veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcast

In this week's episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant Dr. Jess Moore-Jones, a vet with an unconventional career path and a passion for transforming veterinary practice cultures. Jess is the founder of Unleashed Coaching and Consulting, where she helps vet clinics build resilient teams and thriving workplaces. She shares her inspiring journey, from leading teams in animal shelters and zoos to becoming a business owner and consultant. Jess opens up about her mission to keep vets engaged and fulfilled, even in the face of professional challenges.   We dive into important topics with Jess, including imposter syndrome, how to recognize it, overcome it, and thrive in your veterinary career. Jess also discusses the concept of the equal and opposite truth, explaining how embracing the complexity of decision-making can lead to better outcomes. In a fascinating conversation, she talks about choosing your suffering, explaining how we can control how we experience difficult situations by shifting our mindset.   Next, we have a fantastic clinical chat with Lucy Williams (nee Hyams) and Katie Sherratt from Protexin. Lucy, a veterinary surgeon and Veterinary Technical Advisor, and Katie, an RVN, diploma holder in companion animal behaviour and training and Territory Manager, discuss how to handle behavioural concerns in small animal patients. This segment is packed with practical advice on navigating tricky conversations with clients and recognizing signs of anxiety in pets. Lucy and Katie talk about the best ways to address behavioural issues with clients, offering tips on how to approach sensitive topics like anxiety and behaviour in a way that fosters trust and collaboration. They also explain how to spot early signs of anxiety and other behavioural concerns before they escalate, and provide guidance on the tools and treatments available to support anxious pets and their owners. Check out some of the brilliant behaviour support and tools that Protexin offer:   https://www.protexinvet.com/behaviour   Dr. Jess Moore-Jones is passionate about creating positive change in veterinary practices through coaching and leadership development. You can learn more about her work at Unleashed Coaching and Consulting by visiting:   https://www.unleashedconsulting.com.au/   Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with veterinary professionals.

In this week's episode, we have an important conversation with the amazing Dr. Sarah Keir, a small animal vet with an impressive clinical career in veterinary medicine. Sarah shares her journey, including the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. We also chat about how the veterinary field is changing and how you can build a fulfilling career, even if it doesn't go exactly as planned. Sarah talks about the tough and sometimes surprising parts of veterinary medicine, sharing valuable insights. We also talk to Sarah about everything from baking blogs to the female explorers who inspire her. We're also fortunate to have Sophie Duguid from Zoetis UK on the show this week. Sophie talks about the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary medicine, with a focus on dermatology. She explains the fundamentals of AI, neural networks, and deep learning, and how these technologies can enhance veterinary care, particularly through the concept of the virtual laboratory. Dr. Sarah Keir is a small animal vet in the UK with over 17 years of experience. Passionate about internal medicine and ultrasonography, she emphasizes the human-animal bond and loves to continue to learn and grow in her field. Contact Sarah at sarah@sarahthevet.com or visit her websites at www.sarahthevet.com and www.vetartis.co.uk. Sophie Duguid, BVMS MRCVS, is the National Veterinary Manager for Zoetis UK. She has extensive experience in companion animal practice and a deep interest in internal medicine, immunology, and diagnostics. We extend our sincere gratitude to Zoetis for supporting this clinical chat. For more information, please contact Zoetis at customersupportUK@zoetis.com. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast for more honest conversations with leaders in the veterinary field. 

Join us for an engaging discussion with Emma, a qualified veterinarian from Bristol University and a familiar face from BBC1's "Vets in Practice." Emma shares her journey and passion for animal welfare, campaigning on various issues from hunting with dogs to pedigree animal health. Her drive to improve animal welfare shines through as she discusses the impact of changes in animal breeding and the importance of veterinary intervention.   In our clinical segment, Jonny Lambert, National Veterinary Manager at Zoetis UK, delves into the topic of therapeutics in canine allergic cases. Jonny covers the importance of effective diagnosis on the choice of therapy in allergic dogs. He also discusses strategies for managing chronic allergic cases, including identification and approach to flare-ups. Additionally, Jonny emphasizes the significance of responsible use of therapeutics and the long-term considerations for managing canine allergies.   We extend our sincere gratitude to Zoetis for supporting this clinical chat. For more information, please contact Zoetis at customersupportUK@zoetis.com.   For more information about Emma and what she does, visit www.emmathevet.co.uk.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Edwina Gildea, Veterinary Lead at Zoetis UK, as she illuminates the unique and rewarding career path of a veterinarian in the pharmaceutical industry. Edwina will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of this field, dispelling common misconceptions along the way. She will explore the diverse roles that veterinarians can pursue within the industry, highlighting how these roles resonate with the aspirations many of us had as young students dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine. Edwina also touches on our shared desire to find the best solutions with the best intentions, and chats about being unconsciously incompetent.   In our clinical segment, we are joined by Louise Longstaff, National Veterinary Manager at Zoetis UK, who will delve into the responsible use of parasiticides in dermatology. The segment will address the 'One Health' approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Louise will also discuss the regulations surrounding animal medicines and the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance monitoring. Additionally, she will emphasize the significance of educating pet owners on the correct use of products, highlighting the importance of following label instructions.   We extend our sincere gratitude to Zoetis for supporting this podcast. For more information, please contact Zoetis at customersupportUK@zoetis.com.

