My Veterinary Life

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. 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.Veterinary careers | American Veterinary Medical AssociationRemember, 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

The focus is on equine claims this week in our common claims miniseries in collaboration with AVMA Trust. Trust veterinarian and former equine practitioner Dr. Nina Mouledous shares the top three equine claims and different ways to navigate these situations. These include pre-purchase exams, injection complications, and rectal exams. 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

Welcome to our miniseries on common claims within veterinary medicine. This week we are joined again by Dr. Kara Escutia but this time we are discussing common feline claims. Dr. Escutia is an AVMA Trust veterinarian and helps review veterinary claims every day. She shares the top three feline claims they see and different ways to navigate these situations. These include anesthetic complications, human injuries and communication errors. 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

Welcome to our miniseries on navigating common claims within veterinary medicine. This week we are joined by Dr. Kara Escutia to talk about common canine claims. Dr. Escutia is an AVMA Trust veterinarian and helps review veterinary claims every day. She shares the top three canine claims they see and different ways to navigate these situations. These include thermal burns, complications with c-sections and restraining brachycephalic dog breeds. 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

Multi-practice owner, consultant, and past president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Dr. Pam Nichols is this week's guest on My Veterinary Life. She shares actionable tips on effective leadership, cultivating a positive workplace environment, and adapting to change based on her experience owning multiple businesses. Dr. Nichols also delves into her roles as a veterinary practice consultant and why she loves being involved in organized veterinary medicine. We can’t wait to share her journey with you!Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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. Ashley Wolfe. Dr. Wolfe is the Veterinary Digital Education Senior Specialist at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Throughout the conversation, she shares her experiences as a new graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic, her challenges with burnout, and the importance of mentorship and support systems. The discussion highlights the value of self-reflection, adaptability, and exploring diverse career paths in veterinary medicine, encouraging listeners to embrace change and prioritize personal fulfillment within the profession. We are so excited to share her journey with you.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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

On this episode of the My Veterinary Life podcast, we are thrilled to welcome 2025 AVMA Convention keynote speaker, Megan Leavey. Megan is a former Marine Corps corporal and military police canine handler. She shares her journey from childhood animal lover to military service, where she bonded deeply with her canine partner, Rex. She recounts the challenges of adopting Rex post-service, highlighting the importance of community support. Megan's story transitions to her career in veterinary medicine, balancing motherhood, and her enduring passion for animals. Her narrative underscores perseverance, resilience, and the profound human-animal bond. We can’t wait to share her journey with you.  Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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 Podcast is Patrick Douglas, the first AVMA Trust Veterinary Technician. Patrick discusses his new role, which involves managing claims data for AVMA members, providing educational support, and bridging the gap between veterinarians and support staff. He shares insights from his background in zoo medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding exotic animal claims. The conversation also touches on the challenges and surprises of his transition from zoo medicine to the AVMA Trust, and the significance of continuous learning and mental health in the veterinary profession. We really enjoyed our time with Patrick and can’t wait to share his journey with you! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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 episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Jennifer Welser, a board-certified ophthalmologist and president of Arista Advanced Pet Care. We explore Dr. Welser's experiences in veterinary school, her specialization in ophthalmology, and her transition into business ownership. Dr. Welser emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and embracing risks. She also discusses the shared ownership model at Arista, which supports veterinarians in balancing clinical practice with business management, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. We loved this conversation and can’t wait to share her journey with you! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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

Alejandra Medina, a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Pennsylvania, shares her journey on this week's episode of My Veterinary Life podcast. We talk about her perspective as a first-generation student, the challenges of balancing "it all" in veterinary school, and the importance of mentorship. She highlights her involvement in the AVMA Early Career Development Committee and her commitment to community support. We even chat about a little fun outside of vet school at the end! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at https://www.hillspet.com/ and https://www.hillsvet.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