The Vet Files

File #022: The First Year Debrief (Mizzou, LSU, NC State) - with Braeden Smith

We made it through first year of veterinary school, and now it’s time to debrief.In this episode of The Vet Files, McCaelyn and Gretel are joined by Braeden from North Carolina State University for a conversation about surviving first year, what we learned along the way, and what we’re expecting as we head into second year.We’re talking about the biggest challenges of first year, the classes that humbled us, what we wish we knew before starting vet school, how our experiences compare across LSU, Mizzou, and NC State.

File #021: The Summer Files

We’re back with a good old-fashioned catch-up! In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re chatting about everything we’ve been up to this summer. From externships and international experiences to learning about different cultures and their relationships with animals. We also talk about the importance of stepping away from vet school, finding ways to fill our cups, and making time for the things that make us feel like ourselves outside of school.

File #020: Gold Standard vs Reality in Vet Med - Drs.Neal & Angela Martin (nealandangela_thevets)

In vet school, we learn the gold standard, the ideal diagnostic workup, treatment plan, and patient care. But what happens when real life gets in the way?In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re talking about the gap between what we learn in the classroom and what is actually feasible in practice. We discuss financial limitations, client preferences, limited resources, time constraints, patient compliance, and those moments when you have to make the best decision rather than the perfect one.How do you balance evidence-based medicine with what is realistically possible for the patient, client, and practice? And where do we draw the line between compromising care and practicing good medicine?

File #019: Leadership In and Out of the Clinic - with Dr. Jessica Stroupe

In File #019, we're joined by Dr. Jessica Stroupe, a rural mixed animal veterinarian, clinic owner, and Missouri Veterinary Medical Association delegate, to talk about what it takes to lead both inside and outside the clinic.We dive into building a positive clinic culture, the realities of practice ownership, supporting your team, and why getting involved in organized veterinary medicine matters. Dr. Stroupe also shares her journey into rural practice and the lessons she's learned along the way.Whether you're a veterinary student, new graduate, or practicing veterinarian, this episode is full of honest conversations and practical advice on creating a career that makes an impact.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments!

File #001: Pre-Vet to Vet Student (Repost)

REPOST for audio quality In our very first episode of The Vet Files, we’re diving into our pre-vet journeys—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the struggles of late night study sessions to navigating the unpredictable world of veterinary school admissions, we’re sharing what we wish we knew along the way.If you're a pre-vet student or aspiring to join the field of veterinary medicine, this episode is for you! We’ll share our personal experiences, offer advice for navigating the pre-vet journey, and give insight into what it really takes to get into vet school.🎧 Tune in to hear stories of perseverance, mistakes, and the lessons we’ve learned (so you don’t have to!).

File #018: Multifaceted Paths: Dolphin Trainer to Large Animal Intern - Dr. Dan Thurston

Dr. Dan Thurston’s journey to becoming a vet is anything but traditional. From marine mammal trainer to aspiring equine surgeon, he’s taken a winding road filled with unexpected turns. What matters most is the resilience you build along the way. It’s normal to doubt yourself when you don’t fit the mold. Remember, success isn’t linear! The lessons learned from career shifts can be invaluable. It’s about finding what truly resonates with you, no matter how long it takes.

File #017: Future Island Vet - Lauren Cabrera (@future.island.vet)

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Cabrera, founder of the Saipan Humane Society and current veterinary student at Washington State University, to talk about one of the most unconventional journeys into veterinary medicine we’ve heard yet.Lauren began her career in human healthcare as a nurse practitioner before the COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted her path. What started as fostering puppies on Saipan Island turned into a full transition into veterinary medicine, where she now combines her background in human medicine, public health, and animal welfare into a mission-driven career.We talk about:• Founding and building the Saipan Humane Society• The realities of shelter medicine on an island• The importance of community medicine and accessible careWhether you’re interested in veterinary medicine, shelter work, public health, or making a major career pivot, this episode has something for you.Listen now and follow along with more stories from the veterinary world.#VeterinaryMedicine #VetSchool #ShelterMedicine #Veterinarian #PreVet #AnimalRescue #Saipan #PublicHealth #HumanMedicine #TheVetFilesPodcast

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File #016: Overcoming Failure in Vet School - with MJ

In this episode, we talk about what happens when you fail a class in vet school. MJ shares their experience of not passing the first year of vet school and opens up about what it actually felt like to go through it.We dive into their decision to remediate (repeat the year), the mental reset that came with it, and how they approached vet school differently the second time around. They share what they changed and how their mindset has evolved now that they're back in the same position stronger, more self-aware, and better equipped to succeed.

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File #015: Rejected to Accepted - Gap Years with Jett Rush

Thinking about taking a gap year? Or wondering if it’s worth reapplying?We sit down with Jett Rush, a first-year veterinary student at Mizzou, who shares his journey of perseverance after four application cycles before finally getting accepted. From navigating rejection to making the most of gap years, Jett breaks down what kept him going and how those extra years ultimately made him a stronger applicant and future veterinarian.We talk about:• What to do during a gap year to actually stand out• How to stay motivated through multiple rejections

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File #014: Rebuilding Equine Medicine - with Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and a leader within the American Association of Equine Practitioners to talk about the reality of equine medicine, beyond the passion that draws so many of us in.We dive into the evolving landscape of equine practice, the push for better retention and sustainability, and how leadership within the profession is working to create real, lasting change.

