The Vets Unleashed

Vets and pet parents come to the medical care experience with their own viewpoints and assumptions on what is necessary or practical when it concerns delivering care.  But what does it mean to give, or receive, the right treatment for our pets?   In this episode, we explore the spectrum of care, and how professionals balance what might be considered top-tier or “gold standard” treatment against what clients are reasonably able to afford. Diving into real life examples, Dr. Mike and Dr. Scott discuss how individual cases can be approached in a spectrum of care, so that every animal is able to leave the office with a plan to achieve the most healthful outcome, and best quality of life. This week’s cocktail:   The Gold Standard-   Curacao Marshmallow Liqueur  Orange Juice   (who needs ratios, just eyeball it till the fumes make your eyes water)  

Whether it’s in our personal or professional lives, for those of us who are naturally empathetic and people pleasers, it’s easy to find ourselves over committed, and taking care of others before taking care of numero uno.   Doctoral candidate Kelly Burich offers services and insight to the veterinary field on how we can draw necessary boundaries, for our own mental health, respectful relationships with clients, and ultimately, the best care scenario for the patients we aim to serve.   This week’s cocktail:   The Boundary (Border Crossing)   2 oz Tequila Squeeze of Lime Squeeze of Lemon Top off with Cola.   https://sitchconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcome-sitch-kelly-burich-ms-cvbl-ccfp/  

Stephanie Han returns as a 3rd year student; calmer, wiser, more balanced and attenuated to creating a better experience in the doctor-client relationship. Half the challenge (read joy) of the profession is working with clients and patients, and different folks have different needs in the communication department. Sometimes the best lessons are learned in real time, and adapting your communication style for the moment can make all the difference.  Dr. Scott trashcans this week’s libation, and Dr. Mike starts his promo reel for a side gig in liqueur advertising.  Currently taking bids for sponsorships…. This Week’s Drink Recipe:  The Sapphire Alpine Cocktail:  No need to worry about ratios  Gin Blue Curaco (or Orange Liqueur of choice and blue edible glitter) Peach Schnapps

Clients sometimes don’t realize how above and beyond their vets go for their patients. But some of you have made a real impact on veterinary staff through your acts of gratitude and generosity.  This episode, Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike reflect on some of their favorite clients, and celebrate the amazing ways they’ve shown their gratitude through the years.   Whether it’s a thank you card, a good online review, some nice bourbon, or the much preferred box of doughnuts; clients can make a real difference in the lives and mental health of the care providers of their pets.  So cheers to you, the clients whose gratitude goes above and beyond for the vets in their lives (more doughnuts please!)  

We are back celebrating Season 7!  Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike catch up after a brief hiatus and discuss what to look forward to in upcoming episodes. New drinks, returning friends, and signature banter to be sure.    This season the Docs put a focus on the client, and optimizing the experience for everyone involved with the care of our animals.  Get your ears and your cocktail shakers ready, this is the Vets Unleashed!  

The Vets Unleashed celebrates the wrap of Season 6!  Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike share their favorite episodes, favorite drinks, and lessons learned from this season.  And thanks to all of you who have listened and supported the podcast over the last several years!  Please take time to fill out this survey on our IG page to help us plan out future episodes for our return in the fall.  Cheers to Season 6, here’s looking ahead to Season 7!

In this episode we check in with return guest Stephanie Han on the conclusion to her 2nd year of veterinary school.  The gang swaps stories about the trials and tribulations of what 2nd year looks like, and how to navigate self care through a demanding program.   Cultivating the right mindset to handle the workload of vet school requires balancing discipline, ambition, and community.  And while vet school is hard, finding the application of lessons learned is both gratifying and life saving.     This episode’s cocktail:   Aperol Spritz   3 oz Aperol 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz Club Soda

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple boarded veterinarian, author, mentor, teacher, and story teller whose new book, The Vet at Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner City Animal Hospital, traverses themes as diverse as One Health, Underserved Communities, Mental Health, Not One More Vet,  Business and medical interactions.     The vets discuss their role in promoting the Human-Animal Bond, going above and beyond to get animals the treatment they need, and how to prepare yourself to endure the tough days through strong social support networks.  Check out The Vet at Noah’s Ark online or at your local retailer!   This Week’s Drink:   Papa Doble   3 ½ oz Gold Rum 1 oz Grapefruit Juice ¾ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 1 oz Lime Juice ½ oz Simple Syrup  

Paid time off is one thing, but the ability to take an extended leave from your job without worrying about money or insurance is something else entirely.  Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike explore the benefits and challenges of being able to take a sabbatical to rejuvenate your soul and re-evaluate where you are in your profession.   It can be hard to find the time or be offered the resources to take a sabbatical in the veterinary field. The Vets offer up some tactics to to approach the conversation with your employer, and to keep yourself covered if the possibility arises. This week’s beverage:   The Indepence Swizzle   2 oz Dark Rum 3 dashes Angostura Bitters 1/4oz Honey ½ oz Lime Juice 1 tsp Sugar   Pour over ice.  Swizzle!  

