The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

With Dr Moriah McCauley
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is the show that all vets in practice need to listen in to! Entering its third season, host Dr Moriah McCauley takes on the issues of the day through her eyes as a recent graduate. Nothing is off limits as Dr Moriah calls out and discusses the issues of the day. Sometimes she’ll take on your questions, other times she’ll be joined by a special guest and some days she’s just got to get something of her chest. Join Dr Moriah as she puts her finger on the pulse of veterinary practice each week to inspire, encourage and challenge you with The So You're A Vet... Now What Podcast! The show is part of the So You're A Vet... Now What? group of products designed to help recent graduates and final-year vet students find their feet in veterinary medicine. Send your questions for the show on Instagram to @soyoureavet.

  1. 264: How to Choose the Right Veterinary Practice After Graduation, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    06/18/2025

    264: How to Choose the Right Veterinary Practice After Graduation, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley returns with a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to every new grad stepping out into the veterinary world. If you’ve just crossed the stage and earned your DVM, congratulations, this one’s for you. Dr. McCauley reflects on her own journey five years post-grad and offers a candid, compassionate look at what the first year in practice really feels like. From the adrenaline rush of finally becoming a vet to the unexpected emotional turbulence of job interviews and gut instincts, this episode is a reassuring guide to navigating the choices ahead. She shares her personal story of finding her first job through AVMA classifieds, and how an early encounter with her now-mentor helped shape the trajectory of her career. With clarity and care, she unpacks what to look for in a mentor, why psychological safety matters, and the five markers—The 5 C’s—that signal a truly supportive practice culture. Whether you’re still searching for your first role or preparing to start next week, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and the reminder that growth often looks different than we imagined, but it can still be better than we ever hoped. Episode Outline [00:00] Welcome to the profession!  [01:20] Why the first year is such a unique chapter [02:15] AVMA 2025 announcement: The mentorship panel you won’t want to miss [06:40] The importance of celebrating graduation [08:13] You are not stuck: the flexibility of veterinary careers [09:18] What to prioritise in your job search [10:22] Dr. McCauley’s story: How she found her mentor [14:57] The red flag test: what your nervous system is trying to tell you [18:14] How to tell if a practice has psychological safety [21:07] The 5 C’s of a supportive practice culture [24:14] You don’t have to take the first job offer [25:37] A final word of encouragement Episode LinksSee more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? We’d love for you to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Every review helps more veterinarians find this community and feel a little less alone. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully...

    29 min
  2. 263: How One Bad Job Made Me a Better Vet with Dr. Whitney Terrell

    06/05/2025

    263: How One Bad Job Made Me a Better Vet with Dr. Whitney Terrell

    In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley sits down with Dr. Whitney Terrell, veterinarian and social media educator, to explore how mentorship gone wrong can still lead to something incredibly right. Dr. Terrell shares her story of starting out as a bright-eyed new grad with dreams of becoming a mixed-animal vet, only to face the crushing reality of broken promises, toxic culture, and emotional burnout during her first job out of vet school. Her story is a powerful account of resilience, self-respect, and the long-term impact of doing things differently. From fielding gaslighting and isolation in a supposedly mentorship-based role to walking away with her dignity intact, and later becoming the kind of mentor she never had, Dr. Terrell’s story is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like quitting. This episode is for the new grads navigating toxic clinics, the seasoned vets reflecting on how to lead with more grace, and anyone wondering if it’s ever okay to say, “This isn’t working.” Episode Outline [00:00] – When Walking Away Is the Right Call [00:46] – Meet Dr. Whitney Terrell [03:00] – First Job Hopes and Missteps [07:00] – Mentorship Promises vs. Reality [10:00] – Breaking Down in Silence [15:00] – Reaching a Tipping Point [20:00] – Choosing Dignity and Moving On [24:00] – Coming Full Circle [28:00] – Starting Fresh with Relief Work [32:00] – Mentorship Done Right [36:00] – Finding Joy and Balance Episode LinksFollow Dr. Whitney Terrell:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.terrellpetvetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.terrellpetvetFollow Dr. Moriah McCauley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley  Discover So You’re a Vet, Now What? the book and course: ​​https://www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class  Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective...

