Why are new veterinarians graduating with fear instead of confidence? How can general practitioners balance referrals, gold-standard care, and client realities? Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and special guest Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond, DVM—widely known as The Honest Vet—for an eye-opening episode of Irreplaceable Truths. Together they explore fear in veterinary medicine, the limits of referral-based systems, and the importance of capable, confident generalists. Filled with candid stories, practical wisdom, and hard truths, this conversation will challenge the way you see the profession.

What you'll discover:

• Why veterinary graduates often struggle with fear and self-doubt
• How to balance referral medicine with affordable, accessible care
• Stories of tough surgeries, emotional decisions, and clinical judgment in action
• Why celebrating good days matters as much as learning from the bad

Who will love this episode:

• Veterinarians & veterinary students
• Animal care professionals
• Veterinary educators and mentors
• Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine
• Anyone navigating confidence, competence, and change in vet med

Timestamps:

00:00 – Fear of change and missing confidence in vet med

01:15 – Introducing Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond, DVM (The Honest Vet)

02:30 – Fear in new graduates and the gold standard debate

06:00 – Personal story: Hugo the German Shepherd’s splenic tumor surgery

09:00 – Why no surgery is truly “routine”

13:30 – Facing nerves and learning through practice

17:00 – Growing up on a cattle ranch and learning resilience

22:00 – Early influences: her veterinarian mother’s resourceful practice

26:00 – Building confidence through emergency cases in Austin

31:00 – The power of informed consent and trying when referral isn’t an option

36:00 – Relief work, exotics, and rediscovering the calling in Charleston

42:00 – Collaboration, networking, and the future of general practice

46:00 – Specialization, ABVP, and balancing niches with generalist needs

Stay Connected:

• Like this episode if you found value in this discussion.
• Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.
• Subscribe to never miss an episode.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond, DVM on Instagram: @thehonestvet

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Ep. 40

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