Freewheelin' Veterinary Business Q&a Podcast

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. James Cellini, a board-certified small animal neurologist. They discuss the management of back pain in French Bulldogs, covering when to refer patients and how to communicate effectively with clients for better outcomes.French Bulldogs are particularly susceptible to disc herniation, underscoring the importance of approaching cases of back pain in these dogs with heightened concern. Dr. James Cellini stresses the significance of recognizing the specific risk factors associated with French Bulldogs. Due to their genetic makeup, nearly every French Bulldog is predisposed to experiencing disc herniation at some point in their life. This genetic predisposition underscores the necessity of handling cases of back pain in French Bulldogs with caution and attentiveness.Dr. Cellini emphasizes the need for early intervention and referral to a specialist when dealing with French Bulldogs suffering from back pain. He r

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Danny Sack, a first-year surgical resident, to discuss the complexities of managing foreign body surgeries in veterinary practice.Dr. Sack emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions and considering other potential causes of vomiting, such as Addison's disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or toxin ingestion. The conversation covers the essential steps in diagnosing a foreign body obstruction, including physical exams, baseline blood work, and the importance of taking multiple x-ray views. Dr. Sack also highlights the significance of considering chest x-rays in certain cases to rule out complications like aspiration pneumonia or esophageal issues.They explore the decision tree for determining whether to proceed with surgery or attempt conservative management. Factors such as the duration of vomiting, the dog's stability, and the location of the foreign body play crucial role

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Danny Sack, a first-year surgical resident, to discuss cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Dr. Sack shares insights on diagnosing and managing this common orthopedic issue in general practice. The episode also explores the spectrum of care and the important role of primary veterinarians in guiding clients through treatment decisionsDr. Sack acknowledges that clients can feel overwhelmed with information when making decisions about their pet's care. Therefore, it is essential to provide clients with external references that offer reliable and accurate information. He suggests resources such as handouts from the clinic, reputable websites like tploinfo.com, and educational videos on platforms like YouTube to help clients better understand the anatomy, condition, and treatment options.In addition to verbal communication, Dr. Danny Sack mentioned in the podcast episode that his clinic provides handouts to client

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Emily King, a successful veterinarian and mentor. Dr. King's leadership style has fostered a culture of mentorship at her practice, All-Star Veterinary Clinic, helping colleagues to thrive and improve the lives of those around them. Dr. King shares her journey of trial and error in building her successful veterinary practice, emphasizing the importance of working towards something bigger for better job satisfaction.Dr. King advises new graduates and veterinary students to seek out a practice environment where they can feel joy and positivity from the moment they step in. By observing how clients are treated, the practice's atmosphere, and the overall experience, valuable insights can be gained to determine if the practice is a place where joy can be found in work.It's important to remember that being a veterinarian is about creating meaningful connections and making a difference in the li

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Emily King from All Star Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Emily shares the origin story of All Star and discusses how her journey of growing an 11-doctor practice has shaped her unique leadership and mentorship styles. Aimed at final year vet students and recent graduates, this episode is packed with valuable advice on identifying green flags in potential job opportunities.Dr. King recounts her experiences with mentors during her veterinary education and early career. She highlights the importance of having mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. For instance, her mentor at Kryder Veterinary Clinic, Donn Kryder, hired her despite her lack of small animal experience, simply because he believed in her potential. This kind of support is crucial for new graduates who often feel overwhelmed and uncertain.Dr. King also discusses how a significant aspect of empowering team members is allowing them to make

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Gary Marshall, a specialist in feline-only medicine. Dr. Marshall shares insights on communicating effectively with clients about hyperthyroidism in cats, how to diagnose and manage this condition with confidence and valuable tips for navigating veterinary medicine successfully as a new grad vet.Communication with clients about hyperthyroidism in feline patients is crucial. Dr. Marshall highlights the significance of building a foundation of understanding with the client before discussing the diagnosis and management plan. He notes that clients may not initially perceive their cat as very sick, especially if the cat is displaying common symptoms like increased appetite and weight loss. Therefore, it is essential to explain to the client how hyperthyroidism can impact the cat's overall health, including the strain it can put on organs like the heart.Dr. Marshall discusses the importance of

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by the esteemed Dr. Gary Marshall, a specialist in feline-only medicine and one of the masterminds behind the famous cat class during COVID. As a new grad, one of the significant challenges isn't just knowing the medicine, but effectively communicating that knowledge to clients. Dr. Marshall shares invaluable insights on how to diagnose and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in feline patients and confidently convey this information to pet owners. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you thrive in practice and strengthen the bond between you, your patients, and their families. Join us for an enlightening discussion that will enhance your veterinary communication skills and improve the quality of life for your feline patients.By simplifying medical jargon and using relatable analogies, veterinarians can improve client understanding and engagement, leading to better outcomes for their patients. Effect

