Vet School Unleashed: Dissecting the DVM - Talking About All Things Veterinary School

If you've ever found yourself sitting in a lecture hall asking yourself, "is this really the best way to be taught?"  Or, "I'm so tired of listening to someone lecture to me from a podium reading off a PowerPoint," listen to this episode!  We've always known deep down that there must be a better way to learn and to learn faster.  Unless you're skilled at drinking from a firehose, the amount of material taught in veterinary school is seemingly impossible to learn.  Seth got the chance to sit down with medical/PhD student, MBA, and education enthusiast, Chase DiMarco to go deeper into this topic.  Chase is an expert on learning techniques and how to better learn in a medical school setting.  This episode is chockfull of gems any veterinary student can implement to learn better and faster. Chase DiMarco is an MS, MBA-HA and MD/Ph.D-candidate. He is the Founder and educator at FreeMedEd, which he began in 2014 to consolidate free educational resources for his classmates. He also hosts the Medical Mnemonist Podcast and is the CEO of FindARotation clinical rotations service. He has explored many facets of medical education, the psychology of learning, and accelerated learning techniques. As an average student, it wasn’t until after he had attained graduate education that he learned to implement accelerated learning and educational efficiency. He has a passion to make studying easier for all students and bring great educational resources to the masses. Visit Chase's website, FreeMedEd at www.freemeded.org. Listen to the Medical Mnemonist Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Find Chase's book, Read This Before Medical School on Amazon.

Big day on the podcast as Seth collaborates with fellow podcaster, veterinarian-extraordinaire, and beholder of wisdom, Dr. John Arnold of Podcast A Vet.  John and Seth have a virtual sit-down to have an off-the-cuff conversation about life in and out of veterinary school, experiences that have helped shape our careers, and celebrating the bright future of veterinary medicine. This episode was released in two parts.  Listen to Part 1 of John and Seth's conversation over at Podcast A Vet on www.podcastavet.com or wherever you get your podcasts.  Don't forget to follow Podcast A Vet on Instagram and Facebook! Dr. John Arnold was born in Seal Beach California and has practiced as a veterinarian in Nevada, California, Oregon, and Colorado. John is a proud CSU Ram, he attended Colorado State University for his BS in Zoology, MBA, and DVM. While attending the CSU School of Veterinary Medicine he met his future wife who is now a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon and Surgical Oncology Fellow. Both Dr. Arnold and his wife graduated with the class of 2006. John’s proudest accomplishment is being a father to his daughter Rylee Rose, who was born in May of 2015 and is quickly turning out to be an avid rock climber and hiker like her dad. In addition to enjoying rock climbing and hiking with his family and border collie mix, Lucy, he also enjoys playing ice hockey, soccer, and traveling. Dr. Arnold first joined the Raintree family in 2008 and in addition to practicing traditional veterinary medicine is also AAVMA Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture. Some of his professional interests include cancer management, pain management, surgery, anesthesia, dermatology, and strengthening the human-animal bond. You may see John climbing or biking around Horsetooth or up Poudre Canyon… or enjoying his favorite meal (Brunch) with his daughter downtown. John is still actively involved at CSU. He serves on the Curriculum Committee for the CSU Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. You may see him on campus giving presentations to the Pre-vet club or meeting with graduate students on what life is like as a practicing veterinarian. John also started a mentoring program at Raintree that gives future veterinarians an idea of what life is like at the hospital.

In this episode Seth sits down with veterinary student, Stepfanie George, to talk about her passion in veterinary nutrition and what she's done while in vet school to make a difference for pet owners as they face difficult questions and decisions regarding their pet's nutrition. Be sure to check out Stepfanie's website, Feeding Raven Doodles, at www.feedingravendoodles.com.  She has tons of great information not only for pet owners, but also veterinary professionals and students! And find Feeding Raven Doodles on: Youtube: Feeding Raven Doodles Facebook: @feedingravendoodles Instagram: @feedingravendoodles *Stepfanie is not (yet) a veterinarian or credentialed veterinary nutrition expert.  Stepfanie is not providing medical or clinical nutrition advice on this podcast or her media channels.  Her goal is to spread information put forth by veterinary nutrition experts to help procure accurate, fact-based information on the topic of animal nutrition.* Stepfanie George is a pet parent and veterinary student who loves animal nutrition. ​In college, Stepfanie took two nutrition courses and subsequently fell in love with the subject. In veterinary school, she helped a few colleagues create a new veterinary nutrition club, and currently holds the secretary position in the club. She is a member of the AAVN and frequently has contact with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and other experts in the industry. Stepfanie’s goal is to help educate pet parents by providing them with credible, science-based sources of information about nutrition. She uses her precious free time to compile resources, formulate articles, and record videos for the Feeding Raven Doodles collection. She would love for Feeding Raven Doodles to one day become pet owners’ one-stop spot for everything they need to know about companion animal nutrition.

