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. May 4

    Food Is Love: Rethinking Pet Nutrition and Trust in Vet Med with Tiana O'Neill

    Welcome to episode #36 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, first year veterinary student at VMCVM Tiana O'Neill returns to the show to explore a side of veterinary medicine that often sparks strong opinions, but deserves more open conversation: the independent pet food industry and the role it plays in shaping client trust. Before entering veterinary school, Tiana owned a specialty pet food store and co-owned a dog training and grooming business, giving her a unique perspective on how pet owners make decisions, and why those decisions are often rooted in something deeper than just nutrition. For many clients, food is an expression of love, and understanding that emotional connection is key to building stronger relationships in the exam room. Together, we discuss the disconnect that can exist between veterinarians and pet owners when it comes to nutrition, where trust can break down, and how communication plays a critical role in bridging that gap. Tiana shares insights from her experience in the independent pet food space, what veterinarians may be overlooking, and how we can approach these conversations with more empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. This episode challenges listeners to think beyond traditional recommendations and consider how trust is built in everyday interactions with clients. Whether you’re a veterinary student, practicing clinician, or simply interested in the human side of veterinary medicine, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can better connect with the people we serve. 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! SHOW NOTES: Previous Episode with Tiana about balancing motherhood and veterinary school! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor

    45 min
  2. Apr 27

    Entrepreneurship, Mentorship & Thriving as a New Grad with Dr. Dan Phillips, DVM

    Welcome to episode #35 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, Dr. Dan Phillips from Mission Pet Health shares his journey to veterinary medicine, and how he went from a small animal rotation internship to building Vet Mentor Solutions to becoming a medical director. In his current role as Director of Academic Partnerships, Dr. Phillips teaches and mentors veterinary students across the country. We discuss what strong mentorship actually looks like, how to evaluate it when choosing your first job, and the red flags students should be paying attention to during the job search process. He also offers practical advice on building confidence and setting yourself up for success early in your veterinary career. Whether you’re preparing to graduate or just starting to think about your career path, this conversation provides honest insight and actionable guidance to help set you up for long-term success in veterinary medicine. 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 7m
  3. Apr 20

    Balancing Motherhood and Vet School with Tiana O'Neill

    Welcome to episode #34 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, first year veterinary student Tiana O'Neill joins me for a deeply honest conversation about navigating veterinary school as a mother, and what it really takes to balance both. Tiana shares what her life looks like managing the demands of vet school while being physically away from her children during the week, making regular five-hour trips home to Maryland just to spend time with them. Together we discuss the guilt, the sacrifices, and the resilience that comes with pursuing a demanding career while raising a family. Tiana also reflects on the support systems that make it possible, the lessons she’s learned along the way. This episode is a powerful reminder that there is no single path through veterinary medicine, and that it’s possible to chase your goals while still showing up for the people who matter most. Whether you’re a parent, considering vet school, or simply trying to balance life and career, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and encouragement for the journey. 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

    49 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.