There’s a lot of options when it comes to taking care of your pets.  Whether it’s food bowls, leashes, beds, or puzzles, it’s easy to get target confusion when trying to outfit your pet with life’s necessities. Let the Vets ease your mind and give you their two cents.  With decades of experience between the two, they’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t.  Get some expert advice and treat your pet right!  

Sit down, have a drink, or a happy pill, what else do you need?  In this episode, the vets look at what it means to be happy as a person and a professional.  Are we passive in our ability to find happiness, or is it a mindset we cultivate?    We all deal with different challenges in life, whether it’s at our jobs, in our relationships, because of our health, or because of our finances.  The Doctors look at different methods they’ve learned over the years to set themselves up for happiness in life and at the workplace.  Whether it’s taking time for yourself, learning to be grateful, showing kindness to others, or building a strong social circle, there are many keys to unlock happiness. This weeks drink:   The Happy Pill:   https://www.liquor.com/recipes/happy-pill/   1 oz White Rum 1 oz Dark Rim .75 oz Pineapple Juice .75 oz Orange Juice .5 oz Lime Juice .5 oz Cream of Coconut  

There’s a lot to consider when deciding to bring a new cat into the home.  Do I want a kitten? An older cat?  Do I have space? Or the resources to care for it? Will it fit into an established pet dynamic? What should I name it ,and will it even respond if I do?   The Vets delve into the basics of deciding if adding a new cat to the home is right for you, and bring light to some of the hard questions one should ask before jumping into caring for another life. And if you need ideas for a name, Wordle is taken…..   This week’s pinky tipper:   The Fuzzy Navel   3 oz Peach Schnapp’s 3 oz Orange Juice (0 oz Fur)

With the rise of social media every vet has a platform to reach as many followers as they can garner. Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike are joined by Dr. Courtney Campbell to discuss the pitfalls and benefits of putting yourself and your opinions out in the world.   Join them as with the custom drink made in Dr. Courtney's honor:   Matcha-do About Nothing Juice 1 Lime 1 oz Simple Syrup Matcha powder to taste (try starting with 1/2 tsp) 1 oz Yuzu juice Soda water Combine lime, simple syrup, matcha and whisk. Add to glass with ice. Add yuzu juice and top with soda water. Enjoy!

Vet techs play a vital role in patient care and client communication in ways that touch people’s lives forever. Return guest Jessie Johan stops by to swap stories about first hand experiences in the way vet techs positively impact their community.   For some, it’s the mentorship they provide training and guiding the next generation of the industry.  For others, it’s the extra care they show to the animals we love.  But most of all, it’s exemplified by their drive to go above and beyond the call of duty, giving back in ways that are invaluable to the nexus of lives they touch. This episode is a call to appreciation for all the vet techs who go the extra mile caring for us and our pets.   This Episode’s drinkypoo:   Laid Back:   1 oz. Gin 1 oz Apple Vodka 2 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz Sparkling Water

Whether it’s being cut off in traffic or dealing with an irate client, it’s natural to react in anger. Is there anything we can do to change our nature and create a more positive response?  Today, Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike talk with writer, podcaster and dog life coach extraordinaire Katya Lidsky on the ways we can approach and assess frustrating situations, and to actively choose kindness as our first response.   As veterinarians, patience and love for animals is crucial to understanding and dealing with behaviors that are born of fear, pain, or lack of control.  Learning to extend that mentality towards the people in our lives can teach us to adjust our inner response, and approach difficulty with kindness.   https://www.katyalidsky.com/ Twitter @katyalidsky       The Old Cuban:   https://www.liquor.com/recipes/old-cuban/   6 whole mint leaves 1 ounce simple syrup 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed 1 1/2 ounces aged rum 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 ounces Champagne, chilled Garnish: mint sprig Steps Muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker. Add the rum and bitters and ice, and shake until well-chilled. Double-strain into a coupe glass. Top with Champagne and garnish with a mint sprig.