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Reviving Vet Med

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

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.

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  • 26 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

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  • #83
    January 28 · 47 min

    Finding Balance Through Veterinary Wellness Retreats | Episode 83 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail In a profession defined by constant care for others, veterinarians often struggle to make time for their own recovery. What if stepping away, even briefly, could be the key to sustaining joy and longevity in practice? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Heather Gunn McQuillan, veterinarian, educator, and founder of Nature Space Resort and Retreat Centre and AwareVet Veterinary Consulting. After nearly two decades in clinical practice and academic leadership, Heather now helps veterinary professionals restore balance through nature-based wellness retreats. She shares how mindfulness, rest, and intentional time in nature can promote resilience, health, and emotional recovery, and why immersive retreats can create lasting change. You will learn how to integrate mindfulness and rest into daily life and how community and connection can revive your passion for veterinary work. Whether you are feeling depleted, curious about retreats, or looking to reconnect with yourself and your purpose, this conversation offers inspiration and practical guidance for sustainable wellbeing. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/zMh4X8V2ErQ Resources Learn more about Heather’s retreats and offerings on her website: www.naturespaceresort.com Follow Nature Space Resort on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureSpaceResort 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 Programs 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 our sponsor Scribenote The 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

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  • #82
    January 14 · 45 min

    Emotional Intelligence in Early-Career Veterinarians | Episode 82 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Transitioning from veterinary school to practice is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Early-career veterinarians face challenges navigating client interactions, team dynamics, and the emotional demands of clinical work, which require more than medical knowledge and call for emotional intelligence. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tipsarp (Minnie) Kittisiam, a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and wellbeing researcher whose doctoral work at the University of Guelph explored emotional intelligence and wellbeing among veterinarians. Minnie shares how skills like self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation can help early-career vets adapt, thrive, and maintain wellbeing in the workplace. You will learn what emotional intelligence really means in veterinary practice, how it supports communication and resilience, and why developing these skills is essential for long-term satisfaction and success. Whether you are a recent graduate finding your footing or a leader mentoring the next generation, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and practical strategies to foster emotional growth, connection, and thriving in veterinary medicine. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/BSkRVkvXRxg Resources Follow Dr. Tipsarp (Minnie) Kittisiam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipsarp/ or visit her website: https://tipsarp.github.io/ A qualitative exploration of the emotional experiences and applications of emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40497294/ The Feelings Wheel: https://feelingswheel.com/ Name them to tame them (Reviving Vet Med Podcast Ep 1): https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/10874187-name-them-to-tame-them-episode-1-reviving-vet-med Dr. Kittisiam’s thesis: https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/items/e0afb4e9-20b4-431c-b698-8c1e82a1b727 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 Programs 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 our sponsor Scribenote The 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

    • Transcript
  • #81
    Dec 10, 2025 · 40 min

    Holistic Healing and Wellbeing in Vet Med | Episode 81 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Vet Wellness, where she integrates Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine with preventive care, holistic approaches, and a focus on sustainability in work and life. Galina explains how acupuncture, food therapy, and other integrative practices can support both animal health and the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. We also explore the restorative impact of nature, especially the ocean, the value of creative outlets like music and art, and the idea that caring for the planet can be part of caring for ourselves. If you are seeking more balance, creativity, or connection in your life and wondering how that fits with a veterinary career, this conversation offers practical ideas and meaningful inspiration. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/tIzwx4f9VZc Resources Learn more about Lunch and Learns by Reviving Veterinary Medicine: https://revivingvetmed.com/lunch-and-learns-for-veterinary-teams/ Follow Galina Bershteyn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/galina-bershteyn-dvm-cva-cvft-avma-wellbeing-educator-76a52852/ and Facebook / Instagram @puravidavetwellness Visit Galina’s website: https://www.puravidavetwellness.com/ Watch Ocean with David Attenborough: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-a746313c-f585-4d28-86e5-3eccedd49e15 Listen to Ep. 11 - Volunteering Fosters Mental Health And Wellbeing: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/10874177-volunteering-fosters-mental-health-and-wellbeing-episode-11-reviving-vet-med Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed To order a copy of Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian, visit ACompassionateCalling.com 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 Reviving Veterinary Medicine Resources To explore our RACE-approved online programs, handouts & posters, podcast episodes, blogs, and upcoming events, visit: https://RevivingVetMed.com. This is your hub for free resources, 1-on-1 coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident debriefing, and everything Reviving Veterinary Medicine has to offer. Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote The 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

    • Transcript
  • #80
    Dec 3, 2025 · 33 min

    Bonus Episode: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian | Episode 80 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk shares her recent conversation with Dr. Andy Roark from the Cone of Shame podcast, diving into the heart of her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian. Together, they explore the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, from perfectionism and burnout to purpose, identity, and rediscovering joy in the work. Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, student, or someone who loves a veterinary professional, this episode offers a candid, compassionate look at what it truly means to build a career in a caring profession without losing yourself along the way. If you’ve ever struggled to balance passion with personal wellbeing, or wondered how to set boundaries without guilt, this conversation will feel both validating and deeply hopeful. Tune in for an honest discussion that reminds us why the work matters, and why caring for ourselves matters just as much. Resources Learn more about A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian and order your copy: https://ACompassionateCalling.com Follow Dr. Andy Roark on social media: @DrAndyRoark Follow and listen to the Cone of Shame podcast: https://drandyroark.com/podcast/ 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 Reviving Veterinary Medicine Resources To explore our RACE-approved online programs, handouts & posters, podcast episodes, blogs, and upcoming events, visit: https://revivingvetmed.com. This is your hub for free resources, lunch & learns, critical incident debriefing, and everything Reviving Veterinary Medicine has to offer. Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com Support the show

    • Transcript
  • #79
    Nov 26, 2025 · 48 min

    Cultivating Compassion in Veterinary Medicine | Episode 79 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail Compassion is at the heart of veterinary medicine, but sustaining it can be tough in the face of long hours, high expectations, and emotionally intense work. While many of us focus on compassion for patients and clients, the missing piece is often self-compassion, which is critical for reducing burnout and building resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Megan Davis, a veterinarian and educator passionate about mental health and human factors, and Dr. Katherine Wakelin, a clinical psychologist specializing in compassion-focused therapy. Together, they introduce a free 14-day Compassion Course for Veterinarians, designed to help professionals counter self-criticism, reduce stress, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves. You’ll learn what compassion-focused therapy is, why self-compassion can feel so counterintuitive in our profession, and how small shifts in mindset can make a big difference for wellbeing. Megan and Katherine also share practical tools you can start using right away to manage stress and sustain your capacity to care for others. Whether you’ve been curious about self-compassion or skeptical of it, this conversation offers science-backed insights and accessible strategies to support a long, meaningful career in veterinary medicine. Watch the Video Version of this Episode [Link pending] Resources Follow Dr. Megan Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-davis-a5ba7a151/ Take the free online 14-day compassion course for veterinarians: https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/free-online-compassion-course-for-veterinarian-mental-wellbeing/ Being Brilliant Every Single Day (TEDx video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_fFattg8N0 Feasibility and efficacy of an online compassion-focused imagery intervention for veterinarian self-reassurance, self-criticism and perfectionism (article): https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vetr.2177 Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed Order Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian: https://www.routledge.com/A-Compassionate-Calling-What-It-Really-Means-to-Be-a-Veterinarian/Holowaychuk/p/book/9781032389035?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=26e8517167f611f0806101060a1eba24 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 Programs To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/ Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities Email: podcast@revi Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote The 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

    • Transcript
  • #78
    Nov 12, 2025 · 44 min

    Career Transitions and Life Balance in Vet Med | Episode 78 | Reviving Vet Med

    Send us Fan Mail For many veterinary professionals, there comes a moment when the path ahead feels uncertain. Burnout, loss of purpose, or a yearning for change can leave you wondering: Is this still the right fit for me? And if not, what’s next? In this inspiring episode, we speak with Sophie Gilbert, a Veterinary Surgeon, and qualified Executive Coach, who specializes in emotional resilience, career fulfillment, and sustainable life balance. With decades of experience in primary care emergency practice, Sophie understands the intense pressures of veterinary work, and how daunting it can feel to navigate big transitions. Sophie shares her own story of moving from the UK to New Zealand and shifting from clinical practice into coaching. We explore the early signs it might be time for a change, how to clarify your personal values and use them as a compass for decision-making, and the common fears that hold people back from making bold moves. Sophie also offers practical advice on setting healthy boundaries, reconnecting with your sense of purpose, and taking that all-important first step toward a more joyful, balanced career. Whether you’re actively considering a transition or simply curious about what fulfillment could look like in your professional life, this conversation will leave you feeling supported, encouraged, and ready to explore new possibilities. Watch the Video Version of this Episode https://youtu.be/UCak-vjwZDA Resources Follow Sophie Gilbert on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/trivetmindset and Instagram @tri.vet_mindset Brene Brown’s Living Into Our Values (exercise and podcast): https://brenebrown.com/resources/living-into-our-values/ Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed Order Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian: www.marieholowaychuk.com/orderbook 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 Programs 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 our sponsor Scribenote The 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

    • Transcript
Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes