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Veterinary Vitals

102 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratings

Veterinary Vitals is a show produced by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association that examines the veterinary industry, explores the experiences of veterinary professionals and offers advice for navigating the evolving profession.

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Episodes

Leading The Veterinary Profession in Texas with The Power of 10 Class

April 09, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MB

Today on the podcast, the 2023-24 Power of 10 Leadership Class participants share their journeys in veterinary medicine and why they sought to further develop their leadership skills! You can learn more about The Power of 10 Leadership Class and apply here by 5/17/24: https://ow.ly/VKmX50Rb2bF Support the show

The Distinguished Career of Dr. Bill Liska

March 18, 2024 15:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MB

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Bill Liska, TVMA’s 2024 Distinguished Career Achievement Award Winner at TVMA Annual Conference & Expo in Irving. Dr. Liska received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1973. He completed an internship and surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York in 1976 and became Board Certified by the ACVS in 1980. He practiced  in Houston until 1988, when he founded one of the largest multi-disciplinary veterinary specialty hospitals in the country. ...

Legislative Updates & a Changing of the Guard

February 20, 2024 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode, we hear a few important legislative updates, as well as the final word from our president Dr. Jodi Long as she prepares to end her term. Support the show

Crafting a Culture of Inclusion in Your Practice with Drs. Adria Flowers & Cherese Sullivan

February 02, 2024 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Drs. Cherese Sullivan and Adria Flowers are two veterinarians and practice owners in Houston, Texas.  Dr. Cherese Sullivan graduated from Cornell University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has worked in general practice, emergency, and shelter medicine throughout her career.  Dr. Adria Flowers received her Bachelors in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2006 and obtained a masters in public health from University of Missouri. Dr. Flowers goal is to bring the One Health Init...

Creating a Wellness Space For LVTs with Sherri Jerzyk

January 19, 2024 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Sherri Jerzyk, a veterinary technician in the TAMU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, developed "The Grotto" as part of her veterinary social work certificate program. Her experiences in veterinary medicine gave her a passion for addressing mental health in the LVT population. Support the show

The Joys of Veterinary Medicine - Holiday Special

December 20, 2023 23:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

To wrap up the year, we hear from veterinarians and veterinary professionals about how they find joy in the tough times. We also take a look across Texas to revel in the accomplishments of our peers. Happy holidays! Support the show

TBVME Progress Under TDLR with Brittany Sharkey

December 11, 2023 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

During the legislative session this spring, lawmakers voted to attach the TBVME to another state agency, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the next four years. Here’s our conversation on the agency’s progress since our last update with Brittany Sharkey, Executive Director of TBVME. Support the show

Giving Back to the Profession with Drs. Chad Harris and Tracy McAdoo

November 21, 2023 23:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

In this episode of veterinary vitals, we spoke with Drs. Chad Harris and Tracy McAdoo at Southwest Veterinary Symposium in September about the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation. Dr. Harris, the TVMF Board of Trustees President since 2017, handed over the gavel to Dr. McAdoo this year. Listen in as we uncover the hidden potential of TVMF and where the organization is headed in 2024. Support the show

Empowering Practice Managers with Susan Driever, CVPM

November 13, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

Practice Manager Recognition Week is November 12-18, 2023! This week was created to bring attention to the often-unsung heroes who empower veterinary medical providers to devote their focus to patient treatment and outcomes. Have you thought about how you can appreciate your practice manager this week? FUN FACT: Practice Managers can now use their CE with TVMA toward their CVPM! In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Susan Driever, CVPM about what it takes to earn your CVPM an...

Emergency Preparedness & Response with Dr. Debra Zoran

October 26, 2023 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Today on Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Dr. Debra Zoran, Professor for the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Interim Director of the Veterinary Emergency Team (VET). Dr. Zoran specializes in emergency preparedness and response, and the use of simulations in the teaching of disaster.  She earned a BS in animal science from Kansas State University, an MS in clinical sciences from Iowa State University, a...

