Behind the Stethoscope

Dr. Elizabeth Brann

Behind the Stethoscope takes you into the real world of veterinary medicine — beyond appointments and surgeries, beyond the textbooks. Hosted by a new grad veterinarian, we explore the triumphs, the challenges, and all the moments that make this career unforgettable. From first-day jitters to heartwarming cases, from friendships to lessons learned, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to life behind the stethoscope — honest, unfiltered, and full of heart. Whether you’re a vet student, early-career vet, or just curious about life in the vet world, this is your backstage pass to the profession I love so much.

  1. Sep 23

    When Being a Veterinarian Becomes Your Identity | You Are More Than Your Career.

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when being a veterinarian becomes more than your career—and starts becoming your entire identity? In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, Dr. Elizabeth Brann talks about something many veterinary students and new graduates experience: tying your identity, confidence, and self-worth to veterinary medicine. After years of studying, sacrificing, missing events, and working toward the goal of becoming a veterinarian, it can be easy to forget who you are outside of the profession. But veterinary medicine is unpredictable. We can't control every outcome. We can't make every client pursue treatment. We can't save every patient. And when our identity is completely tied to our successes in medicine, the losses can start to feel personal. Dr. Brann shares her own experience navigating this as a new graduate ER veterinarian, learning to create boundaries, prioritize relationships and experiences outside of work, and accept that loving veterinary medicine doesn't mean it has to consume every part of your life. She also discusses how faith helps ground her identity, the cost that can come with relentlessly chasing a dream, and why success doesn't have to mean sacrificing everything else along the way. For veterinary students, interns, new grads, and anyone in a high-achieving career: you can love what you do without making it all of who you are. 🎙️ Behind the Stethoscope with Dr. Elizabeth Brann Conversations about veterinary medicine, ER life, confidence, mentorship, mental health, and everything that happens behind the title of “veterinarian.” If this episode resonates with you, share it with a vet student, new grad, or friend who might need the reminder: Your career can be an important part of your life without becoming your entire identity.

  2. Sep 9

    Taking the Good With the Bad: The Reality of ER Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail In veterinary medicine—and in life—the good and the bad often exist at the same time. In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, Dr. Elizabeth Brann talks about what it really means to take the good with the bad, especially as an emergency veterinarian. ER medicine can give you some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. One shift might bring multiple losses, difficult conversations, and euthanasias. Another might give you the incredible feeling of saving a critical patient, watching them walk out of the hospital, or seeing a child reunited with their puppy after a life-saving surgery. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: a bad outcome doesn’t always mean bad medicine. Sometimes our patients arrive already “down 10 runs,” and despite doing everything we can, we can’t change the outcome. Those losses are hard—but they don’t erase the patients we saved, the families we helped, or the good medicine we practiced. And one bad shift certainly doesn’t define your entire career. In this episode, I talk about: • Navigating the wins and losses of emergency veterinary medicine • Why a bad outcome doesn’t necessarily mean bad medicine • Learning not to let one difficult case or shift define you • Processing loss without falling into toxic positivity • How difficult seasons can make us appreciate the good ones even more • Finding perspective during high-volume, emotionally exhausting seasons • Why I can acknowledge how heartbreaking vet med can be—and still genuinely love this profession The bad days don’t erase the good ones. And the good days don’t mean the hard ones didn’t hurt. Sometimes, you just have to take the good with the bad—and the bad with the good. Behind the Stethoscope with Dr. Elizabeth Brann Conversations about veterinary medicine, life outside the hospital, personal growth, and everything we learn along the way. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and share it with someone who might need the reminder that one bad day doesn’t define the whole story.

  3. Aug 1

    The Greatest Lessons My Grandmother Ever Taught Me

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is unlike any I've shared before. On the anniversary of my grandmother Nancy Barziza's passing, I wanted to dedicate this episode to the woman who helped shape the person I am today. She wasn't just an incredible grandmother—she was a devoted mother of eight, a lifelong educator, a woman of unwavering Christian faith, and someone who made everyone around her feel loved and valued. In this episode, I reflect on the lessons she taught me that continue to guide me every day: Putting family firstLiving your faith through your actionsTreating everyone with kindness and respectGiving people grace because you never know what they're carryingServing others with a joyful heartLoving deeply and without conditionsEmbracing new cultures and experiences through travelMaking memories instead of waiting for the "perfect" timeIf this episode touched you, I'd love to hear about someone who has made a lasting impact on your life. Share their story in the comments below. ❤️ If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share so we can continue building a community centered on compassion, resilience, and meaningful conversations. Thank you for listening and for allowing me to share a piece of my heart. I hope this episode inspires you to call a loved one, hug your family a little tighter, and make memories while you still can

