The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 (The Vet Blast Podcast)

In this episode I'm inviting you into my life and showcasing what the show will be about. Remember there are so many avenues within the veterinary profession to pursue!  I can attest to that personally! 

In this podcast, I chat with Marie Bucko, President of SAVMA, and 4th year veterinary student at University of Wisconsin.  We chat about COVID-19 briefly and resources for veterinarians to obtain the latest information on COVID-19.  
 
I can't imagine what it must be like going through veterinary school during this pandemic.  

Our journey into vet school is different for everyone and inspirational to all.  Meet 2nd year veterinary student from Virginia-Maryland Regional Veterinary School, Christopher Hollingsworth.  His journey is an incredible one and I am proud to call him a friend and colleague.  Be sure to check in with Chris at our virtual fetch conference at the end of August.  He will be moderating an incredible panel discussion on the importance of diversity in veterinary medicine!

In this episode, I have the privilege in speaking with my colleague, Dr. John Geller. We talk about street veterinary care, a growing service that is in much need of help and education. Dr. Jon Geller is an emergency veterinarian and hospital director at the Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. He is board-certified in Canine and Feline Medicine. He is also the co-founder and President of the Board of Directors for two non-profits, The Ladybug Fund and The Street Dog Coalition. In addition, he was active in the field of wildlife animal welfare issues as a committee member for the inaugural Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for the National Park Service.

Dr. Geller is also a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), and writes regular columns for his regional newspaper and other pet periodicals.

His current areas of interest are providing veterinary care to the pets of indigent clients, and investigating feedlot ecology.

Head over to www.fetchdvm360.com to register for our virtual fetch conference!  It's a mega one that keeps growing!  Here I chat with veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Ashley Bourgeois & veterinary behaviorist Dr. Chris Pachel!  We tease out their virtual live event on feline behavior -vs- feline dermatology?  There's a gray zone between. . is it OCD?  Is it atopic dermatitis or something else?  Find out more when they give their live RACE approved talk at our virtual fetch conference! 

I have the honor in chatting with pro pet blogger, social media influencer and president of Dog Writer's Association, Carol Bryant.  Carol has been a pet parent advocate for years.  She has been featured on Oprah radio, has received numerous awards and is the founder of Wigglebutt Warriors, the fundraising arm of her company, Fidose of Reality.  She is an avid Cocker Spaniel lover and I am proud to chat with her all things dog!  Check it out! 

My colleague, Dr. Allen Schoen, is a holistic integrative veterinarian who is the father of holistic veterinary medicine.  Dr. Schoen is the host of his show, "Awakening With Your Animal Family" on Awake TV.  Find out what it means to be a CALM pet parent and a veterinarian who embraces it!

Dr. Ashley Bourgeois and Dr. Chris Pachel share their experiences as being a veterinary dermatologist and veterinary behaviorist, respectively. We also get to tease out an incredible LIVE virtual event for their talk at our upcoming Fetch Virtual Conference 8/26/20-8/31/30.  Register at www.fetchdvm360.com for details!

Welcome Clint Latham J.D., founder of Lucca – a veterinary data security platform – as he discusses the growing need for cybersecurity due to the current rise in cyber threats since COVID-19. Learn what steps to take and what to look out for in order to protect your practice, clients and patients! Visit  www.lucca.vet for more on this cybersecurity platform and the meaning behind the name! 

I chat with CEO, Emily Dong, of SnoutID.  Find out how integrating technology such as this offers a touchless curbside check-in and efficient patient intake process.  Visit www.snoutid.com 

This week I have the honor in chatting with Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, DACVS, Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. We chat about an integrative and multi-modal approach to managing dogs with osteoarthritis.
For further questions for Dr. Jaffe, Email: mhj95@msstate.edu.   Enjoy the show! 

As the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows and as an acclaimed pet journalist, animal behavioralist Steve Dale, CABC, shares some breakthrough feline research and offers a sneak peek at some of his upcoming Fetch talks that he will co-present with WSAVA One Health Committee Chair Michael Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM). 

This week I chat with founder of Flourish Veterinary Consulting, Josh Vaisman.  Josh is a certified compassion fatigue counselor.  He believes all veterinary professional deserve to feel fulfilled by their work, each and every day. Through his company, Flourish Veterinary Consulting, he combines more than 20 years of veterinary expertise, a master's in applied positive psychology and coaching psychology and an education in positive leadership and positive organizational scholarship to help individuals do just that. To find out more info, head to www.flourishveterinaryconsulting.com.   

Be sure to check out the wonderful Carolyn Shadle, PhD, and her husband John Meyer, PhD, in our upcoming virtual fetch conference happening August 26-31st! Between Shadles contributions towards interpersonal communications and her extensive background on the human-animal bond, paired with Dr. Meyers gift in communications, allowed both to share with us valuable insight within the veterinary field. Listen till the end for a hidden surprise as well!

Tune in and listen to Dr. Jacqueline Whittemore, from the University of Tennessee, as she will be answering those burning digestive tract questions in veterinary medicine (specifically companion animals) in our upcoming virtual fetch conference! Dr. Whittemore graduated from the University of California, Davis College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After two years in small animal general practice, she completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a Ph.D. in Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University. Visit www.fetchdvm360.com today to register for fetch virtual!

Dr. Valerie Parker, DVM, DACVIM, (SAIM), DACVN is a clinical associate professor in the Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nutrition division at Ohio State University. She will be presenting at the upcoming fetch conference, speaking on the following topics: Nutritional Management of the Comorbid Kidney Disease Patient, Nutritional Approach to Chronic Enteropathies I: What Diet is Best?, and Nutritional Approach to Chronic Enteropathies II: More Than Ingredients. Listen for more details! 