    43 min
  3. Ep 262: What a Year in Veterinary Practice Really Feels Like with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    05/21/2025

    Ep 262: What a Year in Veterinary Practice Really Feels Like with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley reflects on last week’s inspiring conversation with Dr. Zonram Liao [Ep 261], a veterinarian whose life and practice are deeply rooted in the power of community. In a world that often feels disconnected, Dr. Liao’s story reminds us how vital it is to be surrounded by people who uplift, support, and believe in each other. From growing up as a parachute kid to building a veterinary practice just minutes from his old school, his journey is one of giving back, intentional mentorship, and creating a clinic culture that thrives on collaboration and care. Moriah also shares insights from recent Instagram polls about first-year experiences in practice. The responses reveal a concerning lack of support and mentorship, highlighting why this conversation around intentional mentorship and strong community ties is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned vet, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the kind of profession, and life, we’re all capable of shaping. Episode Outline [00:00] Why Community is a Professional Necessity [00:38] Highlights from Episode 261 with Dr. Zonram Liao [02:15] Dr. Liao’s Journey: From Parachute Kid to Practice Owner [05:18] Creating a Culture of Mentorship and Support [07:41] The Power of Mentorship: Benefits for All [09:18] New Grads Speak: What’s Missing in Practice [13:53] Rebuilding Community and Connection After Graduation [16:01] Everyone’s Role in Mentorship Culture [19:08] Join the Conversation: Sharing Your Story Episode LinksEp 261: From Parachute Kid to Practice Owner: Dr. Zonram Liao’s StorySee more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? We’d love for you to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Every review helps more veterinarians find this community and feel a little less alone. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

    22 min
  4. Ep 261: From Parachute Kid to Practice Owner: Dr. Zonram Liao’s Story

    05/13/2025

    Ep 261: From Parachute Kid to Practice Owner: Dr. Zonram Liao’s Story

    In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley sits down with Dr. Zonram Liao—veterinarian, content creator, and founder of Sunshine Veterinary Care and Wellnergy Pets—to explore what it means to build a veterinary practice rooted in gratitude, mentorship, and service to community. Dr. Liao, affectionately known as “Dr. Z,” shares the incredible story of how being a “parachute kid” in Diamond Bar, California inspired his return home to build something deeply meaningful for both pets and people. From opening a clinic just minutes from his childhood school to mentoring 18 students in under a year, Dr. Z shows us what it looks like to lead with heart, raise up the next generation, and grow a sustainable practice culture—one student, one client, one case at a time. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to mentor without a manual, why attitude sometimes matters more than experience, and how community-focused care can transform both your career and your life. Episode Outline [00:00] – Why Mentorship Isn’t Just About Pets [02:00] – VMAX, Hive Minds, and First IRL Meetings [03:00] – What It Means to Be a Parachute Kid [04:00] – Giving Back to the Community That Raised You [06:00] – Cultural Shifts in Pet Ownership and Education [08:00] – How a Cousin’s Emergency Sparked a Career [10:00] – Dr. Wang & Dr. Lee: First Mentors, Forever Mentors [12:00] – The Power of Push and the Gift of Belief [14:00] – Attitude, Effort, and Communication: Hiring for Culture [16:00] – Building a Practice Where Mentorship Is the Business Plan [17:00] – 18 Students in 10 Months: Mentorship in Action [19:00] – Designing Externships Around Passion, Not Just Protocol [22:00] – Why Sustainable Vet Careers Begin with Purpose [23:00] – Patience, Grace, and Difficult Clients [25:00] – The Staff Who Make Mentorship Possible (and Joyful) [27:00] – “When Can I Come Back?”—The Best Feedback a Mentor Can Get [29:00] – Sunshine, Spurs Culture, and the No-Exit-Strategy Strategy Episode LinksLearn more about Sunshine Veterinary Care: https://sunshineveterinarycare.com/ Explore Wellnergy Pets: https://www.wellnergypets.comFollow Dr. Zonram Liao on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zonramliaoFollow Sunshine Veterinary Care on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineveterinarycare  See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauleyConnect with Dr. Moriah McCauley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If...

    34 min
  5. Ep 260: The Mid-Year Gut Check Every Vet Should Do with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    05/06/2025

    Ep 260: The Mid-Year Gut Check Every Vet Should Do with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley invites us to hit pause and take a breath as we reflect on the veterinary year so far. With May marking the halfway point, it’s the perfect time for a values-driven check-in. Drawing inspiration from last week’s episode with Dr. Christine Staten, Moriah dives into how defining (or redefining) your mission, vision, and values—both personally and as a practice—can lead to better culture, stronger mentorship, and more aligned career choices. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned leader, this episode is your nudge to recalibrate and lead with intention. Episode Outline [00:00] The Culture You Step Into (or Create) [02:58] Lessons in Mentorship from Dr. Christine Staten [06:29] Why Mission, Vision & Values Aren’t Just Buzzwords [10:05] The Practice Check-In: Does Culture Match Intent? [16:08] Crafting Your Own Vision, Mission & Values [21:40] July Announcement: Leading the Mentorship Conversation Episode Links See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

    25 min
  6. Ep 259: How to Mentor Without Burning Out (or Going Broke) with Dr. Christine Staten

    04/29/2025

    Ep 259: How to Mentor Without Burning Out (or Going Broke) with Dr. Christine Staten

