who are eager to treat exotic animals.Listen in as Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney discuss their mentorship experiences while offering helpful suggestions for recent graduates and veterinary students seeking the right mentorship.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Sarina Manifold. [02:05] What the mentorship experience was like while at vet school.[05:25] We hear Dr. Pokard's experience with mentorship in her first practice, highlighting the challenges she encountered and the help she received from the staff.[08:15] Talking about the communication aspect of mentorship, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Pokard discuss how to convey your expectations and needs as a mentee to the mentor and other staff members.[13:45] A short ad break - join Thrive[14: 54] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney discuss the most important question young veterinarians should ask before joining a practice: "Have you had a fresh graduate work here before?[20:30] How the role of mentorship changed during the first three years of Dr. Sydney's career.[26:45] Both Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sydney Pokard express how happy and proud they feel to be a mentor and see the recent grads grow.[30:05] Dr. Pokard discusses how she uses social media to mentor and inspires young graduate and veterinarian students.[34:18] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.Connect with Dr. Sydney Pokard:InstagramLinkedinWebsite

Nov 15, 202235 min

Ep 157Ep 157: Job Interviews: What we wish we asked, With Dr. Anna Schozer

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Anna Schozer to discuss the questions that young veterinarians should ask before joining a practice, as well as highlighting the red and green flags to watch out for during an interview.As a small animal emergency veterinarian, Dr. Anna Schozer practices in the state of New Hampshire. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 2021 with a DVM, she returned to the east coast and fell in love with relief work. During her second year of veterinary school, she launched an online health and fitness company that has since assisted over 250 women in finding balance in their lives. Building on this, Dr. Anna Schozer is also a talented content creator who shares educational and inspiring content about the field on social media.Listen in as they discuss what new graduates should look for when choosing a practice.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Anna Schozer[03:30] We are given a short preview of the episode.[05:10] Dr. Anna Schozer talks about her journey in the Veterinary profession, highlighting the challenges she faced as a young veterinarian.[09:10] Diving straight into the questions young vets should ask before going into practice.[13:05] "Have you ever had a new graduate work here?" Learn interview etiquette from Dr. Anna Schozer, and whether asking questions as straightforward as this is okay.[16:00] A short ad break - join Thrive[17:08] How can you get past the sugar-coated interview process? What are the best interview questions to ask to bring up those red and green flags?[19:05] Dr. Anna Schozer and Dr. Moriah list the essential questions that new grads should ask before joining a practice.[22:00] Is it ok to negotiate the salary during the interview? Discussing the financial aspect of a job including the salary, relocation bonus, signing bonus, and other perks.[32:17] Dr. Anna offers valuable advice for young veterinarians looking to join a practice as their first job.[34:15] Dr. Moriah thanks Dr. Anna for joining and wraps up the episode.To listen to extended TVL episodes, join our Thrive community for free. Connect with Dr. Anna SchozerInstagramTiktokFacebook

Nov 8, 202235 min

Ep 156Ep 156: Help! I can't find an externship, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

In this week’s episode of the That Vet Life podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley shares invaluable knowledge on the subject of externship. She discusses their importance  to students, the various ways students can get externships, and how they can get the most from the externship opportunities. Veterinary externships provide a platform for students to exercise their veterinary knowledge and learn hands-on skills. It is no surprise that most vet students strive to get these externships during their schooling years. However, getting externship opportunities is usually difficult mostly due to factors such as travel expenses and the expected cost of living in the externship station. Throughout the discussion, Dr. McCauley gives real-life examples and illustrations that will directly assist you as the listener. The main aim of the episode is to help you easily find an externship opportunity and consequently get the best outcome out of it. Tune in to learn more about this exciting topic!Podcast Outline[00:00] Podcast Intro[00:40] Review of a past poll on the evaluation of externships[03:32] Purpose of external externships[08:28] Where to find externships[10:12] Ad break - Learn more about our Thrive Community[11:23] Using word of mouth to find externships[12:07] Getting externships via corporate listings[14:28] Searching externships through job site listings[16:17] How to know if the externship opportunity will be high quality[19:28] Defining mentorship as a mentee or as an extern[22:58] How to get the most out of the mentorship experience[23:29] Episode wrap up[25:35] The endConnect with Dr. Moriah McCauleyLinkedInInstagram

Nov 1, 202225 min

Ep 155Ep 155: Treat the Patient, Not Just the Disease, with Dr. Gary Marshall

In this edition of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Gary Marshall, one of VetX's very own Thrive mentors, to discuss the concept of "Treating the patient, not the disease", highlighting the common challenges faced by young veterinarians in developing treatment plans.The founder and medical director of Island Cats Veterinary Hospital (a feline-only practice on Mercer Island, Washington), Dr. Gary Marshall received his veterinary medicine degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. Besides his work as a veterinarian, Dr. Marshall is also a member of our Thrive community and helps mentor young graduates and veterinary professionals. Gary currently sits on the board of directors for the College Of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, and formerly served as its president. He also represents Washington State in the American Veterinary Medical Association's House of Delegates.Listen in as Dr. Gary and Dr. Moriah describe the process you can use to help your mentee grow in skill and confidence. Outline[01:01] Dr. Moriah McCauley gives Dr. Gary Marshall a warm welcome as the episode begins.[01:52] They discuss Dr. Marshall's recent Instagram post, which delves further into the idea of "treating a patient, not just the disease."[05:22] We hear about the value of client communication and how it benefits both the patient and the veterinarian.[09:10] The value of client education, emphasizing how it can ultimately result in more effective patient care.[15:25] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Gary discuss how a treatment strategy for a specific disease can vary depending on the patient.[17:35] A short ad break - join Thrive[18:42] Dr. Moriah continues the program by discussing the value of considering a range of treatment choices before deciding which is the most suitable in the particular case.[21:30] The value of decision-making skills, especially in emergencies, before going on to discuss how a team should make decisions without delegating too much power and responsibility to any one person. [28:12] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Marshall summarise the episode, adding valuable tips for young grads and veterinarians.[30:45] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended versions of That Vet Life podcast when they release, join our Thrive community for free. Connect with Dr. Gary MarshallLinkedinInstagram

Oct 25, 202231 min

Ep 154Ep 154: Who's mentoring the mentors? With Dr. Moriah McCauley

This week's That Vet Life Show podcast is a solo episode, where Dr. Moriah McCauley discusses the traits that a good mentor should have, all of which were proposed by the veterinary community in an Instagram vote. She outlines these qualities and their significance for the growth and development of the team, the mentee, and you as a mentor.Whilst pursuing her veterinary degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Dr. McCauley had the opportunity to study with some of the best veterinarians in the nation. She has inspired veterinarians and veterinary students to be competent and self-assured through her captivating storytelling, love of animals, and passion for taking care of others.Listen in to discover the qualities that define a good mentor!Outline[01:16] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short recap of previous episodes.[02:36] She dives into the characteristics of a good mentor, enlisted by the vet community itself.[03:54] We discuss “imposter syndrome”, describing its impact on mentor-mentee relationships.[05:44] We hear a personal story, describing how being open-minded is a characteristic of a good mentor. [11:34] While discussing the second crucial quality of a good mentor, Dr. Moriah explains how being nonjudgmental as a mentor benefits both the mentee and the team.[13:40] A short ad break - join Thrive.[14:48] The episode by discussing the Instagram poll results. [17:11] What does it mean to be a titled mentor? If you don't enjoy teaching, should you still hold the title of mentor?[21:07] How to become a titled mentor? How to sharpen mentoring and leadership skills? [28:40] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. Connect with Dr. MoriahLinkedin Instagram

