Episodes

This episode dives into the highs and lows of a 'squiggly' veterinary career, guided by the story of a professional who has seamlessly blended veterinary practice, entrepreneurship, and business development. We explore the contrasting mindsets between lifelong veterinary dreamers and those who found the profession later in life, shedding light on how these perspectives shape resilience, burnout, and adaptability in the field.Dr Stephanie unpacks the perfectionist tendencies ingrained in veterinarians and how these ideals collide with the unpredictable, messy realities of daily practice. The discussion also uncovers the hidden opportunities for veterinarians to apply their unique skill sets—like decision-making, leadership, and sales—in industries beyond animal care.Alongside personal advice on fostering self-worth, positive self-talk, and overcoming limiting beliefs, listeners will gain practical strategies for navigating the emotional hurdles of the profession. The episode wraps …

You know that conversation that you have with your client when you first diagnose congestive heart failure in their mitral valve disease dog? The one where you say: 'This will be the thing that kills your pet.' Well, that conversation is changing. Veterinary cardiologists Dr Brad Gavaghan and Dr Fiona Meyers introduce us to TEER (Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair), a minimally invasive procedure that can completely change the outcome for your mitral valve patients. In this episode they explain h...

This pivotal episode tackles the urgent issue of suicide prevention within the veterinary profession—a field grappling with alarmingly high rates of mental health challenges. We break down the profound psychological toll veterinarians face, from the emotional weight of euthanasia to challenging client interactions and workplace pressures. Inspired by groundbreaking programs like Mates in Construction, the discussion introduces Vet Herd, a community-driven initiative designed to build support networks that prioritize mental health and resilience.Through deeply personal stories, our guests explore how organizational psychology and career pivots can transform well-being in the profession. They also share practical tools like LivingWorks' ASSIST program, equipping listeners with actionable strategies to support themselves and others. This episode isn’t just a deep dive into a pressing issue—it’s a call to action for the veterinary community to champion collective care and prioritize men…

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Dr. Linda Fleeman, an internationally renowned expert on veterinary diabetes management, focusing primarily on cats. Listeners are introduced to groundbreaking approaches that challenge traditional paradigms, such as the use of basal insulin protocols, flexible dosing schedules, and the dissociation of insulin administration from feeding times. Dr. Fleeman simplifies the complexities of managing feline diabetes by advocating for practical dietary adjustments, including low-carbohydrate wet foods and portion control. The conversation also highlights innovative monitoring methods, from urine glucose testing to the Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitor, offering flexible solutions for different client needs. Packed with actionable insights, this episode empowers veterinarians to improve outcomes for diabetic patients while addressing common misconceptions and practical challenges.

This episode dives into the fascinating and emotionally charged world of veterinary forensics with Dr. Elizabeth Pearlman, who shares insights into her unique career. From investigating suspected cases of animal abuse and neglect to collaborating with law enforcement, her work blends science, detective skills, and advocacy for animals. Dr. Liz recounts compelling cases, highlighting how thorough documentation, forensic examination, and collaboration with agencies can lead to justice for abused animals. The conversation also covers the challenges veterinarians face when identifying and addressing animal cruelty, offering practical advice for spotting red flags, documenting findings, and managing the emotional toll of such work. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the critical role of forensic veterinarians in improving animal welfare and uncovering truths in the darkest of circumstances.

You know that feeling when the ‘not breathing well’ patient gets rushed to your crash bench, and you stand there with your stethoscope trying to look like your planning, but actually, you’re just panicking... You have to do something, but what? Where do you begin?! This is exactly why I loved this conversation with ECC specialist and Director of Animal Emergency Australia, Dr Rob Webster, about the 6 steps that will help you localise the problem in the respiratory distress patient. Because once...

We're experimenting with something... I found a software that magically translates your voice into any language of your choosing, and I'm dying to see if I can use it to get some Vet Vault vibes into the non-English speaking veterinary world. So, as a trial run, we had this conversation about renal physiology and the many ways in which we, as vets, misunderstand and misinterpret the link between urine specific gravity and azotaemia translated into Spanish. Then we had a Spanish speaking vet cros...