    In this episode of So You’re a Vet, Now What?, Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Dr. Christine Staten—veterinarian, longtime practice owner, and founder of Veterinary MBA—to share the evolution of her mentorship model at Adobe Veterinary Center in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Staten opens up about the hard lessons she learned after losing five new grads in a row, and how that wake-up call from her clients sparked a complete overhaul of their onboarding and mentorship approach. From SOP binders to salary safety nets, Dr. Staten lays out the nuts and bolts of how they now set up every new graduate for long-term success—both clinically and financially. This episode is a must-listen for private practice owners feeling behind on the “mentorship buzz,” as well as new grads trying to figure out what mentorship actually looks like (and what questions to ask to get it). Episode Outline [00:00] – The Case for Private Practice and Mentorship [00:05] – Mentorship Missteps and the Client Wake-Up Call [00:07] – Turning One-Year Stints into Long-Term Careers [00:09] – Letting Techs Lead the Hiring Process [00:11] – Redefining Job Ads and Setting Expectations [00:13] – Creating a Culture of Teaching and Growth [00:15] – From Mindset Shift to Written Mentorship Plan [00:17] – Weekly Check-ins, Smart Goals, and Flexibility [00:20] – Salary Safety Nets, Production Pay, and ROI [00:23] – What New Grads Need to Ask (but Don’t Know Yet) [00:25] – The Trap of Rigid Mentorship Plans [00:28] – Final Advice to Practice Owners and New Grads Episode LinksLearn more about Adobe Veterinary Center: https://adobevetcenter.comExplore Veterinary MBA: https://www.veterinary-mba.com/ Follow Dr. Christine Staten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christine-staten-030bb168/ See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauleyConnect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so...

    48 min
  7. Ep 258: Vet Med is Weird Right Now, Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    04/23/2025

    Ep 258: Vet Med is Weird Right Now, Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Moriah McCauley

    Dr. Moriah McCauley kicks off this episode with a heartfelt pulse check on the veterinary profession, acknowledging the weird and wobbly energy many are feeling right now. From shifting job markets to corporate clinic closures, she sets the tone for a conversation that’s all about support, growth, and resilience. The spotlight then turns to Dr. Kate Boatright, whose journey through mentorship—both the good and the bad—offers a powerful roadmap for what real mentorship can look like in vet med today. Episode Outline [00:00] Vet Med Pulse Check [02:00] Last Week’s Chat with Dr. Kate [03:19] What You Don’t See at VMAX [04:03] Mentorship That Actually Works [06:34] Scheduling, Support & Green Flags [08:44] Investing in Mentees Long-Term [10:11] Interview Questions New Grads Should Ask [13:33] Why Mentorship Keeps Vets in the Game [14:59] Listener Stories: Why I Stayed [19:10] Avoiding Bore-Out, Building Passion [21:13] Clients as Burnout Buffers [23:00] Seeing the Good in Tough Times Episode LinksSee more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on whatever platform you’re listening on—it helps more vets find this community and keeps the conversation going. Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

    26 min
  8. Ep 257: Mentorship That Makes or Breaks You with Dr. Kate Boatright

    04/15/2025

    Ep 257: Mentorship That Makes or Breaks You with Dr. Kate Boatright

    In this episode, Dr. Moriah McCauley reconnects with Dr. Kate Boatright for a candid look at how mentorship shapes veterinary careers—for better or worse. Kate opens up about her early years in practice, comparing a supportive first clinic to a second job that nearly broke her confidence. She shares how one life-saving emergency case helped her turn the corner, and how those experiences now fuel her mission to help others build better mentorship programs.  Whether you're a new grad vet or someone who’s survived a rough start, this episode is packed with honest, practical wisdom on what makes mentorship work—and what happens when it doesn’t. Episode Outline[00:00] Starting Strong: What Great Mentorship Looked Like [04:26] Early Wins and Scheduling Challenges [08:07] When Culture Supports Growth [12:25] The Second Practice: Promises vs. Reality [18:04] The Review That Changed Everything [23:03] Finding Support Again [24:04] A Turning Point [28:33] Learning to Lead and Mentor [34:03] Turning Hard Lessons into Lectures [35:48] Key Interview Questions for Vet Job Seekers Episode LinksSee more from Dr. Kate Boatright: https://www.instagram.com/writetheboat/  Connect with Dr. Kate Boatright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboatrightvmd/ Mentioned in this episode: So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

    38 min
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About

This is the show that all vets in practice need to listen in to! Entering its third season, host Dr Moriah McCauley takes on the issues of the day through her eyes as a recent graduate. Nothing is off limits as Dr Moriah calls out and discusses the issues of the day. Sometimes she’ll take on your questions, other times she’ll be joined by a special guest and some days she’s just got to get something of her chest. Join Dr Moriah as she puts her finger on the pulse of veterinary practice each week to inspire, encourage and challenge you with The So You're A Vet... Now What Podcast! The show is part of the So You're A Vet... Now What? group of products designed to help recent graduates and final-year vet students find their feet in veterinary medicine. Send your questions for the show on Instagram to @soyoureavet.

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