The VetMed Mind

In this episode of VetMed Mind, hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey sit down with Dr. Leslie Bauer—Medical Director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in San Antonio. A dvm360 Veterinary Hero Award winner, Dr. Bauer shares her journey from a second-grader who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian to a 23+ year ER career devoted to elevating emergency medicine and the people who practice it.Dr. Bauer opens up about early imposter syndrome, working solo overnight shifts, and the long road to confidence—and why normalizing vulnerability is essential for retention and growth. She also details how she helped transform a “broken” hospital into a collaborative, training-centered center of excellence, and how Thrive is building a university-style ecosystem of interns and residents across multiple specialties (including ER as a true specialty track).In this episode, you’ll learn:How to navigate imposter syndrome without losing your love for the workPractical steps to build confidence: mentorship, movement, community, and reflectionWhy ER medicine deserves a seat at the governance table—and how advocacy changes cultureHow Thrive’s House Officer programs and ER Academy are shaping career-long ER vetsHiring and retention wisdom: set expectations, avoid crisis hiring, overcommunicateA powerful reframing: work is part of life—find joy in the profession you worked so hard to joinTo learn more about Dr. Bauer's work:Website - https://www.thrivepetcare.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.Key Topics Discussed: Background & career pathEarly calling to veterinary medicine (second grade)UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; dairy cattle focus early onER “bug” during first-year vet school while working nightsRotating internship at UPenn; move to San Antonio, TXEarly-career challenges & mindsetImposter syndrome; fear of mistakes and outcomesOvernight solo ER shifts; perfectionism; confidence gapDifficulty separating case outcomes from self-worthCoping strategies & growthWalking/exercise; “walkabout” as stress managementMentors/peers/therapy; normalize talking about doubtFocus on wins to counter negativity biasLeadership & ER advocacyElevating ER from “stepchild” status in vet medspan...

This episode of VetMed Mind highlights the journey of Dr. Megan Sprinkle, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), a trailblazer in veterinary nutrition. Hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey explore Dr. Sprinkle's dynamic career, from her foundational work in clinical medicine to her influential roles in the pet nutrition industry. As the Scientific Communications Manager at Whitebridge Pet Brands, Dr. Sprinkle has made significant strides in bridging the veterinary and pet industries, offering her expertise as an internal nutrition advisor and marketing strategist.Discover how Dr. Sprinkle's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found a 3D printing company and advise several pet start-ups. Her leadership as the President of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN) further underscores her commitment to advancing the field. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of innovation and veterinary nutrition, offering insights into the possibilities of a bright future for the profession.To learn more about Dr. Sprinkle's passions in life and work:Website - http://vetlifereimagined.com/ Follow Dr. Sprinkle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-sprinkle-dvm/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.Key Topics Discussed:Early Inspirations and Career Path: Dr. Sprinkle's childhood fascination with animals and her initial dream of becoming a dolphin trainer.The influence of her father, a child psychiatrist, in nurturing her interest in medicine.Transitioning from a focus on marine mammals to veterinary medicine, with a growing interest in nutrition.Educational Background:Veterinary school at Auburn University and residency at the University of Missouri.The decision to pursue a career in the pet nutrition industry rather than academia or private practice.Industry Experience:Roles at Royal Canin and Whitebridge Pet Brands, emphasizing her work in scientific communication and education.The importance of making scientific concepts accessible and engaging for non-scientific audiences.Entrepreneurial Ventures:Co-founding a 3D printing company and advising pet start-ups.The significance of collaboration and relationship-building in her professional success.Challenges and Achievements:Overcoming hurdles in becoming a board-certified nutritionist and the perseverance required.The role of feedback and self-awareness in navigating her career path.Vision for the Future:Dr. Sprinkle's optimism about the possibilities within veterinary medicine, including the impact of technology and AI.Encouraging veterinary professionals to explore diverse career paths and embrace change.