Welcome Dr. Kristin Welch to todays episode as she breaks down 5 constructive tips to help in emergency and critical care. Dr. Welch not only is the CEO of DVM Stat Consulting, but her substantial training, credentials and experience in emergency and critical care has allowed her efforts at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC), to become the only Level I-certified emergency care center in the Southeast, as designated by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). So be sure to tune in and listen! 

Meet Dr. Antonio L. Bowens, owner of Bowens' Locum Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery Services (BLVNS). Learn more on his inspiring story as he shares his journey in veterinary medicine and finding his niche in the veterinary neurology world.

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, I got a chance to speak with Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, veterinary surgeon and dvm360 editorial board member, Dr. David Dycus. His areas of particular interest are in fracture traumatology, fracture biomechanics, osteoarthritis, total joint replacement, and stifle stabilization. Tune in to learn more about the incredible story of his veterinary career, along with some great tips to follow for those of you that are veterinary students! 

Check out my conversation with Andrew Luna, who is the head of sales (North America) at Vetstoria. Vetstoria is the world’s #1 veterinary appointment booking engine. Driving millions of bookings annually in 20 countries and funneling hundreds of millions in revenue for our partnered clinics. Listen for some awesome information on how to use Vetstoria at your practice! 

Dr. Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, has extensive clinical training in all aspects of veterinary neurology/neurosurgery with a neurosurgical certification from the ACVIM. His special interests include advanced MRI neuroimaging techniques and minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures. Wininger is also the founding and current treasurer of Veterinary Neurosurgical Society, an organization committed to uniting veterinary surgeons and neurosurgeons in discovering the best therapy for pets. He is the founder of 3D Veterinary Printing LLC as well! Tune in and listen to some great advice on canine neurology! 

As the creator of Teef! (https://www.teefhealth.com/site/), Microbiologist, Dr. Emily Stein shares some helpful nuggets on defining what a microbiome is, along with different treatment modalities for preventative care against the development of dental disease in both humans and animals alike. Take a listen!

Mariacamila Garcia Estrella is currently a second-year Veterinary Student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. As an upcoming participant in the Diversity Panel for the November Fetch conference, Garcia Estrella discusses the mental resilience it takes to navigate through the veterinary medical field as a Latinx student. Listen to learn more on her inspiring story.  

On this episode, Jack DeWees shares his voyage into the veterinary field through his bandage art. Originally working on the human side of the medical world, DeWees started by making 3-D figures out of coband for pediatric patients as a way to make them smile during challenging times. Follow his art journey on his Instagram page @bandageartists and listen for more on how this amazing concept sparked a new art movement for veterinary patients alike. 

Check out his website as well: https://www.bandage-art.com/

With years of experience, Steve Pustela and Derrick Ossi know a thing or two when it comes to financial planning. Working as financial advisors, the duo assist many young veterinary professionals struggling with student loan debt. Be sure to tune into this episode as they offer up some invaluable nuggets that can help shape the financial future of your veterinary career! 

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, is board certified by American Veterinary Dental College and American Board of Veterinary Practitioner. He is the current president of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. Dr. Bellows practices veterinary dentistry at All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida.  Bellows is also the author of "Small Animal Dental Equipment Materials and Techniques, 2nd Ed" and "Feline Dentistry, 2nd Ed." Check out some awesome insight as he offers helpful tools in improving veterinary dentistry at your practice. 

Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS, chief medical officer of Rx Vitamins, has made it his mission to educate veterinary professionals about the importance of integrating nutraceuticals in traditional veterinary medical protocols. Dr. Silver is an active member of the Cannabis Clinicians Society, vice president of the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, and former president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. He is a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Register for his free live webinar airing tomorrow, 10/14 at 8pm EST here. 

Marlaina Hrosch is a licensed veterinary technician and technician training manager at Veterinary Emergency Group. She love all things emergency medicine, especially trauma and toxicity cases. Her focus is on training veterinary technicians to understand the "why" behind everything they do. Hrosch recently sat for her veterinary technician specialty exam in emergency and critical care, and is anxiously awaiting the test results! Email her any questions at mhrosch@veg.vet

Dr. Laura Catena graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a small animal relief veterinarian and entrepreneur. Dr. Catena developed The ArmOR Hand Animal Handling Gloves after an injury she endured while working emergency medicine. Her injury resulted in extensive surgery and months of physical therapy to regain use of her hand. ArmOR Hand is a compassionate glove, designed to allow for proper and safe restraint technique, without the use of force. The glove is used to safely handle animals, reduce injuries to humans, improve animal welfare, and advance the cause of wildlife and pets. Dr. Catena is a medical advisor to 2 veterinary supplement companies, Medterra and Reggie. She is the mother to 2 young boys, Hudson and Holden, and their family dog, Beans. 

Chand Khanna, DVM, PhD, is a veterinary oncologist and Chief Science Officer for Ethos Veterinary Health. Khanna is also a two-time recipient of the NCI Distinguished Mentor Award and was the 2010 recipient of the NCI award for outstanding Research. He has maintained a strong connection to the field of veterinary oncology and animal health. He continues to be an active clinician within his referral oncology practices, The Oncology Service, based in the greater Washington, D.C. area. He is also the founder of Animal Clinical Investigation a contract research company, involved in complex medical problems seen in pets. Make sure to listen in on some updates for Canine Hemaniosarcoma! 

Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, Founder, Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network, Owner/CEO of Veterinary Care Logistics, shares how she became a veterinary inventory manager and covers the top 5 ways veterinary hospitals can reduce cost of goods!

Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ACVSMR  creates personalized treatment plans for dogs with or at-risk of arthritis. These plans typically include: physical rehabilitation, intra-articular therapies, or surgery; but they always include comprehensive pain management, weight loss (if indicated), regular exercise, and wholesome nutrition. She is also an educator, teaching other veterinarians how to properly diagnose and manage arthritis in their patients.

 As a consultant, Dr. Kirkby Shaw works with Animal Health companies to develop new solutions for treating arthritis in pets. Resources such as these are part of the benefits of CARE membership. Check out her episode on canine rehabilitation and various resources to use! 

Veterinarian and board member of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative (WVLDI), Dr. Rebecca Steers, discusses her journey into veterinary medicine. She also touches on leadership and the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative. Do you think leaders are born, or developed? Or possibly, a combination of both?  We would love to get your input!

Remember what your hospital was like before COVID-19?  That chapter is in the books and we need to find creative ways of keeping team members employed, engaged and useful as we adapt to the changes in place.  Erin Potts from Veterinary Hospital Association (VHA) shares with us how the pandemic impacted veterinary employees. She also offers some great tips for employees who need to work from home.  Yes, it can be done! 

VHA is a proud not-for-profit association that has been serving and supporting veterinary professionals and practices for over 35 years by offering solutions that enable them to grow, learn, and succeed. You can learn more about VHA and the services they provide by visiting www.veterinaryha.org

Anya Babbitt is the CEO & Co-Founder of Mella Pet Care. Her shih tzu mix, Mella, is the namesake for the company. As an entrepreneur, Anya has built and exited multiple startups across industries and her work has been recognized by the United Nations, Wall Street Journal, and more. Her specialty is strategic partnerships, deal closing, and team building.

 

Ben Seidman is the COO & Co-Founder of Mella Pet Care. Having studied entrepreneurship at Michigan, he loves building things and collaborating with his team. His puppy, Biggie, is the namesake for Mella's second product. He is resourceful, a door opener, and a team player.

Dr. Phil Tucak, BSc., BVMS, is the Veterinary Business Professional of the Year for 2020. Phil is an Australian veterinarian, communications manager and veterinary journalist. As the Wildlife Outreach Vet, he works to share the conversation about conservation. Phil works in clinical practice at Cottesloe Vet in Perth, along with working as a writer and communications manager for several veterinary businesses and science and conservation organizations. He regularly writes content for the Australian Veterinary Association and various publications. Phil has previously worked as Communications Manager for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Communications and Interpretation Coordinator for Perth Zoo, as a journalist for SBS News, and as a television producer and presenter, and radio producer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 

As the the co-hosts of Vet Med After Hours Podcast and founders of the #vetyoumatter Campaign, Alec Failor and Tracy Sands, DVM, discuss their efforts in creating a work-life balance environment. 
 
Dr. Tracy Sands is the practice owner of Healing Paws Veterinary Care & Pet Resort in Pennsylvania and Alec Failor is the Practice Manager and Clinic Wellness Coach. Tracy is a mom who loves kayaking and yoga and owns a small flock of sheep while Alec is a professional disc golfer and a mega cat lover.

Kash Kuruppu, DVM, received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada. Subsequently, she completed her graduate studies in Epidemiology using big data technologies and machine learning to identify and predict risk factors for diseases in animal populations. Most recently, she was the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at a technology startup supporting veterinarians to deliver personalized care for companion animals. She is currently the Chief Veterinary Officer at Basepaws, helping advance human and animal health through the study of their genetics.

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, is board certified by American Veterinary Dental College and American Board of Veterinary Practitioner. He is the current president of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. Dr. Bellows practices veterinary dentistry at All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida.  Bellows is also the author of "Small Animal Dental Equipment Materials and Techniques, 2nd Ed" and "Feline Dentistry, 2nd Ed." Check out some awesome insight as he offers helpful tools in improving veterinary dentistry at your practice. 

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Animal Hospital. He is also the author of the award-winning “The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats” and,  “The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How YOU Can Win The Battle!“ Dr. Messonier’s interests includeChinese/Western Herbology, Homeopathy, Homotoxicology, Nutritional Therapies, and Acupuncture. He serves on the dvm360® editorial advisory board.

We’ve all been there. “Did I send enough?” “Did I write enough?” “Oh I’ll just let them figure it out.” Learn easy things to make you and the life of your pathologist way easier when collaborating with your patients! Establish a good relationship with them and it will make for effective communication. Listen as I chat with my wonderful friend, colleague and veterinary pathologist, Veronica King, DVM.

People, processes and problems have changed drastically with the pandemic. Join me as I chat with Maureen Joseph, Chief People Officer of GoodVets about culture, values and what it means to the Chief People Officer of an organization.

Maureen Joseph is the Chief People Officer of GoodVets, and an experienced HR leader and entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working across industries. Maureen joined GoodVets in 2019 because of the opportunity to have a positive impact on people and people processes in the veterinary industry, an industry whose professionals are too often mistreated and under-appreciated. 

Kash Kuruppu, DVM, received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada. Subsequently, she completed her graduate studies in Epidemiology using big data technologies and machine learning to identify and predict risk factors for diseases in animal populations. Most recently, she was the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at a technology startup supporting veterinarians to deliver personalized care for companion animals. She is currently the Chief Veterinary Officer at Basepaws, helping advance human and animal health through the study of their genetics.

Co-owner of Florida Veterinary Advisors and financial advisor, Tom Seeko, offers up a few tips on how to improve your clinics net worth. Seeko began his focus in the veterinary field in 2014, along with becoming approved to provide continuing education in the state of Florida in 2017. 