Oct 18, 202229 min

Ep 153Ep 153: Bringing the Humanity back into Vet Med, with Dr. Meghan Vaught

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Meghan Vaught joins Dr. Moriah as they discuss cyberbullying in the veterinary profession, specifically referring to a 2019 incident in which Meghan's MVMC received thousands of death threats over a puppy’s surrender to its facility. Along with it, however, MVMC received an outpouring of support from clients and the veterinary community as a whole.After finishing her clinical rotations at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Vaught earned her Ph.D. from St. George University in May 2013. In 2017, Dr. Vaught finished a three-year Emergency and Critical Care Residency at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care later that year. She is dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals and assisting all animals to lead happy, healthy lives full of treats, sundowners, and zoomies.Dr. Vaught has devoted her time and efforts to raising awareness about the effects that cyberbullying and public shaming can have on veterinary teams, as well as providing resources to assist others who may find themselves forced to defend themselves against online hate. We discuss how mentors, vets, and the community as a whole can help young people learn how to cope with such traumatic experiences.Outline[01:01] The episode begins with Dr. Meghan's brief introduction.[1:50] Dr. Moriah discusses the 2019 incident at MVNV and provides background information on the terrifying ordeal that Meghan and the staff had to experience.[03:13] We find out what a typical day in her life is like while underlining the difficulties she encounters at work.[04: 35] Dr. Meghan elaborates on the mentoring programs that MVNC is providing for young interns as she explains how to prepare veterinary students for tough situations.[08:41] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Meghan discuss the importance of creating a socially and psychologically secure atmosphere for new grads who are just beginning their careers in veterinary medicine.[09:10] The values that make up MNC's culture, and how it is reflected in the hospital.[11:38] A short ad break - join Thrive.[12:47] Dr. Moriah continues the episode by talking about the importance of emotional intelligence in the veterinary field, explaining its positive impacts on communication and teamwork. [16:27] Dr. Meghan discusses how the MVNC puts its core values into practice and how it helps strengthen the bonds among staff members.[18:35] Dr. Meghan lists valuable resources that can be used to strengthen a team's bond.[25:45] Dr. Meghan provides insightful guidance for young veterinary graduates starting in practice, particularly for those who find themselves battling cyberbullying.[28:12] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. Connect with Dr. Meghan VaughtLinkedin

Oct 11, 202229 min

Ep 152Ep 152: What does it mean to be a good Mentee? with Dr. Moriah McCauley

This week's That Vet Life Show episode features Dr. Moriah McCauley as she shares her experiences with mentorship, as well as highlighting the characteristics of a good mentee.Dr. Moriah McCauley combined her love of animals and passion for caring for others to become a small animal veterinarian. While pursuing her veterinary degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, she was presented with the opportunity to study with some of the best veterinarians in the nation. After realizing how valuable their tales were, she decided to share this value with her peers, which led her to entering the world of podcasts. She has since concentrated on the effects of storytelling in both client and patient outcomes, with her journey and stories having inspired veterinarians and veterinary students to be competent and self-assured.Going into practice as a young veterinarian, it's important to know what to expect from your mentors and what they will expect from you. Dr. McCauley describes the qualities of a good mentee, which were suggested by the veterinary community in an Instagram vote.Outline[01:16] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction to the Mentor-Mentee relationship.[02:15] Dr. McCauley dives into the most common common question regarding mentorship and its answers posted by the veterinarian community.[03:53] We hear about the four important characteristics of a good mentee, suggested by the vet community. [04:28] Dr. Moriah describes these characteristics while also explaining their importance through practical examples.[06:42] What are the steps you need to take to prepare for practice?[09:40] As a new veterinarian entering practice, how should you handle failure?[10:33] A short ad break - join Thrive.[11:40] We continue the episode by talking about the importance of having a growth mindset in overall development during a mentorship.[15:05] Dr. Moriah explains how to respond to criticism. [18:55] We explore mentorship from the perspective of the veterinary community, highlighting both its positive and negative aspects.[21:23] What are the factors that lead to a negative mentorship experience?[25:23] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended versions of this podcast series when they're available, join our Thrive community for free. Connect with Dr. MoriahLinkedin Instagram

Oct 4, 202226 min

Ep 151Ep 151: How Half-Marathon Training Prepared Me for the NAVLE, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah McCauley delves into all things NAVLE-related. For those that don't know, the NAVLE is the national board exam for veterinarians wanting to practice in the US and Canada. Choosing a career that would combine her love of animals and passion for caring for others, Dr. Moriah McCauley decided on becoming a small animal veterinarian. She began this podcast at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she graduated with a veterinary degree.Dr. McCauley started to concentrate on the function of the stories of her colleagues in veterinary medicine, focusing on how storytelling can enhance outcomes for clients and patients as she made the transition from student to doctor. Through her engaging storytelling, she has encouraged veterinarians and veterinary students to be competent and confident. During this special solo episode, Dr. Moriah talks about the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Listen in as Dr. Moriah discusses every aspect of the exam - from its schedule, eligibility, and duration, to its practice, resources, and the aftermath.Outline[01:50] - Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of NAVLE, sharing her experiences with the exam to give us a thorough insight. [04:28] - We hear a brief description of the NAVLE, answering the common questions, concerns, and doubts about the exam.[06:19] - Talking about how and what to study for an exam, Dr. Moriah talks about helpful resources and platforms to use for exam preparation.[08:04] - Dr. Moriah explains an efficient method for preparing and studying for the exam, also outlining how to cope when you don't know everything you need to know.[10:45] - A short ad break - join Thrive.[11:52] - We resume the podcast with Dr. McCauley discussing self-assessment exams. She explains how to make the best of the self-assessment exams, and how practicing it will help you build the right approach toward the actual exam.[14:01] - The importance of getting familiar and comfortable with the exam format, as well as building the right mindset toward it.[18:11] - "This is just an exam": Dr. Moriah talks about the aftermath of the results, discussing how to cope if you get a low score.[23:50] - Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to extended versions of the TVL podcast when they’re available, join our Thrive community for free. Resources Mentioned www.vetxinternational.com/thrive https://www.empoweringveterinaryteams.comhttps://www.mentorvet.nethttps://www.vetprep.comConnect with Dr. MoriahLinkedin Instagram

Sep 27, 202223 min

Ep 150Ep 150: Facing Finances, with Dr. Grace Kim

Dr. Grace Kim joins Dr. Moriah for this week's episode of That Vet Life Show. Having graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Grace Kim is a DVM and Accredited Financial Counsellor.She works as a mentor and financial coach for young veterinarians, offering them valuable guidance on how to manage their finances and debt without being overburdened.After going from six figures in student loan debt as a veterinarian to becoming financially literate and efficient with money, she founded Richer Life DVM, a platform to educate and inspire others in their financial journeys.This episode discusses the challenges young grads face financially, especially one of the biggest ones: the student loan. Furthermore, she explains how to organize your finances, even if you're not a financial expert. Dr. Grace shares her insight on finance management, including a lot of tactical advice for young veterinarians just starting their careers.Outline[0:00] - Episode Introduction[00:57] - The episode begins with Dr. Grace's warm welcome.[1:42 ] - Dr. Grace talks about her journey from being a veterinarian to a Financial Counsellor, discussing her background in veterinary medicine and her motivations for entering finance management.[5:12] - Dr. Grace and Dr. Moriah discuss college loans and offer advice on how young graduates can manage their debts effectively without overextending themselves financially.[8:46] - Discussing different approaches to repaying education debt in situations where there is a high disparity between what you earn and what you own. Dr. Grace details how to plan an efficient repayment plan.[12:14] - A short ad break - join Thrive[13:23]  - Dr. Moriah continues the episode by talking about the most crucial facet of financial management, quality of life.[13:58]  - Dr. Grace provides tips on how a recent graduate and a young veterinarian can maintain a work-life balance while juggling debt and other financial obligations.[17:45] - When should you consider talking to a financial advisor? Her experience as a financial counsellor gives her insight into how finance professionals approach wealth and debt management.[22:36]  - Dr. Grace discusses Richer Life DVM and the valuable resources it offers. Visit the website to learn more about money management.[26:22] - Dr. Moriah wraps the episode with a subtle request to share the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. Resources Mentioned www.vetxinternational.com/thrive https://www.empoweringveterinaryteams.comhttps://richerlifedvm.comConnect with Dr. Grace KimLinkedinRicher Life DVM

Sep 20, 202227 min

Ep 149Ep 149: “What’s the Difference Between Emergency Medicine and General Practice?” with Dr. Rachel Courville

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Rachel Courville joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Rachel began working as an Emergency Veterinarian at MedVet, a pet healthcare facility in Illinois Chicago, in 2020 after receiving her veterinary medicine degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.Dr. Rachel switched to general practice and joined Mission Veterinary Partners in 2021 after working as an emergency veterinarian for a year. In addition to being a talented vet, Rachel has a large social media following, using her platform for good to help vets and pet parents through her interesting and insightful social media posts and videos.In this episode, Dr. Rachel Courville discusses her experience switching from emergency medicine to general practice, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the process.As the show progresses, she talks about the reasons for her job change and the difficulties that came with it.Listen in as Dr. Rachel Courville and Dr. Moriah discuss their own experiences to provide useful insights for young vets going through the same transition.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Rachel Courville. [02:14] Dr. Rachel discusses her reasons for opting for emergency medicine after graduation whilst also exposing some false notions people have about general practice.[07:05] How the practice styles differ between emergency medicine and general practice.[10:14] Dr. Moriah explains why she decided on pursuing a career as a small animal veterinarian despite initially considering becoming a specialist in equine medicine.[12:10] Dr. Rachel and Dr. Moriah discuss the mentorship and relationship-building aspects of general practice and emergency medicine, emphasizing how the need for mentorship changes as one moves from one practice to another.[15:45] A short ad break - join Thrive[16:53] In the second segment of the podcast, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Rachel discuss the value of mentorship for both professional and personal growth.[21:14] How getting support from friends and family can help you get through the psychological and emotional challenges associated with changes.[24:14] Dr. Rachel Courville goes into more detail about what led her to go from Emergency Medicine to General Practice.[25:50] The value of networking and how it could aid in opening up new doors for young veterinary students.[29:24] Moriah and Rachel offer valuable advice to young vet students who are planning to make a change in their profession. [33:35] Dr. Rachels discusses her motivations for helping and mentoring young veterinary students and her inspiration behind BellaVet.[37:45] Dr. Mo wraps the episode with a subtle request to share the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Sep 13, 202237 min