This week we are joined by the incredible Hannah Capon. Hannah qualified from Cambridge University in 2002. Over the years, she has worked in a large variety of practices and roles, from sole-charge first-opinion to teamwork emergency practice. She won the 2020 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award, the 2019 CEVA Vet of the Year Award and was a finalist for the 2019 Petplan Vet of the Year Award. Hannah has a passion for chronic pain management, geriatrics and musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation and has been recognised for her tireless work on Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an online education and support service for owners of arthritic dogs and professionals.   For more information, please visit www.caninearthritis.co.uk   If you have any questions about CAM and what they can offer your team, please email info@caninearthritis.co.uk   CAM is on Instagram (@canine_arthritis).   In our clinical segment, Scott finishes a conversation about the management of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Are you confident stepping away from the antibiotics? www.vtx-cpd.com

Sam is an RVN qualified teacher and certified RECOVER Instructor who has spent over 10 years working in referral hospitals. In her last role at North Downs Specialist Referrals, she was clinical services manager. Where she overhauled and delivered CPR training for the whole team. She has a passion for teaching and training and currently works for Linnaeus as a Medical Quality Manager and as a PSS Assessor for the RCVS. Alongside this she runs a CPR training provider ‘The PetMed CPR Education company’ which provides in house training to veterinary practices and retreats for those wishing to certify as a RECOVER Rescuer.     For more information, please visit www.vetmedcprcoach.co.uk   Sam is on Instagram (@thevetmedcprcoach). In our clinical segment, Scott continues a conversation about the management of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Are you confident stepping away from the antibiotics? www.vtx-cpd.com  

In this week’s episode we are talking to the incredible Jade Statt. Many of you will know Jade through her connection with StreetVet, an award-winning national charity offering free accessible vet care and services to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. A chance meeting with a homeless gentleman and his dog inspired co-founder Jade to take vet care out onto the streets to the people and pets that need it most. What started in 2016 as 2 vets, Jade Statt and co-founder Sam Joseph and a backpack full of veterinary supplies, is now a charity fuelled by over 500 vet and vet nurse volunteers who swap the practice for the pavement in 23 locations across the UK from Glasgow to Cornwall and growing. StreetVet recognises and champions the importance of the human-animal bond and since inception has treated over 2,500 pets. In this very special conversation, we chat to Jade about many of the amazing people she has met along the way. It all started with a dog called Brick and I am confident Okley will be looking down with pride.   For more information, please visit streetvet.org.uk   StreetVet is on Instagram (@streetvetuk_), Twitter (@streetvetuk), Facebook (@streetvet) and LinkedIn (@streetvet)   In our clinical segment, Scott starts a series of conversations about the management of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Are you confident stepping away from the antibiotics?   www.vtx-cpd.com

In this week’s episode we are talking to Heidi and Liv. Heidi and Liv are both 3rd year vet students at the University Of Liverpool, with unique alternative entry routes. Heidi worked on a dairy farm. Liv qualified as an RVN and worked in a small animal clinic. The shared experience of parent loss has strengthened their friendship, and together with Tobias they founded the Bereaved Vet Students Group (@bereavedvetstudentsgroup) . They are on a mission to improve bereavement support, and to create a safer space within the profession for anyone coping with grief and loss.  Heidi found strength in CrossFit, and if not in the gym she can be found with her pet goats. She discusses the difficulties of being an autistic vet student, and the importance of self-acceptance to show up as your true (weird) self. Liv continues to work as an RVN around her studies and is an avid cinema goer after a long day at university. She discusses many things… including hiding in the toilet!   Heidi: Instagram - @CrossFitVet Liv:  Instagram - @_livfreeman_  Twitter/ X - @TheRVNVet    We are thrilled to be joined by the lovely Gemma for our clinical chat today. Scott and Gemma continue their conversation about the treatment of liver disease, with a focus on steroids and UDCA. A massive thank you to our incredible friends at Protexin for supporting this conversation: www.protexinvet.com www.vtx-cpd.com  