In early 2018, Seeko became an approved RACE provider through the AAVSB. As of now, Seeko and his team are involved within several associations in the state of Florida, VetPartners, and the VBMA (Veterinary Business Management Association) that provides students in the Veterinary field with resources and access to professionals to help them with solid advice to jump start their career.

Veterinary students are not only inspiring, but resilient as well with their overriding passion for veterinary medicine. Stacey Thomas is no exception, embarking on her new journey as a first-year veterinary student (Class of 2023) at the University of Arizona. 

Her path to veterinary medicine like most veterinary professionals is not linear, starting on the human side of medicine for many years previously. Sharing what sparked her new career path, (listen to find out!) Thomas gives us inspiration and hope as she enters the next chapter of her professional career.

Pam Hale, DVM, MBA, is the Chief Medical Officer for Destination Pet’s and a graduate of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her master of business administration from St. George’s University. Dr Hale is a member of the AVMA and Georgia VMA. She serves on the Dean’s Counsel for Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association Professional Liability Insurance Trust. She shares her home with 7 pups and her husband, Chuck.

Michael Lucroy, DVM, MS, DACVIM (oncology),  graduated from Purdue University, and went on to do a small animal internship at University of Saskatchewan. From there, Lucroy went to UC Davis to complete a medical oncology residency and graduate school, where he was a post-grad researcher at the Center for Companion Animal Health. 

He moved on up, starting a private speciality practice in central Florida, followed by a stint at Oklahoma State University as an associate professor and endowed chair, before returning to Purdue University as an Associate Professor and Chief of Clinical Oncology.

After leaving academics, Lucroy worked in a private specialty practice at the VCA Veterinary Specialty Center in Indianapolis, before joining the R&D Team at Elanco Animal Health. Prior to joining Torigen, he was Director of Clinical Studies for MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets overseeing research in over 20 specialty hospitals. He is board-certified in medical oncology, and author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications. Lucroy is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Torigen. 

Steve Dale, CABC, writes for veterinary professionals and pet owners, hosts 2 national radio programs, and has appeared on TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to Oprah. He is on the dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board as well as the boards of the Human-Animal Bond Association and EveryCat Health Foundation. He appears at conferences around the world. Visit stevedale.tv. 

Join us as he talks about the importance of addressing dental disease to your clients, especially during National Dental Month, and what behavioral signs to look out for! 

Legend Thurman is a third-year DVM Candidate at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Catholic University of America graduate, originally from Washington, PA and Washington, DC. 

Thurman aspires to be a full-time governmental veterinarian after graduation, advocating for change in veterinary medicine in legislation, public policy, and advocacy. Over the past three years she has served as the Junior and Senior Delegate for RVC on National SAVMA’s House of Delegates, National SAVMA’s Governmental Affairs Committee Chair and now, advisor, and is currently the RVC SAVMA Chapter President. 

During this time, she formed a COVID-19 Hardship Grant for students and helped write new legislation alongside other students for the National SAVMA By-Laws to alter membership guidelines for student chapters who have been affected by various disasters. Currently, she is focusing on advancing exposure to students on issues such as well-being, DEI, organized medicine, one health, and relationships in the field along with a charity drive for the Veterinary School in Afghanistan.

Neil Shaw,DVM, DACVIM was the medical founder of BluePearl Veterinary Partners and served as the first Chief Medical Officer for Mars, Inc.  Following a brief retirement, Neil founded SignalPET, proving the vision that independent primary care veterinarians can harness artificial intelligence to seamlessly expand their range and depth of care.

Our profession has so many opportunities to educate and inspire.  More specifically, we love to teach and educate children about animals and the careers involved in veterinary medicine.  Meet veterinarian, and author of the children’s book “The Doggy Doctor and The Upset Tummy," Jacqueline Johnson, DVM. Learn about her passion in writing and how this incredible story came to fruition! 

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, is a native New Yorker, having grown up in New York, New York. He received his BS in animal science from Cornell University in 2000 and his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, graduating in 2004. He received his certification in rehabilitation in 2008 from the University of Tennessee Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program, and now teaches for that program. He completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards in January 2018. As an ACVSMR diplomate, he believes in a big-picture, practical approach to his patients and enjoys both orthopedic and neurological cases. When not at work, he enjoys running with his dog Penny.

Ryan Joseph is cofounder and CEO of GoodVets. Ryan founded GoodVets in 2016 to radically shift the perception of corporate veterinary medicine and create a best-in-class customer experience.

Ryan’s industry experience spans across many sectors, from Hollywood entertainment to online consumer tech.  Immediately before founding GoodVets, Ryan served as the COO and CFO of PEAK6 Best Marble, an Italian based, luxury-grade marble excavation and wholesale distribution business.

Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, received his veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010. He has operated both house-call and office-based behavior practices and is currently the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Pachel lectures regularly throughout the United States as well as internationally, teaches courses at multiple veterinary schools in the United States, and has authored several articles and book chapters on topics such as intercat aggression and pet selection for animal-assisted therapy. He is a sought-after expert witness for legal cases involving animal behavior and is also a vice president of veterinary behavior on the executive leadership team for Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, providing positive reinforcement behavior modification and board/train services within a franchise-based business model. 

Christian Capobianco is a second-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, he is interested in pursuing a career in zoological, wildlife, and exotic animal medicine. He is also passionate about education and has a background in both formal and informal instruction. Christian has gained relevant clinical and research experience at institutions including Zoo Miami, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. He currently works at a number of local veterinary emergency clinics as a relief ER / ICU assistant and has been featured as a veterinary student extern on the hit television show, "Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER" on Nat Geo Wild. 

