My Veterinary Life

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • 4.5 (59)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Tune in for inspiring stories from your colleagues across the profession. You’ll hear from guest veterinarians about the journeys, challenges – and often hilarious anecdotes – that got them to where they are today. Come away with a fresh look at our veterinary community and a renewed excitement to embrace your veterinary journey. Hosted by Drs. Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent.

  1. 6D AGO

    Take the Risk with Dr. Carolyn Luther

    This quarter's featured guest, Dr. Carolyn Luther, Professional Veterinary Affairs Senior Manager, East Region at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, shares her fascinating career journey from equine practice to small animal medicine to leadership roles within the animal health industry. You'll hear honest insights on mentorship, calculated risk-taking, and how unexpected pivots can lead to deeply fulfilling work. It is a great conversation for practical guidance and inspiration for those exploring career transitions, and you won't want to miss it! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org. Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    25 min

  2. FEB 5

    Professional Always with Dr. Gayle Leith

    Dr. Gayle Leith, associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine,  joins the show this week to share her journey from a horse-loving child to a longtime equine practitioner, practice owner, and now faculty member. She reflects on the mentors, values, and resilience that shaped her 33-year career in equine practice and her transition into academia. This episode offers encouraging advice about professionalism, passion, and trusting that even uncertain beginnings can lead to rewarding paths, and we can't wait to share it with you! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org. Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    24 min

  3. JAN 29

    Be Kind and Be Brave with Drs. Kristin Jankowski and Sheena Warman

    Dr. Kristin Jankowski, Director of Veterinary Services at Open Door Veterinary Collective, and Dr. Sheena Warman, Professor of Veterinary Education and Deputy Head of Bristol Veterinary School, explore spectrum of care (also known as contextualized care) on the podcast this week. They discuss how it helps veterinarians deliver compassionate, evidence-based medicine that fits the lives of pets and their families. Drawing on perspectives from the U.S. and U.K., our conversation highlights mindset shifts, education, mentorship, and practical case examples that support access to care and professional wellbeing. We can't wait to share their insights with you! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org. Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    29 min

  4. JAN 22

    S.O.A.P. for Success with Dr. Stephanie West

    Dr. Stephanie West, small and large animal practitioner, practice manager, educator, consultant, and now author, joins the podcast this week. She describes how mentorship and community have shaped her path, and why she believes veterinarians already have the skills to lead and manage— if they’re willing to apply them differently! She provides insights from her new book, S.O.A.P. for Success, on how to treat your business like a patient. Our conversation is full of practical insights and encouragement for growth, and we can't wait to share it with you. Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org. Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    25 min

  5. JAN 15

    Veterinary Technician Integration in Practice with Dr. Marty Betts and Heather Hopkinson

    Dr. Marty Betts, a small animal practitioner in Charlottesville, VA, and Heather Hopkinson, a credentialed veterinary technician at North Carolina State University, join the podcast this week to explore the evolving role of veterinary technicians in practice. The conversation highlights their career journeys, their shared work on AVMA’s Committee on Advancing Veterinary Technicians and Technologists, and real-world examples of how empowering technicians to work at the top of their scope improves efficiency, patient care, job satisfaction, and retention. It's a great episode, and we are excited to share it with you! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    26 min

  6. JAN 8

    Kindness, Community, and Conservation: An Update with Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald

    Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, small animal veterinarian, author, stand-up comedian, and TV star, returns to the show this week to share an update on his memoir, It Started With A Turtle, and to take a look back on his 43-year veterinary career. He emphasizes kindness, community involvement, and lifelong learning as core values of veterinary medicine. And you don't want to miss the tale of "Beanie Boy" from his early days in practice! Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    23 min

  7. JAN 1

    Can You Do Something: An Update with Dr. Jon Geller

    Dr. Jon Geller, emergency veterinarian and founder of the Street Dog Coalition, returns to the podcast this week to share how his relief efforts have evolved in both Ukraine and Gaza. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Geller reflects on resilience, creativity, and the importance of turning setbacks into opportunities, offering powerful lessons for those who feel called to make a difference, no matter where we are. Thank you to our podcast partner Hill’s Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources. Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    26 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    Finding Your Fit: Talking Career Coaching with Amanda Fark

    Amanda Fark, AVMA's Assistant Director of Veterinary Career Services, joins the show as this quarter's featured guest for a conversation about career coaching and how it can support your veterinary life. Amanda shares what to expect from a coaching relationship, how to find a qualified coach, and why self-reflection, accountability, and openness to the process are key to meaningful career growth. This episode offers practical insight and reassurance for anyone feeling stuck or curious about their next step, and we can't wait to share it with you! Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

    21 min
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4.5
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

Tune in for inspiring stories from your colleagues across the profession. You’ll hear from guest veterinarians about the journeys, challenges – and often hilarious anecdotes – that got them to where they are today. Come away with a fresh look at our veterinary community and a renewed excitement to embrace your veterinary journey. Hosted by Drs. Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent.

Information

  • Creator
    American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    408
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • Show Website
    My Veterinary Life