The Veterinary Project Podcast

Dr. Cindy Barnes graduated from Colorado State University in 2012 with five kids in tow.   In 2015, she founded Northern Arizona's first 24/7 Emergency Animal Hospital. As a practice owner, she realized that the practice management programs available on the market were antiquated, time consuming, and anything but user-friendly. She made it her mission to create a modern, user-friendly, cloud-based practice management software program that anyone could use on day one.  This was the genesis of Shepherd Veterinary Software, founded in 2016. Dr. Barnes self-funded Shepherd until 2019 when Synergy Pet Group partnered with her to help grow the platform to where it is today.  Although Dr. Barnes is no longer the CEO of Shepherd, she remains an integral part of the company's future while continuing to create new ventures in veterinary medicine, helping spur the next generation of veterinary professionals on to the same success she's enjoyed. In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Barnes we cover: Cindy's journey in veterinary medicine - from vet school to buying clinic to starting a software company Working her way through vet school with 5 kids! Going into debt to get through school AND buy her first practice How to get a bank loan to open your practice How to put yourself first in a "nurturing way" Being creatively selective in prioritizing vet school activities Paying off over $400k USD in 5 years! Focusing on opportunities, not on debt "Your worth is negotiable" The creation of Shepherd Vet: a veterinary practice management software founded by Dr. Barnes What "vets deserve joy" means to Dr. Barnes Cindy's Impact Round! Final words for the veterinary community Interested in learning more about Shepherd Vet? https://shepherd.vet/ Want to connect with Dr. Barnes? Find her online: IG: @cindybarnesdvm LinkedIn: Cindy Barnes DVM We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Dr. Jordan Woodsworth is a general veterinary practitioner, PhD candidate, and part of the Wellness and Preventive Medicine team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre. She is a 2008 graduate of the WCVM and joined the staff at the VMC in 2012 to start the Wellness and Service Learning programs.   Jordan’s diverse professional interests include community engagement and social accountability in the veterinary profession, clinical communications, inter-professional work in the area of animal welfare, and elevating the quality and perception of well care for cats and dogs.  Jordan’s work in Northern Saskatchewan is an area of true passion, and she strives to use her role as a veterinary educator to provide opportunities for veterinary learners and practitioners to develop and practice culturally safe approaches to veterinary care.  Her personal interests include lake time with her husband, 2 kids and dog, travelling and enjoying nature, and eating and cooking amazing food. Topics covered in Part 1 include: Why should veterinarians care about communication? Who needs communication training? Communication skills are transferable skills What is an open ended question and how do you ask them? Ways to start an open ended question How a broad open ended question can get you all the information you need Training yourself to ask better questions The power of curiosity Disarming or defusing intensity / conflict / anger Look for Part 2 of the 4-part mini-series coming out soon! To connect with Dr. Woodsworth you can find her via email: jordan.woodsworth@usask.ca We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Dr. Bugg and Dr. Leicht dig in on James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, a book the co-hosts studied in tandem to start the year. This breakthrough book is considered the most comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day, with the overarching principle being that small actions, done consistently over time, lead to remarkable results through the power of compounding. Topics discussed include: Two quotes that smacked Mike in the face! Small changes in habits, over time, will lead to massive results Purposeful practice and identifying areas to improve The 4 steps of a habit: the cue, the craving, the response, the reward Applications of the 4 steps to veterinary medicine and practice Priming your environment for habit creation / alteration Reinforcing habits by tracking the habit stack If you're going to miss, modify instead The Doctor's share their Atomic takeaways We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

3rd year veterinary medicine student Saskia de Jong grew up on reserve in remote northern Ontario in an area that had more bears than it had people. She enjoys being involved in community outreach and has a fondness for working with Indigenous communities and volunteering with the Special Olympics.  Before entering vet school, Saskia studied at Dalhousie University and James Cook University, attaining degrees in Marine Biology and Zoology, as well as Environmental Science and Stats.  Now at UCVM, Saskia is secretary of the Pathology Club and the Behaviour and Animal Training Club. She is also co-chair for the UCVM WIDE (Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) task-force, which is composed of faculty, staff and students.  