Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Ve...
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Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Ve...
Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Ve...
In this special bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk shares her recent conversation with Dr. Andy Roark from the Cone of Shame podcast, diving into the heart of her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian. Together, they explore the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, from perfectionism and burnout to purpose, identity, and rediscovering joy in the work. Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, student, or someone who loves a veterinary professio...
Compassion is at the heart of veterinary medicine, but sustaining it can be tough in the face of long hours, high expectations, and emotionally intense work. While many of us focus on compassion for patients and clients, the missing piece is often self-compassion, which is critical for reducing burnout and building resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Megan Davis, a veterinarian and educator passionate about mental health and human factors, and Dr. Katherine Wakelin, a clinical p...
For many veterinary professionals, there comes a moment when the path ahead feels uncertain. Burnout, loss of purpose, or a yearning for change can leave you wondering: Is this still the right fit for me? And if not, what’s next? In this inspiring episode, we speak with Sophie Gilbert, a Veterinary Surgeon, qualified Executive Coach, and Reviving Vet Med coach who specializes in emotional resilience, career fulfillment, and sustainable life balance. With decades of experience in primary care ...
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming veterinary medicine, from enhancing diagnostics to streamlining workflows. But what does this mean for the wellbeing of veterinary professionals? In this insightful episode, we chat with Dr. Christopher Pinard, veterinary oncologist, CEO and co-founder of ANI.ML Health Inc., and leader in AI innovation for veterinary and comparative oncology. Chris shares how emerging AI technologies like machine learning, spatial computing, and ChatBots are sha...
Veterinary technicians and technologists are the backbone of every practice, yet many face financial challenges that can feel overwhelming—especially when living paycheck to paycheck. During National Vet Tech Week and RVT Appreciation Month, we’re shining a light on this often-overlooked aspect of wellbeing: financial health. In this empowering episode, we sit down with Grace Wu Ursery, founder of Vet Money Geek and longtime RVT and practice manager. Grace shares practical, judgment-free advi...
Veterinary workplaces are fast-paced, emotionally charged, and often stressful—which can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and burnout. But what if there was a way to better understand ourselves and each other, so we could reduce tension and work together more effectively? In this episode, Jolene Watson—RVT, certified Myers-Briggs® practitioner, executive coach, and best-selling author— shares how personality awareness can transform veterinary teams. Drawing from her own background...
Conversations about suicide can be uncomfortable—but they’re essential. In this thoughtful and deeply informative episode, we speak with Dr. Jen Brandt, Director of Member Wellbeing Initiatives at the American Veterinary Medical Association, to talk about suicide prevention, stigma reduction, and building truly supportive workplaces in veterinary medicine. With advanced suicidology training and a career dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, Jen brings nuance, clarity, and compassion to a ...
Veterinary teams are no strangers to trauma—emergency cases, euthanasia, client distress, and internal conflict can all leave an emotional mark. Yet, so often, we rush past these moments without stopping to process them. What if we didn’t have to carry that weight alone? In this essential episode, we speak with Julie Morse Elliott, a Registered Professional Counsellor (Candidate), trained CIGD facilitator, and longtime registered veterinary technician, about Critical Incident Group Debriefing...
Conflict is a part of every workplace—but in veterinary medicine, it’s often something we avoid at all costs. In this episode of Reviving Vet Med, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk explores why conflict avoidance is so common among veterinary teams and how it can silently erode trust, collaboration, and even patient care. Through practical strategies and real-life examples, Marie breaks down the different types of conflict—whether it’s a disagreement over clinical decisions or a clash of personalities—an...
Veterinary medicine isn’t just a career—it’s often a core part of who we are. But what happens when the role of “veterinarian” starts to overshadow the rest of our identity? How do we stay connected to ourselves when the profession feels all-consuming? In this reflective episode, Dr. Melodie Chan—longtime veterinarian, industry leader, and mentor—shares her personal journey of navigating identity in veterinary medicine. From early influences that shaped her career path to moments when her pro...
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 rest, release, and reconnect with yourself. Through breath awareness, a body scan, and a powerful visualization practice,...
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 Worker, Certified Veterinary Technician, and Reviving Veterinary Medicine coach, about the hidden grief that veterinary...
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 transformed her sense of self and professional path. Helen shares how her diagnosis ignited a passion for neurodiversity ad...
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 profession, why representation alone isn’t enough, and how everyday actions — like using inclusive language and respectin...
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 challenges show up during this pivotal life phase, and what can be done to support those going through it. Emily s...
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 veterinary medicine. Simmi shares what it really means to “biohack” menopause, why perimenopause should be on the ...
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 connection between DEI and team performance, the role of psychological safety in high-pressure environments, and practic...
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. We explore why medical record documentation is so challenging, how AI can support (not replace) veterinary teams...
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 animal wellbeing. You’ll learn about the origins of veterinary social work, including pioneering efforts from the...
Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Ve...