In this episode, Dr. Geoff Wilson reflects on the transformative power of resilience and passion within the veterinary profession, drawing on lessons from polar exploration and wilderness survival. He discusses his journey integrating these principles into veterinary training to combat burnout and improve industry culture. The conversation highlights the development of a unique resilience program for new veterinary graduates, designed to push mental and physical limits while instilling confidence and adaptability in high-pressure situations. Dr. Wilson also examines challenges within the veterinary profession, from selecting candidates with emotional intelligence to addressing toxic attitudes that deter young professionals. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining positivity, embracing a service mindset, and fostering a supportive environment to ensure the longevity and fulfilment of veterinary careers.

If you find surgery even remotely appealing, then chances are a good old intestinal foreign body removal ranks high on your list of favourites. But GI surgery can be a lot less fun when faced with a linear foreign body, and patient outcomes can be potentially be much worse. This episode with specialist surgeon Dr. Bronwyn Fullagar is packed with invaluable insights to make your linear foreign body surgeries smoother, less scary, and increase your chances of success. Dr. Bronwyn Fullagar is an Au...

Dr. Jeremy Watson shares his journey from veterinary practice to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability in the veterinary field. The discussion delves into the critical intersection of climate change and animal health, emphasising the veterinary profession's responsibility to lead in mitigating environmental impact. Dr. Watson explains his experience with creating a carbon-neutral veterinary practice, highlighting practical steps such as improving energy efficiency, addressing anesthetic gas emissions, and adopting sustainable waste management practices. The conversation also explores the role of Vets for Climate Action and their Climate Care Program, designed to support practices in reducing their carbon footprint. Through relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, Dr. Watson inspires veterinarians to integrate sustainability into their clinics while demonstrating the tangible benefits for both business and the planet.

The puppy that ate the box of NSAIDs, the lab who found the bag of sultanas, cats and lilies - you know what to do: whack them on twice maintenance fluids for a few days to flush out the toxin and protect the kidneys, right? But wait. Have you ever stopped to think about HOW IV fluids increase toxin excretion? What if we told you that it DOESN'T?! In this episode critical care specialists Dr Leonel Londoño and Dr Corrin Boyd explain why the standard approach of fluid therapy for nephrotoxin inge...

In this episode, the conversation centres on fostering a culture of wellness and well-being in veterinary practices, particularly in the wake of the challenges brought about by COVID-19. The discussion highlights the evolution of leadership in veterinary medicine, moving from a "grin and bear it" mentality to prioritising the psychological health and safety of teams. Key topics include addressing chronic burnout, empowering staff, implementing sustainable work practices, and navigating the complexities of leadership in growing teams. Practical strategies such as embodying personal well-being, empowering autonomy, creating psychological safety, and intentionally shaping workplace culture are shared. The guests underscore the importance of clear communication, measurable actions, and collaborative efforts to build thriving veterinary teams and sustainable business practices.

Whether you're still calling it HGE, or you're getting used to saying AHDS, it's likely that haemorrhagic diarrhoea is one of the more serious and most common GI conditions that you treat in companion animal veterinary practice. But are you treating it the right way? And how can you even be sure that your severe GI case 'just' has the HGE/AHD syndrome, and not some other serious disease? If you've ever asked yourself these, or any other questions about this condition, then this conversation with...

This episode explores the evolving landscape of the veterinary profession, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for veterinarians, business owners, and recent graduates. Key topics include adapting to cyclical changes in the profession, managing client expectations, and preparing students and early-career vets for real-world challenges. The conversation emphasises practical advice, such as embracing the inevitability of mistakes, fostering resilience, and balancing technical skills with business acumen. Insights into modern veterinary business strategies are shared, including leveraging technology, creating efficient systems, and adapting to shifts in client behaviour and economic conditions. The discussion provides actionable strategies for thriving in veterinary medicine, whether as a clinician, leader, or entrepreneur.