In this week’s episode we are talking to Dr Eve Hanks. Eve is the CEO & Founder of MI:RNA. Eve is a veterinary surgeon, innovator and entrepreneur and she used her clinical and scientific background for conception, development and implementation of a novel diagnostic testing technology. Eve has created this new platform with microRNAs, having studied, researched, and published in this area for over 7 years. We talk about her career path and how all the pieces of the puzzle have come together, bringing her to where she is today. Please check out some of Eve’s amazing work:   https://mirna-diagnostics.com/en   https://www.facebook.com/MIRNADiagnostics   https://www.instagram.com/mirna_diagnostics/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/mi-rna-diagnostics/   We are thrilled to be joined by the lovely Gemma for our clinical chat today. Scott and Gemma talk all things liver disease treatment, with a focus on the mystical sAME (S-Adenosyl methionine). Join us next time for the second part of this chat. A massive thank you to our incredible friends at Protexin for supporting this conversation:   www.protexinvet.com www.vtx-cpd.com

This week we talk to the wonderful Inge Breatnach. Inge qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2007 in Dublin and spent 11 years in general practice. In 2015 she moved to a large oncology and soft tissue referral hospital and worked as a surgical oncology nurse. In 2020 she joined The Ralph veterinary referrals in Buckinghamshire and helped to establish a medical oncology service. Having completed her DipAVN in 2020, and her PgCert AVN (oncology) in 2022, she now has her sights firmly set on the oncology VTS qualification.    https://www.instagram.com/oncologyrvn/ https://twitter.com/OncologyRVN https://www.facebook.com/oncologyRVN   In our clinical segment, we conclude our discussion about incidental liver enzyme increases. If you've enjoyed delving into this topic with us, make sure you check out our online course here: https://vtx-cpd.com/courses/love-your-liver-liver-disease-in-dogs-and-cats-2022/     

This week we are joined by the incredible Janika Patel. Janika is a small animal veterinary surgeon that qualified from University of Nottingham in 2017. She has worked in various practices across London and Surrey and is currently a locum around Leicestershire. She has a keen interest in internal medicine and a passion for raising awareness of issues such as racism, diversity and equality within the profession. Janika’s Instagram page @janikathevet began as a diary of her experiences as a vet and soon evolved into an inspiring space for other people of colour to join the veterinary profession.   Instagram - @janikathevet                 • British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society: https://bveds.com/                 • Animal Aspirations: https://www.animalaspirations.com/                 • RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Working Group: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/committees/advancement-of-the-professions-committee/diversity-and-inclusion-working-group-dig/                 • BVA Good Veterinary Workplace: https://www.bva.co.uk/media/3708/bva-position-on-good-veterinary-workplaces.pdf                 • RCVS Supporting Guidance: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/veterinary-team-and-business/   In our clinical segment today Scott continues a series of discussions regarding the investigation of liver disease, especially those pesky liver enzymes. Learn more about liver disease in dogs and cats by joining our liver course:   https://vtx-cpd.com/courses/love-your-liver-liver-disease-in-dogs-and-cats-2023/

In this week's episode, we talk to Elly Russell from the Veterinary Defense Society (VDS). After graduating from Cambridge Vet School in 2002, Elly worked in a variety of clinical roles including small animal practice and an emergency critical care setting. In 2017 she completed her CertAVP in small animal surgery and discovered her passion for patient safety. Elly is currently undertaking a PhD researching the role communication plays in the delivery of safe, effective veterinary care. Elly is passionate about supporting vet teams and developing the communication practices they need to achieve high performance and fulfilling, happy careers. We would like to say a huge thank you to the VDS for their support of this podcast and to Elly for this thought-provoking conversation! https://www.vds-training.co.uk/ https://www.thevds.co.uk/   In our clinical segment today Scott starts a series of discussions regarding the investigation of liver disease, especially those pesky liver enzymes. The question is… how do you investigate these liver enzyme increases, especially those that you find incidentally! Learn more about liver disease in dogs and cats by joining our liver course : https://vtx-cpd.com/courses/love-your-liver-liver-disease-in-dogs-and-cats-2023/   #vtx #vtx_cpd #veterinarycpd #veterinarypodcast”  

