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The Integrative Veterinarian

College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies

The Integrative Veterinarian is a series of conversations with Integrative Veterinary Practitioners and how they approach their craft. We talk about things like their history, their veterinary school experience, life in conventional veterinary practice, and what led them to Integrative Veterinary Medicine. We also talk about their current veterinary practice, interests, and self-care practices. This podcast is sponsored by the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. CIVT provides word-leading education in natural medicine, including three accredited post-graduate qualifications, industry-recognized certifications and a wide range of evidence-based courses and webinars delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners. Learn more at www.civtedu.org.

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#168
August 22 · 55 min
Dr. David Ward
Dr. David Ward was raised in Newcastle, NSW. He wanted to work with animals from an early age. He earned his Bachelor of Animal Science degree from the University of Sydney in 1990, then worked for a year as a livestock advisor before returning to University of Sydney to earn a Masters degree in Veterinary Science, studying Dairy cattle physiology. In 1994, he went to South Africa to begin his veterinary degree at the University of Pretoria, transferring to Murdoch University and earning his veterinary degree in 1998. After graduation, David went into Avian and Zoo practice, followed by horse and cattle practice before returning to Newcastle and small animal general and emergency practice. Looking to expand his treatment capabilities, he earned his Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture from CIVT in 2018, his Certificate in Canine Rehabilitation in 2021, and his Certificate in Veterinary Natural Nutrition in 2023, both from CIVT. In 2021 he joined the team at All Natural Veterinary Care in Russell Lea, where he is currently a Director. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. David Ward as we discuss his education, varied practice experience, holistic training, and the integrative approach that he and the team at All Natural Veterinary Care use to treat their patients.
#167
August 8 · 34 min
Dr. Nate Heilman
Dr. Nate Heilman was raised in western Pennsylvania. He gained early animal experience through 4-H and on his grandparent's cattle farm. He earned his BS in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1993 and his DVM from Cornell in 1997. After graduation, he went into mixed and small animal practice before he and his wife moved to Vermont in 2000, where he was also employed in mixed practice. He was certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 2005, and in herbal medicine by A Time To Heal in 2007. In 2007, he and his wife Thérèse founded the Qi Veterinary Clinic in Vermont, and in 2015 they purchased the A Time To Heal Herbal Company from Dr. Mona Boudreau. In 2022 they renovated a building in Shelburne, Vermont large enough to be home to both the veterinary clinic and the herbal business as well as an educational center. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Nate Heilman as we discuss his education, founding his own practice, purchasing an herbal company, and his family's 100 acre Farm in Vermont.
#166
July 25 · 38 min
Dr. Caroline Wood
Dr. Caroline Wood was raised on the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, Australia. She is the daughter of two physicians, but decided on veterinary medicine as a career, graduating in 2011 from the University of Sydney with her veterinary degree. After graduation, she worked in a busy small animal practice in New South Wales for three years, then after a short break, joined a small animal practice in the Northern Beaches area with the goal of becoming the practice owner. She became business partners with another doctor in the practice and they bought the practice in 2015. After about eight years, she bought out her business partner and became sole owner, and continues to own the practice as of this day. Her holistic journey began when a family dog was treated for cancer by both oncology specialists and holistic veterinarians. She went on to earn a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine from CIVT and incorporates herbal medicine, naturopathic remedies, and nutritional counseling into her clinical practice. As part of that evolution, she renamed the practice Aubreen Veterinary Hospital and has changed the multi-doctor practice focus from an allopathic to an integrative approach. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Caroline Wood as we discuss her education, practice and ownership experience, holistic medicine training, and her service as a board member for a local veterinary emergency clinic.
#165
July 11 · 45 min
Dr. Barrie Sands
Dr. Barrie Sands was raised in Brooklyn, New York. She always had a love of animals, but it wasn't until she finished her undergraduate degree that she committed to the idea of becoming a Veterinarian. She earned her DVM from Ross University in 1991. After graduation, she did an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, followed by some locum work in the Tri-State area before moving to San Diego to practice emergency medicine. She has been at the same clinic for 30 years. In 2003, she started her official holistic journey by becoming certified in Acupuncture by IVAS. She started seeing patients for holistic care one day a week, and in the beginning of this year she stopped doing emergency medicine and is dedicating all of her clinical time to holistic patients. In addition to her clinical work, she has lectured extensively, written articles, and has published one book with another close to publication. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Barrie Sands as we discuss her education, clinical practice, simultaneously working in emergency medicine and holistic medicine, and her thoughts on resonance and connection with our patients and with each other.
