The Vet Files

REPOST for audio quality In our very first episode of The Vet Files, we’re diving into our pre-vet journeys—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the struggles of late night study sessions to navigating the unpredictable world of veterinary school admissions, we’re sharing what we wish we knew along the way. If you're a pre-vet student or aspiring to join the field of veterinary...

Dr. Dan Thurston’s journey to becoming a vet is anything but traditional. From marine mammal trainer to aspiring equine surgeon, he’s taken a winding road filled with unexpected turns. What matters most is the resilience you build along the way. It’s normal to doubt yourself when you don’t fit the mold. Remember, success isn’t linear! The lessons learned from career shifts can be invaluable. It’s...

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Cabrera, founder of the Saipan Humane Society and current veterinary student at Washington State University, to talk about one of the most unconventional journeys into veterinary medicine we’ve heard yet. Lauren began her career in human healthcare as a nurse practitioner before the COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted her path. What started as fostering pu...

In this episode, we talk about what happens when you fail a class in vet school. MJ shares their experience of not passing the first year of vet school and opens up about what it actually felt like to go through it. We dive into their decision to remediate (repeat the year), the mental reset that came with it, and how they approached vet school differently the second time around. They share what t...

Thinking about taking a gap year? Or wondering if it’s worth reapplying? We sit down with Jett Rush, a first-year veterinary student at Mizzou, who shares his journey of perseverance after four application cycles before finally getting accepted. From navigating rejection to making the most of gap years, Jett breaks down what kept him going and how those extra years ultimately made him a stronger a...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and a leader within the American Association of Equine Practitioners to talk about the reality of equine medicine, beyond the passion that draws so many of us in. We dive into the evolving landscape of equine practice, the push for better retention and sustainability, and how leadership within the profes...

In File #013, we sit down with Dr. Emily King for a candid conversation about the realities of modern veterinary medicine. From practice ownership and financial management to the ethical dilemmas veterinarians face every day, this episode pulls back the curtain on the decisions that shape life in general practice. Dr. King shares her perspective on why confidence in general practitioners matters n...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging the way lameness is traditionally diagnosed in horses. Instead of immediately focusing on the limb and relying on nerve blocks, Dr. DeClue takes a “horse-first” approach, looking at the entire horse, including conformation, biomechanics, and the axial skeleton. Dr. DeClue helped popularize the concept...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexia Wade, a trailblazing Black veterinarian, to discuss her journey in veterinary medicine and the importance of representation in the field. From the challenges she’s faced to the impact of seeing more Black women in vet med, Dr. Wade shares her insights, experiences, and advice for aspiring veterinarians. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation a...

In this episode, Gretel Wurdack and Dr. Bailey, AVMA President, talk about the future of AI in veterinary medicine. They dive into the good, the bad, and everything in between when integrating AI into every day life and veterinary practice.

In File #009, we sit down and reflect on our first semester of veterinary school. The expectations we had going in, the reality we faced once classes started, and the lessons we’re taking into the rest of vet school. From anatomy overwhelm and exam stress to small wins and moments that reminded us why we chose this path, nothing is off the table. If you’re a pre-vet student, a current vet student,...

In File #008, we talk with Dr. Jen Quammen, AVMA President-Elect, about her path from veterinary technician to veterinarian. She shares how hands-on experience shaped her education, how she balanced work and school, and why exploring different corners of vet med can lead to a more fulfilling career. We also dig into leadership, networking, and improving workplace culture in veterinary medicine. Fi...

Ever wondered how different vet school can look from one campus to another? In this episode, three first-year vet students — one from LSU, one from Mizzou, and one from North Carolina State — sit down to compare their first-year experiences. We talk about:🐾 The biggest academic and cultural differences between schools🩺 What surprised us most about vet school life☕ How we handled stress, imposte...

Ever wondered how the One Big Beautiful Bill could affect your journey through vet school or pre-vet studies? 🐾 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Mears from VIN to unpack the bill’s key points, implications for students, and how future veterinarians can navigate these changes.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How the bill impacts pre-vet and vet studentsKey policy changes every stu...

Honeybees are more than just pollinators—they’re patients. In this episode of  The Vet Files , we open the case on honeybee veterinary medicine: how veterinarians are stepping into the apiary, what makes bee medicine unique, and why the health of a colony matters for agriculture, ecosystems, and beyond. From veterinary feed directives to hands-on hive care, we uncover the growing role of vets in p...

Applying to vet school? Feeling overwhelmed by VMCAS? We’ve been there — and we’ve got your back. In File #004, we break down the entire Veterinary Medical College Application Service process: from personal statements to experience hours, evaluations to school selections. You'll get real talk, timeline tips, and the inside scoop they  don’t  put in the instructions. Whether you're a first-...

In this episode, we expose notorious freeloaders that have mastered the art of parasitism in animals — some with the power to cross into human lives. From the segmented sprawl of  Moniezia expansa  in young ruminants to the stubborn persistence of  Parascaris equorum  in foals, we unravel how these internal invaders thrive at the expense of their hosts. Then, we head to the canine world, where  An...

What is holistic veterinary medicine, really — and does it work? In this episode, we give a quick, clear breakdown of holistic approaches in animal care, then walk you through compelling case studies where alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and more played a key role in healing. Whether you're curious, cautious, or considering it for your own practice, this episode lays it al...

In our very first episode of  The Vet Files , we’re diving into our pre-vet journeys—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the struggles of late night study sessions to navigating the unpredictable world of veterinary school admissions, we’re sharing what we wish we knew along the way. If you're a pre-vet student or aspiring to join the field of veterinary medicine, this episode is...