This episode is available as a video podcast on Spotify. Dr Gary Turnbull is a Director of The Lincoln Institute , a coach, speaker and facilitator in the fields of veterinary practice management and leadership, veterinary business models and life balance strategies. He’s also a former practice owner with decades of clinical vetting and leadership experience under his belt. Through his work at The Lincoln Institute, Gary helps practice owners and employees with "people problems”, team culture, s...

This episode is available as a video podcast on Spotify. In this episode, Dr Zoe Lenard shares with us the importance of continuous learning for a fulfilling veterinary career, both in technical and non-technical aspects. She discusses adult learning, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the impact these have on personal growth. Dr Zoe Lenard is a dynamic radiologist with a passion for connection and excellence. Her big-picture goal is to promote a culture of high-performing, sustainable veterinar...

Regina Carey is a coach, public speaker and special educator who works to help drive change within the veterinary and human healthcare professions. But in this interview we focus on another aspect of her life: she’s married to a veterinarian, and therefore, by default, married to the veterinary profession. In this episode we explore what’s that like to be the significant other in the life of a vet, what it takes to support a vet career, and what our partners want us to know. Regina gives us the ...

What would you say are the biggest stumbling blocks to a joyful career in veterinary science? The unfortunate reality is that there are many people in the veterinary profession who would not readily use 'joy' and 'work' in the same sentence. But Dr Russel Welsh wants to change that. Dr Russel Welsh is a veterinarian with over 23 years of experience and a passion for the vet profession and the role it plays in the lives of people and animals. He’s worked in multiple sectors of the veterinary ind...

Have you ever found yourself in a moment in your career where you knew: ‘This is definitely not it. Something has to change!’ Dr Tannetje Crocker’s career is as multifaceted as a diamond, and just as brilliant, and in this episode she’ll show us that if you approach your career with intention and heart that the grass CAN be greener. This episode of the Vet Vault is for every veterinarian who's ever felt the tug of 'what if’. Dr. Crocker's story is a masterclass in crafting a veterinary life you...

Dr Jane Heller is the epitome of a mutlti-faceted vet career: she’s a Veterinary Epidemiologist with an interest is in infectious disease epidemiology, with particular reference to antimicrobial resistance and the potential for zoonotic transfer of pathogens between animals and humans. Her career has included a stint in private practice and at the University of Sydney, specialist training in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health through a PhD and a residency at the University of Glasgow, and...

Join us as we chat with the incredible Dr Dennis Wormald, and discover why he wants us to take another look at the word - difficult - when it comes to our patients. Dennis is not your run-of-the-mill vet; he's a bona fide canine behaviour enthusiast and his fascination with understanding and addressing the quirks of our four-legged friends began long before he donned his vet hat. Back in the day, he was knee-deep in biomedical science with a major in neuroscience, and he even dabbled in the worl...

How much time have you committed over the course of your veterinary career to get better at teaching? I'm betting that for most of you, the answer is: not much. Why? Because we're not teachers, right? But maybe we need to think again. Most of us in the veterinary profession spend much of our working lives trying to transfer and translate information. Isn't that, in essence, teaching? Dr Toby Trimble spends a most of his time coming up with better ways to teach. Toby is the founder of Trimble Gro...

How do we make 'resilience' more than just another buzzword and resilience training not just a box to tick for the HR department? Assoc. Prof. Sarah Guess is a specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Associate Professor at Washington State University where she teaches internal medicine. Outside of her clinical work her interests and research are in educational psychology, resilience and wellbeing, and elements of clinical supervision and resident training. Sarah has presented her resear...

Here's a little nugget of wisdom for you: 'Do what you can with what you have where you are.' I stumbled upon it a while back, and it's like a bite-sized version of stoic philosophy. It's a solid life motto, especially in the world of veterinary work, and it neatly sums up what you're about to hear. Meet Dr Warwick Vale – a name you've probably heard in the Aussie veterinary scene. He's not just the ex-President of the Australian Veterinary Association; he's also a rockstar in equine medicine, a...