Foliage changing color, brisk mornings, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes aren't the only things that signal Fall is here.  Fall also means NAVLE season!  In this episode, Seth welcomes back (now Dr.) Matt Asciutto to talk about their own NAVLE experiences and share tips, tricks, and words of wisdom for fourth-year veterinary students embarking on this milestone moment in veterinary school. Click here to learn about the basics of the NAVLE Click here to read more of Matt's test-taking strategies Dr. Matt Asciutto spent many years performing improv, putting his master’s in chemistry to work, and teaching MCAT for Kaplan before pursuing an incredibly sensible and ever lucrative career in veterinary medicine. He now only does freelance relief work as an ER veterinarian across whatever states are willing to license him. When he isn’t traveling for work he is off exploring the world - so, he is basically never home and always leaves his door unlocked.

The NAVLE, for most veterinary students, is the scary monster waiting at the end of the vet school road.  There are many questions we have about some basic details of the exam, but the answers are sometimes hard to come by.  In this episode Seth shares information he's found about some handy key details about the (arguably) most important exam of veterinary school. Special thanks to AVMA PLIT for making this episode possible!   Click here to find resources about the details in this episode Click here to sign up for your FREE student AVMA PLIT coverage 

Veterinary medicine, whether in school or in practice, is tough.  After some time, all of us will become both physically and mentally exhausted.  It's important we all invest in our wellbeing starting on day one of veterinary school.  In this episode, Seth welcomes mental health professional, Jeannine Moga, to the podcast to talk about this incredibly important topic and how we can better take care of our mental and physical wellness during the marathon of veterinary school and beyond. This episode would not be possible without the support of AVMA PLIT.  Sign up for liability coverage, which is complementary to all active SAVMA members, at avmaplit.com/unleashed. Jeannine is a mental health clinician, educator, and program consultant practicing at the intersection of human and animal issues to support animal people, create sound organizational/social policies, and develop evidence-based animal-assisted programs. She has served as the Founding Director of both Veterinary Social Services at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center (2004-2012) and, more recently, Family & Community Services at North Carolina State University’s Veterinary Hospital (2012-present). Jeannine provides consultation and training to social services, veterinary medical, and animal welfare professionals across the country. Her focal interests include traumatic grief, medical futility, and occupational risk and resilience in animal care professions.

Ever wonder how to get your start creating a social media platform for yourself?  In this episode, Seth sits down with Kristi Crow (@dogtorkristi) to get a glimpse into her life as a veterinary student and how's she's built her online presence. My name is Kristi Crow and I’m from Brownsburg, Indiana. I got my bachelors in animal sciences at Purdue University and decided to continue my veterinary education at Purdue! I’m currently interested in many aspects of the veterinary field such as public health but also really interested in practice ownership now. Not really sure where my degree will take me. My hobbies outside of school involve traveling, helping others through my social media platforms, exercising and binge watching shows. Follow Kristi on Instagram @dogtorkristi Check out Kristi's website: www.dogtorkristi.com Read Kristi's blog on Merck Manual here!

Hear from avian and exotics veterinarian and co-star of the TV show, "Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER," Dr. Lauren Thielen talk about her journey into avian and exotics medicine.  Seth and Dr. Thielen also talk about her advice for students and new veterinarians that are wanting to practice in this exciting area of veterinary medicine. Dr. Lauren Thielen graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. From there, she completed an internship at Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Florida and then a 2-year avian residency at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in New York. After finishing her residency, Dr. Thielen returned to Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital to practice full-time. She has been there since and only recently left her position to move to Texas for a new career with Texas Avian & Exotics Hospital. She is the marketing committee co-chair for the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at University of Miami Avian and Wildlife Laboratory, providing case consultations to veterinarians around the nation. Dr. Thielen is also featured on the television show Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER on NatGeo WILD, which is her platform for educating people all over the world about exotic animal care. In her free time, she enjoys training jiu-jitsu, hiking, and traveling. She also loves spending time with her pets: cats Theo and Kit-10, rabbits Benjamin and Livvy, and bronze wing Pionous parrot, Evie. Follow Dr. Thielen on Instagram @dr.laurenthielen Check out the Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital at www.texasavian.com Catch Dr. Thielen on "Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER" on Nat Geo WILD

Some may say this episode is pure gold.  Wonder what some graduating veterinary students have to say about what they would have done differently in vet school?  Look no further.  In this episode, Seth welcomes on fellow Mizzou fourth year veterinary students, Jenny Howard and Kelly Sandelin, to share their thoughts and discuss ways they could have made their vet school experience even better.   A special thanks goes to this episode's sponsor, AVMA PLIT!

