Irreplaceable Truths

Veterinary medicine rarely breaks all at once. Its pressure builds quietly.In this episode of Irreplaceable Truths, Dr. Gershon Alaluf meets again with Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, DVM, founder of Vetsie Pet Care, for an honest conversation about clinic culture, relief work, sustainability, and why meaningful change in vet med feels so hard to achieve.Drawing from real relief-shift experiences, they explore toxic versus healthy environments, perfectionism, leadership gaps, and why so many veterinarians feel stuck between loving the work and resenting the system.The discussion then turns to artificial intelligence, not as hype or replacement, but as a tool that exposes deeper fears around control, trust, and professional identity. Candid and grounded, this episode focuses less on easy answers and more on asking better questions.🎧 What you’ll hear explored:— Why clinic culture can make or break a shift— How relief work reveals both dysfunction and opportunity— The difference between authority and influence in veterinary leadership— Why veterinarians struggle with innovation despite being problem-solvers— Why vets fear AI and what it threatens if misused— How AI can support clinical judgment without replacing it— What professional sustainability actually looks like in vet med🐾 Who this episode is for:— Veterinarians at any stage of practice— Relief vets or those considering relief work— Early-career clinicians navigating burnout and perfectionism— Practice owners and medical directors focused on culture— Vet professionals curious but cautious about AI🎬 Timestamps:00:00 Relief shifts, toxic culture, and emotional fatigue05:40 Why vets leave without fully leaving the profession11:27 Relief work as exposure, not escape18:47 Authority versus influence in clinic leadership24:58 Why innovation feels threatening in vet med30:11 Why vets fear AI and what is actually at stake36:44 AI as clinical support rather than replacement42:36 Business myths about veterinarians49:55 What sustainability really means long term📚 Resources Mentioned:— Vetsie Pet Care: vetsiepetcare.com— Dr. Andrew Findlaytor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewfindlaytor🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms📸 Follow: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 60#VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #ReliefVet #ClinicCulture #VetLeadership #VetAI #IrreplaceableTruths

Veterinary medicine has a way of revealing its hardest questions slowly.In this episode of Irreplaceable Truths, Dr. Gershon Alaluf sits down with Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, DVM, founder of Vetsie Pet Care, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from personal experience into the deeper tensions shaping the profession today.What begins as a discussion about vet school training and early clinical readiness gradually expands into much bigger territory: how veterinarians are taught to think, how fear of being wrong gets reinforced, and how concepts like “gold standard” medicine collide with real-world client finances. Along the way, they unpack the NAVLE, perfectionism, spectrum of care, communication gaps, and the economic pressures quietly reshaping both private practice and corporate models.Thoughtful, candid, and often uncomfortable, this conversation reflects the complexity of practicing medicine in a system that’s still figuring out what it wants to be.What you’ll hear explored:– How veterinary training shapes decision-making long after graduation – Why fear of failure and perfectionism persist in vet med – Where “gold standard” medicine helps and where it breaks down – How spectrum and incremental care show up in real clinics – The financial realities influencing access to care for clientsWho this episode is for:– Veterinarians at any stage of practice – Early-career vets navigating confidence and clinical judgment – Practice owners and leaders thinking about sustainability – Vet students questioning how school translates to real life – Anyone wrestling with the tension between ideal medicine and practical careTimestamps:00:00 – Are vet schools training real clinicians or protecting pass rates? 07:06 – The “dark truth” of vet med: it’s a people business 10:42 – Where hospitals fail: not meeting clients where they are 12:23 – “Gold standard” is being weaponized—what changes next 17:03 – NAVLE: outdated memorization vs modern case-based thinking 23:43 – Obscure test trivia vs applicable clinical competence 27:16 – Why pre-vet clinic work can outperform school for readiness 36:09 – The real invoice problem: what diagnostics cost now 46:49 – Private practice margins, corporate pricing, and vet med as a luxury itemStay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion. Drop your questions (or your NAVLE horror stories) in the comments. Subscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.Resources Mentioned:– Vetsie Pet Care (founded by Dr. Andrew Findlaytor): vetsiepetcare.com – NAVLE / NBVME: icva.netAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 59#VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #NAVLE #SpectrumOfCare #IncrementalCare #PrivatePractice #VetSchool #IrreplaceableTruths