#164
June 27 · 38 min
Dr. Zachery Lane
Dr. Zachery Lane was born in Woodstock, Georgia and was interested in veterinary medicine from a young age. He earned his BS in 2009 from Berry College, majoring in Animal Science and Chemistry. He earned his DVM from St. George's University in 2013. After graduation, he entered emergency medicine practice for 6 years before transitioning to general small animal practice in Roswell, Georgia where he is now Chief of Staff. A family history of gardening, agriculture, and herbal medicine led him to formalize his western herbal medicine study with CIVT, earning a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine in 2025. As part of that study, he has published a case report in the Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies, and has an additional case study in press with the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. In conjunction with his herbal medicine practice, Dr. Lane has completed a certification in Veterinary Natural Nutrition from CIVT, and is currently enrolled in the Certification program for Veterinary Integrative Therapeutic Nutrition. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Zachery Lane as we discuss his Appalachian roots, his education, clinical experience, and his involvement with the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association.
#163
June 13 · 38 min
Dr. Leslie McIntyre
Dr., Leslie McIntyre was raised in Central Oregon and always knew that she wanted to be a Veterinarian. She earned her DVM from Oregon State University in 1995, then did an equine internship followed by a residency in Equine Internal Medicine at Colorado State University, finishing in 1999. She was Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Large Animal Medicine in 1999 and earned a Master's Degree from CSU that same year. Afterwards, she returned to Bend, Oregon to join an Equine referral clinic for the next six years. In 2005, she founded her own practice, Sage Veterinary Alternatives in Bend. Dr. McIntyre completed the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course while a resident, became certified in acupuncture by IVAS, and has training in Homotoxicology, Canine Osteopathy, and Medical Laser therapy. She is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the IVCA and in Canine Rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She also has earned the Veterinary Master Homeopathy certification from the Pitcairn Institute and is certified by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Leslie McIntyre as we discuss her education, work history, holistic training, and her involvement with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation.
#162
May 30 · 38 min
Dr. Tara Harrison
Dr. Tara Harrison was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She earned her DVM from Michigan State University in 2000, and a MPVM from UC Davis in 2002. Her research involved infectious agents in Kenyan hyenas. Her interest in zoo medicine has led to employment in a number of different zoos, but she is currently a tenured professor in Zoo and Exotic Medicine at North Carolina State University. She is Board Certified in Zoo Medicine, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, and Zoo Health Management. She was certified in acupuncture by Chi University in 2017 and has been an instructor for Chi since that time. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Harrison is the Co-Founder of the Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance and is a Board Member for the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Tara Harrison as we discuss her education, her clinical and research work with zoo and exotic animals, and her additional training in educating veterinary students.
#161
May 16 · 43 min
Dr. Matt Fricke
Dr. Matt Fricke was raised in Hawaii. He started his undergraduate education at a small private college and finished it as well as his veterinary degree at Washington State University, earning his DVM in 1994. After graduation, he entered small animal practice in Iowa for one year, then relocated to a practice in Springfield, Oregon, where he remains to this day. He is certified in acupuncture by IVAS and in Animal Normalization Therapy by Patricia Kortekaas. He is also certified in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine by A Time to Heal, and completed the Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation course. He has also been a teaching assistant for both the IVAS acupuncture course as well as the ANT training courses, as well as lecturing extensively. Dr. Fricke has been actively involved in organized veterinary medicine. He has served various roles for the Wild West Veterinary Conference, from Moderator to Integrative Medicine Track Chair to Conference President. He has also served on the Executive Board, including as President, of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. He currently serves as the AAVA Delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Matt Fricke as we discuss his education, practice experience, and volunteer work in organized veterinary medicine.
#160
May 2 · 41 min
Dr. Kellie Lindquist
Dr. Kellie Lindquist was raised in a rural area part of Northern California. Her first career interest was human medicine, but she changed her focus to veterinary medicine during her undergraduate studies. She earned her veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 2011. After graduation, she worked in a mixed animal practice in Oregon before she joined a small animal practice in Anchorage, Alaska. She still works at that same practice. Her holistic interest started after a personal health challenge. She is a Reiki Master, is certified in Acupuncture by IVAS, in TCVM Palliative and End of Life Care and Chinese Herbal Medicine by Chi University, and in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy by the Healing Oasis. She combines these modalities with traditional care for her patients. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kellie Lindquist as we discuss her education, practice experience, and holistic training.
#159
April 18 · 34 min
Dr. Todd Cooney
Dr. Todd Cooney was born outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a Veterinarian. He earned his BS in Wildlife Science in 1981 and his DVM in 1986 from Purdue University. After graduation, he worked in mixed animal practice for two years before serving in the US Air Force and US Army. After his time of service, he returned to mixed animal practice and then transitioned to small animal practice. Although he had been exposed to homeopathy while serving with the Army in Germany, his interest in holistic medicine was sparked during a personal health crisis. He completed Dr. Pitcairn's Homeopathy course in 2009 and was certified by the AVH in 2010. He started his own integrative practice in Kokomo, Indiana at that time and continues to practice there today. Dr. Cooney has also written and lectured extensively on homeopathy and has served in leadership positions in the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Todd Cooney as we discussed his education, work history, and current integrative small animal practice.
#158
April 4 · 40 min
Dr. Chris Randall
Dr. Chris Randall was born on a dairy and fruit farm in Western Michigan. He began his medical career at an EMT/Firefighter, progressing to become a paramedic and then a Registered Nurse working in Emergency Medicine. He decided to switch to veterinary medicine and earned his DVM from Michigan State University in 2010. While a veterinary student, he was commissioned as an officer in the National Guard and met Colonel Gene Gavin DVM, who introduced him to holistic medicine. Dr. Randall's holistic education started with Spinal Manipulation at the Healing Oasis and then Chi University for Acupuncture. He started his own practice in Northern Michigan after graduation. He currently offers VSMT, acupuncture, Chinese and Western Herbal medicine, homeopathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, shockwave therapy, and regenerative medicine for small and large animals. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Chris Randall as we discuss his education, career in human and veterinary medicine, and his new business offering functional medicine for people.
#157
March 21 · 52 min
Dr. Adrien Zap
Dr. Adrien Zap was raised in Connecticut. She new from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She earned her BS in Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Connecticut, a MS in Forensic Toxicology at the University of Florida, and her DVM from St. George's University. After graduation, she entered small animal practice. She has had varied roles in her career; serving as a Zoo Veterinarian, Teaching in a Veterinary Technology Program, as a Veterinarian Responder for both the State of Connecticut and the ASPCA, as a Surgeon and Medical Director in a Spay/Neuter practice, and in Racetrack regulatory work. She became interested in holistic medicine through exposure at veterinary conferences and during a health challenge with her own dog. She is certified in acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Rehabilitation, Veterinary Medical Manipulation, and Tui Na. In 2019, she started her own integrative mobile practice serving small, large, and exotic animals. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Adrien Zap as we discuss her education, work history, holistic experience, and her successful completion of the AAVA Advanced Certification examination.
#156
March 7 · 41 min
Dr. Gary Richter
Dr. Gary Richter was born in New York City and was raised in Miami, Florida. From a young age he had an interest in veterinary medicine, especially wildlife medicine. He volunteered at the Miami Zoo, worked in small animal practice as an assistant, and worked for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine as an undergraduate. He earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and DVM from the University of Florida, graduating with a DVM in 1998 with honors. After graduation, he moved to California to work in emergency and general practice before purchasing a small animal practice, which he owned for sixteen years. During that time, he started his holistic education and started a second practice, Holistic Veterinary Care, which he works in to this day. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Richter co-founded the Veterinary Cannabis Society, has consulted in the formulation of pet cannabis products and natural supplements for pets, is the founder of a startup developing a wearable biometric device for pets, is a consultant for Hemopet Labs, and has written and lectured extensively on allopathic and holistic veterinary topics. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Gary Richter as we discuss his education, clinical practice, industry work, and his involvement with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation.
#155
February 21 · 38 min
Dr. Susan Wynn
Dr. Susan Wynn earned her DVM from the University of Georgia in 1987. After graduation, she completed a Small Animal Internship and worked in small animal practice for a few years before doing Post-Doctoral work in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis. Afterwards. she went back into private practice. She completed a clinical residency in Small Animal Nutrition and was Board Certified in Veterinary Nutrition in 2016. She is currently the Senior Director of Scientific Affairs for Instinct Pet Food. Dr. Wynn has authored three textbooks on integrative medicine, published numerous scientific papers, has lectured extensively on holistic medicine and nutrition, and has been very active in organized veterinary medicine, including founding the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and serving as President of both the AHVMA and the AAVA. She has been a leader and an inspiration in integrative veterinary medicine for decades. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Susan Wynn as we discuss her education, work history, and how Instinct Pet Food supports research, veterinary outreach, and has outstanding sourcing and processing practices.
#154
February 7 · 38 min
Dr. Kathy Cornack
Dr. Kathy Cornack was raised in the Brisbane, Australia area. She developed an early love for animals and decided on veterinary medicine as a career, just in front of being a midwife or forensic scientist. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in 1985. After graduation, she worked for the Australian government helping cattle and sheep graziers in the Queensland outback. Following that, she did locum small animal work in Australia and the UK. Then she earned a Master's degree in ruminant nutrition while continuing to work in small animal practice. She had her own mixed animal practice in a rural area for a few years, and became IVAS certified in acupuncture at the same time. Afterwards, she did more locums in small animal practice around Australia and completed Membership exams in Veterinary Behavior. She and her family spent four years living in the Seattle, Washington area, during which time she taught natural health classes at a community college and in natural animal health stores, worked as a technician in an integrative veterinary practice, and as a birth doula. Returning to Australia, she purchased a small animal practice, then moved to Newcastle, New South Wales and formed her current practice, Holistic Vets Newcastle. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kathy Cornack as we discuss her education, work history, and involvement with Australian Veterinary Association's Integrative Vets special interest group and the conference she founded, Integrative Veterinary Conference Australia.