Veterinary Specialty Consulting with Dr. Kenneth Pierce

October 13, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Dr. Pierce is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He was an ophthalmology intern at the Eye Care for Animals & Biological Test Center in California and at Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Pierce completed his residency in ophthalmology and received his Masters Degree. This episode is sponsored b...

The Impacts of Illicit Xylazine with Dr. Lori Teller

October 05, 2023 18:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

Welcome to the season 5 premiere of Veterinary Vitals! This season begins with a timely update from Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA past-president and TVMA past-president, on illicit xylazine. AVMA helped develop, introduce, and build support for the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which seeks to keep the drug's legitimate veterinary uses under the current prescription status.  Support the show

State of the Association with Troy Alexander

June 23, 2023 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

With more than a year at TVMA, Executive Director Troy Alexander reports on the State of the Association. From developments with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to the opening of a new veterinary school at Texas Tech University, Mr. Alexander shares the challenges and successes in organized veterinary medicine. This is the season finale of Season 4! Season 5 will begin this Fall. We welcome feedback and ideas for the podcast. Email [email protected]. Support the show

Social Media for Veterinary Practice with Dr. Tannetje' Crocker

June 09, 2023 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

Dr. Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER veterinarian for veterinary emergency group in Dallas and owns Alta Vista Animal Hospital. She supports fellow veterinary professionals and educates the pet-owning public through her various endeavors. Dr. Crocker is also a TVMA member and serves on several committees. Support the show

Reducing Fear and Stress in Perioperative Care with Dr. Ralph Harvey

May 05, 2023 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Enjoy this sneak peak of Dr. Ralph Harvey's CE session from TVMA Annual Conference. Dr. Harvey currently works as a consultant in practice and industry promoting best medicine, including Fear Free practices, and new advances in patient care, with a focus on the management and relief of animal pain and suffering.  Dr. Harvey formerly taught anesthesia and pain management in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxv...

Using AI in Veterinary Medicine with Tabitha Baibos and Tomas Reyes

April 24, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.3 MB

In today’s episode, we speak with Tabitha Baibos and Tomas Reyes about their award-winning veterinary AI tool, RadAnalyzer. Tabitha is a 4th-year veterinary student at Texas A&M University and Tomas graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2020 with his Bachelors  in Electrical Engineering and in August 2022 with his Master’s  in Electrical Engineering. His focus was in applied machine learning (AI). Tabitha and Tomas met at Texas A&M, are cofounders of RadAnalyzer, and are engaged to be m...

Veterinary Careers in the Regulatory Sector with Dr. Will McCauley

April 10, 2023 15:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

As the Director of Corporate Relations for Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, TAMU Health, and the School of Engineering Medicine, Dr. Will McCauley serves as a dedicated conduit for companies seeking to partner with Texas A&M University. These partnerships empower Texas A&M's incredible students, dedicated faculty, and innovative programs to improve the health of people, animals, and the environment. Today, Dr. McCauley shares from his experience on veterinary career opportunities in ...

Improving Medical Quality with Dr. Richard Stone

March 28, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Dr. Richard Stone, Vice President of Medicine at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, discusses improving medical quality in veterinary medicine. Dr. Stone received his DVM from Texas A&M University in 2004, and completed a Veterinary Internal Medicine Residency Program at The University of Georgia in 2011. Dr. Stone ensures regional and local medical leaders across the country can deliver on the BluePearl promise of remarkable care. He is also the recipient of the 2023 TVMA Medical Specialty Practition...

Educating Through Comedy with Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown, RVTg

March 15, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Walter Brown, RVTg is an Emergency and Critical Care specialty veterinary technologist, social media public figure, influencer, comedian and founder of SKINNI GO LIVE LLC. Walter combines his background in veterinary medicine with comedy to bring education and relief to veterinary professionals around the world. When he isn’t devoting time to his brand, Walter works as a veterinary technologist program liaison for United Veterinary Care, where he cultivates relationships with veterinary tech...

