Extraordinary Vets

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine with Extraordinary Vets, a podcast from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Each episode dives into the inspiring stories of veterinarians who have carved out unique and impactful careers, blending passion, innovation, and dedication to make a difference for animals and humans alike.

  1. Innovating Veterinary Education

    3D AGO

    Innovating Veterinary Education

    In this special "Dean’s Edition" of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with three deans who prove there is no single "right" way to reach the top of academia. Inside the Episode: Building from the Ground Up: Dr. Heidi Banse (Arkansas State University) discusses the challenge of launching a brand-new vet school and explains the "community center model" of clinical education and the importance of the Spectrum of Care initiative. The Global Perspective: Dr. Brendan Lee (St. Matthew’s University) explains his unique role as Executive Dean and offers advice on the "terminal degree" and why saying "yes" to uncomfortable opportunities is key to career growth. From "Mickey Mouse" to UC Davis: Dr. Mark Stetter reveals how 15 years at Walt Disney World provided the leadership, budget, and storytelling skills necessary to lead the world's top-ranked veterinary college.

    58 min
  2. What Veterinarians Can Do for the Ocean

    JAN 27

    What Veterinarians Can Do for the Ocean

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Joe Gaydos, a marine mammal veterinarian and science director at the SeaDoc Society. They discuss Joe's unique career path, his experiences in wildlife medicine, and the importance of ocean health and conservation. Joe shares insights from his time in Zimbabwe, his transition to marine mammals, and his efforts in educating the public through children's literature and media outreach. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine, particularly in wildlife conservation, and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians. Keep up with the SeaDoc Society on their socials: https://www.seadocsociety.org/ facebook.com/seadocsociety/ instagram.com/seadocsociety/

    38 min
  3. More Than Medicine: Veterinarians Serving the Nation

    JAN 13

    More Than Medicine: Veterinarians Serving the Nation

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris welcomes Dr. Justin Schlanser, Colonel in the U.S. Army, Chief of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and Commander of Public Health Command East. Joining the conversation are Second Lieutenant Shelby Friend and Second Lieutenant Selena Gomez, veterinary students and recipients of the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. Together, they discuss Dr. Schlanser’s journey into veterinary medicine, the roles and responsibilities of the Army Veterinary Corps, and the unique career pathways available to veterinarians in military service. The episode also explores leadership development, public health and food safety, emerging and zoonotic diseases, and the growing impact of climate change on veterinary medicine offering valuable insight for students and professionals alike who are curious about service, science, and the future of the profession.

    1h 7m
  4. The Daphne Mobley Effect

    12/09/2025

    The Daphne Mobley Effect

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Daphne Mobley, a veterinarian with a diverse career path that includes lab animal medicine, corporate roles, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mobley shares her journey from a childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian to her experiences in the corporate world and her eventual leap into entrepreneurship. She discusses her book, 'The Pet Effect: Healing and Learning Life Lessons from the Pets We Love ,' which highlights the positive impact pets have on people's lives. To learn more about Dr. Mobley and the work she goes you can visit her site: https://www.docdaphne.com/

    30 min
  5. Beyond the Farm Gate:Understanding Dairy Veterinary Medicine

    11/25/2025

    Beyond the Farm Gate:Understanding Dairy Veterinary Medicine

    Discover what it really takes to become a successful dairy veterinarian and how veterinarians transition into the animal health industry with Dr. Matt Boyle,Director, Dairy Technical Services at Zoetis Inc. In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, we explore the day-to-day work of a technical services veterinarian, the future of dairy medicine, and the skills today’s veterinarians need to thrive in a rapidly changing livestock industry. Dr. Boyle shares his journey from dairy practice to a leadership role at Zoetis, offering practical career advice for veterinary students, new grads, and any veterinarian interested in food animal medicine or alternative career paths. We also dive into public health topics like milk safety, avian influenza in cattle, and the role of veterinarians in protecting the food supply. If you want to better understand the dairy industry, explore new veterinary career options, or learn how animal health companies support veterinarians and producers, this episode delivers high-value insight from a trusted expert.

    40 min
  6. Happy Trails and Cattle Tales: The Extraordinary Career of Dr. Bob Sager

    11/13/2025

    Happy Trails and Cattle Tales: The Extraordinary Career of Dr. Bob Sager

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Bob Sager whose career spans more than 45 years in beef cattle medicine. From running rural mixed practices to leading veterinary health and biosecurity for over 600,000 head of cattle in Russia, Dr. Sager’s journey is anything but ordinary. He shares stories of innovation in cattle health, the surprising “gummy bear trade” that saved a herd, his late-life PhD pursuit, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. This conversation is a testament to lifelong learning, global adventure, and the heart of a true cattleman.

    40 min
  7. Wildlife Conservation through a One Health Lens: The Adventures of Dr. Steve Osofsky

    10/30/2025

    Wildlife Conservation through a One Health Lens: The Adventures of Dr. Steve Osofsky

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Steve Osofsky, a prominent figure in wildlife conservation and the One Health movement. Dr. Osofsky shares his journey from being a young boy fascinated by wildlife to becoming a leading wildlife veterinarian and conservationist. He discusses his experiences in Botswana, the establishment of the Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks Wildlife Veterinary Unit, and the importance of integrating environmental stewardship and public health through the One Health and Planetary Health concepts. The conversation also explores a range of roles for veterinarians in conservation, and the critical need for good governance in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. Dr. Osofsky emphasizes the importance of adaptability and creativity in pursuing  a career in conservation, as well as the need to invest in understanding local contexts when it comes to addressing health and environmental challenges. For more information on some of the things discussed, please see cornell-ahead.org and wildlife.cornell.edu. Essential Reading List: Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie:

    46 min
  8. Every Image Tells a Story: A Radiologist’s Path to Leadership

    10/16/2025

    Every Image Tells a Story: A Radiologist’s Path to Leadership

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Michael Bailey, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Bailey shares his journey into veterinary medicine, his experiences overcoming dyslexia, and his diverse career path that includes teaching, private practice, and involvement in organized veterinary medicine. He discusses the importance of diversity in the veterinary field, the role of artificial intelligence in veterinary radiology, and his vision for the future of veterinary medicine. Dr. Bailey emphasizes the need for veterinarians to be actively involved in their professional organizations and the importance of empathy in veterinary care.

    50 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine with Extraordinary Vets, a podcast from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Each episode dives into the inspiring stories of veterinarians who have carved out unique and impactful careers, blending passion, innovation, and dedication to make a difference for animals and humans alike.

Information

  • Creator
    Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Show Website
    Extraordinary Vets