In this week's episode we are talking to the incredible Helen Silver-MacMahon and Cat Auden from VetLed. We have recorded this special episode ahead of the VetLed 2023 Veterinary Human Factors Conference. We hear a lot of voices in our profession calling for change of all sorts.  Maybe you are too…but how do we really do that? How can we improve things for the long-term, and not just apply ‘sticking plasters’ to problems? Hopefully this episode will help in starting to answer some of these questions! At VetLed the team passionately believe that taking a Human Factors approach to change in veterinary practice will make a fundamental difference to both the patients under our care… and the people delivering that care. The jam-packed online two day-conference schedule features nearly 24 hours of cutting-edge CPD, and over 40 speakers with a range of diverse and highly interactive sessions from panels, discussions, lectures, key-note sessions, TED-style talks, and abstract presentations and networking:   https://www.vetled.co.uk/conference   If you are listening to this podcast after the event… do not fear! The Main Conference runs live online, but ALL content is recorded and available on replay for 6 months after conference day (23rd and 24th February 2023).   In our clinical segment this week we continue a discussion about leptospirosis with our very own Scott. This week we chat about the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition. To learn more about vtx and what we do, please check out our website:   www.vtx-cpd.com

This week we talk to Dr. Kelly Gehlhaus who works in shelter medicine in Minnesota. We talk about her international studies, shelter medicine and navigating the challenges this brings for patients and their owners. We dive into finding your niche and what makes each veterinary professional individual.    Dr. Kelly Gehlhaus attended the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, graduating in 2015. Upon graduation, she moved to Utah on a whim to begin her veterinary career in small animal clinical practice at a low-cost, high-volume clinic, where she was first introduced to the spectrum of care concept. After years in Utah, her partner, a fellow vet and Dick Vet graduate, obtained a veterinary pathology residency at the University of Minnesota. A year into their life in Minnesota, and amidst a pandemic, she joined the veterinary team at Animal Humane Society's community clinic, where she is now the Managing Clinic Veterinarian. At AHS, she played a pivotal role in piloting the Community Medicine Rotation with the University of Minnesota. Her special interests are animal behaviour, internal medicine, hospice care, and strengthening the human-animal bond through veterinary medicine. She is also the mother of five fur children (three dogs and two cats) and a small human child. One of her dogs is a recent impulse adoption, and so happens to be a blind pit bull puppy! Although life and work keep her very busy, she enjoys taking time to draw and paint, go for long runs, and is an avid equestrian. One of her passion projects is breaking down breed stigmas and volunteering for the most amazing organization, known as 'My Pitbull is Family', which runs the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center.   Animal Humane Society of Minnesota: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/ My Pitbull is Family: https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/ North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center: https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/nmprc   You can also follow Kelly’s pup on Instagram and follow their journey! https://www.instagram.com/blindpittiebros/   

In this week's episode, we are talking to the brilliant Liv of @vetgonereal. We talk all about her journey through veterinary medicine, from an aspiring surgeon to a qualified coach teaching veterinary teams about the power of positive psychology. We discuss the power of divorcing the expectations we put on ourselves, and how emotions are not as simple as good and bad or positive and negative. What does it really mean to live your life with purpose and show up as your authentic self? Liv graduated in 2016 from a university in Poland and shortly after graduation moved to the United Kingdom. Throughout her career, Liv has been mentoring and providing mental health support to her colleagues. This passion for veterinary wellbeing led her to undertake a masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University. Based on several years of veterinary and peer-support experience, combined with Positive Psychology and EQ training, Liv created the Vet Gone Real platform. Liv specialises in veterinary wellbeing and emotional intelligence. She works with both individuals and practices to help them understand how positive psychology can improve their team dynamics and improve psychological safety and build thriving workplace cultures. You can find out more about Liv's platform Vet Gone Real below: https://www.instagram.com/vetgonereal/ https://www.facebook.com/vetgonereal https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-oginska https://www.vetgonereal.com/  

On this week's show we are talking to Cat Henstridge, also known online at Cat the Vet. We will be talking about her life as a first opinion vet and what it is like to navigate being a vet on social media.    Cat graduated from Bristol University in 2003 and has worked ever since as a small animal vet in first opinion practice.  She started her career in a hospital in Wolverhampton and after a few years left to locum in and around the West Midlands. In 2015 she moved with her family back to her home town of Sheffield where she now works part-time in an independent clinic.   Her passion is, and always has been, this profession and the people in it and after writing a website of pet advice for owners because she was frustrated at the lack of good quality information on the internet (this was a while ago, things are different now!), she started to blog and then created social media pages, both to continue to educate but also to showcase the veterinary world and combat the myths and misinformation about us.  These have grown to form a significant part of her career, which she balances with her actual job, her three children and a busy family life!   https://www.facebook.com/catthevet https://www.instagram.com/cat_the_vet https://www.tiktok.com/@cat_the_vet   If you have any questions about the cpd material featured on today's podcast, or if you have an idea for a future episode, contact scott@vtx-cpd.com