Finding Your Tribe at TVMA Annual Conference with Dr. Jodi Long

February 14, 2023 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.95 MB

Dr. Jodi Long graduated from Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and started her career in Houston in 2003. She now serves as the General Practice Mentor Veterinarian for National Veterinary Associates. As someone who has attended many TVMA events over the years, we hear from her about what makes our Annual Conference unique and how newcomers can find their tribe.  Support the show

Can the State Turn the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Around?

January 23, 2023 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode, we hear a preview of the February issue of Texas Veterinarian magazine. Can the State Turn the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Around? by Steve Levine reveals historical challenges at the TBVME and the agency's wake up call for big change. After the reading, we catch up with Trent Hightower, TVMA's General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, to hear his thoughts on the proposed changes. Support the show

Leading the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners with Brittany Sharkey

December 21, 2022 20:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

New executive director of TBVME, Brittany Sharkey, JD, discusses steps the agency is taking to better service Texas veterinarians and the industry. Support the show

Advocating For Senior Pets with Dr. Heidi Lobprise

November 28, 2022 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

Dr. Heidi Lobprise graduated from Texas A & M University in 1983 and became a board certified veterinary dentist in 1993. In 2003, she joined the Veterinary Specialty Team of Pfizer Animal Health, and in 2010, she became the Senior Technical Manager for Virbac Corporation. She helped organize, and was the first president of, the International Veterinary Senior Care Society, whose mission is to provide resources targeting the complete health care needs of senior pets to the veterinarian, thei...

Legislative Session Kick-Off with Trent Hightower

November 12, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we hear from Trent Hightower, General Counsel and Director of Legislative Affairs at TVMA about upcoming legislation that impacts the veterinary profession. Support the show

Research of Impact for Bovine Respiratory Disease with Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin

October 20, 2022 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MB

Today on Veterinary Vitals, I speak with Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin, assistant professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Valeris-Chacin was recently awarded a $100,000 grant through Texas A&M AgriLife Research from the USDA-NIFA Animal Health and Disease Research Capacity Program. The grant will be used to research associated pathogens of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). Support the show

Reading: Veterinary Research in the Texas Panhandle by Dr. John August

October 04, 2022 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Season 4 Premiere: In order to bring you more quality episodes about what’s happening in Texas veterinary medicine, we’re offering you a sneak peak into TVMA members’ exclusive benefit, Texas Veterinarian magazine. Each month, we'll select an article from the magazine to share with you as a reading on the podcast. Starting with this article from Dr. John August, the Carl B. King Dean of the Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine, entitled “Veterinary Research in the Texas Panhand...

Everything New at 2022 Southwest Veterinary Symposium with Tina Garcia, CMM

July 16, 2022 00:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

In this episode, we hear from Tina Garcia, CMM, CMP, the Executive Director of Southwest Veterinary Symposium, on what attendees can look forward to at the event this year. SWVS is in Fort Worth this year, September 22nd - 25th.  Support the show

Addressing Mental Health Before It Affects Your Career with Raquel Leal

June 09, 2022 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.45 MB

Raquel Leal, LPC, program director at Professional Recovery Network (PRN), shares what they can do to help veterinarians with mental health or addiction issues. It’s a nationally recognized peer assistance program dedicated to helping health care professionals enter a safe, healthy recovery. Visit www.txprn.com for information on how to use this TVMA member benefit! Additional mental health resources for veterinarians are available at www.avma.org. Support the show

Heartworm Prevention & Compliance with Dr. Tom Nelson

May 27, 2022 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

This episode, we hear from Dr. Tom Nelson, the Medical Director at Animal Medical Center of N.E. Alabama on heartworm prevention. Dr. Nelson comes very highly recommended for this topic from those in the TVMA network. Dr. Nelson graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine with his DVM in 1979. Dr. Nelson is considered a pioneer for his clinical work in the study of heartworm disease in cats. Listen as Dr. Nelson shares what veterinarians need to be reminded of with hea...