Our profession has had major technological advancements over the past decade. Genomic sequencing is one of those technologies that allows both the veterinarian and pet parent to provide us with the necessary tools to work together in preventive medicine. Join me  as we speak to Lindsey Kock, DVM, market development manager for companion animal genomics at Neogen. Learn more about genomic sequencing and how it pertains to everyday practice here: https://www.neogen.com/igenity-canine-wellness/

Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, is the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of EVT (Empowering Veterinary Teams), where she oversees the content development, clinical skills training, and overall vision of the company. She cofounded EVT to provide training programs, materials & coaching/learning opportunities for veterinary practices, as well as content development and training directives for veterinary industry service providers.  The EVTeam consists of veterinary professionals, industry leaders & coaches.

Have you ever considered doing a career change within vet med? Dr. Priscilla Bowens joins me and shares her experience as an attorney, veterinarian, and a master's degree in public health. We also talk about diversity concerns in veterinary medicine and her contribution to our Fetch faculty. Be sure to check out her session at our upcoming virtual Fetch conference 5/13-5/15. Register at www.fetchdvm360.com

Jessica Hirsch received her B.S. in Animal & Poultry Sciences and a B.S. in Psychology at Virginia Tech University. 

She is a current veterinary student at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Hirsch shares her unique story about navigating through veterinary school with disabilities, empowering others to never give up on their dreams. 

Jill Clark, DVM, founded IGNITE in 2016 with the singular goal of elevating the knowledge of veterinary teams to enhance their wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of the patients and clients they serve. Her nearly 30-year career in veterinary medicine has been dedicated to the constant improvement of veterinary outcomes and operations and has created many opportunities for the professional growth of the incredible people who make up our profession.

Christopher Shapley, DVM, is a specialist in veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine. He has 2 pet dogs at home, Carrie and Bogey. In his spare time, Shapley enjoys Kung Fu, surfing, camping, and archery.

Shapley attended Montclair State University where he studied biology. He graduated from the Western University of Health Medicine in Pomona California and received his CVA from Chi University. Shapley has worked in large and small animal medicine with a special focus in Eastern Medicine since graduation. Currently, he is working at Brick Town Veterinary Hospital and is an instructor for the Veterinary Assistant Course at OCC.

Billie Groom works exclusively with dogs over the age of 6 months to address anxiety, aggression, and behaviors associated with adolescent and adopted dogs. Groom is also the creator of UPWARD Dogology, a scientifically proven formula adhering to the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

Steve Dale, CABC, writes for veterinary professionals and pet owners, hosts 2 national radio programs, and has appeared on TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to Oprah. He is on the dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board as well as the boards of the Human-Animal Bond Association and EveryCat Health Foundation. He appears at conferences around the world. Visit stevedale.tv. 

George Robinson, DVM, MSPH, is the founder and former CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners, a Chicago-based veterinary support organization. He has over 30 years of veterinary industry experience, holding numerous clinical, business operational, and senior management roles throughout his career. 

Antonio L. Bowens, DVM, is the owner of Bowens’ Locum Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery Services. Bowens earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, cum laude, in 1997 from Tuskegee University and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. He completed a neurology neurosurgery fellowship, as well as a private practice specialty internship in 2005. Bowens has been practicing in the field of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery as well as emergency medicine since 2005. 

Vernard Hodges, DVM, is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hodges is the founder of multiple successful veterinary hospitals, but he practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, Georgia. Hodges and Critter Fixer became so successful that they caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel and now star in a television show, currently in second-season production, called Critter Fixers: Country Vets on National Geographic Wild and Disney+.

In addition to his businesses, he started the Hodges It Takes A Village Charity Foundation in 2011.  He enjoys spending time with his 3 dogs and watching sports with his 16-year-old son, VJ.

Emily Dozeman, DVM, DACVECC is a board-certified emergency and critical care doctor. She is one of the managing partners and codepartment head of the emergency and critical care service at Philadelphia Animal Specialty and Emergency. 

Dozeman is experienced in all aspects of emergency medicine and critical care with a particular interest in the management of polytrauma patients, sepsis, and transfusion medicine. 

When not treating patients, Dr. Dozeman enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband, Brett, and being active. She has two rescue French bulldogs and a cat named Petry

Suzanne Ellis, DVM is a New Jersey shore native who knew since she was 8 years of age that becoming a veterinarian was her passion. 

About four years ago, Ellis proposed the idea to her clinic about offering a house call service, and became the primary doctor in the practice going out to clients’ homes for routine office visits, and, of course, euthanasia. It was during this time that she began to really appreciate helping families say goodbye to their beloved pets in the privacy of their own homes.

These experiences have brought Ellis to the decision of dedicating her work to end-of-life care and creating a personalized and peaceful experience for pets and their families.

Nick Nelson, DVM, MBA, has over 2 decades of experience within the veterinary industry. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master's in Business Administration from Washington State University. 

At BluePearl, Nelson is responsible for operations of 100+ specialty and emergency practices across the United States focusing on balancing the fiscal needs of running a national organization and the needs of 7,000+ veterinary professionals. He is excited about the plethora of associate-focused initiatives the company is offering including health and wellbeing, EI&D, and career pathways. 

Additionally, Nelson has served as Regional Medical Director for VCA Animal Hospital and CMO and President of Pet Partners.

Monique Y. Wells, VMD, MS, entered the University of Pennsylvania at the young age of 16, and Penn’s Veterinary School at 20. She completed this program by age 24, then proceeded directly to graduate school at The Ohio State University, earning a Master’s degree in veterinary pathobiology at the age of 28.

