My Veterinary Life

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

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk returns to the show this week to discuss her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, which explores the realities of veterinary life. From her upbringing in a veterinary family to her emergency and critical care career, academic burnout, and transition into wellbeing advocacy, Marie reflects on the importance of mindset, speaks candidly about the emotional impact of mistakes, and shares how perfectionism and imposter syndrome shaped her early career. She also highlights the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to help the profession evolve and better serve its communities. We can wait to share this episode with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

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

Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Engagement and Belonging Officer, joins us to explore why fostering a sense of connection, motivation, and inclusion across the profession isn’t just good for teams — it’s vital for the health of our entire field. She shares stories and statistics to help us better understand the value these concepts bring to the team as well as approachable ways to get the conversation started with anyone!  Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Ken Gorczyca about his pioneering work in end-of-life care for animals. Dr. Gorczyca shares his journey from early influences and activism during the AIDS crisis to becoming a veterinary death doula. He discusses the importance of compassionate in-home euthanasia, integrating ritual and storytelling, and supporting both pet owners and veterinary professionals. The episode also highlights Dr. Gorczyca’s creative pursuits, including art and personalized memorials, and his advocacy for holistic, respectful approaches to animal end-of-life care.Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careersRemember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Michelle Greenfield-Feig, a zoological medicine resident (aquatic focus) at North Carolina State University, shares her unique journey from aspiring marine biologist to zoological and aquatic veterinarian on this week's episode. Listeners will gain insight into the world of zoological medicine, the importance of mentorship and professional connections, and the joy of working with species ranging from fish to elephants. Dr. Greenfield-Feig also has her own podcast, Aquadocs, all about aquatic veterinary medicine! Check it out here: https://www.aquadocspodcast.com/Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Joya Griffin. Dr. Griffin is a veterinary dermatologist and star of National Geographic’s "Pop Goes the Vet." Dr. Griffin shares her journey into dermatology, overcoming challenges during her training, and her experiences filming the TV show. She discusses the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of treatment options in veterinary dermatology. The episode also features behind-the-scenes stories from the show and advice for young veterinarians, highlighting the impact of specialized care and the value of confidence and resilience in the profession. It’s an incredible conversation and we can’t wait to share her story with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Jon Cudiamat. Dr. Cudiamat is a small animal general practitioner in the Chicago suburbs. He shares his journey into veterinary medicine, experiences with a modern vet school curriculum, and the challenges and rewards of general practice. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, adaptability, and self-care, especially when navigating client expectations and financial constraints. Dr. Cudiamat offers helpful advice for new graduates on balancing emotional highs and lows, emphasizing the value of celebrating successes and maintaining resilience in a demanding but rewarding profession. This is a fun and refreshing conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are concluding our 5-part series entitled “Snapshots,” where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Tina Tran. Dr. Tran graduated in 2000 and is currently a founding dean and clinical professor at Hanover College’s planned veterinary school. This episode is full of incredible experiences, wisdom and anecdotes. It is an inspiring conversation, and we can’t wait to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are continuing in our “Snapshots” series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Kenneth Ford. Dr. Ford graduated in 2010 and is a small animal and exotics practitioner. We loved hearing about his lessons learned in practice, particularly how he now embraces the same communication challenges that frustrated him early in his career. We can’t wait to share this episode with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are continuing in our “Snapshots” series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Lauren Anthony. Dr. Anthony graduated in 2020 and is currently the co-owner of Atlas Pet Vets, a small animal and exotics practice in Texas. We loved hearing Dr. Anthony's perspective as an early career practice owner, and we can’t wait to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are continuing our "Snapshots" series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Makenna Koslosky. Dr. Koslosky graduated in 2023 and is currently a small animal associate veterinarian in Colorado. She makes you feel like you are right there with her in the exam room or surgery suite in this episode, and we can’t wait to share her experiences with you!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are kicking off a 5-part series entitled “Snapshots,” where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Alexia Mazzarella. She graduated in 2024 and is currently a small animal rotating intern. We loved hearing about her transition from vet student to new veterinarian and the valuable, lifelong lessons she's learned this year!Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Sandra Faeh, the Chief Medical Officer for NVA General Practice and the immediate past president of the AVMA. Dr. Faeh shares insights on mentorship, leadership, and team development, reflecting on her early challenges (or as we like to say opportunities) and growth. She highlights NVA General Practice’s innovative mentorship programs and the launch of PetOne Veterinary (http://gp.nva.com/training-center/), their new state-of-the-art Training Center, emphasizing hands-on, immersive learning and support for all NVA clinicians. The conversation highlights Dr. Faeh’s ongoing dedication to fostering resilience, continuous learning, and professional growth within veterinary medicine. It’s a great conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you! Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org  Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

The focus is on production medicine claims this week in our common claims miniseries in collaboration with AVMA Trust. Trust veterinarian Dr. Nina Mouledous shares the top three production medicine claims and different ways to navigate these situations. These include chute/alley injuries, herd losses, and product loss. It is a great conversation with a lot of helpful tips and insights.Thank you to our podcast partner, NVA General Practice, a community of 1,000 neighborhood veterinary clinics across the U.S. and Canada. Learn how NVA invests in your career journey at https://GP.NVA.com. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast