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. 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 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

    46 min

  2. 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

    12 min

  3. 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

    46 min

  4. APR 1

    Neuro-Informed Stress Management for Veterinary Professionals | Episode 88 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Stress is an inevitable part of veterinary medicine, but understanding how our brains respond can transform the way we manage it. In this episode, Dr. Sonja Olson, a veterinary wellness coach, former emergency veterinarian, and certified neuroinformed and mindfulness coach, shares her expertise on neuro-informed stress management. We explore what happens in the brain and nervous system during chronic stress, how neuro-resilience can be cultivated, and practical, science-based strategies to regulate the nervous system in real time. Sonja also discusses the role of social connection, environment, and daily practices in building long-term resilience, helping veterinary professionals thrive both personally and professionally. This conversation offers evidence-based guidance and actionable tools for anyone in veterinary medicine looking to reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and foster a healthier, more sustainable career. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Connect with Dr. Sonja Olson on social media:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-a-olson-dvm Instagram: @sonjaolsondvm and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonja.olson.754  Visit Sonja’s website: https://www.sonjaolsondvm.com    Pre-orders Sonja’s book (due to be published August 2026): www.routledge.com/9781032753928 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 Lunch & Learns To learn more about the Lunch & Learn sessions offered by Reviving Veterinary Medicine, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/lunch-and-learns-for-veterinary-teams/.  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

    46 min

  5. MAR 18

    Stress Management and Career Fulfillment in Veterinary Medicine | Episode 87 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Thriving in veterinary medicine is not just about clinical skill. It also requires managing stress, sustaining energy, and aligning your career with your values. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Amy Grimm, a veterinarian, certified coach, and founder of Burnout-Free Me. Her work empowers high-responsibility professionals to break free from hustle culture and create sustainable success without sacrificing health, relationships, or wellbeing. Amy shares her personal journey through burnout, the early warning signs veterinarians often overlook, and evidence-informed strategies for nervous system regulation and stress management. You will learn how mindset shifts and integrating life beyond the clinic can support long-term fulfillment and resilience. Whether you are a practice owner, team member, or emerging professional, this conversation offers practical tools, actionable insights, and inspiration to feel more balanced, engaged, and energized in your veterinary career.  Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/ptof_mVKN9s Resources Please visit Dr. Amy Grimm’s website: https://daringdvm.com/   Sign up for her newsletter: https://burnoutfreeme.kit.com/welcome  Access her Burnout Fix Resource: https://burnoutfreeme.kit.com/burnoutfix   Listen to the Burnout Free Me podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daring-dvm/id1685789557   A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://acompassionatecalling.com/  Now available on Audible: https://www.audible.ca/pd/A-Compassionate-Calling-Audiobook/B0G1ZGBQLM?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp  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 Additional Resources To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/  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

    57 min

  6. MAR 4

    How Workplace Appreciation Prevents Burnout and Improves Team Culture in Vet Med | Episode 86 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Feeling seen and valued at work is more than a nice-to-have, it’s essential for preventing burnout and fostering healthy, thriving veterinary teams. Appreciation goes beyond praise; it’s about recognizing contributions, supporting one another, and creating a culture where everyone feels they truly matter. In this episode, I speak with returning guest Jolene Watson, Canada’s Networking Expert®, Registered Veterinary Technologist, Executive Coach, and best-selling author. Drawing on her experience in veterinary medicine and leadership coaching, Jolene shares how appreciation affects burnout, highlights the often-overlooked emotional labour in veterinary workplaces, and explains workplace appreciation languages. You’ll learn practical strategies for showing appreciation as a colleague and as a leader, how to make appreciation an integral part of team culture, and simple ways to boost morale, communication, and retention in your practice. Whether you’re a team member or in a leadership role, this conversation offers actionable guidance to strengthen connection, engagement, and wellbeing across your workplace. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Connect with Jolene Watson on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ClarityCoachingandDevelopment                       https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-watson-5881612a   Visit Jolene’s website: https://www.jolenewatson.com/veterinary   Take the Workplace Appreciation Quiz: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/survey/appreciation  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

    45 min

  7. FEB 18

    Humble Leadership and Psychological Safety in Veterinary Teams | Episode 85 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Creating safe, supportive, and high-functioning veterinary teams goes far beyond clinical skill: it starts with leadership, culture, and the everyday interactions that shape how people feel about speaking up, learning, and coping with errors. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Luiz Santos, a veterinary anesthesiologist, educator, and PhD researcher whose work explores humble leadership, psychological safety, safety climate, error disclosure, and the second victim phenomenon in veterinary practice. Luiz shares how leadership behaviours, team culture, and even seemingly small acts of incivility can profoundly impact both patient safety and the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. You will learn what humble leadership really looks like in practice, why psychological safety is essential for learning and growth, and practical strategies for fostering safer, more resilient, and more compassionate teams. Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or team member, this conversation offers evidence-based insights to improve communication, support wellbeing, and strengthen safety in every veterinary workplace. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/b9zXfiDkZic Resources Follow Dr. Luiz Santos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ls522/   Impact of humble leadership on attitudes to error disclosure: the mediating role of psychological safety and safety climate in Australian veterinary practices: https://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/9/4/394   Navigating veterinary error disclosure: An examination of humble leadership and safety attitudes in veterinary practices in Australia: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vetr.5816  The Power of Mattering (Book by Zach Mercurio) We Need to Talk About Error: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1136/vr.103331  Discerning the effect of the relationship between disclosure and responsiveness on depression, anxiety, and compassion fatigue among veterinarians: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/4/javma.22.08.0359.xml  A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://acompassionatecalling.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. 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 Additional Resources To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://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

    48 min

  8. FEB 4

    Mentorship, Team Empowerment, and Wellbeing in Veterinary Practice | Episode 84 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Strong mentorship and a culture of support are essential for thriving, sustainable veterinary careers. Beyond clinical skill, how teams grow, learn, and care for one another depends on guidance, connection, and intentional professional development. In this episode, we speak with Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Empowering Veterinary Teams® and Director of MentorVet Tech. Alyssa has spent over 20 years fostering professional growth, mentorship, and team empowerment across the veterinary profession. She shares her insights on how effective mentoring relationships, supportive leadership, and team development initiatives can enhance wellbeing, resilience, and job satisfaction. You will learn what mentorship truly looks like in veterinary practice, why it matters for both individuals and teams, and practical strategies for creating a culture where every team member can grow, contribute, and feel valued. Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or team member, this conversation offers evidence-informed guidance to strengthen professional growth, wellbeing, and collaboration across your team. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Follow Empowering Veterinary Teams on Instagram @empvetteam or visit their website: https://www.empoweringveterinaryteams.com  MentorVet Tech: https://www.mentorvet.net/tech  Ready, Vet, Go: https://readyvetgo.co/  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 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

    45 min
See All (91)

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
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reviving Vet Med
  • Show Website
    Reviving Vet Med

You Might Also Like