Reviving Vet Med

Send us Fan Mail In this calming bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk invites you to pause and gently lay down some of the emotional weight you may be carrying—grief, stress, responsibility, or expectations. Whether you're a veterinary professional navigating a difficult season or simply someone feeling the heaviness of the day-to-day, this 8-minute guided meditation offers a safe space to re...

Send us Fan Mail Grief is a constant presence in veterinary medicine—quiet, cumulative, and often ignored. From euthanasia and patient loss to a co-worker resigning or a colleague moving away, grief takes many forms in the lives of veterinary professionals. But what happens when we don’t acknowledge it? In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Kira Valentine, Licensed Clinical Social Worke...

Send us Fan Mail Neurodiversity remains a largely misunderstood and under-discussed topic in veterinary medicine, despite the profound ways it shapes how professionals experience and engage with their work. In this episode, we speak with Helen Allwood — small animal vet turned coach and trainer — about her journey from veterinary practice to coaching, following a late ADHD diagnosis that transform...

Send us Fan Mail Allyship isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessary practice for creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments in veterinary medicine. In this episode, we explore what it means to be a true ally to LGBTQIA+ veterinary professionals, especially during Pride Month, but also throughout the year. We unpack the mental health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the profess...

Send us Fan Mail Perinatal mental health is still a taboo topic in many medical professions — including veterinary medicine — despite the very real impact it has on professionals during pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Emily Singler — veterinarian, mom of four, and author of Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team — to discuss how mental health c...

Send us Fan Mail In a profession where high stress and long hours often drown out the signals from our bodies, tuning into those quiet whispers can be a radical act of self-preservation. In this episode, we sit down with Simmi Latulippe—functional medicine consultant, menopause coach, and trauma-informed yoga teacher—to explore the intersection of hormonal health, trauma, and holistic healing in v...

Send us Fan Mail Creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential for effective teamwork and sustainable wellbeing. In this episode, Avery Alston, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Veterinary Emergency Group, shares how fostering belonging can transform veterinary workplaces from the inside out. We explore the connect...

Send us Fan Mail Veterinary medical record documentation is a major source of stress — often piling up after hours and impacting both care quality and veterinarian wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Katie Gallagher, general practice vet and co-founder of Scribenote, shares how her AI-powered scribe tool is helping vets stay present with patients, catch up on records faster, and reclaim personal time....

Send us Fan Mail Veterinary professionals often face intense emotional challenges — from navigating difficult euthanasia conversations to managing compassion fatigue and moral distress. But did you know that social workers are increasingly becoming essential allies in these moments? In this episode, we explore the growing field of veterinary social work and how it bridges the gap between human and...

Send us Fan Mail Neurodivergence in veterinary medicine is more common than you might think — and it brings both incredible strengths and unique challenges. In this episode, we explore what neurodiversity really means, breaking down conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety-related neurotypes. You’ll learn how these differences shape the way individuals think, communicate, and work — and...

Send us Fan Mail In this special 60th episode, we invite you to join us for an 8-minute equanimity meditation designed to help veterinary professionals navigate the emotional highs and lows of the profession. This practice will guide you through a series of mindfulness techniques to cultivate steadiness and compassion—both for your patients and for yourself. This meditation will help you ground yo...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling drained and disconnected from your work? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the emotional challenges that many veterinary professionals face: burnout, compassion fatigue, and empathy fatigue. Though often used interchangeably, each of these issues has its own distinct impact on our well-being. We’ll unpack what sets them apart, how to recognize the signs, and...

Send us Fan Mail Timed to coincide with Canada’s Pink Shirt Day, we explore a challenge that many veterinary professionals face: managing rude client interactions. These behaviors, though often not personal, can profoundly impact veterinary teams, leading to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even decisions to leave the profession. By understanding the emotional and financial stressors that fuel c...

Send us Fan Mail From high rates of depression among veterinary students to significant psychological distress in practice teams, this episode tackles the challenges and importance of mental health conversations in the veterinary profession. Building on the momentum of Bell Let’s Talk Day in Canada, we explore the concerning mental health statistics within veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need...

Send us Fan Mail While bubble baths and spa days are nice, true self-care goes much deeper—it's about prioritizing actions that genuinely support your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. During this episode, we share personal stories and evidence-based insights into why self-care isn’t selfish but essential, especially for caregiving professionals like veterinarians. We also explore th...

Send us Fan Mail Technology is deeply integrated into veterinary practice, from managing schedules to engaging with clients and staying connected through social media. However, excessive screen time comes at a cost, impacting mental health, sleep, and work-life balance. In this episode, we explore the importance of digital wellness for veterinary professionals and share practical strategies for cr...

Send us Fan Mail Being on-call is a reality that many veterinary professionals face, often bringing long hours, interrupted sleep, and the pressure of urgent decision-making. The unpredictability of being on-call can disrupt personal lives, creating tension between professional responsibilities and the need for rest and recovery. This constant state of readiness can also lead to burnout and impact...

Send us Fan Mail The Big Five Personality Traits—Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism—are key factors in shaping how individuals think, feel, and behave in different environments. These traits help explain personal differences in how we approach challenges, relationships, and stressors. In high-pressure fields like veterinary medicine, understandi...

Send us Fan Mail In the demanding field of veterinary medicine, establishing clear boundaries and learning to say no are essential skills for fostering resilience and maintaining mental health. Many veterinary professionals struggle with the pressure to take on extra responsibilities, leading to feelings of overwhelm and a sense of losing control. Recognizing the importance of setting limits is cr...

Send us Fan Mail In a high-demand, high-stress field like veterinary medicine, managing ADHD can pose unique challenges. From struggling with focus, time management, and organization to dealing with emotional dysregulation, ADHD can impact both personal and professional lives. ADHD, often associated with children, frequently goes undiagnosed in adults, even in high-functioning individuals.  In thi...

Send us Fan Mail In this special 50th bonus episode, we’re offering you a moment to pause, breathe, and reset with a brief 5-minute meditation. Designed for busy veterinary professionals, this short meditation can be used anytime during your workday to help you ground yourself, release tension, and refocus. Whether you're in your car, breakroom, or office, take this opportunity to reconnect w...

Send us Fan Mail Recent veterinary research reveals that as many as 50% of veterinary team members may be experiencing burnout. Tackling burnout in the veterinary profession requires a deeper understanding of its complexities. In this episode, we explore innovative ways to measure and address burnout, drawing on recent research and insights from Dr. Andria Jones, a researcher at the Ontario Veteri...

Send us Fan Mail Addressing mental health challenges within the veterinary profession requires a proactive approach, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like suicide. In this episode, we explore crucial resources designed to support veterinary team members and enhance their wellbeing during the most difficult times. We’ll dive into the AVMA’s After a Suicide documents and Suicide Preventi...

Send us Fan Mail Psychological health and safety is a buzz phrase that is picking up traction when it comes to taking steps to create healthier, safer, and more supportive work environments. In this episode, we delve into the Veterinary Visionaries™ initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration launched in 2022 by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which brought together nearly 50 veter...

Send us Fan Mail Mistakes are an inevitable part of veterinary practice, and if you’ve been in the field for any length of time, chances are you’ve made one. In this episode, we delve into the various types of mistakes that can occur, from minor errors like miscalculating a drug dose to more serious ones that may have significant consequences. Drawing from personal experiences and professional ins...