Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey

Grace Gaynor

Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey is your front-row seat to the fast-paced, emotional, and often hilarious life as a veterinary student. This podcast pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and in-betweens of veterinary school. Whether you’re a pet parent, aspiring vet, or just curious about what happens in veterinary school, join us for real and relatable tales from the DVM Journey.

  1. FEB 16

    Scrubbed In: Redefining the Veterinary Career Path with Dr. Carla Savage, DVM, PhD, DABVP

    Welcome to episode #28 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Carla Savage for a powerful conversation about what it really means to build a unique and nonlinear career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Savage joined the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 as an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Population Health Sciences, but her journey to this role has been anything but traditional. After earning her DVM and Master’s in Food Animal Medicine at the University of the West Indies and later completing a PhD in Aquatic Animal Medicine at the University of Florida, she built an international career in aquatic animal health, marine mammal medicine, diagnostics, research, and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Savage shares how her path evolved over time, how opportunities emerged, how she navigated transitions across countries and disciplines, and how she adapted when her career didn’t follow a straight line. Together, we explore the breadth of careers available in veterinary medicine beyond traditional small animal practice and how students can remain open to unexpected opportunities. If you’ve ever felt unsure about choosing the “right” path, or wondered what else is out there, this episode will expand your perspective on what a veterinary career can truly look like. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

    1h 9m
  2. FEB 2

    Scrubbed In: with Dr. Bobbi Conner, DVM, DACVECC

    Welcome to episode #26 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Today, we welcome Dr. Bobbi Conner to the podcast to discuss common misconceptions about ER medicine, the realities of training, and what students actually need to succeed in ER and ICU settings. Dr. Conner also shares her perspective on internships and how confidence develops over time. With her ongoing Master’s in Educational Psychology, she offers evidence-based insights into how veterinary students learn best, common study pitfalls, and practical strategies to make learning more efficient and sustainable. Whether you’re considering ER, debating an internship, or just trying to survive vet school with your sanity intact, this episode delivers honest advice, reassurance, and a reality check from someone who’s been on both sides of the exam room and the classroom. Show Notes: LOCUM: A person who stands in temporarily for someone else of the same profession, especially a doctor. IVECCS: International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. Dr. Conner's Podcast: Veterinary Journal Club and Discussions If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

    48 min
  3. 12/15/2025

    Scrubbed In: The Rise of the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) with Dr. Virginia Edwards

    Welcome to episode #24 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Virginia Edwards, Assistant Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, known for her dedication to teaching surgical skills, supporting community practice, and preparing the next generation of veterinarians for real-world medicine. But Dr. Edwards is at a turning point. She will be transitioning to a new remote role helping develop Colorado State University’s groundbreaking Master's in Veterinary Clinical Care program which will prepare candidates for a new mid-level practitioner role called the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). This initiative aims to expand access to veterinary care, support overburdened clinics, and redefine team structure. Dr. Edwards joins us to share her teaching journey, explain why she believes in the potential of the VPA model, and where she thinks veterinary medicine is headed in the future. Whether you’re a veterinary student, practitioner, or someone trying to understand where our field is headed, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

    26 min
  4. 10/27/2025

    Scrubbed In: Medicine, Mentorship, & the VEG Life with Dr. Robyn Hahn

    Welcome to episode #23 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Robyn Hahn, a veterinarian whose career path truly showcases the diversity of what’s possible in vet med. From equine practice to emergency medicine and leadership at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG ER for Pets), Dr. Hahn has done it all. Now leading her own VEG hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and mentoring new ER doctors through the NERD (New ER Doctor) program, Dr. Hahn shares how her approach to medicine, leadership, and teaching has evolved over the years. We also dive into her passion for exotics, what it’s like to guide new veterinarians in high-stakes ER settings, and the lessons she’s learned along the way about adaptability, confidence, and leading with empathy. Whether you’re a pre-vet student dreaming of your DVM or a current veterinary student exploring career paths, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and insight into the many ways you can grow within this profession. Episode Mentions: Veterinary Emergency Group NERD Program MD = Medical Director If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: @lonecedarfarm @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor "We never lose, we win or we learn."

    43 min
  5. 10/13/2025

    Scrubbed In: Leading from the Front–From Army Officer to Veterinary Entrepreneur with Dr. Tim Loonam

    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide in veterinary medicine. Welcome to episode #22 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this episode of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey, I sit down with Dr. Tim Loonam—veterinarian, Army veteran, hospital founder, and leadership mentor. From earning a Bronze Star Medal in Iraq to building a thriving AAHA-accredited mixed-animal hospital from the ground up, Dr. Loonam shares lessons in resilience, business strategy, and authentic leadership. We’ll talk about his transition from military service to veterinary medicine, the realities of starting a practice, and his advice for the next generation of veterinary leaders. Episode Mentions: Dr. Tim Loonam's clinic: Grace Animal Hospital Dr. Tim Loonam Book Contributions: Rule Number Two by Heidi KraftFarewell to Football by Steven LiparuloSergeant Rex by Mike DowlingDr. Tim Loonam is also featured on a documentary about military working dog teams called Always Faithful. Dr. Peter Clough's Research on Mental Resilience Provide Veterinary Financial If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

    44 min

About

Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey is your front-row seat to the fast-paced, emotional, and often hilarious life as a veterinary student. This podcast pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and in-betweens of veterinary school. Whether you’re a pet parent, aspiring vet, or just curious about what happens in veterinary school, join us for real and relatable tales from the DVM Journey.