Now, as a resident of Paris since 1992, veterinary pathologist and toxicologist, world traveler, entrepreneur and arts enthusiast, Wells' understands the vast need to expose minorities to educational and cultural opportunities that will allow them to have a richer, more rewarding life. 

Additionally, Wells' work within fast-paced academia has taken her around the globe. She has spoken at events in China, Germany, India, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Visit https://wellsinternationalfoundation.org/ for more information.

Megan Bendtzen, founder and CEO of a company called LifeBacon, is a motivational trainer, speaker, and life and business coach. She worked in the veterinary field for 14 years while studying leadership, communication, personal growth concepts, and relationships for over 18 years. Bendtzen has worked with thousands of people and delivered hundreds of impactful seminars on a variety of related topics.

Nick Nelson, DVM, MBA, has over 2 decades of experience within the veterinary industry. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master's in Business Administration from Washington State University. 

At BluePearl, Nelson is responsible for operations of 100+ specialty and emergency practices across the United States focusing on balancing the fiscal needs of running a national organization and the needs of 7,000+ veterinary professionals. He is excited about the plethora of associate-focused initiatives the company is offering including health and wellbeing, EI&D, and career pathways. 

Additionally, Nelson has served as Regional Medical Director for VCA Animal Hospital and CMO and President of Pet Partners.

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Ashley Wood, PhD, director of research and development at Zomedica, talks with Dr Christman about the application of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) technology to veterinary diagnostics, and how a new in-clinic biosensor testing platform is utilizing this technology to provide reference lab accuracy at the point of care.

Janice Huntingford, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT, CAVC, is a 1984 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario. She is certified in chiropractic, acupuncture, rehabilitation, and pain management. Huntingford is the owner and medical director of the Essex Animal Hospital, Canine Rehab and Fitness in Essex, Ontario Canada. In 2015, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and in 2018 she received her Masters in Traditional Chinese Veterinary medicine. 

Huntingford is a consultant for the VIN Rehab/Sports Medicine/Chronic Pain Board and lectures nationally and internationally on a variety of topics including rehabilitation, pain management, and geriatric medicine. She has co-authored several textbook chapters on rehabilitation and published a number of peer-reviewed manuscripts. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on her farm/winery with her chef husband, Harold,  her pugs, cats, and horses, a few adult children, and her beautiful new granddaughter, Alina!

Jove Jacob is a member of the dvm360® Student Ambassador Program and a fourth-year veterinary student from the Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur located in India. Jacob received his professional certification for animal physiology from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Jacob was elected as outstanding delegate for the Continous Crisis Committee (CCC) under International Model United Nations where young delegates share their innovative ideas against global crisis or emergency situations. It is partnered with UN organizations like UNDP, UNESCO.

Additionally, he has published his work in the dvm360® Magazine, along with having published review articles in one of the NAAS rated journals. With a passion for equine medicine, he aspires to work as an equine veterinarian in the United States upon graduation.  

Mary L. Berg, BS, RVT, RLATG, VTS (Dentistry), is a charter member of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Microbiology at South Dakota State University, an associate’s degree in Laboratory Animal Science at Redlands Community College, and another associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. She received her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry in 2006.

For nearly three decades, Berg worked in research, where she specialized in products aimed at improving the oral health of companion animals. She has also served as the practice manager and dental specialist at a general practice. She teaches veterinary technology, and she is president of Beyond the Crown Veterinary Education — a veterinary dental consulting service. Berg is actively involved in NAVTA, tAVDT and KVTA, and she has served on committees for the AVMA and AAVSB. She has authored or co-authored over 70 publications.

Barbara Powers, DVM, DACVP, worked as a pathologist and researcher in cancer and radiation pathology at Colorado State University before becoming Director of CSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories. At CSU, she and her colleagues validated an ELISA for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervids and established one of the country’s largest CWD testing centers. During the more than 30-year stint at CSU, she was also president of Colorado Veterinary Medical Association from 2003-2004 and president of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) from 2006-2007. 

Barbara E. Kitchell, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979.  Dr. Kitchell completed an internship at the University of Minnesota, then residencies in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at UC Davis from 1981-1985. She received her PhD (emphasis in Cancer Biology) from the Department of Comparative Pathology at UC Davis in 1994.  She is the Director of Residency Training Programs for VCA, as well as staff oncologist at Vet Care. Kitchell is an ACVIM Diplomate in the specialties of Internal Medicine and Oncology. She is past president of the Veterinary Cancer Society and Past Chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.  

Brendan Lynch has focused his career on redefining what’s possible. He is an innovator and brings his strategic and operational experience to his work. He has a track record of successfully starting, growing, and operating new ventures and divisions for Fortune 1,000 companies. For the last 8 years, he has brought his enthusiasm and leadership to VCA Animal Hospitals. He is currently the VP of Innovation where he pioneers new ways of doing business for clients, patients, Associates, and for the future of veterinary medicine.

Prior to joining VCA, Lynch has diverse entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial experience ranging from starting and selling a global action sports film distribution company to launching multiple digital businesses for Procter & Gamble. Additionally, Lynch has launched the digital division for a leading veterinary communications and analytics company and headed marketing for a venture capital-funded online pet services start-up. 

He enjoys exploring the world with his family, capturing life’s moments through photography, searching for the perfect wave, carving new paths through nature’s snowy terrain, and seeking new adventures that involve being surrounded by nature.

Sandy Weaver is an author, consultant, and professional speaker who works with veterinarians to foster happier hospital cultures and more resilient teams. A citizen-scientist in the fields of neurology, neuroplasticity, and positive psychology, she gives individuals tools they can begin using right away to create more personal success and happiness. Her avocation is dog sports—she's an AKC judge and is owned by a Siberian Husky and a Standard Poodle. 

Mita Malhotra is the Vice President of Chewy Health at Chewy, Inc. She joined the company in 2018. As vice president and general manager, Mita leads Chewy’s journey to delivering a world-class healthcare experience to pets, pet parents, and partners through a customer-focused approach. 

Malhotra is a seasoned leader who brings over 15 years of retail and e-commerce experience to Chewy. She has a proven track record of leading teams to success and growth. Before joining Chewy, Malhotra was a Category Leader at Amazon for Amazon-owned devices and accessories business. Under her leadership, the category doubled year-over-year growth for Amazon Devices and claimed the #1 spot for market segment share across multiple categories. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Dell, where she was responsible for growing Dell’s PC business through traditional retail and e-commerce channels.

Malhotra holds a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley in Geotechnical Engineering and a B.E. from Punjab Engineering College. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her 6-year-old daughter and Shih Tzu named D.

Kathleen Cooney, DVM, MS, CHPV, CCFP, has been practicing advanced end-of-life care since 2006.  She is well-known for her work in companion animal euthanasia and has authored two books on the subject. Dr. Cooney has collaborated in euthanasia training for the AVMA, AAHA, IAAHPC, HABRI, the Fear Free program, and is Founder and Director of Education for the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA). The core certificate program is Dr. Cooney's design and is based around the The 14 Essential Components of Companion Animal Euthanasia. She is a strong advocate for best practices in all aspects of end-of-life care and speaks nationally and internationally on such topics. 

Stephanie Messick’s passion for advancing missions which elevate end-of-life pet care began in 2012. Stephanie worked in animal welfare in Florida, then transitioned to pet aftercare service in 2015 when she joined The Pet Loss Center. She partnered with veterinary teams across the states of Florida and Colorado to elevate their practice’s end-of-life care by providing world class cremation and pet loss services with the utmost dignity, honor and respect. In 2016 Stephanie completed the Two Hearts Pet Loss Center certificate program in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning. During that time she presented continuing education curriculum to veterinary hospitals, veterinary medical associations and in 2018 at the Peter Piper Memorial Conference for Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society.

Ane Uriarte is a diploma holder of the European College in Veterinary Neurology (ECVN). She started her studies in Spain but graduated as a veterinarian in Paris, where she did her general internship and neurology residency.

After obtaining her ECVN diploma, she worked for 8 years in a private hospital on the outskirts of London before she moved to Massachusetts in 2017, where she was an assistant professor in neurology and Neurosurgery at Tufts University. During her stay in the United States, Uriarte created the free iOS and Android app called My dog's epilepsy accessible to all owners and veterinarians. She has recently returned to London where she is the head of the Neurology service at Southfields veterinary specialist.

Uriarte has published numerous articles in international journals, as well as neurosurgery chapters in reference books. She is constantly teaching in the form of webinars, congresses, and social media. She posts daily neurology cases on instagram, youtube, and facebook on @ane.neuro.

A small animal veterinarian for 16 years and a mom for 15, Emily Singler is a graduate of Penn State University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and a transplanted Floridian. She has worked in shelter medicine and private practice and now does relief work with IndeVets and writes in her “spare time.” She has strong interests in public health, preventive medicine and the human-animal bond. She is passionate about supporting veterinary professionals who are or will be parents. She is both fear-free and human-animal bond certified, and she also speaks Spanish. When she’s not working or chasing after her 4 kids, 3 pets, and 1 husband, she enjoys horseback riding, sewing, running, collecting all things llama and alpaca, and eating chocolate. She is also writing her first book! Check out her blog at https://vetmedbaby.com/

Steve Dale, CABC, writes for veterinary professionals and pet owners, hosts 2 national radio programs, and has appeared on TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to Oprah. He is on the dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board as well as the boards of the Human-Animal Bond Association and EveryCat Health Foundation. He appears at conferences around the world. Visit stevedale.tv.

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, is board certified by the American Veterinary Dental College and American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He is the current president of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. Bellows practices veterinary dentistry at All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida. He is also the author of Small Animal Dental Equipment Materials and Techniques, 2nd Ed and Feline Dentistry, 2nd Ed. 

Lori Harbert, LCSW, and a social worker for more than 20 years, specializes in mental health counseling, trauma-informed care, crisis counseling, grief and bereavement counseling, and leadership building. She developed and launched BluePearl’s first health and well-being program that provides resources and support to more than 6000 associates.

Sonja Olson, DVM, graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on exotic animal and conservation medicine. Her professional path led to over 25 years of practicing clinical small animal and exotic emergency medicine in both private and corporate practice environments in Virginia and in Florida. Olson’s full-time role currently is as Health & Well-being Educator for the BluePearl Health & Well-being Team, working alongside licensed veterinary social workers. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer and as a Compassion Fatigue Educator through The Figley Institute. She completed her 2-year Mindful Meditation Teacher Certification in February 2023. Her upcoming book Creating Well-being and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life will be released in March 2022. 

Sarah Barrett, DVM, PhD, DACVP, is a native of Southwest Virginia and completed her BS in Biology and DVM at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech (’99 and ’05, respectively). She practiced emergency medicine and critical care, followed by small animal day practice in Houston and Central Texas, before returning to Virginia Tech for a combined clinical pathology residency, culminating in board certification (2014) and a PhD in autoimmune glomerulonephritis (2015). She spent the next 5 years as a clinical assistant professor with a joint appointment at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, before transitioning to digital pathology and joining Zoetis in 2021. When not working in the office she spends her time wrangling her many animals and working on her lavender farm. (Sponsored by Zoetis)

Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, joined Thrive Pet Healthcare in 2015 as chief medical officer. In his current role as chief professional relations officer, Murtaugh is responsible for developing strategies to further establish and coordinate Thrive’s meaningful partnerships with veterinary schools, including residency and internship programs. He is a board-certified veterinary emergency and critical care specialist and a board-certified specialist in veterinary internal medicine. He is a pioneer in specialty veterinary medicine and paved the way for emergency and critical care to become an American Veterinary Medical Association–recognized specialty in 1989.