#153
January 24 · 34 min
Dr. Tina Hansen
Dr. Tina Hansen was born outside of Oslo, Norway. She had a number of varied pets during her childhood, and discovered a passion for horses and riding. During her mandatory military service working with military dogs, she decided on veterinary medicine as a career. She earned her veterinary degree from Wroclaw University in 2023 and at the same time earned her certification in mixed animal acupuncture from Chi University. After graduation, she has worked in small animal, exotic, and wildlife practice in UK and Norway. She also has extensive experience volunteering around the world working with rescue animals, horses, and wildlife. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Tina Hansen as we discuss her education, work experience, the formation of her company, Purple Vet Services, and her recent move to Australia to begin work there.
#152
January 10 · 1 hr 33 min
Dr. Steven Marsden
Dr. Steve Marsden was born in Ontario, Canada and raised in Western Canada. In our conversation, he describes a pivotal moment in his childhood that led him to consider veterinary medicine as a career. He earned his DVM from the University of Saskatchewan in 1988, then went into mixed and then small animal practice. He became interested in Homeopathy as a way to help his patients, and earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in 1999. He co-founded the Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic as well as the Natural Path Clinic for people in 2001. He is also the co-founder of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and the founder of the Natural Path Herb Company. Dr. Marsden has written and lectured extensively over the decades of his career and has served in many roles in organized veterinary medicine. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Steve Marsden as we discuss his education, interest in holistic medicine, practice experience, and his current passion of working with senior rescue dogs and educating his colleagues and the public about holistic medicine via his Facebook page and his Cured Cases website
#151
Dec 13, 2025 · 36 min
Dr. Christina Montalbano
Dr. Christina Montalbano was raised in New Jersey. Her desire to be a Veterinarian led her to do her undergraduate work at Ohio State in Animal Science, then she earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. After graduation, she did an Internship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Florida, which led to her staying on and completing a Residency in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She achieved Board Certification in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2022. She is also certified in Acupuncture and Medical Manipulation from Chi University. She worked in private specialty practice in New Jersey, then returned to the University of Florida where she is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Integrative and Mobility Medicine as well as Resident Director for the Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Christina Montalbano as we discuss her education, clinical experience, her current academic practice, and her decades long history as a puppy raiser for Canine Companions.
#150
Dec 1, 2025 · 40 min
Dr. Lori Bidwell
Dr. Lori Bidwell was raised on a farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She earned a BFA in Art History, then returned home and started working at a veterinary clinic and decided to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. She earned her DVM from Michigan State University in 2001, then did an Internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, followed by a Residency in Anesthesia at Michigan State University, becoming Board Certified in Anesthesia and Analgesia in 2008. She then returned to Rood and Riddle to become Head of Anesthesia. Afterwards, she was on faculty at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She returned to Kentucky to work in anesthesia in both equine and small animal practice. At this time she became certified in Acupuncture and Tui Na from Chi University. After returning to Michigan State University to work in Anesthesia and Equine Lameness and Sports Medicine, she Co-Founded her current business, East West Equine Sports Medicine, where she provides sports medicine services and equine anesthesia consultation and training for equine surgical facilities. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Lori Bidwell as we discuss her education, clinical practice, holistic training, and participation in organized veterinary medicine.
#149
Nov 15, 2025 · 48 min
Dr. Janet Roark
Dr. Janet Roark was raised in Central Michigan. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a Veterinarian, and started working in a Veterinary Clinic as a teenager. She also was introduced to wildlife rehabilitation when she was young, through her father's job as a Biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Findlay and earned her DVM from Michigan State University in 2005. After graduation, she worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and started her own mixed animal mobile practice in Michigan. In 2009, she moved to Austin, Texas and started a mobile mixed animal practice there. She had been exposed to equine acupuncture and chiropractic during her undergraduate years, and was certified by IVAS in acupuncture after moving to Texas. A personal health challenge led her to using essential oils for herself and then extending their use for her animal patients. In 2019, she started her own essential oil business, educating owners and veterinary professionals about the use of essential oils. As part of this effort, she has written a guidebook, presented lectures both online and in-person, and authored numerous publications both online and in print. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Janet Roark as we discuss her introduction to veterinary medicine, her early work history, her interest in acupuncture and essential oils, and her recent animal chiropractic certification.

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