This week on the podcast we are chatting to Daniella Dos Santos and Rosie Allister about the important topic of microaggressions.    Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012, having previously obtained a degree in molecular genetics from Kings College London. She is past President of the British Veterinary Association, during which she championed #VetDiversity, and is a vocal advocate of the importance and value of diversity, inclusion and widening participation within the veterinary profession. She led the first BVA Discrimination Survey in 2019, and has presented the work she has undertaken as BVA President to the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe. In 2021 she became a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession, and was also awarded the RCVS Inspiration Award 2021.   Rosie has received the BVA Chiron Award and RCVS Impact Award for work on veterinary mental health. Her PhD researched mental health, support and identity and how this affects veterinary wellbeing. She has substantial experience in applied suicide prevention, support, and evidence-based solutions. She combines technical and academic knowledge with a practical background in veterinary practice. Rosie manages Vetlife Helpline and volunteers with All4Paws veterinary clinic and Samaritans.   Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential support to the veterinary community. Call 0303 040 2551 or email via www.vetlife.org.uk   https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/good-veterinary-workplaces/   #vtx #vtx_cpd #veterinarycourses #veterinarypodcast #TimeForChange #BigConversation #GoodWorkplaces

In this episode we are talking to the insightful Carolyne Crowe. We talk about everything from communication, managing expectations and listening. And what inspired her to run 10 marathons in 10 days! Carolyne is an equine vet, personal performance coach, mentor, international speaker, researcher and lecturer, and has a Masters degree in Workplace Health and Wellbeing. Through her role as Head of Training at the VDS, she has been able to help support professionals through non-clinical training on leadership, resilience and communication, helping workplaces and employees learn and grow in a busy and pressured environment.  As a founding member of the Coach of Excellence Accreditation, Carolyne was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2020 for her outstanding contribution to the profession.   We would like to say a huge thank you to the VDS for their support of this podcast and to Carolyne for this inspirational conversation!   https://www.vds-training.co.uk/ https://www.thevds.co.uk/  

In this week's episode we are talking to the incredible Helen Silver-MacMahon. We talk about her expansive career as an RVN and how her intrigue in human-factors and non-technical skills have shaped her career. We discuss the importance of addressing incivility in clinical practice and the impact these behaviours can have not only on us as professionals but also to those around us including our patients!  Helen is a veterinary nurse and Research and Development Director at VetLed. Having worked in general practice, referral hospitals and nursing education over the past 21 years, she has extensive professional experience and understanding from a wide range of  settings. Helen is passionate about developing the veterinary professions understanding of Human Factors as a powerful aid in improving patient safety, enhancing performance and supporting the wellbeing of the veterinary team. She is a RCVS Knowledge Champion for her role in the sustained training and use of a surgical safety checklist within the small animal theatre at the former Animal Health Trust. In 2021, Helen completed an MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at the University of Edinburgh. For her dissertation project Helen researched situational awareness in the veterinary operating theatre and has a special interest in non-technical skills, and has just begun a PhD to research this area. In her role at VetLed she enjoys applying this knowledge to develop and deliver professionally relevant training for all members of the veterinary team. We would like to say a huge thank you to VetLed for their support of this podcast and to Helen for this eye-opening conversation! In our clinical segment this week we continue a discussion about feline pancreatitis with our very own Scott. This week we chat about the treatment of acute pancreatitis. https://www.vetled.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/vetledteam/ https://www.facebook.com/VetLedteam  https://vtx-cpd.com/webinars/pancreatitis-what-the-feline-is-new/

This week we are joined by the amazing Francesco Cian. Francesco is a veterinary clinical pathologist.  He qualified from University of Padua (Italy) with a DVM in 2006. He spent the next 4 years in small animal practice. In 2010, he started a residency program in Clinical Pathology at the University of Cambridge, which he finished in 2013 attaining both an ECVCP and FRCPath diploma. Francesco is passionate about teaching and has come up with lots of creating and engaging ways to share his knowledge and passion. We chat about his amazing veterinary journey that all started on a sheep farm! Make sure to check out his amazing platforms! In our clinical segment this week we start a discussion about feline pancreatitis with our very own Scott. This week we chat about the diagnostic process in this challenging cases.   www.veterinarycytology.org   https://www.instagram.com/veterinary_cytology/?hl=en   https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeterinaryCytology/   https://vtx-cpd.com/webinars/pancreatitis-what-the-feline-is-new/