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley discusses the importance of managing your schedule effectively to leave work on time. She shares five tips to help veterinarians avoid consistently working late hours and offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to improve time management and make your veterinary practice more efficient.Arriving early to your shifts is crucial for veterinarians to prepare for the day ahead and handle any urgent tasks before appointments start. In the podcast episode, Dr. Moriah emphasizes the importance of coming in 30-40 minutes before the appointments begin. This early arrival allows veterinarians to go through tasks, deal with urgent matters, make necessary calls, and address any fires that may arise before the appointments start.By arriving early, veterinarians can have a moment of control before the day gets busy. This time can be used for personal tasks, such as grabbing a cup of coffee

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley discusses clinical empathy with veterinarian Dr. Josh Rosen. They explore the importance of clinical empathy in veterinary practice and provide examples of how to incorporate it into daily interactions with patients. Utilizing clinical empathy in interactions with clients can lead to improved workplace satisfaction for veterinarians and their teams. When veterinarians show empathy towards clients, it creates a positive environment in the clinic, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose in their work.Studies referenced in the episode suggest that better workplace satisfaction is associated with the practice of clinical empathy. When veterinarians witness the positive impact of empathetic communication on client relationships and patient care, it can boost their morale and job satisfaction.By understanding the emotional needs and concerns of pet owners, veterinarians can tailor treatment plans that align with the cli

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Lap of Love co-founder, Dr. Mary Gardner, to discuss the art of quality of life conversations with pet owners. They explore why these discussions can be challenging but ultimately rewarding, focusing on the emotional aspects and the use of clinical empathy. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating these sensitive conversations in veterinary medicine.New veterinarians may struggle with transitioning from a focus on saving lives to considering euthanasia when discussing quality of life with clients. The emotional complexity of these conversations can make it challenging to navigate the client's feelings and expectations.However, successfully guiding clients through these discussions and assisting them in making informed decisions can be as fulfilling as treating a medical condition or performing a successful surgery. By offering support, empathy, and guidance during these challenging conversations, veterin

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Molly Brinkmann about addressing the cost of veterinary care. They discuss responding to client questions about pricing and navigating social media discussions on the topic. Tune in for practical insights on handling these important conversations in the veterinary profession.Dr. Molly highlighted the importance of transparent conversations around the value behind the cost to clients. By providing a rationale for the expenses incurred, such as the expertise, equipment, and resources required for veterinary care, clients can better comprehend why certain procedures may be costly. This approach helps bridge the gap between the financial aspect of care and the value it brings to the health and well-being of their pets.The podcast also delved into the concept of clinical empathy in financial discussions with clients. Dr. Mariah stressed the need for veterinarians to use language that conveys t

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Molly Brinkmann, as they discuss the current cost of veterinary health care, sparked by a recent controversial TikTok video. They delve into the implications of the video, the broader issue of rising veterinary care costs, and how the profession should address these challenges. Dr. Molly Brinkmann and Dr. Moriah McCauley stress the need for transparency in discussing veterinary service pricing, pointing out the complexities unique to veterinary medicine compared to human medicine. They discuss differences in lab work handling and the logistical challenges of providing care to animals.Dr. Molly explains the difficulties faced by veterinary practices in balancing staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and quality care while keeping services affordable. She attributes the recent cost increase in veterinary medicine to industry corporatization, leading to financial restructuring within practices.The key ta

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley and Dr. Addie Reinhard discuss handling decision fatigue and moral stress in veterinary practice to avoid burnout. They share practical steps to improve workflow and reduce the risk of burnout for new grad vets. Tune in for insights and inspiration from these passionate mentors in the field of veterinary medicine.Burnout signs can manifest in various ways, such as feeling exhausted, cynical, or that your work doesn't matter. These signs are crucial indicators that should not be ignored, as they can lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed. Dr. Addie Reinhard emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs early on to prevent burnout from escalating.By focusing on effective time management, delegation of tasks, and confident decision-making, new grads can navigate the challenges of veterinary practice more efficiently and reduce the risk of burnout.Dr. Addie shares her experience of realizing that perfectionism,

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Garth Robillard about the fears and challenges faced by veterinary students. They discuss the vulnerability and growth that comes with acknowledging fears of burnout, financial constraints, and dealing with clients. The episode explores whether these fears stem from academia or the general veterinary profession, offering valuable insights for aspiring and current veterinarians navigating their career paths.Garth discusses the fear and anxiety experienced by many veterinary students as they approach graduation, including concerns about burnout, difficult clients, and financial constraints. Despite these challenges, he encourages students to acknowledge their fears and vulnerabilities, as these experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience.The conversation between Moriah and Garth also delves into the evolving culture within veterinary schools. They discuss the importance of creat