Ep 148Ep 148: Science Communication in Vet Med, with Caitlin DeWilde

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Caitlin DeWilde joins Dr. Moriah. Having graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with an Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Caitlin was selected as one of just ten nationwide veterinarians to participate in the AVMA’s Future Leaders program. She is also a member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association, where she serves as vice president. In addition, Dr. Caitlin DeWilde founded The Social DVM, a consultancy business aimed at assisting veterinary professionals in understanding, utilizing, and growing their online and social media presence. She served as the medical director at a large hospital in St. Louis before taking a step back to commit herself to her love of marketing.In this episode, Dr. Caitlin and Dr. Moriah discuss science communication and its importance for veterinary professionals, emphasizing how veterinarians can effectively utilize social media. Listen in as Dr. Caitlin shares her insights on how clinics, young graduates, and solo practitioners can thrive on social media by using scientific communication and content that educates clients.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Caitlin DeWilde.[02: 15] Dr. Caitlin shares her thoughts on Science Communication and its importance in Veterinary Medicine, emphasizing how social media can help clients become more educated.[06:10] What does Science Communication entail? Get the inside scoop directly from the social media mastermind.[10:00] Dr. Caitlin and Dr. Moriah discuss the role of a Veterinarian in Science communication.[13:02] Dr. Caitlin describes how to overcome the different social and personal barriers to create an impeccable social media presence.[18:14] A short ad break - join Thrive[19:20] Is it necessary for individual veterinarians to have a social media presence as well? Before creating a social media strategy, Dr. Caitlin recommends a few things to take into account.[21:56] Personal or professional social media accounts? Dr. Caitlin offers her opinion on which one a vet should choose and why. Personal or professional social media accounts? Dr. Caitlin and Dr. Moriah offer their opinion on which one a vet should choose and why.[28: 36] Dr. Caitlin discusses how young veterinary students can use social media and what their goals should be.[30:56] Dr. Caitlin and Moriah discuss social media's future, outlining what it will probably look like in five years, particularly in the veterinary industry.[35:49] Dr. Caitlin discusses her background in veterinary medicine and her motivations for entering social media marketing.[37:20] Dr. Mo wraps the episode with a subtle request to share the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Sep 6, 202238 min

Ep 147Ep 147: Grief Management, with Sarina Manifold

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Sarina Manifold join Dr. Moriah. Sarina Manifold is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in veterinary social work. She gained the knowledge and abilities necessary to offer crisis intervention and grief support to clients of the small and large Animal Clinic after working as one of the clinical social workers at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center for ten years. In this episode, Dr. Moriah and Sarina Manifold talk about compassion fatigue and its effects on veterinary professionals. Using her years of experience in grief management, Sarina explains how a young vet can get through situations involving loss and grief while supporting the team and client all the while.Utilizing her passion for animals and her grief management expertise, she assists pet owners in their end-of-life decisions and conducts memorial services for their pets. Through increasing self-awareness, eliminating the thoughts that don't serve them any longer, and integrating losses in their lives, Sarina helps people become more balanced, effective, and authentic in their personal and professional lives.Listen in as the certified grief recovery specialist and owner of Authentic Healing Counseling shares an insight into what it's really like to work in the veterinary field as a veterinary social worker.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Sarina Manifold. [04:00] Dr. Moriah describes an unusual and unpleasant episode from her general practice career that left her emotionally drained and mentally exhausted.[09:15] In her explanation of how grief management works, Sarina Manifold highlights all of the feelings and phases of grieving that surround compassion fatigue. [14:50] Sarina explains the importance of emotional agility and physiological flexibility in the veterinary profession.[18:57] How the ability of post-event debriefing can help in resilience building, [20:05] A short ad break - join Thrive[21:15] Dr. Moriah continues the conversation by outlining how young vet students can incorporate emotional debriefing into daily living to establish a healthy process of healing.[24:30] Sarina discusses how important it is to acknowledge, name, and accept your emotions when dealing with grief.[28:40] Sarina Manifold shares valuable techniques and tips for young vet students on how to handle scenarios of loss and grief while also supporting the team in overcoming them.[36:10] Sarina summarises key details from the episode and adds her closing remarks on dealing with loss and maintaining mental well-being.[40:13] Dr. Moriah thanks Sarina for joining and wraps up the episode.

Aug 30, 202241 min

Ep 146Ep 146: The Vet School Imposter with Dr. Moriah McCauley

In this week's That Vet Life Podcast Dr. Moriah McCauley discusses vet school imposter syndrome!Dr. Moriah McCauley became a small animal veterinarian after combining her love of animals and a passion for taking care of others. She gained her veterinary degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she began this podcast. Utilizing her podcast to share her colleague's stories, Dr. McCauley started to concentrate on the function of these stories in veterinary medicine and how storytelling can enhance outcomes for clients and patients as she made the transition from student to doctor. Through her engaging storytelling, she encouraged veterinarians and veterinary students to be competent and confident. Dr. Moriah discusses the imposter phenomenon in this episode and offers guidance that can be really helpful if you're struggling in vet school.Listen in as Dr. Moriah shares crucial advice and insights that will help you maintain a healthy balance in your academic life by focusing on what matters most and letting go of what doesn't.Outline[1:17] Dr. Moriah starts the podcast by summarising the four years of vet school and emphasizing the difficulties and stress.[04:12] Dr. Moriah lists the five most important things to keep in mind when you're feeling discouraged during vet school.[05:44] A short ad break - join Thrive.As the episode continues, Dr. Moriah explains how the vet community can motivate, inspire, and challenge others.[08:30] Dr. Moriah explains why academic performance isn't everything in veterinary school.[11:02] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Aug 23, 202212 min

Ep 145Ep 145: A Q&A with Dr. Moriah McCauley, Featuring Dr. Boatright, Dr. Dela Cruz, Dr. Byers and Dr. Reinhard

This week's That Vet Life Podcast is a Q&A special where Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Kate Boatright, Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz, Dr. Chris Byers, and Dr. Addie Reinhard to answer all your burning questions! Host, Dr. Moirah McCauley, is a practicing small animal veterinarian who gained her doctor of veterinary medicine from The University of Scotland in 2020. Amongst her guests includes, emergency veterinarian and chief veterinary officer, otherwise known as ‘the friendly vet’, Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz. Dr. Marcus graduated from Purdue University in 2018 and since then has been working as a veterinarian alongside writing for his blog ‘The Friendly Vet’. Other guests in this episode include, Dr. Kate Boatright, an associate veterinarian, speaker, and author who gained her doctor of veterinary medicine back in 2013. As well as Dr. Chris Byers, a teleconsultant, emergency/critical care and small animal internal medicine practitioner, and the founder and editor of CriticalCareDVM.come. And lastly, Dr. Addie Reinhard, the founder and CEO of MentorVet - an evidence-based mentorship and professional development program designed to provide resources and support to new and recent veterinary graduates.During this special Q&A episode, Dr. Moriah and other experienced veterinarians from the vet community answer the vet student’s questions coming straight from Dr. Moriah’s Instagram feed.Listen in as the expert veterinary professionals give a variety of answers and advice to help vet students with the challenges they face.Outline[01:30] Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz and Dr. Kate Boatwright answer how students can manage their dread and anxiety as they prepare to begin vet school. How to dive right into this new chapter of Vet medicine and have a blast doing it.If you are a vet student, what is the best way to study efficiently and how do you cope when you do not know everything?[06:00] Dr. Moriah answers queries regarding internships and residency.What is the right roadmap for veterinary students— enter General Practice right away or take an internship first and pursue a specialization?[09:48] Dr. Chris Byers’s research-based take on specialization and internships.[13:03] A short ad break - join Thrive.[14:10] Dr. Moriah resumes the podcast by discussing how to get the best internship.How do you find a job that has good mentorship? How do you even begin looking for it? And how do you know if it will offer you effective mentoring?[15:40] Here are some questions you could ask at the interview to get a glimpse of your future career recommended by Dr. Addy Reinhard.How often will we have check-in sessions? What will my first week, month, year look like? What kind of support and resources are available to your new grads here?[19:02] Any advice for the jitters on the first day, week, or month?[23:50] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.