This summer she founded the student group by the same name to better support equity, diversity, inclusion and the mental health and wellness of students. Her hobbies include playing fiddle, learning more about the indigenous customs and cultures she was raised with, reading, beading and triathlon. In our wide-ranging conversation with Saskia we cover: What got her to this point in her veterinary student progression Giving back to community Overcoming challenges to get into vet school  Why get involved in profession / school clubs and committees? Attacking and addressing challenges facing the vet med profession The creation of The Diversity in Veterinary Medicine event Encouraging diversity in the workplace The willingness to be uncomfortable while fostering change Saskia's impact round! A big thank you to Saskia for joining us on the show! To connect with Saskia directly you can do so via email or Instagram: saskia.dejong@ucalgary.ca @dejong_triathlon We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Dr. Gary Marshall is a multi-faceted veterinary professional with years of experience in the industry.  As a graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Marshall founded Island Cats Veterinary Hospital on Mercer Island, Washington in 1996. He is a mentor/coach for VetX International representing North America where he connects with many students and new graduate veterinarians on a consistent basis. With his position as Adjunct Professor for Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, there are several veterinary students receiving part of their clinical training at Island Cats. Dr. Marshall is a Past-President of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and still serves on the Board of Directors. He also has previously served as Vice-Chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and currently serves as one of two representatives from Washington State in the House of Delegates for the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2020, he was appointed to the Advisory Group of the Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession, a joint venture of the AVMA and AAVMC. At the end of 2020, Dr. Marshall was elected to the Board of Directors of the Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative. He has really enjoyed working with the women on the board and the experience has helped him refine what allyship can and should look like. In our wide-ranging conversation we dive into: Where Greg's @it.might.get.weird instagram handle comes from Stories from an entertaining 25+ years in veterinary medicine including business ownership, practicing, and academia Developing a feline focus Why you should stay curious about the profession How Greg found himself on the AVMF and the AVMA Working with the Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative Breaking down barriers and bridging the gap between generations within vet med Developing awareness of our unconscious biases Moving out of practice ownership Thoughts on the trend towards relief veterinarians and working alone Gary's Impact Round! Want to connect with Greg directly? Find him on instagram: @it.might.get.weird We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Brad Posehn rejoins the Veterinary Project Podcast for a strong Round 2! Brad Posehn is a graduate of the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. He has spent the last 11 + years training several athletes in the NHL, KHL, AHL, NLL, NCAA, as well as the National and Provincial level in various sports such as volleyball, figure skating, football, lacrosse, swimming, and golf.  Over the years, as owner of Absolute Performance Centre in Calgary, Alberta,  Brad has helped hundreds of individuals reach their goals through emphasizing proper movement patterns and catering programs to their sport and its specific demands from a biomechanical and physiological level, in a positive, fun and supportive environment. In our 2nd conversation with Brad we dive into: Working through the ups and downs of owning and operating a gym during COVID Why get a personal trainer How much activity is required to move the needle Why people fall off an exercise routine How long it takes to actually see the results of a consistent fitness program Why women who lift weights won't turn into the Incredible Hulk's twin sister Training while pregnant: yay or nay? Get specific to address your body's needs and capacities Big thanks to Brad for reconnecting with us!  Connect with Brad on Instagram: @brad.posehn We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Jamie Gruber is a former insurance executive who quit his high paying job to pursue his purpose of motivating and inspiring others to live their best lives.  A native New Yorker and Bostonian who now resides in Michigan, Jamie has become a real estate investor, podcast host, creator of the Emerge goal setting course and leader of the Ascend mastermind.  A high energy conversation that covers personal development, career progression, overcoming fears, developing awareness, and keeping momentum, Jamie brings the punch to kick off another year of the Veterinary Project Podcast in 2022! Topics discussed include: Living the American Dream...but being internally miserable Ego vs. authentic self "It was not fear of failure, it was fear of judgment" Giving yourself time to think Do you. Be you. Judgment will be there, just be aware of it The power of "solo weekends"  Daily practices to keep taking action Slow down to speed up by doing a weekly plan on Sunday Accountability and proximity for transformation Investing in YOU first Finding a community for growth, and avoiding those who don't support you Building relationships with the coolest people in the world Jamie's Impact Round! Want to connect with Jamie directly or follow the journey? Find him on Instagram at: @thejamiegruber We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info on the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Welcome to the Eggnogural Veterinary Project Podcast Holiday Roundtable! It's been a difficult couple years in the veterinary medicine industry. From staffing shortages to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, to advances in how veterinary clinics are caring for animals and helping animal owners, there have been countless challenges we've faced as a result of our changing world.  