Veterinary Vibes

Veterinary Vibes

Veterinary Vibes: We Vibe, So You Can Thrive Join Garth Robillard, a fourth-year veterinary student, on Veterinary Vibes. Each week, we dive deep into veterinary medicine with insightful interviews featuring professionals, educators, students, and dream-chasers in the field.

  1. 06/15/2025

    How the Stress & Burnout Coach Is Saving Veterinary Careers W/ Dr. Amber Parks Eps. 37

    How the Stress & Burnout Coach Is Saving Veterinary Careers W/ Dr. Amber Parks Eps. 37 Connect with Dr. Parks HERE: www.thestressandburnoutcoach.com https://www.instagram.com/the_stress_and_burnout_coach/ Summary In this conversation, Garth Robillard and Dr. Amber Parks delve into the critical issues of stress and burnout within the veterinary profession. They discuss the prevalence of burnout among veterinarians, personal experiences with stress, and the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for support systems, the pros and cons of transitioning to relief work, and the significance of setting boundaries. They also explore the role of self-worth in managing stress and the importance of creating a supportive work environment that encourages open discussions about mental health. In this conversation, Dr. Parks and Garth discuss the importance of third-party support in veterinary practices, addressing resistance to change, and the cognitive biases that affect veterinary professionals. They explore the challenges of stress and burnout in the field, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and open communication. Dr. Parks introduces her self-guided courses designed to help individuals navigate their challenges at their own pace, providing tools for personal development and stress management. Takeaways The ability to edit anything in a podcast allows for open conversations. Burnout is prevalent in the veterinary profession, with over 50% experiencing it. Recognizing personal capacity is crucial to avoid burnout. Burnout manifests differently for everyone, but common signs include exhaustion and cynicism. Support systems are essential for managing stress and burnout. Transitioning to relief work can provide flexibility but comes with its own challenges. Setting boundaries is vital for maintaining work-life balance. Self-worth plays a significant role in how individuals handle stress and burnout. Creating a supportive work environment can lead to better patient care and employee satisfaction. Encouraging open discussions about mental health can help normalize the conversation around burnout. Having a third-party perspective can help in workplace dynamics. Resistance to change often stems from fear and assumptions. Cognitive biases can reinforce negative beliefs about oneself and others. Open communication is essential for resolving workplace conflicts. Therapy and coaching can complement each other in personal development. Setting boundaries is crucial for managing stress and burnout. Self-guided courses can provide flexible support for busy professionals. Identifying root causes of stress can lead to effective solutions. Veterinary professionals need to prioritize their mental health. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

    47 min
  2. 05/20/2025

    Visionary Vibes: Talking Eyeballs W/ Dr. Alex Sigmund Eps. 34

    Episode Summary:In this eye-opening episode, Garth sits down with Dr. Alex Sigmund, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, to shine a light on one of the most intricate and underrated specialties in vet med—the eyes. Whether you're a vet student squinting at fundic exams or dreaming of your own specialty clinic one day, this conversation is a must-listen. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Diagnostics Are the Real MVPs in OphthalmologyDr. Sigmund breaks down why the eye demands precision, and how a good diagnostic plan can mean the difference between sight and blindness. Spoiler: those fluorescein stains and Schirmer tear tests are more powerful than you think. Client Communication: Explaining Eye Problems Without Getting Cross-EyedWe talk about how to translate complex eye conditions into clear language for clients—because saying “lens luxation” doesn’t mean much if your client thinks it’s contagious. Becoming a Veterinary Ophthalmologist: The Path from Student to SpecialistFrom internship to competitive residencies, Dr. Sigmund outlines what it really takes to enter this specialty and offers tips for standing out in a competitive field. Advice for Vet Students: Start Seeing Eyes NowWant to be an eye expert one day? Dr. Sigmund shares how students can get involved early, what rotations to look out for, and how to find mentors who won’t ghost you when things get retinal. The Job Market for Eye DocsWe touch on the demand for boarded ophthalmologists, practice models (referral hospitals vs academia vs private specialty), and how new grads are navigating today’s market. Why This Episode MattersEyes might be small, but they hold big clues. Whether you plan to specialize or stay general, having a sharp eye (literally and figuratively) can elevate your entire approach to vet med. If you want to follow my friend Dr. Alex Sigmund here is the deets. https://www.instagram.com/theveteyeguy/