Starting A Mobile Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Katie Eick

April 29, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

Dr. Katie Eick shares her career story from owning a private practice to starting a mobile clinic. Listen as she encourages veterinarians to find their own path in the profession. Support the show

Spotting Signs of Animal Cruelty with Dr. Melinda Merck

April 19, 2022 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

In this episode, Dr. Melinda Merck talks about the signs of animal cruelty. Dr. Merck provides expert consultations and case work on a variety of animal related cases, including criminal and civil cases. She has training and experience in a wide range of crime scene and forensic science topics. She provides expert case review including veterinary reports, investigation findings and crime scene analyses.  Support the show

Barriers To Pet Healthcare with Dr. Shanti Jha

March 24, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

We hear from Dr. Shanti Jha, the Chief of Surgery at Pet Specialists of Austin and the National Surgery Director at Thrive Pet Healthcare.  Dr. Jha shares about barriers affecting accessibility to veterinary care. This is a very important topic because in 2016, the AVMA reported that nearly 21% of dog-owners and 52% of cat-owners didn’t take their pet to the vet at all. So what can the veterinary profession do to promote greater access to care? Listen now and find out! Support the show

Representing Texas Veterinarians in the House with Drs. Glenn Rogers & Lynn Stucky

February 24, 2022 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

In this episode, we hear from two representatives from the Texas House on their campaigns for the upcoming election, Drs. Glenn Rogers and Lynn Stucky. These two representatives are running for different seats; Dr. Rogers for District 60 and Dr. Stucky for District 64. Election Day is March 1st, and if you’re in districts 60 or 64, be sure to support your fellow veterinarians. See if you’re registered to vote and find your nearest polling place at www.votetexas.gov.  Support the show

The Power of 10 Class with Dr. Caitlin Conner

February 10, 2022 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.54 MB

Dr. Caitlin Conner shares her experience in the 2019 TVMA Power of 10 Class. Back for 2022, the leadership program will provide ten veterinarians with six leadership development sessions over a nine-month period. The program was previously limited to recent graduates, but is now open to veterinarians during any stage of their career. Participants will hear from topic experts in sessions that not only convey the key learning points about leadership, but also deepen the understanding of class ...

2022 TVMA Annual Conference & Expo with Ellen Forsythe, CMP

February 04, 2022 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.65 MB

It’s time to meet IN-PERSON once again. We can’t wait to bring the entire veterinary community together at the hottest meeting venue in Texas, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock for the 2022 TVMA Annual Conference & Expo! We are talking some serious ‘get away’ time where you can grow professionally and provide your family a mini-vacay! Register here: https://www.tvma.org/Education-Opportunities/Annual-Conference Support the show

Introducing TVMA's New Executive Director, Troy Alexander

January 21, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MB

Announcing the next TVMA Executive Director, Troy Alexander. Mr. Alexander has been involved with Texas politics since 1989. He has served bipartisan efforts in the Texas Legislature, worked as a senior executive in a state agency and with private associations. He comes to TVMA from Texas Medical Association (TMA) where he served as the Director for Legislative Affairs. In this role, he helped develop political strategy and was the lead advocate on a wide array of public health, ethics, priv...

TVMA Staff Say Goodbye to Executive Director Chris Copeland

January 14, 2022 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

Support the show

The Power of TVMA Committees with Drs. Lori Teller and Lauren Boyer

December 09, 2021 22:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

In the final episode of 2021, Drs. Lori Teller and Lauren Boyer discuss the impact TVMA committees have on the association and the profession as a whole. Support the show

Wrapping Up The Year with Continuing Education

November 18, 2021 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we speak with key TVMA staffers on the continuing education they have lined up over the next 4 months. Learn about new course credits, topics and speakers that might be coming to a city near you! Support the show

Introducing TVMA's Director of Government Relations and General Counsel, Trent Hightower, JD.