In our final show of 2021 we're going out with a bang, bringing in an exceptional collection of thought leaders and experts to discuss ideas and perspectives on the following important topics: The state of veterinary medicine in 2021 "We're at a fork in the road around client relationships"  What the future of veterinary medicine holds in 2022 and beyond The role of regulation in the industry Improving utilization of veterinary technologists Navigating challenges with access to care Communication: in the workplace, in academia, in the profession How veterinary professionals can make an impact and find fulfilment Final thoughts and takeaways from the roundtable Thank you to all our guests for aligning on this amazing conversation together.  And a BIG thank you to you, the listener, for your continued listenership! Wishing you a happy holiday season from the entire team at the Veterinary Project Podcast! Connect with all of our guests in the following places: Dr. Tannetje Crocker: @dr.tannetje.crocker Dr. Craig Mosley Dr. Jordan Woodsworth: @jord_marie306 Dr. Kent Weir: @kdawg306 Dr. Gary Marshall @it.might.get.weird Dr Stephanie Van Deynze @dr.stephanie_vandeynze_snell We're online! Check out our website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info about the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

It's Round 2 with a previous guest of the show:  Dr. Tannetje Crocker! Dr. Crocker is a 2009 graduate from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, she completed an equine focused internship in Southern California., then she worked as a solo equine ambulatory practitioner for three years before transitioning to small animal medicine. In our first conversation, which aired backed in November 2020, Dr. Crocker was practicing in Grapevine, Texas at Northwest Animal Hospital and the Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas. Since that conversation much has changed as she shares in this update chat with Dr. Leicht and Dr. Bugg. Show highlights: Transitioning from small animal practice & relief ER to starting a new position with VEG - Veterinary Emergency Group Aligning passion with profession in her new role Why levelling up requires making major changes The VEG culture Personal updates including real estate renovations, building a custom home, and moving 3 times in 10 months Hitting the work wall of exhaustion and making healthy changes to improve Thank you to Tannetje for taking the time to visit us again on the show. If you'd like to connect with Dr. Crocker, you find her online at: www.drcrockerpetvet.com And on Instagram @dr.tannetje.crocker We're now online! Check out our new website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info about the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM

Dr. Danielle Alleman has been a small animal veterinarian since graduating from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. She is the owner and creator of Empathos Veterinary Wellness, a platform designed to help support the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary profession through virtual events, speaking, career coaching, and more. Dr. Alleman also serves on the WSVMA Wellbeing Committee providing wellbeing resources to members. As a veterinary student, she was part of the group that created the Student Wellness Initiative, a group that still exists today. When she is not involved in Vet Med, she enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing - basically any activity that gets her outside in the Pacific NorthWest mountains! In our conversation with Dr. Alleman we discuss: Lessons learned as a new grad in moving cross-country from East to West Learning to make integrated decisions in regard to career and life Considerations for new grads navigating their first job in vet med Helping people rediscover the feeling they felt when they first wanted to become a vet Transitioning to running Empathos Veterinary Wellness and ushering in The Eudomania Wellness Vet Conference Where is the veterinary wellness conversation going? Dr. Alleman's Impact Round! A big thank you to Danielle for joining us on the show! Want to learn more about Empathos Veterinary Wellness and Dr. Alleman? Connect with her in the following places: IG: @empathos.vet danielle@empathosvet.com www.empathosvet.com We're now online! Check out our new website at theveterinaryproject.com for more info about the show, our hosts, and all things Veterinary Project. If you liked the show and want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the podcast on the listening platform of your choosing. Want to join our community of like-minded Veterinary Professionals? Send an email to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we'll get you connected to our private Veterinary Project Facebook group. Any questions, comments, feedback, or requests for guests can also be sent to theveterinaryprojectpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for another episode of The Veterinary Project Podcast! - Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM