Reviving Vet Med

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Step into a space where your wellbeing matters as much as your career. Hosted by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, the Reviving Vet Med Podcast delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help veterinary professionals navigate stress, prevent burnout, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Each episode features actionable tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights on topics ranging from emotional intelligence, career transitions, and team dynamics to compassion, financial wellbeing, and mental health in the veterinary field.  Whether you’re an early-career veterinarian, a seasoned specialist, or another valued member of the veterinary team, you’ll gain tools and perspectives that empower you to thrive, both professionally and personally. Join a global community of veterinary professionals committed to balance, resilience, and lasting wellbeing. Subscribe now to start your journey toward a healthier, more sustainable veterinary career.

  1. Jul 22

    Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions in Vet Med | Episode 96 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail The relationships we build with clients, colleagues, and students are shaped not only by our medical knowledge, but also by the everyday interactions that influence whether people feel respected, heard, and valued. While many veterinary professionals strive to provide compassionate care, unconscious biases can sometimes show up in ways that create harm, diminish trust, and impact belonging. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Naomi Nishi, PhD, a scholar-practitioner, educator, and Associate Dean of Culture, Community, and Accessible Care at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Naomi is the co-author of the paper “Microaggressions in Veterinary Communication: What Are They? How Are They Harmful? What Can Veterinary Professionals and Educators Do?” We discuss what microaggressions are, why the “micro” does not mean the impact is small, and how these everyday interactions can affect communication, client relationships, and veterinary team culture. Naomi shares examples of how microaggressions can appear in veterinary settings, why intent and impact can coexist, and how we can respond when we recognize that our words or actions have caused harm. We also explore practical strategies for moving beyond awareness into action and creating veterinary environments where clients, students, and team members feel a genuine sense of trust, respect, and belonging. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Follow Dr. Naomi Nishi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naomi-nishi-phd-0a40532   Read Dr. Nishi’s paper Microaggressions in veterinary communication: what are they? How are they harmful? What can veterinary professionals and educators do?: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/3/javma.23.07.0412.xml   Check out Dr. Nishi’s other publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=aOJel2Tk9h8C&hl=en  Thank you to our sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition For more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.com or HillsPet.ca. Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources  Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com Thank you to Hill’s Pet NutritionFor more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.ca.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  2. Jul 8

    Why Feedback Feels So Threatening in Vet Med (and What to Do About It) | Episode 95 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Feedback is one of the most common parts of veterinary medicine, and also one of the most emotionally loaded. Whether we’re giving it, receiving it, or even anticipating it, these conversations can land in ways that feel tense, personal, or activating. In stressful practice environments, that response isn’t just psychological, it’s physiological. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bethany Weinheimer, emergency veterinarian, executive leader, and Founder of The Evolved Vets, to explore what’s actually happening beneath the surface of feedback conversations. We talk about the neurobiology of feedback and why the nervous system can interpret even well-intended communication as threat, especially in fast-paced, high-acuity settings. Bethany also shares practical, evidence-informed tools to help regulate the nervous system in the moments before difficult conversations begin. We also dive into how feedback can unintentionally trigger the “Drama Triangle” in workplace dynamics, and how shifting into the more empowered roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach can change the tone and outcome of these interactions. Finally, we explore the aftermath of feedback conversations, including the “feedback hangover,” and how high achievers can be supported so that critique doesn’t translate into chronic stress or self-judgment. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/YPtCIj3vwzc Resources Connect with Dr. Bethany Weinheimer and Evolved Vets on social media @drbeththevet and @evolvedvets  Visit The Evolved Vets website: https://www.evolvedvets.com/   Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote See how Scribenote works: https://www.scribenote.com?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402  Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo  Start with a Free 14-Day Trial Today: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402 Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com  Thank you to our sponsor ScribenoteThe first AI-powered veterinary SOAP creator that builds accurate medical records effortlessly. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  3. Jun 17

    Breaking the High Achiever’s Loop in Vet Med | Episode 94 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail As veterinary professionals, we are conditioned to believe that the next surgery, the next certification, or the next "thank you" from a client will finally make us feel successful. But for many of us, that feeling of "enoughness" never arrives. Instead, we find ourselves stuck in the High Achiever’s Loop—a cycle of perfectionism and overworking that leads straight to burnout. In this episode, DVM and leadership coach Dr. Jennifer Edwards joins us to deconstruct why our drive for excellence so often turns into a pattern of self-sacrifice. Jennifer draws on 25 years of practice ownership and her expertise in energy work to explain how our early identity patterns shape our current leadership styles. We explore why achievement only provides temporary relief from anxiety, the difference between "fixing" yourself and shifting your patterns, and how to reclaim your clarity and ease without losing your professional edge. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/3xTZVxTpNgU Resources Follow Dr. Jennifer Edwards on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards, https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwards/, https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards/  Visit Dr. Jennifer Edwards’ website: www.drjenniferedwards.com Thank you to our sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition For more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.com or HillsPet.ca. Veterinary Leadership Collective Leadership doesn't have to be lonely. Join Dr. Marie Holowaychuk's facilitated peer coaching community for veterinary practice owners, managers, medical directors, and team leads. Learn more and join the waitlist: revivingvetmed.com/collective.  Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com  Support the show