What does it take to become a veterinarian when your path isn’t polished or linear—when it’s built through survival, self-doubt, and rebuilding your identity from the ground up? And how do you stay hopeful in vet med when the profession is loud with negativity?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Ally Williams, DVM for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths on resilience, faith, motherhood during vet school, and what veterinary medicine doesn’t prepare you for emotionally, personally, or professionally. Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insight, and authentic experience, this episode offers grounded lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.🎧 What you’ll discover:– Why Ally believes vet med is still the best profession—and how to stay a “cheerleader” for the work– Childhood trauma, identity, and the long road from survival to becoming a doctor– Self-doubt in vet school and early career: how to push through when you feel behind or unqualified– Motherhood during vet school, boundaries, and redefining “work-life balance” in real life🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– New grads, young moms, and anyone wondering if they truly belong in this profession🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – “The hill to die on”: why Ally believes vet med is still worth it07:55 – Childhood trauma, faith, and the survival mindset that shaped her path14:20 – Self-doubt, people pleasing, and using “hold my beer” fuel to keep going20:55 – Pregnancy during vet school: leave of absence, transfer, and identity shifts27:40 – New grad reality: the gaps between school and practice (and what surprises you most)34:10 – Comfort zone fear, rejection, and why growth lives on the other side of it40:10 – Money barriers, emotions in practice, and what clients don’t understand46:00 – Delegation, technician trust, and protecting your time as a doctor52:05 – Sports rehab, pain management, mobility work, and building your future lane1:01:20 – Therapy, honesty, mistakes, and what “irreplaceable” means now🔔 Stay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion.Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Iditarod (mentioned): iditarod.com– Dr. Ally Williams on Social Media: @dr.allywilliams🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 58#VetMed #VeterinaryPodcast #IrreplaceableTruths

Why do people still want to be veterinarians—even knowing the mental health realities in vet med? And what happens when a profession built on compassion collides with angry clients, online reviews, and constant pressure to “do more”?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Marianne Bailey, DVM for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths on what vet med really demands: communication, conflict skills, emotional control, and the human side of medicine that nobody warns you about early enough.Packed with honest stories, practical clinic tactics, and real-life perspective from a practice owner and creator, this episode offers grounded lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.🎧 What you’ll discover:– Why people still choose vet med (and the “human–animal bond” explanation that actually makes sense)– The truth about “I became a vet because I don’t like people” — and why that mindset fails fast– How Marianne handles hateful letters, voicemails, and reviews without carrying the emotional weight– The simple communication habits that reduce miscommunication on cost, expectations, and care plans🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– Practice owners, managers, and team leads dealing with client conflict and expectations🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – The hard question: why choose vet med with the mental health stats?07:45 – Calling, identity, and the human–animal bond (“we’re all a little broken”)15:30 – Generations, social media, and emotional resilience in modern medicine23:15 – New grads, mentorship expectations, and working within real client limits31:00 – Hateful letters, voicemails, and reviews: how to not absorb other people’s pain38:45 – Preventing miscommunication: listening, recapping, and asking better questions46:30 – Ownership reality: tools, training, speed, and making purchases make sense54:15 – Euthanasia follow-ups, empathy, and why small gestures create lasting trust1:01:00 – Money conversations without drama: estimates, checkpoints, and transparency1:08:30 – Marianne’s irreplaceable truth: vet med is people-work as much as animal-work🔔 Stay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion.Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training: qprinstitute.com– Human–Animal Bond (AVMA): avma.org– Marianne Bailey, DVM on Social Media: @vetHERnarian🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 57#VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #IrreplaceableTruths

What if burnout in vet med isn’t about weak resilience—but about how success is defined? And what happens when productivity and revenue matter more than people, culture, and psychological safety?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Phil Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CCFP for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths exploring veterinary leadership, workplace culture, and what sustainable vet med actually looks like.Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insight, and lived experience, this episode offers grounded, practical lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.🎧 What you’ll discover:– Why measuring productivity alone quietly undermines veterinary teams– How leadership, culture, and systems shape burnout more than individual resilience– Why suicide prevention training matters—but can’t fix broken or unhealthy systems– How flexible boundaries, recognition, and humanity protect long-term careers in vet med🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– Practice owners, managers, and team leads🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – What vet med measures vs what actually matters07:45 – Dr. Phil Richmond on leadership, culture, and mental health in vet med15:30 – Resilience has limits: when systems overwhelm good people23:15 – Moral injury in veterinary medicine and ethical exhaustion31:00 – Overwork, boundaries, and behaviors vet med keeps rewarding38:45 – Productivity-first culture and its impact on teams and retention46:30 – Why toxicity isn’t called out like bad medicine54:15 – Burnout, empathy loss, and emotional labor in clinics1:01:00 – Vulnerability, leadership accountability, and trust1:08:30 – How early-career vets can identify psychological safety🔔 Stay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion.Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training: qprinstitute.com– Moral injury research in healthcare: fixmoralinjury.org– “Me, We, Us” framework (organizational psychology)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 56#MoralInjury #Burnout #IrreplaceableTruths