Episode DescriptionOn this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Mariah McCauley is joined by Garth Robillard, a second-year vet student and host of the Veterinary Vibes podcast. Together they discussed the significance of mentorship in bridging the gap between academia and real-world practice. Garth highlights that mentorship is often overlooked in veterinary school curriculums, requiring students to actively seek out mentorship opportunities to enhance their learning and professional development.Garth discussed the challenges students encounter in finding mentors and the disconnect between academic teachings and practical application. He stressed the need for mentorship to be a formalized part of the curriculum, akin to subjects like anatomy and physiology. By incorporating mentorship into the educational framework, students can gain valuable insights, guidance, and support from experienced professionals in the field.The conversation also delved into the value of informal mentorship, where stud

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Sean McCormack as they discuss being upfront and honest with clients about concerns regarding brachycephalic breeds. This refers to dog breeds with shortened heads, which often results in health issues, in particular breathing issues. Dr. McCormack emphasizes the need for veterinarians to address these issues openly and transparently with clients. By acknowledging the health problems associated with brachycephalic breeds and discussing them with clients, veterinarians can build trust and establish a strong relationship with pet owners.Dr. McCormack highlights the significance of approaching these conversations with empathy and understanding. While it is essential to educate clients about the potential health issues their brachycephalic pets may face, it is equally important to convey that veterinarians and pet owners are on the same team. By emphasizing a collaborative approach and providing suppor

Episode DescriptionIn this week’s ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Christine Staten as they discuss the significance of finding joy and purpose outside of work to boost satisfaction and fulfillment in a veterinary career. Here are key takeaways from the episode supporting this notion:Exploring Entrepreneurial Ventures: Dr. Staten shared her personal journey of delving into entrepreneurial activities outside her veterinary practice. She discussed engaging in eBay businesses, student rentals, and even owning an Airbnb property. These side ventures not only provided extra income but also served as therapeutic distractions during challenging times, such as the pandemic. By immersing herself in these activities, Dr. Staten discovered a sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond her veterinary career.Striking a Work-Life Balance: Dr. Staten stressed the importance of balancing work and personal life by consciously managing time outside of work. She highlighted the practic

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of ‘So You're a Vet… Now What?’ host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Sarah Parsons, an experienced LVT who brings a refreshing perspective to the table. Sarah highlights the importance of cultivating a supportive and enjoyable work environment in the veterinary field.Sarah shares her wisdom on the pivotal role LVTs play in guiding new graduates through the early stages of their careers, addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and confidence-building. She emphasizes the significance of fostering a culture of mutual learning and camaraderie among team members.A key takeaway from this episode’s discussion is the power of incorporating fun into daily routines. Sarah illustrates how simple acts, such as playing music or sharing lighthearted moments, can alleviate stress and strengthen team dynamics. She recounts a heartwarming anecdote demonstrating how shared moments of levity can create lasting bonds among colleagues.The episode also explores the dynamics of bonding in hi

Dr. Hugh's Podcast: https://thevetvault.com/Dr. Hugh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huberthiemstra/Episode DescriptionIn this week’s ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ podcast, Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Hubert Hiemstra discuss the negative effects of client bashing and highlight the importance of shifting towards a more positive and empathetic mindset.When veterinarians choose empathy and compassion in their interactions with clients, it can lead to more positive outcomes. Dr. Hiemstra emphasizes that treating clients with empathy and respect is not just beneficial for the clients but also for the veterinarians themselves. By approaching client interactions with understanding and compassion, veterinarians can build stronger relationships with clients, leading to better compliance, trust, and overall satisfaction.Moreover, choosing empathy over client bashing can also improve team morale. Dr. McCauley mentions that negative talk and attitudes can impact the morale of the veterinary team, leading t

Episode DescriptionOn this episode of the ‘So You're a Vet… Now What?’ podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley interviews Eric Garcia, founder of Simply Done Tech Solutions. Eric, a former IT administrator turned digital marketing expert, discusses the importance of understanding the differences between cat and dog pet parents for effective client communication. Cat owners and dog owners have distinct preferences when it comes to marketing and communication strategies in the veterinary field. In a podcast episode, it was highlighted that cat owners are often introverts who respond well to education, while dog owners tend to prefer promotion-driven claims.Cat Owners:Cat owners are considered thinkers who value education and information.Studies have shown that cat owners tend to have a higher level of education compared to dog owners.Cat owners respond well to preventive-based claims and marketing, focusing on the importance of preventive care to prevent disease.They appreciate detailed information and explanati