Raw?  Grain-free?  Boutique?  Obesity?  What are the facts we need to know, where can we get more information, and why is it important to care about nutrition?  Check out this great conversation between Seth and soon-to-be board certified veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Catherine Ruggiero, as they hit on some of the hottest topics in veterinary nutrition today. Dr. Catherine Ruggiero grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York. She received her Bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and M.S. at Fordham University. She graduated veterinary school from the University of Missouri in 2014. Dr. Ruggiero spent three years in small animal general practice in Upstate New York before returning to Mizzou to focus on her passion: companion animal nutrition. She is currently completing her clinical nutrition residency training as part of the Nestle Purina Endowed Program in Small Animal Nutrition at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

As corporate companies continue to buy private practices, it's important to remember that not all corporately owned practices are the same.  In this episode Seth welcomes on Dr. George Robinson, CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners, to talk about the climate of veterinary medicine as it relates to corporate practices and what to look for (and not to look for) when considering a job with a corporate practice. Thanks to AVMA PLIT for making this episode possible! Dr. Robinson has over 30 years of veterinary industry experience holding numerous clinical, operational, and senior management roles throughout his career. Prior to joining Heartland Veterinary Partners, Dr. Robinson held a senior management and operations position with National Veterinary Associates, a group veterinary hospital and support organization with over 500 hospital locations and 1000 veterinarians throughout the U.S. Prior to National Veterinary Associates, Dr. Robinson held several management roles with Banfield Pet Hospital, including as a Regional Medical Director for Banfield responsible for multi-hospital leadership and operations for a region with over 180 veterinary hospitals. Prior to these management roles, Dr. Robinson also owned, operated, and successfully sold his own veterinary hospitals. Always a practicing DVM; his special clinical interests are avian medicine, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He enjoys lecturing, teaching and sharing his knowledge through journals, media,and mentorship. He is a graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, has an MSPH degree from the Howard University School of Medicine, and a BS from Southern University. He previously served as vice president of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and is presently a class agent for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Robinson also served as the Chairman of the Practice Advisory Panel of the AVMA that notably issued the AVMA Practice Advisory Panel report on Telemedicine.

If you ask new veterinary school graduates today what they're looking for in a first job, chances are you'll hear about mentorship.  Seth welcomes on two veterinary superstars, Dr. Dan Markwalder and Dr. Adam Conroy of MarkRoy Consulting, to talk about the importance of mentorship, what to look for in a mentor, and how great mentorship can impact your life as a veterinarian. Thanks to Fear Free for their support and making this episode possible!  Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com. These revolutionary veterinary consultants met long before Dr. Dan Markwalder could even call Dr. Adam Conroy “doctor.” Their story began when Adam worked as a kennel attendant in one of Dan’s Chicago-area clinics. The pair reunited in 2005 when Adam took on a role as an associate veterinarian at one of Dan’s practices. Adam quickly became a partner in the group, and the two forged ahead into launching more hospitals together. Currently, there are 14 general practices and 2 emergency hospitals under their guidance in the Chicago area. The success that Dan & Adam have gleaned through mentorship and the development of leadership skills is what inspired the formation of MarkRoy Consulting.

Ever wonder what it's like going to school in paradise?  Seth welcomes on Cristy Montemayor, a fourth-year vet student from St. George's University to talk about her journey to vet school and her great experience in Granada. Thanks to Fear Free Pets for sponsoring this episode! Learn more at fearfreepets.com. Cristy is a fourth year veterinary student from St. George’s University completing her clinical year at the University of Missouri. She has lived and worked as a veterinary technician in Texas and Colorado before starting the amazing adventure of vet school in Grenada. Cristy was a student ambassador for first year students at St. George’s University as well as president of the SGU Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Attending vet school outside the United States isn’t for every student but for those looking for adventure and culture, you just might find it on a beautiful island in the Caribbean.

There are few things in life that you need to have but wish you never have to use.  In this episode Seth welcomes on Dr. Nina Mouledous, AVMA PLIT Trust Veterinarian, to discuss the importance of professional liability insurance, common types of claims brought against veterinarians, and best practices to avoid having claims brought on us. Special thanks to the Veterinary Business Management Association (VMBA) for sponsoring this episode!   This episode contains only a general description of coverages and does not include all the benefits and limitations found in the policies. Coverages may vary. All references to coverage are subject to the policy’s conditions and exclusions. The insurance policy and not this presentation will form the contract between the insured and the insurance company.

Sometimes sh*t happens.  Like having to take the NAVLE multiple times.  In this episode Seth welcomes on a veterinarian (who wishes to remain anonymous) who is also a recent veterinary school graduate to share her story of taking the NAVLE twice, what she learned about best ways to study for the exam, and how she overcame adversity and is now killing it as a DVM. Special thanks to Fear Free for making this episode possible!