How many new clients (and urgent cases) are you losing when the phone goes unanswered? What would change if after-hours callers felt heard and guided instead of sent to voicemail?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. William Tancredi, DVM for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths focused on missed calls, clinic bandwidth, and how AI voice agents can improve client experience without replacing your team.This episode blends practical clinic leadership, the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, and real-world implementation lessons to deliver value for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.🎧 What you’ll discover:– Why “AI doesn’t replace jobs — it replaces tasks” and why that distinction matters– The hidden cost of missed calls, after-hours gaps, and lost client trust– How to evaluate technology skeptically without getting stuck in “perfect or nothing” thinking– A simple framework to implement new tools without burning out your team🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Practice owners, medical directors, and hospital managers– CSRs, technicians, and team leads navigating staffing strain– Animal care professionals focused on client experience and retention– Anyone interested in practical, ethical AI adoption in veterinary medicine🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Emotional realities of vet med: euthanasia, burnout, and compassion fatigue09:42 – Sustainability crisis in veterinary medicine and expanding role expectations19:06 – Career path, mentorship gaps, and opening a hospital during COVID31:07 – Why veterinarians resist technology: skepticism vs. exhaustion40:56 – Missed calls, after-hours gaps, and the real cost of lost trust54:01 – AI doesn’t replace jobs — it replaces tasks (ethical framing)1:07:24 – Implementing AI safely: STEP framework and leadership responsibility1:16:35 – VMX Orlando, real-world ROI, and final takeaways for practice owners🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this episode if you found value in the discussion– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories– Subscribe to never miss an episode📚 Resources Mentioned:– AI Voice Agents: https://missedcalls.help/– VMX Orlando Conference: https://navc.com/vmx-event/🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEpisode 55#VeterinaryPodcast #AiVoiceAgents #IrreplaceableTruths

What really happens behind the scenes when seconds count in the ER? How do emergency and critical care veterinarians protect their minds, their teams, and their patients in the middle of nonstop crisis?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Kristin Welch, DVM, DACVECC — emergency and critical care specialist and founder of DVM Stat Consulting — for a powerful deep dive into ER medicine, burnout, quality of life, and the future of virtual specialty care.Packed with real cases, emotional honesty, and practical tools, this episode equips veterinarians, ER teams, and practice owners to navigate chaos with clarity, compassion, and better support.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why ER and critical care are “general practice at Indy 500 pace”– How burnout and compassion fatigue show up in real ICU life– The power of calm leadership, breath work, and team communication in a crisis– How virtual specialists (teleconsulting) expand care when referral isn’t an option🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals in ER, ICU, and urgent care– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about emergency medicine– Practice owners and rural vets exploring telemedicine and specialty support🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Why specialty access is broken & the reality of ER medicine05:00 – Dr. Welch’s journey: ECC training, residency, and what makes critical care unique12:00 – The rattlesnake Labrador case: progress, heartbreak & lessons in emotional resilience20:00 – What clients misunderstand about ER cost, estimates & real-world communication28:00 – Leading through chaos: breath work, calm leadership & team-focused ICU management36:00 – Burnout, compassion fatigue & how identity and family life are affected45:00 – Why DVM Stat was created: fixing access to specialists through virtual consulting54:00 – Teleconsulting results: improved outcomes, misconceptions & how it supports GPs1:02:00 – Ethics, quality of life, end-of-life decisions & supporting families1:10:00 – One irreplaceable truth for early-career veterinarians🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– DVM Stat Consulting – dvmstat.com– DVM Stat Consulting on Instagram & LinkedIn: @dvmstatconsulting🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEpisode 54#veterinaryER #telemedicine #IrreplaceableTruths

What happens when a burned-out veterinarian refuses to accept “the way it’s always been”? How do you rebuild your career, your confidence, and your clinic culture from the ground up?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Carlee Tucker, DVM, founder of Veterinary Practice Rising and owner of Winfield Veterinary Hospital, for one of the most honest, practical, and empowering conversations of the season. This episode unpacks burnout as a system failure, the realities of modern mentorship, and why private practice ownership may be the key to saving the profession.Filled with grit, transparency, and actionable wisdom, this one will hit home for every veterinarian navigating today’s challenges.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why burnout is a systems problem — not a personal failure– How unethical leadership accelerates compassion fatigue– The real path to practice ownership (even with student debt)– The mindset shifts every early-career veterinarian must make🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– Early-career veterinarians considering ownership or leadership🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Burnout, unethical leadership & why systems fail veterinarians02:00 – Dr. Tucker’s journey: Kansas roots, cattle medicine & private practice05:00 – The breaking point: turnover, inefficiencies & unsustainable workloads08:00 – Buying her hometown clinic: fear, loans & learning business12:00 – Year one of ownership: chaos, pregnancy & rebuilding from scratch16:00 – Burnout as a system failure: staffing, protocols & corporate pressure20:00 – Why veterinarians leave the field — and how to keep them25:00 – Competition vs collaboration: fixing fragmentation in vet med30:00 – Culture, boundaries & the evolution of authentic leadership36:00 – Mentorship that works: how to truly support early-career DVMs43:00 – Student debt myths, financing ownership & the truth about loans50:00 – Retention, resilience & the profession’s path forward55:00 – Lightning round: leadership, compassion & Dr. Tucker’s irreplaceable truth🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Veterinary Practice Rising socials: @veterinarypratice.rising– Winfield Veterinary Hospital🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEpisode 53#burnout #veterinaryleadership #vetownership #IrreplaceableTruths