  4. Jul 15

    The Confidence Gap Every New Grad Faces

    Send us Fan Mail Starting a new career can feel exciting—but it can also leave you questioning whether you're good enough. In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, Dr. Elizabeth Brann dives into the confidence gap that so many young professionals experience, especially during the first few years of their careers. As a new emergency veterinarian, Dr. Brann shares personal stories of self-doubt, second-guessing decisions, comparing herself to more experienced colleagues, and learning that confidence isn't something you're handed after graduation—it's something you build through experience, repetition, and resilience. Whether you're a veterinary student, new graduate, healthcare professional, or just beginning your career, this episode is a reminder that you're not behind—you're growing. In this episode, we discuss: Why confidence often lags behind competenceThe difference between confidence and self-trustHow comparison steals confidenceWhy action comes before confidence—not the other way aroundPractical ways to build confidence in your careerAdvice for students and new graduates navigating the unknownIf you've ever felt like everyone else has it figured out except you, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes featuring honest conversations about veterinary medicine, personal growth, career development, and life behind the stethoscope. Follow along: Instagram: @dr.elizabeth.brann TikTok: @dr.elizabeth.brann

  5. Jul 4

    Learning to Choose Yourself

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, Dr. Elizabeth Brann talks about a lesson many caregivers, high achievers, and young professionals struggle with — learning how to put yourself first. In a world that praises being busy, saying yes, and constantly showing up for others, it can be easy to forget about the person who needs you the most: yourself. Dr. Brann discusses why prioritizing your mental health, setting boundaries, taking breaks, and protecting your energy are not signs of selfishness — they are necessary for creating a sustainable and fulfilling life. Whether you are in veterinary medicine, healthcare, school, or simply navigating a busy season of life, this episode is your reminder that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Sometimes the best way to show up better for others is to finally start showing up for yourself. New episodes every week. Follow along: Instagram/TikTok: @dr.elizabeth.brann YouTube: Behind the Stethoscope

  6. Jun 25

    From Clock in to Clock out: What 12 Hours as an ER Veterinarian Looks Like

    Send us Fan Mail What does a 12-hour shift as an emergency veterinarian actually look like? In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, I take you behind the scenes of a typical day working in a busy veterinary emergency room. From the perspective of the night shift. From nightly rounds and patient transfers to critical emergencies, client conversations, medical records, and everything in between, I'm sharing what life is really like as an ER veterinarian. While every shift is different, this episode gives you an honest look at the fast-paced, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding world of veterinary emergency medicine. Whether you're a pre-vet student, current veterinary student, fellow veterinarian, or simply an animal lover curious about what happens inside an emergency animal hospital, I hope this episode gives you a new appreciation for the people working behind the scenes to care for pets when they need it most. In this episode, we discuss: What happens before a shift even beginsHow ER cases are triaged and prioritizedThe balance between patient care and client communicationThe behind-the-scenes work people never seeWhat makes ER medicine so rewarding—and so challengingIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review. New episodes of Behind the Stethoscope are released every week, where we have honest conversations about veterinary medicine, career growth, mental health, and life beyond the clinic. Follow along for more behind-the-scenes content: 📸 Instagram: @dr.elizabeth.brann 🎵 TikTok: @dr.elizabeth.brann

  7. Jun 17

    Let's Hit the Reset Button

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, I share how stepping away from my normal routine helped me realize the importance of hitting the reset button. We talk about what it means to feel out of alignment, how to recognize when you're running on autopilot, and why taking a break doesn't mean you're falling behind. Whether you're a pre-vet student, veterinary student, new graduate, practicing veterinarian, or simply someone navigating a busy season of life, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to wait for burnout to prioritize yourself. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, reconnect with what matters most, and come back with a fresh perspective. Because life isn't meant to be lived entirely at work, in school, or checking things off a to-do list. Sometimes, you just need a reset.

  8. May 27

    A New Grad Vet School Journey (Part 2) | Interview with Dr. Stephenie Severson

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this episode of Behind the Stethoscope, Dr. Elizabeth Brann continues the conversation with Dr. Stephenie Severson as they dive deeper into the realities of veterinary school, clinics, and transitioning into life after graduation. They discuss the importance of finding mentors, building strong study groups, and making time for life outside of school through trips, trivia nights, and community activities. Dr. Severson shares what fourth year is like, the emotional highs and lows of clinics, and how confidence in veterinary medicine often comes through repetition and experience. Dr. Severson reflects on graduating, moving back home to end long distance with her fiancé, maintaining friendships across the country, and learning to prioritize mental health, hobbies, faith, and church community throughout the journey. Whether you’re a pre-vet student, current veterinary student, or new graduate veterinarian, this episode is full of honest conversations, relatable moments, and reminders that you’re not alone in the process. Follow along with Behind the Stethoscope: Instagram/TikTok: @dr.elizabeth.brann Website: www.behindthestethoscope.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Behind the Stethoscope takes you into the real world of veterinary medicine — beyond appointments and surgeries, beyond the textbooks. Hosted by a new grad veterinarian, we explore the triumphs, the challenges, and all the moments that make this career unforgettable. From first-day jitters to heartwarming cases, from friendships to lessons learned, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to life behind the stethoscope — honest, unfiltered, and full of heart. Whether you’re a vet student, early-career vet, or just curious about life in the vet world, this is your backstage pass to the profession I love so much.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Elizabeth Brann
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Behind the Stethoscope
  • Show Website
    Behind the Stethoscope