November 02, 2021 15:00 - 14 minutes - 9.86 MB

Meet TVMA's newest hire, Trent Hightower, JD, and learn about what motivates, inspires and challenges him in the legal profession.  Support the show

A Recap of SWVS 2021

October 14, 2021 17:00 - 11 minutes - 7.7 MB

In this episode, immerse yourself in the sounds of Southwest Veterinary Symposium and find out what you missed.  The event was a huge success, beginning with the meeting of the TVMA Board of Directors and ending with the VPAC Denim and Diamonds event. Support the show

Vital News: Executive Director Chris Copeland on Retiring from TVMA

September 16, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

Executive Director Chris Copeland will retire from TVMA in June 2022 after 24 years at the association. Listen in as he shares TVMA's accomplishments, his hopes for the future and why he's retiring before 60.  Support the show

The End of a 34-Year Career in Animal Reproduction with Dr. Kirk Esmond

September 02, 2021 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Dr. Kirk Esmond, founder of Josey Ranch Pet Hospital in Carrollton, TX, is the recipient of the TVMA Companion Animal Practitioner of the year award. He received his Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from TAMU in 1983, his B.S. in Veterinary Science in 1985, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1987. He has been involved with the breeding and showing of AKC registered dogs for the last 40 years. He offers full diagnostic reproduction services for canines and His interest in r...

Vital News: All About SWVS With Industry Veteran Ellen Forsythe, CMP

August 19, 2021 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

In this episode of Vital News, we hear about Southwest Veterinary Symposium (September 23-26, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas). From how it all began to what you can expect this year, Ellen Forsythe, CMP, answers all of your questions.  Support the show

The Only Patient That Ever Told Me What Was Wrong with Dr. Jed Ford

August 05, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

“I started treating monkeys 30 years ago and it all started with one out of the Helping Hands program.” In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jed Ford of Family Pet Clinic about the only patient he ever had tell him what was wrong. Dr. Ford practices on small animals and exotics in the Greater Fort Worth area.  Support the show

Vital News: Defending Your Reputation Online

July 22, 2021 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

In this episode of Vital News, we hear from Elizabeth Choate, JD, the Director of Government Relations and General Counsel for TVMA, on the legislation passed in the Texas House.  Support the show

How to Find a Mentor with Drs. Ann Macfarland and Connor Rethman

July 08, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

“Even though my friends and family were supportive, having someone that knew exactly what I was going through was just invaluable throughout this.” In this episode, we hear from recent graduate Dr. Connor Rethman on her journey through vet school with a mentor. We also get to see what it's like for her mentor, Dr. Ann Macfarland. She shares why mentorship is important to her and what she got out of it.  Support the show

Vital News: Grand Opening of The Texas A&M University System Center

June 25, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

“What has been produced here is the best agricultural facilities outside of College Station that exist in this state.” Dr. Bruce Akey, the Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Lab and Dr. Susan Eades, the Associate Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, give us an inside look on the grand opening of the new facilities. Support the show

A Big Year for Advancements in Veterinary Oncology with Dr. Zachary Wright

June 10, 2021 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

“That technology is just beginning to become affordable for more specialty centers to be able to provide that to their clients. So that's a huge breakthrough in the way we treat cancer. But it hasn't happened overnight. It's been a gradual process over the last decade or so.” In the first episode of season two, Dr. Zachary Wright of VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas, Texas shares the latest breakthroughs in veterinary oncology, the ability to create custom treatment plans and the impor...

Difficult Conversations about Race in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Niccole Bruno

May 27, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

This episode marks the final one with Dena Goldstein as your host. If you’d like to keep in touch, email Dena at [email protected]. “Veterinary medicine, as we talked about before, is very underrepresented, and this is where I can potentially channel this energy into making that change within this profession.” Having conversations about race in veterinary medicine can be uncomfortable and far from easy. However, to Dr. Niccole Bruno of Companion Animal Hospital, it’s vital in orde...