Aug 16, 202224 min

Ep 144Ep 144: Vetting the World's Toughest Horse Race, with Dr. Georgina Johnston

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Georgina Johnston joins Dr. Moriah.In 2013, Georgina Johnston earned a degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in England, she shares a deep passion for veterinary medicine. She has traveled the world in pursuit of her passion, working with a diverse range of people and animals. She is not only an accomplished veterinarian, but also accomplished in equine research and works to enhance equine performance through high-level training, education, and research.In this episode, Dr. Georgina discusses her participation in the 1000 km Mongolian Derby, highlighting its history, the selection of the horses, and the risks and difficulties it entails. Dr. Georgina shares her experience from the derby while discussing the role of veterinarians in equine sports.Listen in as Dr.Georgina Johnston shares how she and a small team of veterinarians took care of nearly 1400 horses that were selected for the race.Outline of this episode:[00:23] Dr. Mo begins the episode with Dr.Georgina Johnston’s introduction.[01:10] Dr. Georgina Johnston briefly discusses her college and internship experience.[01:50] Dr. Georgina Johnston talks about how and what prompted her to switch from practicing medicine to other fields.[04:10] Drs. Moriah and Georgina Johnston discuss the importance of practice in choosing or entering a field of specialization.[10:54] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Georgina Johnston discuss the history of the Mongol Derby.[16:10] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Georgina Johnston discuss the culture of Mongolia.[16:36] A short ad break - join Thrive[17:45] Dr. Georgina and Moriah continue the episode by talking about how the process of organizing the Mongol Derby race works.[20:40] Dr. Georgina and Moriah discuss the horse selection process for the race.[22:20] Dr. Mo and Dr. Georgina Johnston discuss the process of selecting a horse for the race based on both a visual and medical analysis.[27:02] Moriah and Dr. Georgina talk about the dangers and challenges associated with horse racing.[30:02] Georgina Johnston talks about the medical kit she used during the Mongol Derby.[32:00] Dr. Georgina discusses a few of her most interesting experiences from the Mongolian derby.[34:55] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Aug 9, 202235 min

Ep 143Ep 143: Reflecting on Veterinary School and Client Communication, with Dr. Sarah Wolff

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Sarah Wolff joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Sarah Wolff is a general practice veterinarian and client experience nerd, who earned her veterinary medicine degree from The University of Edinburgh in 2011.In addition to being a brilliant vet, Dr. Sarah is also an excellent speaker and expert in client communication. She is also a founder of Wolff Pack Services, a firm that helps veterinary practices to develop an effective veterinarian-client-patient relationship through curated client experiences and effective team strategies.In this episode, a conversation between Dr. Moriah and Dr. Sarah Wolff takes us on a journey from the beginning to the end of their graduations at the University of Edinburgh. They discuss some of the common challenges young vets face at vet school and describe how the overall journey has shaped their professional careers.Listen in as two veterinarians who graduated from the University of Edinburgh reflect on their time in vet school and offer insightful advice to aspiring veterinarians.Outline[01:12] The episode begins with Dr. Moriah welcoming Dr. Sarah Wolf.[09:00] Dr. Sarah and Dr. Moriah talk about the education and cultural system of the United Kingdom from the United States. [03:35] Dr. Sarah and Dr. Moriah share the challenges they faced while moving to the UK for graduation.[15:15] Dr. Sarah talks about the days of vet school, highlighting how her graduation experience helped her in becoming a better vet.[17:20] Dr. Sarah Wolf explains the reason behind lead poisoning in Swans, which is a common vet emergency across the UK.[21:14] A short ad break - join Thrive.[22:43] Dr. Moriah continues the episode by sharing her vet school experience.[23:36] Dr. Moriah offers an important piece of advice for students who are planning to study abroad.[25:50] Sarah discusses how the veterinary profession allows graduates to apply different approaches to their practice.[27:30] How taking different opportunities and volunteering in different activities at vet schools can develop and empower you with excellent communication skills, essential industry experience, and professional confidence. [30:04] Dr. Sarah Wolf offers advice for veterinary students based on her own graduation experience at the University of Edinburgh.[33:20] Dr. Sarah explains the idea behind her Wold Pack Services, which helps vet practices create exceptional client experiences.[36:09] What are the steps that make an appointment successful for the vet, client, and patient?[43:55] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Aug 2, 202244 min

Ep 142Ep 142: The Truth Behind the Transition, with Dr. Alexandru Pop and Dr. Sarah Brisson

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Alexandru Pop and Dr. Sarah Brisson join Dr. Moriah. Large animal veterinarian, Dr. Alexandru Pop has been in practice for almost three years. In 2019, Alex earned his veterinary medicine degree from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He spent more than a year working at Pineview Veterinary Hospital before joining Appalachian Veterinary Services, where he is currently the president.Dr. Sarah Brisson is a confident and competent small animal veterinarian. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018, she jumped into rural practice in Ontario where she spent 3 years learning to manage preventative, chronic, urgent, and emergent care cases.During this episode, Dr. Alex and Dr. Moriah discuss the challenges and difficulties every new vet graduate faces when they start their career emphasizing how important it is to learn from your colleagues and teammates. Dr. Sarah joins the conversation and shares her experiences as a young small animal vet.Listen as Dr. Alex and Moriah discuss their transformation from veterinary students to practicing veterinarians while acknowledging the common challenges they face and their logical solutions.Outline[01:13] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Alex. [03:33] Dr. Alex Pop discusses his background in veterinary medicine and his motivations for entering the field.[06:22] Dr. Alex and Moriah talk about large animal practice.[09:10] Dr. Alex talks about his transition from being a vet student to working as a veterinarian.[10:00] How does your support system evolve as you develop from a vet student to a vet professional?[12:10] Alex discusses his first job after graduating from vet school, revealing the factor that influenced him to take his first job.[13:40] At what point should a Vet Student consider taking on a job? Dr. Moriah and Dr. Alex discuss the right time to explore the possible option.[18:00] A short ad break - join Thrive[19:18] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Alex resume the episode by discussing the differences between the clinical cultures of small, large, and mixed animal practices.[22:30] What can you learn about the work culture at your next job by asking the right questions during an interview?[26:15] Dr. Sarah answers the question “What do you wish someone had told you about the transition from a student to a young graduate”?Is it necessary for vet students to memorize every single detail at veterinary school? [31:40] Dr. Alex lists the informational resources that he uses as a quick reference while working as Vet professional.[34:20] Dr. Alex shares his thoughts on the transition from being a competent Vet into a confident vet.[38:15] Dr. Sarah describes the unexpected joy of starting a practice in veterinary medicine. [38:20] Alex and Moriah share their experience starting a veterinary practice and the unexpected joys they encountered.[43:00] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode with a subtle request to share the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Jul 26, 202242 min

Ep 141Ep 141: The Days of James Herriot, with Dr. Cody Creelman

In today’s episode, Dr. Cody Creelman joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Cody Creelman is a Canadian veterinarian also known as the ‘Cow Vet’. After growing up on a commercial cattle operation near Beaverlodge, Alberta, he attended the University of Alberta, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with distinction in 2006.In 2011, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and joined Veterinary Agri-Health Services as an associate veterinarian. He directly impacted rural communities and provided services to local cattle ranchers in Alberta using his vet experience, entrepreneurial endeavors, and business savvy.Having over 20 million views, he has established a very loyal following of ranchers, veterinarians, and veterinary students. It's easy to see why Creelman puts a lot of effort into content creation as his videos are highly entertaining, and his attitude towards work is admirable.During this episode, Dr. Cody Creelman and Moriah discuss the history and evolution of veterinary medicine, emphasizing how the approach to learning, the culture of the profession, and the overall veterinary sector have changed through time and what the future may hold for vet medicine.Listen in as the popular Dr. Moriah revisits history and explains how veterinary medicine has changed over time while giving a taste of what the future may bring.Outline of this episode:[01:10] Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes Dr. Cody Creelman to begin the episode.[03:30] Moriah and Cody discuss the history of veterinary medicines and the romantic ideas of James Hariot’s writings.[05:44] What does veterinary medicine look like now and in the future, according to Dr. Moriah and Dr. Cody?[07:40] Dr. Cody talks about the evolution of veterinary medicines.[09:50] Dr. Moriah and Cody Creelman discuss the difference between today's learning curriculum and the one in the 30s (James Hariot's time).[11:30] What the future holds for the veterinary profession and where does it stand today?[15:15] What is Cody Creelman trying to accomplish with Mosaic Veterinary Partners?[15:50] A short ad break - join Thrive[16:58] Dr. Moriah continues the episode by discussing how the practice culture has changed over time.[19:30] Cody Creelman discusses the teaching methods in today’s veterinary schools.[24:20] Moriah and Cody discuss goals and visions after vet school.[28:50] Dr. Moriah and Cody Creelman talk about common problems veterinarians encounter with clients.[31:30] Dr. Moriah and Cody Creelman discuss the toxic negative culture in the workplace. How to escape the culture of toxic negativity in practice?[36:20] Dr. Moriah wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Jul 19, 202237 min