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File #013: Life and Leadership as a Practice Owner - with Dr. Emily King

In File #013, we sit down with Dr. Emily King for a candid conversation about the realities of modern veterinary medicine. From practice ownership and financial management to the ethical dilemmas veterinarians face every day, this episode pulls back the curtain on the decisions that shape life in general practice. Dr. King shares her perspective on why confidence in general practitioners matters now more than ever—and why relying too heavily on specialists can sometimes erode the autonomy and skill set of the GP veterinarian. We explore the challenges of running a veterinary practice, navigating the business side of medicine, and making difficult calls when medicine, money, and morality intersect. This episode is an honest look at the pressures behind the exam room door and the responsibility veterinarians carry for their patients, clients, staff, and communities. 🎙 In this episode we discuss: • The realities of veterinary practice ownership • Financial management and the business side of vet med • Ethical and moral dilemmas veterinarians face • Why confidence in general practitioners is critical • When to rely on specialists—and when to trust your own training If you’re a veterinarian, veterinary student, or someone interested in the real-world challenges of animal medicine, this episode offers an inside look at what it truly means to practice veterinary medicine today.

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File #012: The Equine Lameness Everyone Misses - with Dr. DeClue

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging the way lameness is traditionally diagnosed in horses. Instead of immediately focusing on the limb and relying on nerve blocks, Dr. DeClue takes a “horse-first” approach, looking at the entire horse, including conformation, biomechanics, and the axial skeleton.Dr. DeClue helped popularize the concept of “body lameness,” encouraging veterinarians and horse owners to consider how the horse’s body, posture, and movement patterns contribute to pain and performance issues. By stepping back and evaluating the whole horse, she has developed a diagnostic philosophy that is changing how many veterinarians approach lameness cases.In this conversation, we discuss:What “body lameness” really meansWhy traditional limb-focused diagnostics can sometimes miss the bigger pictureHow conformation and the axial skeleton influence movement and painWhy Dr. DeClue sometimes rides horses herself to better feel where the lameness originatesThe importance of putting the horse first when approaching complex lameness casesThis episode is for veterinarians, veterinary students, horse owners, and anyone interested in equine performance and biomechanics.

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File #011: Representation in Veterinary Medicine With Dr. Alexia Wade

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexia Wade, a trailblazing Black veterinarian, to discuss her journey in veterinary medicine and the importance of representation in the field. From the challenges she’s faced to the impact of seeing more Black women in vet med, Dr. Wade shares her insights, experiences, and advice for aspiring veterinarians.Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation as we celebrate Black History Month and highlight the voices shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

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File #010: Will AI Change How We Practice Veterinary Medicine? With Dr. Michael Bailey, AVMA President

In this episode, Gretel Wurdack and Dr. Bailey, AVMA President, talk about the future of AI in veterinary medicine. They dive into the good, the bad, and everything in between when integrating AI into every day life and veterinary practice.

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File #009: Surviving the First Semester

In File #009, we sit down and reflect on our first semester of veterinary school. The expectations we had going in, the reality we faced once classes started, and the lessons we’re taking into the rest of vet school. From anatomy overwhelm and exam stress to small wins and moments that reminded us why we chose this path, nothing is off the table.If you’re a pre-vet student, a current vet student, or just curious about what vet school is actually like, this episode is for you.

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File #008: The Vet Tech Files with Dr. Jen Quammen, AVMA President-Elect

In File #008, we talk with Dr. Jen Quammen, AVMA President-Elect, about her path from veterinary technician to veterinarian.She shares how hands-on experience shaped her education, how she balanced work and school, and why exploring different corners of vet med can lead to a more fulfilling career. We also dig into leadership, networking, and improving workplace culture in veterinary medicine.Find Dr. Quammen on: - Instagram: @vetleaderquammen- YouTube: @jenquammen - Others: @vetleaderquammen- Website: www.jenquammen.com

File #007: What is Vet School Really Like? 3 Students, 3 Schools

Ever wondered how different vet school can look from one campus to another? In this episode, three first-year vet students — one from LSU, one from Mizzou, and one from North Carolina State — sit down to compare their first-year experiences.We talk about:🐾 The biggest academic and cultural differences between schools🩺 What surprised us most about vet school life☕ How we handled stress, imposter syndrome, and anatomy labs📚 Tips for incoming first-years (and what we wish we’d known!)Whether you’re a pre-vet student, a current vet student, or just curious what the first year of vet school is really like, this episode gives you an honest, unfiltered look at three programs — from the bayou to the Midwest to the high plains.

File #006: Student Loans after the Big Beautiful Bill- with Dr. Rebecca Mears (VIN Foundation)

Ever wondered how the One Big Beautiful Bill could affect your journey through vet school or pre-vet studies? 🐾 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Mears from VIN to unpack the bill’s key points, implications for students, and how future veterinarians can navigate these changes.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How the bill impacts pre-vet and vet studentsKey policy changes every student should knowPractical advice for staying ahead in your studies and careerWhether you’re just starting your pre-vet journey or already in vet school, this conversation breaks down policy into simple, actionable insights.🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on all episodes!#VetStudents #PreVet #OneBigBeautifulBill #VIN #VetPolicy #FutureVets #VetSchoolLife

File #005: Bee Health Brief with Breven Stark

Honeybees are more than just pollinators—they’re patients. In this episode of The Vet Files, we open the case on honeybee veterinary medicine: how veterinarians are stepping into the apiary, what makes bee medicine unique, and why the health of a colony matters for agriculture, ecosystems, and beyond. From veterinary feed directives to hands-on hive care, we uncover the growing role of vets in protecting pollinators. We are joined by Breven Stark from University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign!

File #004: VMCAS Deepdive

Applying to vet school? Feeling overwhelmed by VMCAS? We’ve been there — and we’ve got your back. In File #004, we break down the entire Veterinary Medical College Application Service process: from personal statements to experience hours, evaluations to school selections. You'll get real talk, timeline tips, and the inside scoop they don’t put in the instructions. Whether you're a first-time applicant or reapplying with a mission, this episode is your roadmap to surviving (and thriving through) the VMCAS chaos.