Julia E. Miller, DVM, DACVD, graduated from Cornell's vet school and began her career as a large animal veterinarian. After completing a large animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Georgia, she went on to mixed animal practice in North Carolina, followed by South Carolina. She then pursued her love of surgery at a high-volume, high-quality surgery center before turning her attention back to her true love, dermatology. She completed a dermatology residency at Cornell and stayed on as faculty after. When she's not prescribing steroids, she loves all things related to horses, bully breeds, and singing. (Sponsored by Vetoquinol)

Byron L. Blagburn MS, PhD, DACVM Hon (Parasitology), holds the appointment of Distinguished University Professor at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is past president of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, the Southern Conference on Animal Parasites, the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists, and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). He has served as an associate editor for the Journal of Parasitology and has served on the editorial boards of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Therapeutics, The International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Blagburn is a recipient of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitiologist’s Distinguished Veterinary Parasitologist Award, the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence (1987 and 2010), and the Auburn University Student Government Association “Teacher of the Year” Award. (Sponsored by Vetoquinol)

Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, is a board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. His work has garnered him international recognition as a thought leader, and coveted keynote speaker and educator. Pachel has traveled the world, headlining international conferences and teaching inspiring lessons about animal aggression, animal behavior, and industry trends.

Tracy Richards lives near Cleveland, Ohio, with her family including 5 dogs and three cats. Tracy’s animals are the heart of her life, especially her dog Asha, an 11 year old Double Merle Australian Shepherd who was born deaf and blind. Asha also has epilepsy and experiences severe anxiety. Tracy has spent the last eleven years working with Family Veterinarians, Behavioral Veterinarians, Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Acupuncturists, Animal Communicators and anyone else who could provide options to ease Asha’s unrest. She met Pachel when Asha was 10 months old and in him found a touchstone that would allow for peace amidst the chaos. Asha has been Tracy‘s biggest challenge, greatest joy and most relentless teacher. She is writing a book about their life together. Asha: Lessons in Hope and Life will be published in Fall of 2022. Her website is http://tracyrichards.co/.

This episode of The Vet Blast Podcast features a recent graduate from the class of 2021 at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Harris Fitzgerel, DVM, shares his experiences with going through vet school during a pandemic. He and host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discuss the ups and downs of learning during lockdown with limited hands-on experience, plus tips for other veterinary students or those looking to join the profession. Fitzgerel is also a blogger and self-described fitness and pop music enthusiast. 

Brian Beale, DVM, DACVS, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He received his DVM and completed his residency at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After his board certification, he joined Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 1992 and practiced there until 2019. He also appeared in 2 seasons of the television show Animal ER on National Geographic Wild.

Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM is the Staff Veterinarian at 4J Conservation Center, an instructor for FEMA/DHS courses, and a Regional Commander for the National Disaster Medicine System Team. She graduated from Texas A&M University's CVM and has pursued emergency medicine and zoo medicine throughout her career. She owned 2 emergency clinics and has been the Senior Veterinarian in a zoo. She completed fieldwork in Madagascar and South America and continues to explore new areas of medicine as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine for more than 10 years. 

Chatfield is a Medical Reserve Corps member and developed the "Veterinary Support to Zoological Animals in a Disaster" for the National Veterinary Response Teams training curriculum. She has chaired the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's (FVMA) One Health Committee and co-chaired FVMA's Disaster Response Committee.

David Hall is co-founder of GeniusVets. In 2021 Hall was named a Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Influencer by MARsum and invited by Forbes to join its prestigious Agency Council. He now works with veterinary practices across the country to better achieve their business goals. David can be reached via email at: david@geniusvets.com

Jill Clark, DVM, returns to The Vet Blast Podcast to talk about CSR education in the veterinary profession.

Clark founded IGNITE in 2016 with the singular goal of elevating the knowledge of veterinary teams to enhance their wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of the patients and clients they serve. Her nearly 30-year career in veterinary medicine has been dedicated to the constant improvement of veterinary outcomes and operations and has created many opportunities for the professional growth of the incredible people who make up our profession.

Emily Shiver, CVPM, CCFP, CVBL, is a certified veterinary practice manager that has been working in practice for more than 18 years. Emily's passion is creating and maintaining positive, successful workplace cultures as well as helping practices increase revenue and improve the client experience. She enjoys every aspect of inventory and strives to help practices meet and exceed their inventory goals.

Liz Hughston, MEd, RVT, CVT, LVT, LMVT, VTS (SAIM) (ECC), currently practices as a relief veterinary technician, trainer, and consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has authored articles and textbook chapters and is a co-editor of Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine (Springer Nature) and the upcoming 2nd edition of the Small Animal Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses textbook (Wiley). 
 
Currently, Hughston is President of the National Veterinary Professionals Union, Co-Founder of the Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy, an Administrator of the Not One More Vet Support Staff group, Credentialing Committee Chair of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians, and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of dvm360. 
 
Hughston is dedicated to advancing veterinary technology, technicians, and assistants through training, mentorship, and advocacy both within and outside the veterinary profession.

Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She's a professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She's also the Director for the PennVet Working Dogs Center at of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.