Ep 140Ep 140: Mitigating Workplace Conflict, with Dr. Cyndie Courtney

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Cynthia Courtney joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Cyndie is a small animal veterinarian practicing in Kansas City. In addition to being a veterinarian, Cyndie is a superb speaker and consultant. She is the brains of the Jerk Researcher, a conflict consulting firm that employs an evidence-based strategy for conflict resolution in the veterinary industry. Cyndie also won the WSAVA 2019 Next Generation Award, the AVMA Future Leader Award, and Virginia Maryland’s Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award for 2021!During this episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Cyndie discuss the problems faced by new graduates at the workplace, highlighting some common conflict scenarios and how to overcome them with a positive approach. Furthermore, Cyndie explains how setting boundaries and establishing relationships can help resolve conflicts effectively. Listen in as Dr. Cyndie reveals the best approaches to resolve conflict in the workplace while leaving a positive impact on colleagues.Outline of this episode :[01:20] The episode begins with Dr.Moriah and Dr.Cyndie Courtney discussing their last meeting in January.[01:42] Dr.Cyndie explains the idea behind the Jerk researcher and conflict management.[03:30] Dr. Moriah talks about the problems faced by new graduates at the workplace, highlighting the tension between new grads and the support staff.[05:35] Cyndie discusses the conflicts encountered by new graduates in veterinary medicine.[07:36] How to be identified as a new graduate in the practice culture?[08:57] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Cyndie Courtney talk about the cultural gaps they encountered as young graduates and how to get over them.[13:40] How to handle conflict in the Vet profession?[15:44] Dr. Cyndie explains the two approaches to conflict resolution: establishing boundaries and building relationships[18:25] How relationship building can help positively in conflict resolution?[19:40] Dr. Courtney outlines why some individuals behave destructively at work and how to establish boundaries.[21:17] Dr. Moriah and Cyndie talk about unhealthy practice cultures and how to escape them if you find yourself in one.[24:10] A short ad break - join Thrive[25:20] Cyndie and Moriah continue the episode by talking about how to seek help during a conflict.[27:30] How should a freshly graduated respond to criticism from their senior? Is there anything a young graduate can do if there is a disagreement between the two of you?[32:22] Dr. Cynthia Courtney shares some tools for managing conflicts for recent graduates.[35:01] What is the one thing recent graduates need to consider before starting their first job?[36:20] Dr. Moriah concludes the episode by thanking Dr. Cyndie Courtney.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Jul 12, 202237 min

Ep 139Ep 139: The Scotland Episode, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

Host, Dr. Moriah goes solo in today's episode of That Vet Life Podcast. Dr. Moriah McCauley became a small animal veterinarian after combining her love of animals and a passion for taking care of others. She gained her veterinary degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she began this podcast. Utilizing her podcast to share her colleague's stories, Dr. McCauley started to concentrate on the function of these stories in veterinary medicine and how storytelling can enhance outcomes for clients and patients as she made the transition from student to doctor. Through her engaging storytelling, she encouraged veterinarians and veterinary students to be competent and confident.During this episode, Dr. Mo shares her experience relocating from the USA to Scotland to pursue veterinary medicine, highlighting the challenges and obstacles involved with getting a degree overseas. Join Mo as she discusses the strategies and tips she employed while completing her graduation in Scotland.Outline of this episode :[01:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a preview [05:55] What aspects are taken into account while choosing a veterinary school for studies abroad?[06:00] Dr. Moriah discusses the financial aspects associated with studying abroad, including tuition and living expenses.[09:40] Which veterinary schools are the best? How do you choose the best veterinary school for you?[14:15] When moving to a new country, how does it initially feel? Dr. Mo offers advice on how to choose the ideal place to live when moving overseas for studies.?[18:32] Dr.Mo talks about the built-in studying facilities at the Edinburgh campus.[20:12] Dr.Mo talks about the history of the University of Edinburgh.[22:43] 16:55 -  A short ad break - join Thrive[23:52] Dr. Mo resumes the episode by continuing on the background of the vet school.[30:12] Dr. Mo shares her insight on the programs and academic structure of the veterinary school.[35:01] Dr.Mo shares her farm experiences from vet school, highlighting the challenges, and difficulties.[36:15] Dr.Mo answers the question “Did your veterinary education prepared you for life outside that school?”[38:40] Dr. Mo talks about the challenging parts of veterinary school while highlighting the common challenge encountered by students.[41:50] Dr.Mo wraps the episode

Jul 5, 202242 min

Ep 138Ep 138: The Importance of Gratitude In Veterinary Medicine, with Dr. Katie Ford

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Katie Ford joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Katie is a veterinary surgeon, mentor, and speaker. She completed her graduation in Veterinary Medicine with a distinction from the University of Liverpool in 2012. Katie continued working in small animal first opinion practices following graduation, and in 2016 she earned her RCVS Certificate in Internal Medicine.After learning the importance of preventative mindset techniques, she sought coaching training to equip herself with mentorship skills. She now shares different mindset techniques with other professionals across the country so they can succeed in the veterinary industry. Apart from being an excellent mentor, she is also a brilliant speaker and regularly talks about gratitude and self-worth. She is a gratitude and empathy enthusiast and helped many individuals to overcome self-doubt and Imposter syndrome. Furthermore, she is also an influencer, regularly spreading her positive message via social media platforms and speaking events.In this episode, Dr. Katie and Dr. Mo talk about the value of gratitude in the veterinary field and how it significantly lowers stress levels. They share their experience of identifying and actively engaging gratitude in their daily life. Listen in as Dr. Mo and Katie Ford shares their strategy to reduce stress by showing a little appreciation for life.Outline of this episode:[01:06] The episode begins with Dr. Moriah expressing a warm welcome to Dr. Katie. [01:42] Dr. Katie Ford talks about her experiences as a vet, emphasizing how she overcame the challenges like self-doubt and imposter syndrome using the strategy of “gratitude”[06:15] Dr. Katie talks about her ideas on "gratitude" and how it inspired her to be appreciative of even the most fundamental things in life.[07:55] How to be grateful.[09:55] Why does gratitude signify more in veterinary practice than in other fields of work? Dr. Katie discusses clinical studies that showed how expressing gratitude could drastically lower stress levels in medical professionals.[12:55] Mo and Dr. Katie talk about the various aspects of gratitude and their significance in the veterinary field.[14:47] A short ad break - join Thrive[15:56] Drs. Katie and Mo continue the episode by talking about how a child is the biggest inspiration for being grateful for all of life's little joys and how gratitude evolves as you move forward in life.[20:10] Dr. Katie offers advice on how to master the practice of gratitude, especially when it comes to expressing it to others.[26:00] - What are the tools and techniques vet students can use to start integrating and training their brains for gratitude.[31:03] - Dr. Moriah wraps the episode To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Jun 28, 202231 min

Ep 137Ep 137: The Changing Face of Veterinary Education, with Alyssa Mages

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Alyssa Mages joins Dr. Moriah. Alyssa Mages is a Certified Veterinary Technician and Chief Visionary Officer of Empowering Veterinary Teams. She has worked in six practices in two countries and has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of Vet Med in her 18 years of clinical practice.In addition to being a CVO, Alyssa is a superb public speaker, content producer, and collaborative coach focused on the growth and development of team members in the veterinary medical field.Alyssa is a veterinary medicine leader that believes in team empowerment, training, and encouragement. In 2019, she co-founded Empowering Veterinary Teams with her friend Caitlin Keat to pursue her passion. EVT aims to improve veterinary medicine's knowledge foundation, training and coaching, program development, and general culture.During this episode, Alyssa Mages and Dr. Moriah address several aspects of clinical training and its importance to veterinary professionals. Alyssa Mage discusses how clinical training benefits a veterinarian student's professional development, noting the differences in approach between young students and seasoned veterinarians.Outline of this episode:[01:10] - The episode begins with Dr. Moriah and Alyssa Mages discussing their last meeting in Chicago.[03:06] - Alyssa explains the idea behind Clinical Training and Coaching and how it is closely intertwined with personal well-being.[05:01] - Moriah and Alyssa discuss how the idea of Clinical Training applies to Vet students and to their veterinary schooling.[07:02]- Dr. Moriah talks about the differences in approach between first-year vet school students and those who have been practicing for a year.[08:08] - Alyssa explains how they as professionals talk to the first-year students to bring them awareness.[09:30] - What causes students to drop out of veterinary school in their second year?[12:12] - What does it look like when first-year students and people who have already been practicing for a year collaborate to bring a change?[16:55] -  A short ad break - join Thrive[18:05] - Alyssa and Mo continue the episode by discussing how we can implement the Clinical practice to bring a change.[21:17] - How well-being and clinical skills are important in the Veterinary profession?[22:30] - Alyssa and Mo talk about the ‘Wholistic” approach.[28:30] - What can vet students do to be changemakers in the university?[30:42] - Alyssa and Moriah discuss the concept behind Empowering Veterinary Teams.[31:35] - Dr. Mo thanks Alyssa and wraps the episodeTo listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free. 