  4. Jun 3

    Moral Distress and Behavioral Euthanasia in Vet Med | Episode 93 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Behavioral euthanasia is one of the most emotionally complex and least supported aspects of veterinary medicine. It sits at the intersection of medical ethics, human safety, and the human-animal bond, often leaving veterinary teams grappling with moral injury. In this episode, we’re joined by Valerie Bogie, an animal trainer and Veterinary Social Worker, to discuss how we can better support both the pet owners and the professionals providing the care. Drawing from her 20 years of experience and her work as the Director of Human Support Services at Insight Animal Behavior Services, Valerie explores how behavior science and social work principles can protect our mental health. We discuss the "Pain Connection", the fact that up to 80% of behavior cases have an underlying medical cause, and how a thorough workup can provide the "why" that alleviates a team’s moral distress. We also dive into the "Person-in-Environment" framework to help mitigate judgment and burnout, and the practicalities of "Emotional CPR" for teams after a heavy case. Valerie also shares insights into the "invisible labor" clients perform before reaching a crisis point and how a supportive, non-judgmental response from the veterinary team can shape a professional’s own sense of identity. This conversation offers an essential perspective for anyone in veterinary medicine who wants to navigate behavioral loss with more compassion, less shame, and a stronger commitment to team longevity. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/QfHV6bKjEUM Resources Connect with Valerie Bogie on social media: www.instagram.com/valerie_bogie, www.facebook.com/valeriebogievsw, www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-bogie/  Visit Valerie’s website: https://linktr.ee/valeriebogievsw  Valerie’s additional resources: https://revivingvetmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Behavioral-euthanasia-resources-for-Reviving-Vet-Med-show-notes.pdf  Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote See how Scribenote works: https://www.scribenote.com?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402  Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo  Start with a Free 14-Day Trial Today: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402  Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources  Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com Thank you to our sponsor ScribenoteThe first AI-powered veterinary SOAP creator that builds accurate medical records effortlessly. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  5. May 20

    Comparing Burnout Among General and Emergency Veterinarians | Episode 92 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Burnout is a universal challenge in veterinary medicine, but does the practice environment change the experience? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Emily Li, an Emergency and Critical Care specialist based in Melbourne, Australia. Emily’s interest in mental health was forged on the front lines of emergency medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by her own lived experience and the challenges she saw in the clinic, she dedicated her Master’s thesis to comparing burnout drivers among general practitioners and emergency veterinarians across Australia. During this episode, we discuss how workplace structures and workload predictability impact both groups. We also explore what surprisingly does not differ between general practice and ER burnout, and why Emily believes systemic changes, rather than just individual resilience, are the only way forward for the profession. Emily shares a grounded, evidence based perspective on the real drivers of exhaustion and highlights the importance of the person in environment fit. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/ycynLHKEEHc Resources Follow Dr. Emily Li on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-li-b59309137/   Read Dr. Li’s papers: A comparison between veterinary small animal general practitioners and emergency practitioners in Australia Part 1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10993158/) and Part 2 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10932987/)   Thank you to our sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition For more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.com or HillsPet.ca. Thank you to our sponsor Co-Vet For a free trial of Co-Vet, please visit https://www.co.vet/. And follow Co-Vet on social media: Instagram: @covet.ai, Facebook: @coVetAIApp, LinkedIn: @CoVet  Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources  Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com  Thank you to Hill’s Pet NutritionFor more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.ca.Thank you to our sponsor CoVetCoVet helps generate your records and automate your admin work so you can focus on your medicine.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  6. May 6

