My Veterinary Life

Dr. Naomi Hoyer, service head and associate professor of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at Colorado State University, is our guest on this week's episode. She shares her veterinary journey from mixed animal practice to becoming a board-certified veterinary dentist and associate professor. Tune in to hear her perspective on the challenges of transitioning from new graduate to confident practitioner, how she found her passion for dentistry, and why she seeks volunteer opportunities in organized veterinary medicine.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Sara Verghis, an equine associate veterinarian, concludes our Opportunities in Organized Veterinary Medicine mini-series this week, speaking to the experience of volunteering with the American Association of Equine Practicioners.Volunteering is a great way to expand your network and help shape the future of our profession, but it can be challenging to know where to start, what options are available, and how to find the time. This 3-week miniseries shares the stories of 3 early-career veterinarians: their careers so far, how they got started volunteering, and what they think about the experience.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Brennan Pitard, a small animal practice owner, continues our Opportunities in Organized Veterinary Medicine mini-series this week, speaking to the experience of volunteering with the Arkansas State Veterinary Medical Association.Volunteering is a great way to expand your network and help shape the future of our profession, but it can be challenging to know where to start, what options are available, and how to find the time. This 3-week miniseries shares the stories of 3 early-career veterinarians: their careers so far, how they got started volunteering, and what they think about the experience.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Karen Cross, a small animal associate veterinarian, begins our Opportunities in Organized Veterinary Medicine mini-series this week, speaking to the experience of volunteering with AVMA as a member of the Early Career Development Committee.Volunteering is a great way to expand your network and help shape the future of our profession, but it can be challenging to know where to start, what options are available, and how to find the time. This 3-week miniseries shares the stories of 3 early-career veterinarians: their careers so far, how they got started volunteering, and what they think about the experience.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This quarter's featured guest, Dr. Carolyn Luther, Professional Veterinary Affairs Senior Manager, East Region at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, shares her fascinating career journey from equine practice to small animal medicine to leadership roles within the animal health industry. You'll hear honest insights on mentorship, calculated risk-taking, and how unexpected pivots can lead to deeply fulfilling work. It is a great conversation for practical guidance and inspiration for those exploring career transitions, and you won't want to miss it!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Gayle Leith, associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine,  joins the show this week to share her journey from a horse-loving child to a longtime equine practitioner, practice owner, and now faculty member. She reflects on the mentors, values, and resilience that shaped her 33-year career in equine practice and her transition into academia. This episode offers encouraging advice about professionalism, passion, and trusting that even uncertain beginnings can lead to rewarding paths, and we can't wait to share it with you!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

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

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

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

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

Dr. Jon Geller, emergency veterinarian and founder of the Street Dog Coalition, returns to the podcast this week to share how his relief efforts have evolved in both Ukraine and Gaza. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Geller reflects on resilience, creativity, and the importance of turning setbacks into opportunities, offering powerful lessons for those who feel called to make a difference, no matter where we are.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

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

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

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

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