Jun 21, 202233 min

Ep 136Ep 136: How Do You Choose Happy? With Dr. Krispin Kanan

In this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Krispin Kanan joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Krispin Kanan is a large animal veterinarian currently working at Veterinary Enterprises Group Limited in a business development role. Krispin is also a part of Massey's MMI for vet students, which is part of the pre-selection program for the Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences.Dr. Krispin began his veterinary career as a Large Animal Veterinarian at Veterinary Enterprises Group Limited after graduating from Massey University in 2010. Krispin traveled throughout the world and conducted locum work in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland during his 15-month sabbatical.In 2019, he completed an Executive MBA and joined Veterinary Enterprises as a Business Manager. Krispin, in addition to being an excellent veterinarian, works hard to spread positivity through his social media posts.Dr. Krispin and Dr. Mo discuss the differences between small and large animal veterinarians in this episode, as well as the value of emotional intelligence in the profession.Listen in as Krispin describes his experiences as a veterinarian traveling around the world and reveals the trick to being positive during times of stress. Outline of this episode:[01:08] Dr. Mo begins the episode by complimenting Krispin for using his social media presence to spread positivity.[04:50] Dr. Mo and Dr. Krispin give a snapshot of their graduation journey, emphasizing how swiftly the years passed.[08:55] How the Vet Profession benefits from the wide age group and backgrounds of Vet Students.[11:20] Dr. Krispin discusses the MMI pre-selection program and the possibilities of graduating from New Zealand's vet school.[12:26] Dr. Krispin and Dr. Mo talk about the vet school's new selection method, highlighting how other skills might help you get into the vet school.[15:35] Dr. Krispin talks about his first job as a young veterinarian.[18:06] A short ad break - join Thrive[19:12] Dr. Krispin and Dr. Mo continue the podcast by talking about the mistakes that young vets make after graduating.Is it a good idea to do locum work right after graduation?[21:12] Dr. Krispin recounts a memorable event he had while on his first job, which enabled him to travel around the world.[25:28] Dr. Krispin and Dr. Mo talk about the differences between small animal and farm animal medicine, as well as how the pace of life changes depending on which role you select.[28:50] How can young grads identify the finest practice for them?[31:26] Dr. Krispin and Dr. Mo discuss corporate practice and how it differs from private practice.[37: 24] How can a system be implemented in Vet school so that students can acquire critical skills like PCS in a fun way?[40:25] Dr. Mo wraps the episode.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Jun 14, 202241 min

Ep 135Ep 135: Can Mentorship Boost Your Well-Being? With Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz joins Dr. Moriah. Dr. Marcus is an ER veterinarian at PETS Referral Center and a mentor for students and young veterinarians. In addition to being a mentor, Marcus is also a Social Media Creator for pet parents.After graduating from Purdue University College of Veterinary Practice in 2018, Dr. Marcus began his career in veterinary medicine at Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic. Marcus worked with a wonderful team of veterinarians at a beautiful Pismo beach for more than three years before joining PETS Referral Center as an Emergency Veterinarian.During this episode, Dr. Marcus shares his story from being a veterinarian student to becoming a friendly face on social media for pet parents and a mentor for veterinary students. Dr. Marcus and Mo discuss the value of mentorship in professional development, emphasizing the importance of feedback and communication.Listen in as Marcus discusses his mentorship story, which started not in a vet hospital, but on the field during an ultimate frisbee match. He shares how the mentorship he received at his first job helped shape who he has become as a veterinarian and mentor.He talks about what his mentorship looked like and why it’s important to define the style of mentorship you need in your first job.Outline of this episode :[01:02] Moriah begins the episode on a humorous note by mentioning Dr. Marcus's special pet, Charlie.[04:28] Dr. Marcus shares his journey as a veterinarian, from being a vet student to becoming a veterinary mentor.[09:05] Dr. Marcus talks about his experience with his Mentor, who, at the time, was also the hospital's owner and medical director.[13:12] How can mentoring aid in the development of a professional communication style that includes the correct tone, body language, and facial expression?[13:48] A short ad break - join Thrive[14:58]The episode resumes with Dr. Marcus and Dr. Mo discussing how Mentor and Mentee communication can be a confidence booster.[16:51] How does a role of a Mentor change from general practice to an Emergency Veterinarian role.[17:48] Marcus talks about the habit of proactively seeking feedback he developed in veterinary school.[19:35] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Marcus discussed the value of feedback in the field of veterinary medicine.Dr. Moriah also emphasizes the importance of being proactive in seeking feedback.[22:15] How to take care of own well-being while working as a Veterinarian. Dr. Marcus shares a story of how he met his mentor for the first time at Frisby Field.[26:00] What should be on your priority list while going for a job interview? The importance of mentorship in a job?[27:50] Dr. Marcus discusses what influenced him to become a Mentor for students and young veterinarians.[31:41] The episode concludes with Dr. Moriah thanking Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz.To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our Thrive community for free.

Jun 7, 202234 min

Ep 134Ep 134: Communication Courses Can Boost Veterinary Well-Being. Here's How, with April Kedrowicz

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by April Kedrowicz, an Associate Professor of Communication at NC State’s vet school.April has been a part of the team at NC State developing a new breed of communication courses with the goal of providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at communication when they graduate.So far, they have seen four cohorts of students graduate through this program and the feedback has been absolutely incredible.Listen in as April discusses what has made these courses successful as she unpacks the ins and outs of evidence-based communication. She also speaks on the positive impact that communication courses have on the well-being of students, and what all of this means for their continued development in a post-pandemic profession.Outline of this episode:[01:56] Introducing April and the development of her pre-clinical communication curriculum for DVM students.[04:07] How engineers communicate differently from veterinarians.[06:18] Measuring communication skills.[12:12] The major challenges that April’s first cohort of students experienced with regards to communication.[15:55] Deciding on learning objectives for each level of the course.[20:45] Student feedback on the course so far.[24:12] The structure of a third-year class.[26:14] Ad break - Become a Thrive member.[27:24] The relationships between communication skills and mental wellbeing.[33:22] Developing communication courses to meet the needs to vet students living through the pandemic.[38:18] The future of communication courses.[42:02] The episode wraps up.

May 31, 202244 min

Ep 133Ep 133: The Importance of Mental Wellness, with Dr. Lianne Mellin

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Lianne Mellin. Like Dr. Moriah, Lianne graduated from vet school at the end of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. Lianne is currently working at a companion animal clinic as a general practitioner in New Zealand. Her interests lie in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and helping owners care for their pets with a keen focus on preventative health care.Over her years at veterinary school, Dr. Lianne worked hard to build a social media presence on both Instagram and YouTube in order to help prospective vet students, support those in the industry already and educate the public!Listen in as Lianne shares her recent experiences changing jobs. She shares the fears she faced in the conversations she had with those around her as she navigated that fateful decision.She and Dr. Moriah also talk about the recent VetX article she wrote about managing stress and how she sought out therapy as a preventative means of caring for her mental health in this rewarding yet challenging profession. Read it here. Outline of this episode:[02:32] Lianne shares the story of her graduation.[05:32] How Lianne navigated her first two years out of vet school.[12:35] Making the decision to resign from her first practice.[16:20] Submitting her letter of resignation.[20:11] Ad break - Become a Thrive member.[22:40] Lianne discusses the fears that ran through her head after she left her old job.[25:43] The moment Lianne realized that those fears were unfounded.[28:03] Finding a mentor in her new boss.[34:07] How Lianne is making waves in the Vetstagram community.[39:24] Lianne’s approach to self-care.[44:00] The episode wraps up.

May 24, 202247 min

Ep 132Ep 132: I Let My Mentee Take Over The Podcast, with Cole Upton

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Cole Upton, a rising third-year vet student, who asks her the burning questions most vet students and new grads want to ask but are often too scared to.No questions were off-limits in this special Q&A episode. Listen in as Dr. Moriah explains the ideal mentor-mentee relationship, how to negotiate contracts, the keys to eliminating impostor syndrome and gaining clinical confidence, and how to thrive overall in the sink-or-swim world of veterinary medicine!Outline of this episode:[01:45] Cole shares his backstory and how he and Dr. Moriah first met.[07:35] “What is your definition of mentorship?”[11:26] “How do you achieve that balance between hand-holding and giving freedom to your mentee?”[14:06] “How do you assess your mentee’s strengths, weaknesses, and skill progression?”[20:36] “Where do you turn when you don’t know the answer to something?”[23:50] “What do you say to an in-house patient when you don’t know the answer to something?”[26:05] Ad break - Join our Thrive community.[28:02] “How do you choose whether to pursue a corporate opportunity or one in a small clinic?”[32:06] “Who are my referral centers and how do I negotiate my compensation?”[37:05] “What are your thoughts on non-competes?”[40:34] “How do I grow my competencies as I progress in my career?”[47:46] “When did you finally lose your fear of incompetency after graduating?”[49:16] “What do fresh grads need to know about CE Credits?”[55:47] “What self-care tips do you have for fresh grads?”[1:00:12] The episode wraps up. 

May 17, 20221h 2m

Ep 131Ep 131: VEERing Towards A Brighter Future, with Dr. Dave Nicol

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by VetX's very own founder and CEO, Dr. Dave Nicol to discuss everything you need to know about VetX’s Veterinary Employment, Engagement, and Retention (VEER) Survey.The survey seeks to single out those common factors which lead to career satisfaction in the veterinary space. Conversely, it seeks to define those common factors which lead to career dissatisfaction.As industries across the board continue to reel from the impact of the Great Resignation, Dr. Dave hopes that this survey will be able to shed light on the current outlook shared by those who work in veterinary medicine. In doing so, industry stakeholders from education to employment and beyond can make better decisions for the overall well-being of every professional in the field.“We’re looking for substance behind the story,” says Dr. Dave. “And then maybe we can help to change the narrative a bit after that.”Outline of this episode:[01:40] Dave explains the ins and outs of the VEER Survey.[05:16] VetX’s goals for the survey.[09:10] How satisfaction will be evaluated and solutions proposed.[12:36] Ad break - Become a Thrive member.[13:44] How to access the survey.[17:44] Getting to 3000 respondents.[19:06] Dr. Moriah shares the most thought-provoking she encountered in the survey.[21:24] Why these types of surveys are usually difficult to conduct.[22:00] The episode wraps up.

May 10, 202224 min

Ep 130Ep 130: Evidence Based Mentorship, with Dr. Addie Reinhard

This week on That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by a veterinary well-being researcher and the founder and CEO of MentorVet, Dr. Addie Reinhard. As a veterinary well-being researcher, Dr. Addie’s main research focus is around developing innovative interventions to support mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession. As a researcher, Dr. Addie is on the research team for the next phase of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Well-being Study. Alongside her research with Merck Animal Health, Dr. Addie is also collaborating with them to grow and expand her own business ‘MentorVet’ - “an evidence-based mentorship and professional development program for recent veterinary graduates”. Dr. Addie gained her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Tennesse in 2015, after studying for her Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since then she has completed a master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Addie also holds a certificate in Veterinary Human Support from the University of Tennessee and is a certified QPR instructor and SafeTALK trainer.In this episode, Dr. Addie and Dr. Moriah dive into all things mentor and wellbeing related!  Outline of this episode:[01:11] The episode begins with Mo thanking Addie for coming on the show and asking her to define what mentorship means for her personally.  [03:06] Is mentorship a buzzword at the moment?[05:01] What does evidence-based mentorship mean?[09:39] The two discuss The Merk Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study. [11:10] What’s going on with well-being and what is in place to improve it?[14:53] Ad break - take our VEER survey.[16:31] The episode resumes with Mo and Addie discussing the different types of mentorship and how MentorVet addresses these. [20:47] Moriah asks if MentorVet will branch out to support veterinary nurses and/or technicians also. [22:32] Why is peer-to-peer mentorship important?[25:37] What is MentorVet?[28:44] How big is the MentorVet community?[30:11] Do the mentors at MentorVet get evidence-based mentorship training?[35:05] The episode wraps up to an end. 

May 3, 202235 min

Ep 129Ep 129: Understanding Emotional Intelligence, with Dr. Lauren Smith

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined with speaker, author, writer, the Vetitude founder, and veterinarian, Dr. Lauren Smith. Dr. Lauren Smith is a small animal veterinarian practicing in Long Island where she was born and raised. She graduated in 2008 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Cornell University. Her professional interests include internal medicine, preventative medicine, and client education.Alongside her work in practice, Lauren is also the creator of The Vetitude; a website and social media brand dedicated to promoting empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence to veterinary professionals so that they can be happier, more productive team members and animal care advocates.In this episode, Dr. Lauren Smith talks about the importance of emotional intelligence, and how can we set boundaries and use mindfulness to practice being present. 

Apr 26, 202230 min

Ep 128Ep 128: It Takes a Village: Establishing a Culture of Mentorship with Dr. Kate Boatright

Veterinarian, author, and speaker, Dr. Kate Boatright, joins Dr. Moriah McCauley for this week's episode of That Vet Life Podcast. Dr. Boatright is a small animal veterinarian with nearly 8 years of experience in general practice and emergency medicine. Dr. Kate recently moved to part-time clinical work to pursue her passion for educating veterinary professionals as a freelance speaker and author.As an author, Dr. Boatright has published articles on a range of veterinary tops including client support, and information for new graduates. She is also a regular contributor to DVM360 and is the author of the "Finding Balance" column for Today’s Veterinary Practice.Kate is also a well-recognized speaker in the veterinary industry and has spoken (both in-person and virtually) at national conferences, state conferences, veterinary schools, and national student webinars on numerous topics. In this episode, Dr. Boatright talks about a huge passion of hers - the importance of mentorship. Tune in to learn how each member of a veterinary practice should support a new graduate.

Apr 21, 202234 min

Ep 127: The Making of a Mentor - Dr. Michael Miller's Mentorship Story

Dr. Michael Miller (otherwise known as the Harry Potter Vet) joins Dr. Moriah McCauley in this week’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast. Dr. Michael Miller is a veterinarian and co-owner of a small animal practice in Morris, Illinois. Alongside treating dogs, cats, and traditional small animals, Dr. Miller also holds a special interest in reptiles and exotic pets. This interest led him to start a wildlife rescue at his practice where he treats turtles who have been hit by cars. Michael has volunteered on committees such as the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and is currently serving on the executive board of the Illinois Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. Alongside Michael’s work in practice he also has his own blog called ‘Harry Potter Vet’, which combines his love of veterinary medicine and Harry Potter. Dr. Michael began the blog after being a contributing author for various veterinary websites. He is now using his own platform to help other ‘discover the magic in veterinary medicine’. In this episode Dr. Michael talks about mentorship as part of our podcast series ‘The Making of a Mentor’, he touches on mosaic mentorships, mentorship clauses, and the influence social media has on mentoring.

Apr 12, 202236 min

Ep 126: They Just Don't Get It - A Review of Health Literacy in Practice, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

Our host, Dr. Moriah McCauley, goes solo in this week’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast to take a deep dive into her own research on health literacy! For those of you who don’t know our host, Dr. Moriah graduated from the University of Edinburgh, Royal (dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2020, after gaining her Bachelor of Science in 2016. Since graduating, Dr. Moriah has been been working at a small animal practice alongside hosting weekly interviews on That Vet Life Podcast. Tune in today to learn a bit more about health literacy, why it’s creating a disconnect between us and our clients, and how we can communicate effectively with clients.

Apr 5, 202228 min

Ep 125: The Making of a Mentor - Dr. Greg Echols' Mentorship Story

Veterinarian, bodybuilder, and social media sensation, Dr. Greg Echols, joins Dr. Moriah McCauley for this week’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast. Dr. Greg gained his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 after completing his Bachelor’s in Lab Animal Science from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC in 2014. When it comes to a diverse work experience, Dr. Echol’s, never shied away from an industry change. From hip-hop instructor to a gym front desk it’s safe to say that Greg had his fair share of interesting jobs before choosing to follow his pathway to veterinary medicine! Now working as a full-time veterinarian, Dr. Greg is using his social media platform to create fun content aimed at both veterinarians and clients. In this episode, Dr. Moriah asks Dr. Greg about his mentorship story as part of our series ‘The Making of a Mentor’, and how this has influenced him to become a mentor himself.