In this engaging episode of the VetMed Mind podcast, hosts Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg sit down with Judi Bailey, a seasoned practice manager with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Judi shares her remarkable journey from starting as a veterinary technician to becoming a leader in practice management. She discusses the importance of mentorship, building strong relationships, and staying true to one's career vision. Judi also offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary field, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in veterinary practice management.Key Topics Discussed:Judi Bailey's career path from veterinary technician to practice managerThe founding and impact of the Georgia Veterinary Managers AssociationStrategies for effective practice management and leadershipOvercoming career challenges and staying aligned with personal goalsThe importance of mentorship and building professional relationshipsHiring practices and managing a diverse workforceStrategic planning and adapting to changes in the veterinary industryThe evolving role of veterinary technicians and practice managersManaging generational differences in the workplaceJudi's personal insights and advice for aspiring veterinary managersTo learn more about Judi Bailey's passions in life and work:Veterinary Practice - Lanier Animal Hospital The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of The VetMed Mind, Bob Murtaugh joins Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg to reflect on his remarkable 40+ year journey in veterinary medicine. From academic leadership to executive positions, he shares the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and shifting perspectives that have defined his impactful career and lasting contributions to the field.Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, FCCM, has over 40 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with leadership roles at Tufts University, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Thrive Pet Healthcare. He has played a key role in expanding veterinary services nationwide and currently serves as Chair of Veterinary Medicine at the National Academies of Practice. A passionate advocate for accessible care, Bob is committed to advancing the profession through innovation, collaboration, and bold systemic change.To learn more about Bob Murtaugh's passions in life and work:Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbobmurtaugh/Follow on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/murtdvmFollow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MurtDVMCheck out his website - https://www.murtdvm.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this compelling episode of the VetMed Mind podcast, hosts Rachel and Shawn welcome back Dr. Laura Cauthen, a veterinarian, investor, entrepreneur, and financial educator. Dr. Laura shares her remarkable journey from building a successful veterinary practice to navigating a multi-million dollar acquisition, all while retaining ownership and expanding her ventures into real estate and oil and gas investments.Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. Laura's business acumen, her passion for financial literacy, and her commitment to helping other professionals increase the value of their businesses through her latest venture, Smart Money Moves. Discover how Dr. Laura's mindset and strategic planning have paved the way for her success, and learn about her upcoming book, "Everything's Funny When You're Making Money," which offers a lighthearted yet informative take on financial concepts.Key topics include:The importance of understanding financial statements and business valuationBuilding a strong team culture and maintaining a positive work environmentStrategies for planning profitable business exitsInsights into alternative investments and financial independenceWhether you're a veterinarian, entrepreneur, or anyone interested in financial empowerment, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in to learn how to make smart money moves and achieve your business goals!Episode length: 33 minutes, 7 secondsTo learn more about Dr. Laura Cauthen's passions in life and work:Her website: https://www.smartmoneymoves.com/Follow on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/laura-cauthen-0a8b9214The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Rachel Teichberg sits down with Dr. Jason Coe & Dr. Jane Shaw to explore the art and science of building stronger client relationships.Dr. Jane Shaw, a Professor at Colorado State University, is a leading expert in veterinarian-client-patient communication and clinical interviewing. Dr. Jason Coe, Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College and VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine, has spent two decades advancing communication, primary care, and the human-animal bond. Together, they bring a unique blend of expertise and insight, sharing highlights from their 2024 book, Developing Communication Skills for a Veterinary Practice, to help you build stronger client relationships and a more compassionate practice.To learn more about Dr. Coe & Dr. Shaw's passions in life and work:Check out their book - https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Developing+Communication+Skills+for+Veterinary+Practice-p-9781119382713Follow Dr. Shaw's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-shaw-0785866/Follow Dr. Coe's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-coe-690190262/?originalSubdomain=caThe VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Grace Ursery and Rachel Teichberg dive deep into veterinary practice management and financial coaching, sharing tips to lead strong teams, improve clinic operations, and build financial confidence.Grace Ursery is a trailblazing force in the veterinary world, known for her resilience, versatility, and deep commitment to growth. A first-generation immigrant and proud Taiwanese American, Grace is a UCLA alum, an RVT, a CVPM, a passionate sports fan, and a dedicated single mom. She is the founder of Vet Money Geek, where she helps small independent veterinary practices navigate their finances with confidence through coaching and data-driven strategies. Grace’s journey is defined by her relentless curiosity, her drive to empower others, and her ability to blend business acumen with compassion—making a lasting impact on both the people and practices she serves.To learn more about Grace Ursery's passions in life and work:Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracewursery/Learn about Veterinary Money Geek - https://www.vetmoneygeek.