What defines a great mentor—and what happens when integrity is tested under pressure?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and his mentor Dr. Bob Weedon, DVM, MPH for a powerful, reflective episode of Irreplaceable Truths. From the rabies case that changed his career to teaching hundreds of students how to operate with courage and compassion, Dr. Weedon shares the lessons that shaped his leadership, mindset, and legacy.This conversation explores integrity, mentorship, humility, and the lifelong pursuit of purpose—the elements that turn veterinary medicine into a calling.🎧 What you’ll discover:– The rabies case that redefined accountability and courage in crisis – How mentorship creates generational impact in veterinary medicine – The “mirror test”: self-evaluation through integrity and discipline – Stoic philosophy and ikigai—finding peace and purpose through service – Leadership lessons on humility, burnout, and rediscovering your “why”🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & students seeking guidance and grounding – Mentors, educators, and team leaders in animal care – Anyone balancing duty, burnout, and faith-driven purpose🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – The mirror test: living with integrity when no one’s watching 06:18 – Mentorship and medicine: shaping the next generation of DVMs 17:50 – The rabies case: crisis, leadership, and moral clarity 31:20 – Fighter-pilot mentality and teaching under pressure 47:05 – Stoicism, ikigai, and finding purpose after burnout 1:05:40 – Legacy and gratitude: what endures when the work is done🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this episode if it inspired reflection on your own mentors – Share your takeaway in the comments or tag @Pacific.Lens.Studios – Subscribe & hit the bell to never miss an episode of Irreplaceable Truths📚 Resources Mentioned:– Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACCD) – “An Inconvenient Truth” – on TNVR and feral cat management – Ikigai framework (Reason for being) – Stoic philosophy and the choice of attitude under pressure🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 52#VeterinaryPodcast #Mentorship #IrreplaceableTruths

How do you balance impostor syndrome, 12-hour days, and the soft skills that keep you human?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and guest Dr. Jake Rostas, DVM for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths. A candid Q1 internship check-in, this conversation explores clinical decision-making under pressure, the role of mentorship, internal medicine vs. surgery thinking, and why love and empathy remain the core of care.Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insights, and authentic experiences, this episode offers valuable lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.🎧 What you'll discover:– The mindset shift from student to clinician — and why “you know more than you think”– How to survive being “punched in the mouth” by tough cases without losing empathy– Work-life tradeoffs: using running and fitness to stabilize mental health during internship– Mentorship, soft skills, and a practical take on using AI as a research assistant🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– Pre-vet students exploring internships and residencies🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – “You’re not supposed to know anything”: embracing humility and growth as a new DVM02:09 – The internship reality: exhaustion, mentorship, and finding confidence under pressure08:04 – Balancing burnout and purpose: running, resilience, and rediscovering mental clarity16:37 – Learning from mentors: developing soft skills, emotional control, and professional identity27:05 – Medicine meets technology: AI in research, privacy, and the human element of healing45:26 – Keeping the dream alive: faith, gratitude, and redefining success in veterinary life🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Complications by Atul Gawande (human surgery reflections relevant to vet med)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 51#VeterinaryInternship #VeterinaryPodcast #IrreplaceableTruths

Does veterinary medicine need tougher skin—or deeper honesty? Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf with guest Dr. Christien Bolden, DVM (Tuskegee grad, Louisiana veterinarian, mentor, and creator of “More Than a Doctor”) for a candid conversation on impostor syndrome, integrity, mentorship, faith, and the real soft skills that keep doctors—and clients—whole.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why impostor syndrome hits students, new grads, and even seasoned vets– The Tuskegee factor: finding your why and building discipline– Roadblocks, the SER on-ramp, and learning how to learn– Soft skills that change medicine: communication, empathy, humility– Practicing with integrity: options, honesty, and “I don’t know—let me check”– Tech in the clinic: records, AI helpers, and practical tools (when to use them)– The hot debate: technicians performing surgeries and what’s at stake– Faith and science: tension, harmony, and serving people through pets– The case that still hurts—and what to do with the weight of mistakes– One irreplaceable truth every vet must accept about people and pets🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– New grads battling doubt or burnout– Practice owners and medical directors mentoring teams– Technicians & support staff building client rapport– Anyone who believes medicine is about people as much as pets🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Impostor syndrome & early-career doubts02:03 – Intro: Dr. Christien Bolden — More Than a Doctor03:26 – Tuskegee roots, purpose & “finding your why”10:42 – Roadblocks, SER program, learning to study16:04 – Soft skills, mentorship & client communication24:02 – Compassion vs. perseverance vs. humility29:04 – Practicing with integrity, options, saying “I don’t know”33:26 – Techs doing surgery? Standards, risk & reality41:00 – Records, tech tools, and AI in vet practice56:30 – Irreplaceable truth, faith, and final takeaways🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion– Share your questions or vet stories in the comments– Subscribe and enable notifications to catch new episodes📚 Resources Mentioned:— More Than a Dogtor (podcast, IG, TikTok, YouTube): @MoreThanADogtor🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 50#VeterinaryMentorship #ImpostorSyndrome #VeterinaryEthics #SoftSkills #IntegrativePractice #VeterinaryLeadership #IrreplaceableTruths

What drives someone to trade small animal practice for the wilds of Africa?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf, cohost Dr. Amy Alaluf, and guest Dr. Cheryl Stout, DVM, specializing in Zoo Medicine, for a breathtaking episode of Irreplaceable Truths.From the Bronx Zoo to rhino conservation in South Africa, Dr. Stout shares her extraordinary path through internships, residencies, and the realities of wildlife medicine — where healing animals sometimes means risking your life.This episode explores sacrifice, purpose, and what it really takes to follow your calling across continents.🎧 What you'll discover:– The road to becoming a zoo and wildlife veterinarian– The emotional and financial toll of specialty training and residencies– Lessons from the Bronx Zoo: when home and hospital are one– How conservation medicine redefines what it means to “help”– The truth behind rhino dehorning — safety, purpose, and ethics– Facing burnout, rebuilding purpose, and finding healing in Africa– Why conservation is as much about people as it is about animals🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Aspiring zoo and wildlife medicine professionals– Animal conservation advocates and researchers– Veterinary mentors and educators– Anyone seeking purpose, adventure, and impact in animal care🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Dr. Cheryl Stout, DVM – Zoo Medicine & Conservation02:16 – The calling: from small animals to wildlife medicine07:12 – How autoimmune illness changed her career path12:35 – Life inside the Bronx Zoo — and the alligator with a bathtub plug20:05 – Surviving residency burnout and rediscovering purpose25:11 – Returning to Africa: finding meaning through conservation30:39 – Rhino dehorning explained: protection, safety, and myth-busting35:40 – The dangers of poaching and working with armed guards41:03 – Fieldwork reality: instinct over diagnostics45:00 – The emotional cost of helping wildlife — and knowing when not to intervene53:05 – The future of zoo medicine, mentorship, and conservation leadership1:06:00 – Irreplaceable truth: Healing starts with reconnection — to nature and yourself🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Dr. Cheryl Stout — @safari_and_scrubs– The Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo Residency)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 49#ZooMedicine #WildlifeVeterinarian #ConservationMedicine #IrreplaceableTruths

What if burnout isn’t the problem—but a symptom?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and guest Dr. Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACPVM for a high-energy, truth-packed episode of Irreplaceable Truths.From emergency room exhaustion to the rising threat of screwworms and misinformation, Dr. Lee pulls no punches on what’s hurting the profession—and how to fix it.A board-certified specialist in preventive medicine and host of Vet Watch on DVM360, Dr. Lee shares insights from decades in ER, corporate leadership, academia, and public health.Together they break down burnout, emotional labor, mentorship gaps, client misinformation, and the future of AI in veterinary care.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why “compassion fatigue” isn’t one-size-fits-all—and what truly leads to burnout– How vet schools are selecting IQ over EQ (and why that matters)– The missing mentorship crisis and how to rebuild it– The AI dilemma: innovation, ethics, and misinformation in veterinary medicine– Empowering technicians and redefining the “gold standard” of care– The truth about vaccines, Lepto myths, and the coming threat of screwworms🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– ER and general practice professionals facing burnout– Public health advocates and preventive medicine specialists– Veterinary educators, leaders, and technicians– Anyone curious about AI, ethics, and modern veterinary challenges🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Burnout buckets: ER vs. day practice01:50 – Pepperdine DBA & measuring stress (incl. salivary cortisol)11:02 – AI in vet med—use it to enhance, not bypass, thinking20:59 – Euthanasia context: ER vs. GP vs. home33:31 – Why coping tips aren’t enough—address root causes37:04 – Elevating vet techs to fix throughput41:21 – Inside the NAVLE (fairness and “horses vs. zebras”)55:38 – Vaccine myths & parasite prevention talking points1:08:41 – New World screwworms—history, spread, U.S. readiness1:15:33 – Closing thoughts & call to action🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Dr. Christopher Lee — Vet Watch on DVM360– Ready Vet Go (Dr. Danny Rabin reference)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 48#VeterinaryBurnout #PreventiveMedicine #IrreplaceableTruths

