My Veterinary Life

Dr. Marty Betts, a small animal practitioner in Charlottesville, VA, and Heather Hopkinson, a credentialed veterinary technician at North Carolina State University, join the podcast this week to explore the evolving role of veterinary technicians in practice. The conversation highlights their career journeys, their shared work on AVMA’s Committee on Advancing Veterinary Technicians and Technologis...

Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, small animal veterinarian, author, stand-up comedian, and TV star, returns to the show this week to share an update on his memoir, It Started With A Turtle , and to take a look back on his 43-year veterinary career. He emphasizes kindness, community involvement, and lifelong learning as core values of veterinary medicine. And you don't want to miss the tale of "Beanie Boy" fr...

Dr. Jon Geller, emergency veterinarian and founder of the Street Dog Coalition, returns to the podcast this week to share how his relief efforts have evolved in both Ukraine and Gaza. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Geller reflects on resilience, creativity, and the importance of turning setbacks into opportunities, offering powerful lessons for those who feel called to make a difference, no matt...

Amanda Fark, AVMA's Assistant Director of Veterinary Career Services, joins the show as this quarter's featured guest for a conversation about career coaching and how it can support your veterinary life. Amanda shares what to expect from a coaching relationship, how to find a qualified coach, and why self-reflection, accountability, and openness to the process are key to meaningful career growth....

This special 400th episode is a heartfelt farewell to podcast founder Dr. Marci Kirk. In her final episode as co-host, Marci shares candid memories from the early days of podcasting, standout guest moments that changed how she views the profession, lessons on communication and storytelling, and the deep gratitude she feels for the veterinary community that made the podcast possible. Thank you, Mar...

Because student loans are a part of veterinary life for many of us, student loan expert Paul Garrard joins us this week for an in-depth yet approachable conversation about the federal  changes slated to take effect July 1, 2026. Paul breaks down the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, new federal borrowing caps, new and changing repayment options, and the status of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness...

Mary Emfinger, a third-year veterinary student at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, joins us on the show this week for an inspiring episode. She shares how she balances vet school, motherhood, serving as a SAVMA senior delegate, and launching her own compression sock business, Bright Alert Responsive. She reflects on learning patience, following ideas that won’t let go, embracing work-life...

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk returns to the show this week to discuss her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, which explores the realities of veterinary life. From her upbringing in a veterinary family to her emergency and critical care career, academic burnout, and transition into wellbeing advocacy, Marie reflects on the importance of mindset, speaks candidly a...

This week we are featuring returning guest, Dr. Kemba Marshall to discuss her new book on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine. Dr. Marshall shares her motivation, the collaborative writing process with 23 co-authors, and how the book offers practical, actionable steps for veterinary professionals. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety, inclusi...

Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Engagement and Belonging Officer, joins us to explore why fostering a sense of connection, motivation, and inclusion across the profession isn’t just good for teams — it’s vital for the health of our entire field. She shares stories and statistics to help us better understand the value these concepts bring to the team as well as approachable ways to get t...

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Ken Gorczyca about his pioneering work in end-of-life care for animals. Dr. Gorczyca shares his journey from early influences and activism during the AIDS crisis to becoming a veterinary death doula. He discusses the importance of compassionate in-home euthanasia, integrating ritual and storytelling, and supporting both pet owne...

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, currently a leadership and energy coach and previously a small animal practice owner, is our guest this week on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Edwards discusses trusting intuition, navigating career pivots, overcoming burnout, and embracing the power of conscious choice and personal responsibility. Her story is a refreshing reminder that career paths are rarely straight...

Megan Gerhardt, the founder of Gentelligence®, is our guest on this week’s episode of the My Veterinary Life® podcast. Megan will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Veterinary Leadership Conference, hosted by VLC Presenting Partner, Zoetis. She shares insights about navigating generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the value of curiosity, respect, and open dialogue. She introduces...

Dr. Bonnie Wright shares her journey to becoming a veterinary anesthesiologist, pain specialist, and educator in this week's My Veterinary Life podcast episode. She discusses how a life-changing car accident reaffirmed her career choice, her evolving interests in anesthesia and pain management, and her embrace of acupuncture as a science-based tool. Dr. Wright highlights the importance of adaptabi...

Our guests on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast are Drs. James Orsini and Nora Grenager, co-authors of Comparative Veterinary Anatomy: A Clinical Approach. They discuss the evolution of veterinary education, the importance of adapting to diverse learning styles, and integrating multimedia resources. The guests share insights into textbook development, as well as the value of professional...

Dr. Jacey Cerda, a postdoctoral fellow in biodiversity conservation and emergency response, is this week's guest on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Cerda shares her unique journey from wildlife biology to law to veterinary medicine, and discusses her experiences as a Fulbright fellow, attorney, and AVMA Government Relations Division extern. The conversation highlights the versatility of veteri...

Dr. Michelle Greenfield-Feig, a zoological medicine resident (aquatic focus) at North Carolina State University, shares her unique journey from aspiring marine biologist to zoological and aquatic veterinarian on this week's episode. Listeners will gain insight into the world of zoological medicine, the importance of mentorship and professional connections, and the joy of working with species rangi...

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Joya Griffin. Dr. Griffin is a veterinary dermatologist and star of National Geographic’s "Pop Goes the Vet." Dr. Griffin shares her journey into dermatology, overcoming challenges during her training, and her experiences filming the TV show. She discusses the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of...

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Jon Cudiamat. Dr. Cudiamat is a small animal general practitioner in the Chicago suburbs. He shares his journey into veterinary medicine, experiences with a modern vet school curriculum, and the challenges and rewards of general practice. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, adaptability, and self-care, e...

We are concluding our 5-part series entitled “Snapshots,” where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Tina Tran. Dr. Tran graduated in 2000 and is currently a founding dean and clinical professor at Hanover College’s planned veterinary school. This episode is full of incredible...

We are continuing in our “Snapshots” series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Kenneth Ford. Dr. Ford graduated in 2010 and is a small animal and exotics practitioner. We loved hearing about his lessons learned in practice, particularly how he now embraces t...

We are continuing in our “Snapshots” series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Lauren Anthony. Dr. Anthony graduated in 2020 and is currently the co-owner of Atlas Pet Vets, a small animal and exotics practice in Texas. We loved hearing Dr. Anthony's perspec...

We are continuing our "Snapshots" series this week, where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Makenna Koslosky. Dr. Koslosky graduated in 2023 and is currently a small animal associate veterinarian in Colorado. She makes you feel like you are right there with her in the exam...

We are kicking off a 5-part series entitled “Snapshots,” where we’re taking a look at the practice of veterinary medicine through the eyes of practitioners 1, 2, 5, 15, and 25 years after graduation. Our guest today is Dr. Alexia Mazzarella. She graduated in 2024 and is currently a small animal rotating intern. We loved hearing about her transition from vet student to new veterinarian and the valu...

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Sandra Faeh, the Chief Medical Officer for NVA General Practice and the immediate past president of the AVMA. Dr. Faeh shares insights on mentorship, leadership, and team development, reflecting on her early challenges (or as we like to say opportunities) and growth. She highlights NVA General Practice’s innovative mentorship programs...