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Stuart Johnson joins Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg for a candid conversation about his time at CareCredit and the pivotal experiences that shaped his professional journey. From lessons learned in finance to his passion for leadership and service, Stuart shares the moments that led him to where he is today.Stuart “Stu” Johnson is the Vice President of Market Expansion for the Veterinary Industry at CareCredit, a division of Synchrony Financial. With over eight years at Synchrony—and the past five focused on CareCredit—Stu has dedicated his work to helping veterinary practices tackle one of their toughest challenges: cost as a barrier to care. Through innovative tools and technology, Stu empowers practices to streamline financing conversations, reduce friction, and ultimately provide better access to care for pet owners and their animals. To learn more about Stuart's passions in life and work:Check out CareCredit: https://www.carecredit.com/ Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-johnson-72302214/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Dr. Jennifer Edwards and Rachel Teichberg discuss conscious leadership, mindset, and personal growth, empowering veterinary professionals to overcome challenges and create a life of purpose and success. Jennifer is a mindset and leadership coach, speaker, and veterinarian who empowers people to cultivate conscious leadership and make empowered choices in their lives. With a background in psychology, experience as a successful CEO, and extensive training in self-development, she helps veterinary professionals overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful success through coaching, training, and workshops.To learn more about Dr. Edward's passions in life and work:Check out her website: https://drjenniferedwards.com/ Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/Follow her on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards Follow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwardsFollor her on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drjenniferedwards The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Amy Weaver, Shawn McVey, and Rachel Teichberg discuss their personal journey's through compassion fatigue and mission to bring more awareness to mental health in veterinary medicine.Dr. Amy Weaver is a Senior Diagnostics Professional Services Veterinarian for Corporate and Specialty at Zoetis Diagnostics. Prior to working for Zoetis, she was in small animal general practice for ten years at clinics in rural Ohio and on the coast of Connecticut. She has deep passion for Compassion Fatigue education, getting cats to the vet, and fear-free medicine.To learn more about Amy Weaver's passions in life and work:Check out Zoetis: https://www.zoetis.com/Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-weaver-dvm-44082134/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Dr. Erin Holder, Shawn McVey, & Rachel Teichberg discuss what it means to help veterinarians and caregivers overcome burnout and continue their vital work with resilience.Dr. Holder opened an integrative veterinary practice and after eighteen years suffered profound compassion fatigue. She sold her practice and began reflecting on what went wrong and how to heal herself. After completing compassion fatigue training and meditation instruction training, she felt she could bring new ideas of hope to the veterinary community. The Veterinary Compassion Project is born out of love for this community. She has written many blogs, created veterinary meditations and will host a restorative retreat in Northern California in April of 2025 for those working in the animal care world.To learn more about Dr. Erin Holder's passions in life and work:Check out Veterinary Compassion Project - https://www.veterinarycompassionproject.com/Follow on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/veterinarycompassionprojectFollow her Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/0zXWwEO6ZDjOQ7YeC8ZYuV?si=3c634bbca24540b3 The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of The VetMed Mind, Julia Behr, Shawn McVey, and Rachel Teichberg share their unforgettable adventures and explore Julia’s unstoppable spirit of positivity in the world of veterinary medicine.Since joining Veterinary Growth Partners in 2015, Julia Behr has played a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the practice coach team. Passionate about fostering collaboration, she empowers veterinary hospitals to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. Julia finds deep fulfillment in helping others incorporate self-care, wellness, and positivity into their daily routines, ultimately improving retention and career satisfaction. Committed to inspiring and equipping veterinary professionals, she provides the tools and guidance they need to succeed in their roles and enhance the well-being of their teams.To learn more about Julia Behr's passions in life and work:Follow Julia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-marlin-behr-cvpm-cvbl-pppc-ccfp-b5183498/Follow Julia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmarlin1125/Follow Julia on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/julia.marlin.behr.5Check out Julia's latest Management Insights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0mDKSDmm0k&t=6sThe VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Thomas Stevens, Shawn McVey, and Rachel Teichberg discuss their adventures together and Thomas's resilient journey in the veterinary industry. Thomas Stevens is a free-thinking, driven, and goal-oriented professional who dedicates 110% of his time and passion to every project he undertakes. For Thomas, it's not just about what he does but, more importantly, why he does it. This sense of purpose fuels his unwavering commitment to his career and drives him to help others understand the passion behind his work. At Lap of Love, Thomas's mission is to collaborate closely with veterinarians to engage with the broader veterinary community. He builds meaningful relationships with veterinary practices, spreading awareness of Lap of Love's compassionate in-home veterinary hospice and end-of-life care services, ensuring they’re available to clients who need them most.To learn more about Thomas Stevens passions in life and work:Follow him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tstevens1/Learn more about Lap of Love - https://www.lapoflove.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca, Ben Seidman, and Shawn McVey discuss their adventures with Mella Pet Care and their time on the hit TV show Shark Tank!Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca, Chief of Staff at Mella Pet Care, has been instrumental in managing partnerships, communications, and customer relations for the past four years. She’s pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago and has even appeared on Shark Tank. Alongside her, Ben Seidman, known for his resourcefulness and collaborative spirit, leads sales, marketing, operations, and strategy. His dog, Biggie, inspired Mella's second product, showcasing his passion for creating meaningful, impactful solutions. Together, they help drive Mella's mission forward.To learn more about both Ben Seidman and Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca:Check out their website: https://www.mella.ai/Follow Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-morgan-pascualvaca-11785216b/Follow Ben Seidman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-seidman-52620365/Visit Mella Pet Care on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mella-pet-care/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Dr. Shandell Maxwell, Rachel Teichberg, and Shawn McVey discuss their adventures together and Jill's unbridled force of positive nature in veterinary medicine.Dr. Maxwell is the Chief Executive Officer of Byrd & Maxwell Coaching Institute, where she coaches veterinary professionals on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and management practices. Through Byrd & Maxwell, she coaches veterinary professionals on best practices in veterinary management and ways to incorporate diversity equity, and inclusion strategies. Most importantly , she educates on business and social constructs and challenges her clients to try new approaches to business that supports wellness and inclusion. The goal of Byrd and Maxwell is to prepare people for greatness, and Dr. Maxwell see this as her calling and purpose.To learn more about Dr. Shandell Maxwell's passions in life and work:Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shandellmaxwell/Visit her website - https://linktr.ee/byrdmaxwellFollow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/byrdandmaxwell/?hl=enThe VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Rachel Teichberg and Meghan Bingham discuss her journey in helping improve processes for the people who help pets and set up their practices for success.Meghan began her career in veterinary medicine over twenty-five years ago, progressing from Kennel to Technician, Receptionist, and finally Practice Manager, growing a practice from one vet to 12 doctors. She then became a Senior Operations Manager, aiding 25 Emergency, Urgent, and General Practices. Now with Granite Peak Associates, Meghan improves processes for veterinary practices. She holds a BA in Communications, a Certified Veterinary Practice Management Certification, and serves as Vice President of the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Alliance.To learn more about Meghann Bingham's passions in life and work:Learn more about Granite Peak Associates: https://www.granitepeakcpa.com/ Follow her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-s-bingham-ba-35697a12a/ The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of VetMed Mind, Bethany Bankovich, Shawn McVey, and Rachel Teichberg share their adventures and highlight Bethany's boundless positivity in the field of veterinary medicine.Bethany currently serves as the Hospital Administrator of Neffsville Veterinary Clinic, a 9-doctor, AAHA accredited small animal practice in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She has been managing practices in the veterinary industry since 2008. She earned her B.S. in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2004, M.H.R.M./M.B.A. from Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania in 2006, A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2010 from the Bel-Rea Institute in Denver, CO, and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credentials in March of 2015. She earned her Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP) credentials in 2019. To learn more about Bethany's passions in life and work:Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zwimchickadee/Check out Neffsville Veterinary Clinic: https://neffsvillevet.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Bash Halow, Shawn McVey, & Rachel Teichberg discuss Bash's adventure and journey in veterinary medicine.Bash Halow, a graduate of the College of William and Mary and Purdue University's Veterinary Management Institute, is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and Licensed Veterinary Technician. He founded Halow Consulting in 2010, helping veterinary practices with team building and revenue improvement. Bash contributes to DVM 360 and serves on the editorial advisory board for Firstline Magazine and FetchDVM360 conferences. He founded the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Managers and NYC Big Apple Veterinary Managers Associations and received the PVMA President’s Award in 2013. His expertise includes public speaking, client service, team building, practice finances, and digital marketing.To learn more about Bash's passions in life and work:Check out Bash's website: https://www.bashhalow.com/Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bashhalow/Follow his FaceBook page: Halow ConsultingThe VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of The VetMed Mind, Rachel Teichberg meets with Avery Hurst to discuss her journey in VetMed and how she ended up landing the role of National Account Manager at Vetsource. Avery Hurst has enjoyed a 6-year career at Vetsource, a prescription management and home delivery solution. Vetsource facilitates connections between veterinarians and pet owners, enabling them to broaden their reach and establish quantifiable links within the pet healthcare universe. Avery is passionate about cultivating relationships, practicing attentive listening, engaging in collaborative problem-solving, and identifying opportunities to contribute value while strategically aligning with C-suite objectives. Tune in and listen to her amazing journey in the veterinary industry that will leave you inspired! To learn more about Avery Hurst passions in life and work:Check out Vetsource: https://vetsource.com/Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-hurst-dtbp/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

In this episode of the VetMed Mind, Dr. Kelly Cairns, Shawn McVey, & Rachel Teichberg discuss her journey in veterinary medicine that led her to a leadership role at Thrive Pet Healthcare.Dr. Kelly Cairns, a veterinarian with extensive experience, earned her degree from CSU in 2004 and achieved Diplomate status after completing a small animal internal medicine residency at the Ohio State University in 2008. She now serves as Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, alongside roles in academia and veterinary associations. Renowned for her international lectures on veterinary wellness, leadership, and internal medicine, Dr. Cairns is dedicated to supporting the growth and happiness of veterinary professionals. She resides in Naperville with her family and pets, enjoying fitness and the art of home-brewed coffee in her spare time.To learn more about Dr. Cairns passions in life and work:Check out Dr. Cairns website: https://kellycairns.com/Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cairns-68425060/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cairns_kelly/Check out Thrive Pet Healthcare: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.