Does veterinary medicine really need “work-life balance”? Or does it need something deeper?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Amber Parks, DVM, DABVP — veterinarian, burnout coach, and emotional wellness advocate — for a transformative episode of Irreplaceable Truths.From perfectionism and toxic workplace culture to redefining success and setting boundaries, Dr. Parks shares hard-earned lessons on building a sustainable veterinary career — one that honors both purpose and peace. Packed with raw honesty, emotional insight, and practical wisdom, this episode will challenge how you think about balance, burnout, and the future of the profession.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why “work-life balance” misses the mark in veterinary medicine– How perfectionism quietly fuels burnout and anxiety– What emotional intelligence and psychological safety really mean at work– Tools for setting healthy boundaries without guilt– Why sustainability—not balance—is the real solution🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals battling burnout– Veterinary leaders building better clinic culture– Educators teaching emotional resilience– Anyone seeking a sustainable, purpose-driven career🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Dr. Amber Parks, DVM, DABVP, Burnout Coach02:20 – Why “work-life balance” misses the mark06:00 – What sustainability really means in veterinary medicine10:45 – The emotional toll of toxic workplaces18:00 – How poor mentorship shapes early careers23:30 – Perfectionism, fear, and the burnout spiral31:20 – Psychological safety and self-worth at work34:50 – Breaking the stigma around mental health43:00 – Redefining the “gold standard” of veterinary care52:00 – Setting boundaries and saying no without guilt1:07:30 – Irreplaceable truth: Your life comes first🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Dr. Amber Parks — @dr.amberparks– “Top 5 Tips to Beat Burnout” (article referenced in discussion)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 47#VeterinaryBurnout #WorkLifeIntegration #IrreplaceableTruths

Can you truly have work-life balance in veterinary medicine—or is it an impossible myth? What does sustainable success actually look like for practice owners, leaders, and veterinarians trying to grow without burning out?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and guest Dr. Christine Staten, DVM, MBA, large-animal veterinarian, founder of Adobe Veterinary Center, and creator of Veterinary MBA, for an honest, energizing, and practical conversation about ownership, leadership, and purpose.After 20 years of running her own clinic and returning to earn an MBA in her 50s, Dr. Staten brings candid lessons on growth, humility, and how “balance” often comes from letting go of perfection.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why “work-life balance” is a misleading goal (and what to pursue instead)– How burnout transforms into purpose when leaders learn to delegate– Lessons from building a two-location, 10-doctor practice in rural Arizona– The power of psychological safety and team-driven culture in vet medicine– Why mentorship is really about confidence—not competence– Financial myths of ownership and how to build true legacy freedom🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Practice owners & aspiring owners– Veterinary educators and leadership coaches– Animal care professionals seeking sustainability– Anyone re-evaluating success, fulfillment, and purpose in their work🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro | The myth of work-life balance and finding sustainable growth02:00 – Meet Dr. Christine Staten | From OB-GYN dreams to large-animal practice owner07:00 – Why veterinary ownership offered freedom and family stability13:00 – Path to partnership | Taking over Adobe Veterinary Center and scaling sustainably19:00 – Vision, values & strategic planning | Rebuilding culture from the ground up25:00 – Psychological safety | How honesty and mistakes build trust31:00 – Biggest ownership regrets | From control to collaboration38:00 – Earning an MBA at 50 | Leadership, emotional intelligence, and growth43:00 – The creation of Veterinary MBA | Teaching what she wished she’d known50:00 – Ownership myths | Freedom, finances, and risk realities1:04:00 – Opening a free childcare center | Redefining legacy and culture1:06:00 – Mentorship and confidence | What new grads need most1:08:00 – Why “balance” is overrated | Fulfillment, not perfection1:14:00 – Future of vet med | Collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Veterinary-MBA.com – Business education & resources for veterinary professionals🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 46#VeterinaryLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #IrreplaceableTruths

Is cannabis the future of veterinary medicine—or just hype in a bottle? What’s the real difference between hemp and marijuana, and can CBD truly calm anxiety, pain, or PTSD in pets?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Casara Andre, DVM, cVMA, co-founder of Veterinary Cannabis Education & Consulting, for a bold and eye-opening conversation about the science, safety, and stigma behind cannabinoids in animal care. From working dogs and the Iditarod to psychedelic toxicity and new global policies, this episode strips away marketing myths and gets to the medical truth.Packed with clinical insight, emotional perspective, and forward-thinking research, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving frontier of integrative veterinary care.🎧 What you’ll discover:– The real science vs. hype behind CBD and THC for pets– How to explain the difference between cannabis and hemp to clients– Red-flag labeling and product safety tips for veterinarians– When cannabis can help pain, anxiety, and PTSD in animals– What the ECS (endocannabinoid system) actually does and why it matters– The rise of psychedelics in vet medicine and ethical concerns ahead🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals curious about integrative medicine– Veterinary educators and policy leaders– Pet owners exploring holistic options– Researchers in animal health and behavior🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro | The slow evolution of veterinary medicine & cannabis controversy02:00 – Meet Dr. Andre | Military service, Iditarod dogs & integrative roots13:00 – Discovering acupuncture & the shift toward holistic care18:00 – The moment cannabis entered vet medicine in Colorado23:00 – CBD hype vs. science | What the endocannabinoid system really does26:00 – Explaining hemp vs. cannabis to clients (simple vet breakdown)30:00 – Label truths & myths | COA reports and “proprietary” red flags33:00 – Drug interactions & clinical uses in pain, seizures, and behavior40:00 – THC toxicity, lemon zest trick, and CBD as an antidote47:00 – Stigma, client communication & harm-reduction approach50:00 – PTSD in pets & humans | ECS fatigue and shelter animals58:00 – Psychedelics in veterinary care | Ethics and emerging research1:05:00 – Future vision | Cannabis-educated clinics & ECS education🔔 Stay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– VeterinaryCannabis.org – Certification & education programs– Veterinary Cannabis Counselor & Guide courses (open enrollment October 3)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 45#VeterinaryCannabis #CBDforPets #IrreplaceableTruths

Why do so many veterinarians feel crushed by burnout and perfectionism? How do you set boundaries without losing compassion for clients and patients?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Gunila Pedersen — small animal veterinarian and Master Certified Life Coach — for an honest, hope-filled episode of Irreplaceable Truths. From ER shifts to chest-pain burnout to rediscovering joy through coaching, Dr. Pedersen shares practical tools to shift mindset, reclaim balance, and love the profession again.Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insights, and authentic stories, this episode offers valuable lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal-care professionals.What you'll discover:– Why burnout is often about boundaries (not just perfectionism)– How people-pleasing and a “fix everything” mindset fuel exhaustion– Tools for self-awareness: journaling, feeling your feelings, reframing– Real coaching wins that transformed careers — and livesWho will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about vet med– Anyone exploring resilience, coaching, and sustainable careersTimestamps:00:00 – Self-awareness as a game changer in vet med02:00 – Meet Dr. Gunila Pedersen: small animal vet & Master Certified Life Coach06:00 – Burnout story: ER chest pains, boundaries, and a mindset reset09:00 – People-pleasing, perfectionism & time management traps15:00 – Setting boundaries with clients, colleagues, and yourself20:00 – Handling mistakes, reviews, and “routine” surgeries gone wrong30:00 – Why experience alone won’t fix impostor syndrome40:00 – Coaching scenarios: euthanasia, angry clients, and tough days50:00 – Finding fulfillment inside and outside clinical practice1:00:00 – Three tools: journaling, somatic awareness, and coaching support1:09:00 – Resources & closing thoughtsStay Connected:– Like this video if you found value in this discussion– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episodeResources Mentioned:– Dr. Gunila Pedersen’s The Overwhelmed Vet resources & free PDF Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.StudiosContact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 44#veterinaryburnout #veterinarycoaching #IrreplaceableTruths

