My Veterinary Life
Tune in for inspiring stories from your colleagues across the profession. You’ll hear from guest veterinarians about the journeys, challenges—and often hilarious anecdotes—that got them to where they are today. Come away with a fresh look at our veterinary community and a renewed excitement to embrace your veterinary journey.
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Mistakes Happen with Dr. Jim Orsini
Dr. Jim Orsini, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and co-editor of Equine Emergencies and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy: A Clinical Approach, for our "Mistakes Happen" series this week.<br /><br />In this series, we are talking with brave colleagues about the parts of their career stories no one likes to talk about. We hope that this series empowers you to share more openly about your own mistakes— both for your benefit and for the benefit of those around you— and gives you some ideas on how to approach future mistakes more positively based on the stories you h...
Mistakes Happen with Dr. Courtney Campbell
Dr. Courtney Campbell, a board-certified small animal surgeon, practice owner, author, and media correspondent, opens the personal stories for our "Mistakes Happen" series this week.<br /><br />In this series, we are talking with brave colleagues about the parts of their career stories no one likes to talk about. We hope that this series empowers you to share more openly about your own mistakes— both for your benefit and for the benefit of those around you— and gives you some ideas on how to approach future mistakes more positively based on the stories you hear.<br /><br />Thank you to our...
Introducing "Mistakes Happen" with Dr. Jen Brandt
Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA's Director of Wellbeing, provides a research-based foundation for our exciting new series, "Mistakes Happen," on this week's show. She explores the neuroscience behind mistakes, explaining how our brains are wired to perceive errors as threats and how that impacts learning, resilience, and performance. Through personal stories and practical strategies, she helps us move beyond blame and toward meaningful improvement.<br /><br />For additional resources, browse the following titles on AVMA Axon:<br />Self-Compassion for Veterinary ProfessionalsPsychological Safety: Heart of Successful TeamsRebuilding Self-Belief in Veterinary ProfessionalsAnd on Journey for Teams:<b> </b><br />What to Do When...
Dream Jobs, Detours, and Disney with Dr. Mark Penning, 2026 AVMA Convention Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Animals, Science, and Environment at Disney Experiences, is our guest this week and the speaker for the 2026 AVMA Convention keynote, hosted by Hill's Pet Nutrition and AVMA PLIT and AVMA LIFE. Dr. Penning shares how a non-linear career path led him from veterinary practice in South Africa to overseeing animal care and conservation efforts across Disney Experiences. He reflects on leadership, teamwork, and the importance of creating a culture rooted in purpose and trust. He also offers a preview of the message he’ll bring to the AVMA Convention keynote: that the skills veterinarians de...
JFT 3.0 Preview: Universal Design with Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti
Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti, an expert in disability inclusion, universal design, and accessibility, is our guest on this week's episode. Building from last week's introduction to Journey for Teams 3.0, Dr. Rossetti gives us a preview of some of the principles and key takeaways from her THRIVE session, Championing Universal Design. She shares real-world challenges pet owners with disabilities face and outlines practical design changes that can make clinics more inclusive and easier to navigate, improving both patient care and the overall success of a practice.<br /><br />Visit https://www.journeyforteams.org/thrive/ to start your journey with the THRIVE sessions!<...
Inside Journey for Teams 3.0 with Dr. Latonia Craig
Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA's Chief of Veterinary Engagement and Belonging, is our guest on this week's episode. She introduces us to the THRIVE Sessions, the latest installment of Journey for Teams, focused on transforming workplace culture in veterinary medicine. She shares how teams can move beyond awareness to address systemic disruptors, improve inclusion, and build a true culture of care. Learn practical, case-based strategies to create healthier, more engaged teams that benefit all of our veterinary lives.<br /><br />Visit https://www.journeyforteams.org/thrive/ to start your journey with the THRIVE sessions!<br /><br />Thank you to our podcast...
Answering the Call with Dr. Kristin Welch
Dr. Kristin Welch, a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, is our guest on this week's episode. She takes us through her career path from specialty training to private referral practice to founding DVM STAT, a teleconsultation service expanding access to real-time specialist support. You'll also hear how a pivotal personal experience during vet school shaped her approach to empathy and client communication and how she navigated starting her family during her residency training. It's an episode full of action and insights, and you won't want to miss it! <br /><br />Thank you to our podcast partner CareCredit. You can l...
Finding Your Path(ology) with Dr. Olivia Patania
Dr. Olivia Patania, a Senior Investigative Pathologist at StageBio and a Consulting Hepatobiliary Pathologist at Texas A&M University, is our guest on this week's episode. She discusses her training through vet school, residency, and PhD, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, research experience, and aligning career decisions with long-term goals. The way Dr. Patania lives her own advice to "make time for the things you're passionate about" with consulting and volunteering with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists is an inspiration for us all. You won't want to miss this episode!<br /><br />Thank you to our podcast partner CareCredit...
From Cold Emails to Congress with Dr. Bailey Goff
Dr. Bailey Goff, the current George W. Bishop AVMA Congressional Fellow, is our guest on this week's episode. She discusses her path from aspiring clinician to Congressional Fellow, sharing how she discovered a passion for public policy through conversations, externships, and hands-on experiences beyond traditional practice. She reflects on balancing clinical work with policy training, and how skills from veterinary medicine translate into government and advocacy roles. This episode encourages us to explore diverse career paths, connect with others, and stay open to opportunities that align with their evolving interests.<br /><br />Thank you to our podcast partner CareCredit. You...
Realizing the Residency with Dr. Laura Weintraub
Dr. Laura Weintraub, a large animal associate veterinarian who recently completed her residency in Large Animal Emergency and Critical Care, is our guest on this week's episode. Dr. Weintraub shares how her transition from student to veterinarian in general practice sparked a desire for deeper learning and academic camaraderie, leading her to pursue a hybrid internship and eventually a residency. Following her advanced training, she has found a great fit as an associate in a practice that prioritizes professional sustainability. Along the way, she highlights the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and keeping an open mind as new opportunities shape an...
