Reviving Vet Med

Conversations about suicide can be uncomfortable—but they’re essential. In this thoughtful and deeply informative episode, we speak with Dr. Jen Brandt, Director of Member Wellbeing Initiatives at the American Veterinary Medical Association, to talk about suicide prevention, stigma reduction, and building truly supportive workplaces in veterinary medicine.

With advanced suicidology training and a career dedicated to mental health an...

Veterinary teams are no strangers to trauma—emergency cases, euthanasia, client distress, and internal conflict can all leave an emotional mark. Yet, so often, we rush past these moments without stopping to process them. What if we didn’t have to carry that weight alone?

In this essential episode, we speak with Julie Morse Elliott, MPCC Provisional (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling Provisional), RVT, VTS(ECC), and trained...

Conflict is a part of every workplace—but in veterinary medicine, it’s often something we avoid at all costs. In this episode of Reviving Vet Med, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk explores why conflict avoidance is so common among veterinary teams and how it can silently erode trust, collaboration, and even patient care.

Through practical strategies and real-life examples, Marie breaks down the different types of conflict—whether it’s a disagr...

Veterinary medicine isn’t just a career—it’s often a core part of who we are. But what happens when the role of “veterinarian” starts to overshadow the rest of our identity? How do we stay connected to ourselves when the profession feels all-consuming?

In this reflective episode, Dr. Melodie Chan—longtime veterinarian, industry leader, and mentor—shares her personal journey of navigating identity in veterinary medicine. From early i...

In this calming bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk invites you to pause and gently lay down some of the emotional weight you may be carrying—grief, stress, responsibility, or expectations. Whether you're a veterinary professional navigating a difficult season or simply someone feeling the heaviness of the day-to-day, this 8-minute guided meditation offers a safe space to rest, release, and reconnect with yourself.

Through bre...

Grief is a constant presence in veterinary medicine—quiet, cumulative, and often ignored. From euthanasia and patient loss to a co-worker resigning or a colleague moving away, grief takes many forms in the lives of veterinary professionals. But what happens when we don’t acknowledge it?

In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Kira Valentine, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Veterinary Technician, and Reviving Vete...

Neurodiversity remains a largely misunderstood and under-discussed topic in veterinary medicine, despite the profound ways it shapes how professionals experience and engage with their work. In this episode, we speak with Helen Allwood — small animal vet turned coach and trainer — about her journey from veterinary practice to coaching, following a late ADHD diagnosis that transformed her sense of self and professional path.

Helen sha...

Allyship isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessary practice for creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments in veterinary medicine. In this episode, we explore what it means to be a true ally to LGBTQIA+ veterinary professionals, especially during Pride Month, but also throughout the year.

We unpack the mental health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the profession, why representation alone isn’t enough, and how e...

Perinatal mental health is still a taboo topic in many medical professions — including veterinary medicine — despite the very real impact it has on professionals during pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Emily Singler — veterinarian, mom of four, and author of Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team — to discuss how mental health challenges show up during this pivotal life phase, an...

In a profession where high stress and long hours often drown out the signals from our bodies, tuning into those quiet whispers can be a radical act of self-preservation. In this episode, we sit down with Simmi Latulippe—functional medicine consultant, menopause coach, and trauma-informed yoga teacher—to explore the intersection of hormonal health, trauma, and holistic healing in veterinary medicine.

Simmi shares what it re...

Creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential for effective teamwork and sustainable wellbeing. In this episode, Avery Alston, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Veterinary Emergency Group, shares how fostering belonging can transform veterinary workplaces from the inside out.

We explore the connection between DEI and team performance, the r...

Veterinary medical record documentation is a major source of stress — often piling up after hours and impacting both care quality and veterinarian wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Katie Gallagher, general practice vet and co-founder of Scribenote, shares how her AI-powered scribe tool is helping vets stay present with patients, catch up on records faster, and reclaim personal time.

We explore why medical record documentatio...

Veterinary professionals often face intense emotional challenges — from navigating difficult euthanasia conversations to managing compassion fatigue and moral distress. But did you know that social workers are increasingly becoming essential allies in these moments? In this episode, we explore the growing field of veterinary social work and how it bridges the gap between human and animal wellbeing. You’ll learn about the origins of...

Neurodivergence in veterinary medicine is more common than you might think — and it brings both incredible strengths and unique challenges. In this episode, we explore what neurodiversity really means, breaking down conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety-related neurotypes. You’ll learn how these differences shape the way individuals think, communicate, and work — and why embracing neurodivergent team members can enhan...

In this special 60th episode, we invite you to join us for an 8-minute equanimity meditation designed to help veterinary professionals navigate the emotional highs and lows of the profession. This practice will guide you through a series of mindfulness techniques to cultivate steadiness and compassion—both for your patients and for yourself.

This meditation will help you ground yourself, embrace both the joy and sorrow of ...

Feeling drained and disconnected from your work? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the emotional challenges that many veterinary professionals face: burnout, compassion fatigue, and empathy fatigue. Though often used interchangeably, each of these issues has its own distinct impact on our well-being. We’ll unpack what sets them apart, how to recognize the signs, and why understanding the differences is key to managing...

Timed to coincide with Canada’s Pink Shirt Day, we explore a challenge that many veterinary professionals face: managing rude client interactions. These behaviors, though often not personal, can profoundly impact veterinary teams, leading to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even decisions to leave the profession. By understanding the emotional and financial stressors that fuel client behavior, veterinary professionals can better ...

From high rates of depression among veterinary students to significant psychological distress in practice teams, this episode tackles the challenges and importance of mental health conversations in the veterinary profession. Building on the momentum of Bell Let’s Talk Day in Canada, we explore the concerning mental health statistics within veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for open dialogue to combat stigma and foster suppo...

While bubble baths and spa days are nice, true self-care goes much deeper—it's about prioritizing actions that genuinely support your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. During this episode, we share personal stories and evidence-based insights into why self-care isn’t selfish but essential, especially for caregiving professionals like veterinarians. We also explore the benefits of self-care for resilience and burnout p...