What can senior dogs teach us about resilience—and what do new grads need most to survive veterinary medicine?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Monica Tarantino (The Senior Dog Doc), veterinarian, mentor, and co-founder of the Senior Dog Veterinary Society, for an inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths. From her journey as a second-career vet to building a movement around senior pet care, Dr. Tarantino shares practical tools, personal lessons, and professional wisdom that every veterinary professional needs to hear. Packed with insight, honesty, and encouragement, this conversation explores sustainability, mentorship, and the heart of animal care.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why senior dogs are the “underdogs” of veterinary medicine—and why they deserve more– How burnout reshapes identity and the boundaries vets must set to thrive– The mentorship lessons behind The New Vet Jump Start Guide– Why perfectionism isn’t required to be an excellent veterinarian🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals seeking mentorship and sustainability– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about senior pet care– Anyone navigating burnout and resilience in high-pressure careers🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Dr. Monica Tarantino, “The Senior Dog Doc”02:08 – Choosing the underdogs: why senior dogs matter07:30 – Vet school, mentorship gaps, and early career lessons13:28 – Building confidence without perfectionism16:06 – Writing The New Vet Jump Start Guide & learning from mistakes20:16 – Switching careers and rediscovering purpose in vet med27:05 – Thriving as an introvert in exam rooms & setting boundaries33:39 – Burnout, bitterness, and becoming unrecognizable to yourself39:04 – Senior Dog Veterinary Society: elevating geriatric care43:42 – Quality of life vs longevity: hard truths in senior care58:56 – Irreplaceable truth: respect your team, every single day🔔 Stay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion!Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– Senior Dog Veterinary Society (seniordog.com)– The New Vet Jump Start Guide (updated edition coming 2025)🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 43#SeniorDogs #VeterinaryMentorship #IrreplaceableTruths

Are vet schools and social media setting new grads up to fail—or can general practice fight back? How do we set owner expectations when “manageable” isn’t “curable”?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Hammond (“The Honest Vet”) for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths. Together they unpack misinformation, mentorship, client communication, and admissions bias—offering real tools to protect clinicians and keep care accessible. Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insights, and authentic experiences, this episode offers valuable lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.What you'll discover:Why chronic allergies/dermatology are rarely “curable” and how to set realistic owner expectationsThe Honest Vet origin story: combating misinformation and building public trust onlineMentorship, documentation, and communication as the real malpractice armorAdmissions & ASA theory: are we selecting for GPA over EQ—and burning out future vets?Who will love this episode:Veterinarians and veterinary studentsAnimal care professionalsVeterinary educators and mentorsAnimal lovers passionate about veterinary medicineClinic owners and practice managers focused on training and client communicationTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro and theme: allergies, honesty in medicine, and client expectations 03:19 – “The Honest Vet”: why the brand exists and how to counter viral misinformation 14:04 – Mentorship, professional identity, and early-career fear vs confidence 16:46 – Attraction–Selection–Attrition: admissions, EQ, and who becomes a vet 21:22 – Say the hard thing: risk, outcomes, and documenting to protect care 27:03 – Exam room vs “take to the back”: communication that builds trust 33:02 – Data literacy and the Dunning–Kruger problem in pet-health content 43:28 – Re-centering GP training and CE: practical, do-the-work solutions 52:02 – Balance, resilience, and using social media without burning out 57:43 – Final takeaway: remind generalists how capable they truly areStay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussionDrop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the commentsSubscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an episodeResources Mentioned:Ready Vet Go CEClient communication and documentation guidesASA theory referencesAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEpisode 42#veterinary #mentorship #IrreplaceableTruths

Why do so many veterinarians struggle with imposter syndrome? How do you balance career, calling, and personal well-being in veterinary medicine?Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf with special guest Dr. Michael Slayter—retired veterinarian, Army Lieutenant Colonel, board-certified pathologist, pastor, and author—for an insightful episode of Irreplaceable Truths. Blending decades of professional wisdom with spiritual insight, Dr. Slayter shares his story of resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose beyond the clinic. Packed with lessons on balance, faith, and legacy, this episode offers inspiration for every veterinary professional.🎧 What you'll discover:– Why early-career veterinarians must trust themselves– The importance of balance, hobbies, and emotional intelligence in vet med– Lessons from military service, pathology, and pastoral ministry– How calling and career can coexist without burnout🐾 Who will love this episode:– Veterinarians & veterinary students– Animal care professionals– Veterinary educators and mentors– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine– Professionals exploring purpose and career transitions🎬 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + Meet Dr. Michael Slayter (Vet, Military, Pastor, Author)02:00 – From Texas A&M Vet School to Mixed Practice05:00 – Military Service, Pathology, and Infectious Disease Training10:00 – Balancing Clients, Science, and People Skills15:00 – Imposter Syndrome, Mentorship, and Early Career Advice20:00 – Faith, Calling, and Transitioning Into Ministry30:00 – Desert Storm, Pathology, and Finding Meaning in Hardship40:00 – The Brothers Harper: Writing, Legacy, and Storytelling47:00 – Purpose vs. Career: How to Define Your Calling54:00 – Final Lessons: Balance, Trust, and Loving Yourself🔔 Stay Connected:Like this video if you found value in this discussion!Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.📚 Resources Mentioned:– The Brothers Harper by Dr. Michael Slayter– The Heart Doesn’t Ask by Dr. Michael Slayter🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.comEp. 41#VeterinaryPodcast #VeterinaryCareer #IrreplaceableTruths