    36 min
  3. Dog Doctor on Duty: From the Military to Mentorship W/ Dr. Cortney Curtis Eps. 33

    04/23/2025

    Dog Doctor on Duty: From the Military to Mentorship W/ Dr. Cortney Curtis Eps. 33

    Dog Doctor on Duty: From the Military to Mentorship w/ Dr. Cortney Curtis Eps. 33 In this episode of Veterinary Vibes, host Garth Robillard engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Cortney Curtis, a veterinary professional with a rich background in the military and a passion for teaching the next generation of vets at LMU. Dr. Curtis shares her journey from spotting a WWII poster that inspired her military path to leading roles in veterinary medicine, including aiding refugees and their animals, to running food missions. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, hands-on clinical skills, and positive psychology in veterinary education. Dr. Curtis also delves into the various challenges and learning styles of students, the significance of client communication, and the impact of a supportive, team-oriented environment. 00:41 Dr. Cortney Curtis' Journey to Veterinary Medicine 01:14 Military Experience and Mentorship 03:37 Transition to Teaching at LMU 05:21 Challenges and Adaptations in Teaching Clinical Skills 14:20 Student Feedback and Assessment 18:52 The Challenge of OSCEs and Clinical Empathy 20:24 The Importance of Communication Skills 21:53 Applying Professional Skills in Practice 22:43 Learning Through Hands-On Experience 26:19 The Value of Teamwork and Collaboration 32:06 The Impact of Positive Psychology 33:57 Conclusion and Contact Information If you want to connect or follow the amazing Dr. Curtis Click below! https://www.instagram.com/doc_thedogdoctor/

    35 min
  4. Finding the Right Avenue to Thrive in Vet Med W/ Lucy Nash, RVT Eps. 32

    03/28/2025

    Finding the Right Avenue to Thrive in Vet Med W/ Lucy Nash, RVT Eps. 32

    In this inspiring episode of Veterinary Vibes, I sit down with the incredible Lucy Nash, RVT, who shares her passion for helping vet techs and veterinary professionals take charge of their careers. We explore how discovering your unique path in vet med can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Here’s what we dive into: Dreaming Big for Vet Med: Lucy and I talk about our shared vision for the future of veterinary medicine and how we hope to see the profession evolve. From empowering vet techs to creating a more inclusive culture, we discuss how the industry can move forward. Be Your Own Advocate: Whether you’re a vet tech or a veterinarian, advocating for yourself is key. Lucy highlights the importance of taking control of your career, seeking out new opportunities, and not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Communication Skills for All Personality Types: We break down how both introverts and extroverts can develop strong communication skills that help them thrive in clinical settings. Lucy shares practical tips for finding your voice and making an impact, no matter where you fall on the spectrum. Culture as a Byproduct: We explore how workplace culture is shaped by the people who show up and the values they uphold. Lucy and I discuss how fostering a positive culture starts with individuals advocating for change and taking ownership of their roles. Carving Your Avenue in Vet Med: Finally, we encourage listeners to explore different avenues within the profession—whether it’s clinical practice, industry, education, or beyond—and to never settle for less than what inspires them. Why You Should Tune In:This episode is packed with practical advice, motivational insights, and real talk about the challenges and rewards of finding your place in vet med. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career shift, Lucy’s words will leave you feeling empowered to take charge of your journey. Listen now and get inspired to carve out your own path in veterinary medicine!

    33 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Veterinary Vibes: We Vibe, So You Can Thrive Join Garth Robillard, a fourth-year veterinary student, on Veterinary Vibes. Each week, we dive deep into veterinary medicine with insightful interviews featuring professionals, educators, students, and dream-chasers in the field.