Mar 29, 202237 min

Ep 124: Mentoring The Next Generation, With Dr. Tannetje Crocker

Dr. Tannetje Crocker is back again for another episode with Dr. Moriah on That Vet Life Show. For those of you who don’t know Dr. Tannetje, she is a veterinary mentor, speaker, writer, social media sensation, and ER veterinarian at VEG. Crocker began her journey into veterinary medicine in 2009 after graduating from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, Dr. Tannetje went on to specialize in equine at an internship in Southern California before working as a solo equine ambulatory practitioner. It wasn’t until 2014 that Crocker transitioned into small animal medicine, which she has stuck with ever since. Being a full-time veterinarian inspired Tannetje to start ‘Dr. Crocker - Pet Vet’, a social media brand that Dr. Tannetje uses to empower and mentor students and young veterinarians. ‘I am inspired by fellow veterinarians and vet students who want to contribute, support, and move this profession in a new direction.’ - Dr. Crocker. During this episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Tannetje discuss what is mentorship, how do you find a mentor, and how do you become a valuable mentee?

Mar 22, 202230 min

Ep 123Ep 123: Mentorship in ER with Dr. Shelby Baden

In this week’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Shelby Baden (also known as the Traveling Dogtor), joins Dr. Moriah McCauley. Dr. Shelby recently graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine after a self-proclaimed ‘four-year gap year’ traveling, working, and gaining experience with animals. Since graduating, Dr. Shelby has been working as an emergency veterinarian in Tampa, Florida.In this episode, Dr. Shelbey talks about her experience in ER, how she has been supported as a new graduate, the mentors that have influenced her, and the hardship of working in this field.

Mar 15, 202230 min

Ep 122: So We're Vet's, Now What?! With Dr. Danielle Poll

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah is joined by her fellow Royal Dick School graduate and former housemate, Dr. Dannielle Poll. Dr. Dani’s love of animals began from a young age as she grew up on a small family-run farm in Utah. Not only did this grow her love of animals but it also helped her to gain a healthy respect for the power of animals and their purpose in our lives. Following her love of animals, Dani set herself the goal to become a veterinarian, and after high school, she attended Utah State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science. Following this, Dani took a break from studying after being rejected from veterinary school twice. Taking a break, Dani was able to travel and live in Germany. Before, being excepted into veterinary school at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she met host Dr. Moriah. Since graduating, Dani has been working in a small animal practice back in Utah with the passion to one day travel again! In this episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Dani discuss how their first two years as a graduate have been, and how they have overcome confidence and plateau points.

Mar 8, 202233 min

Ep 121: A Q&A with Dr. Moriah McCauley

We have a Q&A special in this week’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast! Where host, Dr. Moriah McCauley, answers your questions sent in from Instagram. For those of you who don’t know our host, Dr. Moriah graduated from the University of Edinburgh, Royal (dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2020, after gaining her Bachelor of Science in 2016. Since graduating, Dr. Moriah has been been working at a small animal practice alongside hosting weekly interviews on That Vet Life Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Morah answers the questions such as ‘how to study for the NAVLE, and how to negotiate salary’. Tune in to hear here answers. Want to ask a question for next time? Drop her a message at: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley/

Mar 1, 202228 min

Ep 120: The Making of a Mentor: Hidayah Martinez-Jaka’s Mentorship Story

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined with 4th-year veterinary student and president of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), Hidayah Martinez-Jaka. Hidayah’s journey into veterinary medicine began at age 14 when her family adopted a flock of chickens. With little veterinary support, Hydayah took it upon herself to care and treat the chickens, which in turn, sparked her love of veterinary medicine. “I fell in love with them as pets, and my passion for veterinary medicine grew from that. I love the process of diagnosing and healing animals. I love the science, too, as well as the merging of empathy and knowledge.” Hidayah is currently in her fourth year of veterinary school and is soon to graduate from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. During her time as a student, Hidayah has been breaking the mold in veterinary education and in 2020 was elected as the president of SAVMA - being the first woman of color and the first student from her college to ever serve in this position. Hidayah is using her platform to support other veterinary students - “I see leadership through SAVMA, not as a way to benefit myself but to lift other voices up”. In this episode, Hidayah goes into detail about her journey into veterinary medicine, the mentorship that has influenced her journey, and the type of mentorship she delivers herself.

Feb 22, 202228 min

Ep 119: Alternative Pathways In Veterinary Medicine With Dr. Marie Bucko

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah interviews Dr. Marie Bucko, veterinarian and the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer at USDA in Washington D.C. Marie has over a decade of experience working in food and agriculture issues and working at the intersection of animal health, public health, and communicating science. Before qualifying as a veterinarian, Meria worked as a Science Policy Analyst at the US Food and Drug Administration’s Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program. It wasn’t until 2021, that Maria gained her Doctor in veterinary medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after gaining her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science and Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2012, and her Masters in Science in Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2015. As a veterinary student, Dr. Marie was elected as the student president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, before graduating and working as a Science and Technology Advisor. In her current role, Dr. Marie works as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer at USDA in Washington D.C. In this episode, Dr. Marie openly recalls her journey into veterinary medicine and how it differed to most, she also talks about the effects the global pandemic had on her final year of veterinary school, and how there should be a push for alternative opportunities for veterinarians.

Feb 15, 202235 min

Ep 118: Work/Life Balance. Does it exist? With Dr. Gary Marshall

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley interviews VetX’s very own Thrive mentor, Dr. Gary Marshall. Dr. Gary Marshall graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989 and for the last 25 years has been working as the Founder and Medical Director of Island Cats Veterinary Hospital - a Feline Exclusive Practice on Mercer Island, Washington. Alongside his job as a veterinarian, Dr. Gary is a mentor and helps mentor the VetX community as our resident North American mentor for our Thrive community. The sessions take place monthly ‘zoom’ sessions and are completely free - if you haven’t signed up yet, you’re definitely missing out! As well as being a teacher and mentor, Dr. Gary is changing the pathway for veterinary medicine. Gary was the Past-President of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and still serves on the Board of Directors. He was also elected to serve on the Board of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative in 2020 and was appointed to serve on the Advisory Group of the AVMA/AAVMC Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession. In this episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Gary Marshall discuss work-life balance, or should I say work-life symbiosis… What does it really mean and how can we achieve it as veterinary professionals?

Feb 8, 202237 min

Ep 117: The Making Of A Mentor - Dr. Kirsten Ronngren’s Mentorship Story

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast host, Dr. Moriah McCauley interviews locum veterinarian and mentor, Dr. Kirsten Ronngren. Dr. Kirsten’s journey into veterinary medicine began as a child when she began shadowing and helping her mum (a small animal practice veterinarian) at her practice. Following in her mother's footsteps, Kirsten graduated as a veterinarian from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After graduating, Dr. Ronngren began working in a feline-only practice where she was mentored by Dr. Gary Marshall (one of VetX International’s very own mentors). Following this, Dr. Kirsten went on to practice in Southern California, where she worked as a clinical veterinarian and specialized in client communication and teaching. This led to her taking on a job at Pima Medical Institute where she taught veterinary technicians part-time alongside her time in practice. Her love of teaching and mentoring led to her creating Vet Redefined, a website aimed to connect and aid veterinary students and graduates overcome the challenges of veterinary medicine. At Vet Redefined, “we aim to provide the mentorship, resources, support, and tools that seemed to lag in the training most of us received at the end of school and our first endeavors outside of it.” In the last year, Dr. Ronngren has moved to England, where she has become a registered member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and is working as a small animal locum vet, alongside mentoring through Vet Redefined and creating digital veterinary content for VetBox. In this episode, Dr. Kirsten talks about her journey with mentorship, from both her experience being mentored by her mother and seasoned veterinarian Dr. Gary Marshall, as well as touching on all other mentors who have influenced her and helped her become the teacher she is today. Tune in the learn the impact mentoring has.

Feb 1, 202238 min

Ep 116: Why Don't Young Vets Want to Work? With Tannetje Crocker

Dr. Tannetje Crocker joins Dr. Moriah for this week’s episode of That Vet Life Show. As well as being an ER veterinarian at VEG, Dr. Tannetji is a veterinary mentor, speaker, writer, and social media sensation. Crocker began her journey into veterinary medicine in 2009 after graduating from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, Dr. Tannetje went on to specialize in equine at an internship in Southern California before working as a solo equine ambulatory practitioner. It wasn’t until 2014 that Crocker transitioned into small animal medicine, which she has stuck with ever since. Being a full-time veterinarian inspired Tannetje to start ‘Dr. Crocker - Pet Vet’, a social media brand that Dr. Tannetje uses to empower and mentor students and young veterinarians. “I am inspired by fellow veterinarians and vet students who want to contribute, support, and move this profession in a new direction.” - Dr. Crocker. During this episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Tannetje discuss the disparity between young and older vets, the salary expectations of new graduates, and why younger vets are opting to work fewer hours.

Jan 25, 202227 min