Kelsey Beth Carpenter, RVT hosts a lively episode in which we find out what to do when we feel overwhelmed by the problems in our industry. On this episode of The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Kelsey Beth Carpenter Dr. Andy Roark to discuss optimism and cynicism in veterinary medicine. They dive into how choosing optimism can positively shape careers, the difference between optimism and toxic positivity, and strategies for navigating negativity in the profession. This episode offers actionable insights for veterinary professionals on maintaining hope, finding balance, and embracing opportunities amidst challenges. Whether you're a vet, technician, practice manager, or part of a veterinary team, this conversation is a refreshing reminder of the good in veterinary medicine and the power of perspective.

LINKS

Dr. Andy Roark Newsletter

Dr. Know It All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Andy Roark is a practicing veterinarian, international speaker, author, and media personality. He is the founder of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference and DrAndyRoark.com. He has been an award-winning columnist for DVM360 and the magazine Today’s Veterinary Business. His social media, website, podcast and YouTube show reach millions of people every month.

Dr. Roark has received the NAVC Practice Management Speaker of the Year Award three times, the WVC Practice Management Educator of the Year Award, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. His greatest achievement however involves marrying a bad-ass scientist and raising 2 kind and wonderful daughters.

Kelsey Beth Carpenter is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience working in emergency hospitals across California. She currently works as the Social Media Manager for DrAndyRoark.com and a Content Specialist for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Some of Kelsey’s passions include the open hospital concept, the power of creativity and humor, the overlap of science and art, and sharing lessons learned from living life with chronic illness. Kelsey is probably most known for two of her favorite hobbies: writing and performing comedic songs about veterinary medicine and acting as a full time stage mom for her Chihuahua mix, Birdie.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk joins Dr. Andy Roark on The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to share her journey through burnout, mental health struggles, and recovery as a boarded critical care specialist turned wellness advocate. In this insightful episode, Dr. Holowaychuk discusses the realities of perfectionism, the martyr complex, and the challenges veterinary professionals face in balancing work, identity, and life outside the clinic. Marie opens up about her personal transformation, the pivotal role of boundaries, and strategies to prioritize mental health. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking wellness solutions, or striving for a sustainable veterinary career, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for veterinarians, practice owners, and veterinary teams.

LINKS

Marie's Website: marieholowaychuk.com

Mental Health Hub: revivingvetmed.com

Instagram: @drmarieholowaychuk

LinkedIn: Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Know It All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.

Dr. Cathy Meeks dives into this episode to discuss diagnostic innovation and what really happens at the lab. In this episode of The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark sits down with his longtime friend and fellow University of Florida alum, Dr. Cathy Meeks, Global VP of Medical Operations at Antech Diagnostics. Together, they explore the inner workings of veterinary diagnostics, discussing hematology cases and the advanced resources available to veterinary teams. Dr. Meeks shares insights into the diagnostic process, highlighting how practices can utilize Antech's pathologists, AI-driven tools, and consult lines to improve efficiency and support their teams. If you're a veterinary practice manager, technician, or veterinarian looking to understand the cutting-edge innovations shaping diagnostics, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Roark and Dr. Meeks uncover ways to leverage technology, enhance technician development, and maximize the support available through reference labs. This episode is brought to you by Antech Diagnostics!

LINKS

Antech Diagnostics

Cathy Meeks on LinkedIn

Leadership Essentials Certificate

Charming the Angry Client Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Cathy Meeks received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, her Master’s degree in forensics and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2007. She did a small animal internship and an internal medicine residency at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. She received board certification in 2011 in Internal Medicine. For the past 12 years she has practiced in the Tampa Bay area. From 2015-2020, she was the Regional Vice President of Medicine for Bluepearl Veterinary Partners overseeing the medical quality and developing medical leaders of 15 specialty hospitals. In 2021, she became Vice President of Medical Operations for Antech diagnostics and was recently promoted to Global Vice President of Medical Operations. Currently she is responsible for over 200 veterinary specialists and the day-to-day operations of the medical team.