    Why We Need to Talk About Medical Errors in Veterinary Medicine | Episode 91 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Medical error is one of the most challenging and least discussed realities in veterinary medicine, yet it has profound implications for the mental health and career longevity of the professionals involved. In this episode, Dr. Rochelle Low, veterinarian and Global VP of Quality and Patient Safety at Mars Veterinary Health, joins us to explore why patient safety is actually a vital pillar of team wellbeing. Drawing from her research on the "Second Victim" experience and her 2025 global study of over 64,000 safety events, Rochelle shares how a systems-based approach can shift the focus from individual shame to collective learning. We discuss the emotional trajectory teams face after an adverse event, why errors are often rooted in system design rather than personal failure, and the specific types of support, like peer connection and psychological safety, that help professionals recover and stay in the field. Rochelle also reflects on a personal medication error case and how an immediate, supportive leadership response shaped her own professional identity. This conversation offers a powerful and practical lens for anyone in veterinary medicine who wants to move past "blame and shame" to build a culture that truly protects both our patients and our people. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Connect with Dr. Rochelle Low on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-low-53ab0091/   Read Dr. Low’s research papers: Veterinary healthcare needs to talk more about error: For the wellbeing of our patients and medical teams: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9708451/  Patient safety events cause harm across a variety of veterinary care settings: a global retrospective analysis: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/263/7/javma.24.08.0523.xml  Personal resilience, good leadership, and a psychologically safe culture play a mitigating role on the impact of patient safety events: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/263/3/javma.24.09.0620.xml  Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote See how Scribenote works: https://www.scribenote.com?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402 Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo Start with a Free 14-Day Trial Today: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?utm_campaign=RVM&utm_source=rvm-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=MARK-402 Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com Thank you to our sponsor ScribenoteThe first AI-powered veterinary SOAP creator that builds accurate medical records effortlessly. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  7. Apr 29

    BONUS Meditation: Cultivating Equanimity: A Guided Meditation for Veterinary Professionals | Episode 90 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail In this bonus episode, Dr. Sonja Olson guides you through a meditation designed to cultivate equanimity and radical acceptance; powerful tools for maintaining emotional balance, compassion, and clarity amidst the challenges of veterinary practice and caregiving roles. This 10-minute meditation offers practical strategies to reduce reactivity, stay grounded in difficult interactions, and nurture resilience in both your professional and personal life. Through gentle guidance, you’ll explore ways to bring kindness and calm to yourself, your patients, your colleagues, and even those you find challenging. Take a few minutes to pause, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of balance. Perfect for your breakroom, office, or anywhere you need a moment of calm. Share this meditation with a colleague who could use the support, and check out additional thoughts and teachings from Dr. Sonja Olson on her YouTube channel.  Resources Visit Sonja’s website: https://www.sonjaolsondvm.com    Visit Sonja’s YouTube channel @KindfulMomentswithDrSonja: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1KtsXn4EfTgAs_vDh4rxxQ Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter  Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources  Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com  Support the show

  8. Apr 16

    Addressing Harassment and Transgressive Behavior in Veterinary Practice | Episode 89 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Psychological safety is essential in veterinary medicine, yet many professionals report experiencing aggression, bullying, discrimination, or sexual harassment at work. In this episode, Dr. Jolanda Jansen, communications advisor, researcher, and co-owner of St. Anna Advies in the Netherlands, talks about her 2025 study examining harassment and transgressive behavior in Dutch veterinary clinics. Nearly 70 percent of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of misconduct in a single year. We discuss why younger professionals and support staff are particularly vulnerable, the role clients and colleagues play, and what practical steps leaders and teams can take to create safer, more respectful workplaces. This conversation offers insight and actionable guidance for anyone committed to strengthening culture and wellbeing in veterinary medicine. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/vv8TWIYS_IE Resources My Workplace Is Not a Safe Place: Transgressive Behavior and Workplace Harassment in Veterinary Clinics in the Netherlands: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12474498/   Connect with Jolanda Jansen on social media:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anna-advies and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolandajansen/  Instagram: @stannaadvies and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanna.advies/  Visit Jolanda’s website: www.anna-advies.nl    Register for our 4-week online program Becoming a Veterinary SuperCommunicator: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/supercommunicator   Thank you to our sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition For more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.com or HillsPet.ca. Newsletter For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter Online Resources To access Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s free resources including handouts, posters, meditations, and quizzes, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/resources  Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com  Thank you to Hill’s Pet NutritionFor more information about Hill's products and nutritional philosophy, please visit HillsPet.ca.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Step into a space where your wellbeing matters as much as your career. Hosted by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, the Reviving Vet Med Podcast delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help veterinary professionals navigate stress, prevent burnout, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Each episode features actionable tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights on topics ranging from emotional intelligence, career transitions, and team dynamics to compassion, financial wellbeing, and mental health in the veterinary field.  Whether you’re an early-career veterinarian, a seasoned specialist, or another valued member of the veterinary team, you’ll gain tools and perspectives that empower you to thrive, both professionally and personally. Join a global community of veterinary professionals committed to balance, resilience, and lasting wellbeing. Subscribe now to start your journey toward a healthier, more sustainable veterinary career.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reviving Vet Med
  • Show Website
    Reviving Vet Med

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