NVA Pawcast

This episode, dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month, explores practical strategies to promote mental well-being within the veterinary profession. In less than five minutes, NVA's Chief Community Officer, Turpin Mott, discusses the signs of stress and burnout, the importance of self-care, building a support network, practicing self-compassion, and fostering a culture of mental health awareness. Take a moment to invest in yourself and discover how nurturing your mind can lead to a healthier and happier veterinary career.

In this episode, NVA's Chief Community Officer, Turpin Mott, is joined by Dr. Daniel Randall from NVA's Foothill Veterinary Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Here are the timestamps of their chat:Q: Can you share more about your background?A: {0:44 – 3:54}Q: In the time you grew Foothills Animal Hospital from 1 doctor to 8 doctors, what's one thing you're most proud of?A: {4:08 – 6:25} Q: What's the most-needed skill or teaching that a new grad needs to be effective?A: {6:51 – 9:13}Q: How do you empathize with your clients without crossing your boundaries or sacrificing your own sanity?A: {9:47 – 13:09}Q: What are your approaches to a successful veterinary career?A: {13:22 – 19:08}Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to new doctors?A: {19:34 – 21:31}

An attitude of gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. Research also suggests that gratitude can improve relationships, boost self-esteem, and decrease stress. So how can you practice gratitude? This episode includes five simple ideas to try this holiday season.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Dr. Gerry Martin del Campo was first introduced to veterinary medicine during high school when he volunteered at animal hospitals in his community.Dr. Martin del Campo says this early exposure is one of the main reasons he fell in love with veterinary medicine. Dr. Martin del Campo now serves as the ER/Urgent Care and Critical Care Medical Director at SAGE Veterinary Centers, which recently joined the NVA Compassion-First family. He also regularly visits local high schools and elementary schools to share more about the pet care space and give back to his community. In this episode, Dr. Martin del Campo also talks about:The changes he's made to reduce burnoutThe importance of good communication skillsWellness tips (like not taking your work home with you)

NVA recently signed onto PrideVMC's Gender Identify Bill of Rights (GIBOR), and Turpin Mott (NVA's Chief Community Officer) chatted with their Immediate Past President, Dr. Dane Whitaker(he/him), more about the importance of this document, creating a safe and inclusive veterinary profession, and ways to develop allyship.As a transgender veterinarian who went through gender transition at 41, Dr. Whitaker also talks about what he and the gender-diverse community face in the veterinary profession.

Hospital Manager Brian Kissoon with South Shore Animal Hospital in Wantagh, NY talks with Chief Community Officer Turpin Mott about:- Creating a hospital culture and veterinary profession that's safe, supportive, and diverse- As someone in the LGBTQIA+ community, what Pride Month means to him- Advice for leaders/managers with LGBTQIA+ teammates

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Rick Mitchell (part-owner of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, CT) talks about ways to avoid burnout and succeed in veterinary medicine.While chatting with Turpin Mott, NVA's Chief Community Officer, Dr. Mitchell also touches on what has changed in equine medicine since he started in the '70s and his time as an attending veterinarian for the U.S. Equestrian Team at several Olympic Games.

Since April is Stress Awareness Month, here are 5 simple ways to prevent and manage stress so that you can provide the best care for animals and the people who love them.

Here are five tips to help you live a happier and more satisfied life so you can be your best when caring for animals and the people who love them.

In this episode, Dr. Gaemia Tracy - Neurologist at VRC in Malvern, PA - talks with Turpin about the importance of diversity in the veterinary industry, the human-animal bond, and advice for those preparing to enter into the veterinary field. (Hint: Never forget your WHY.)If you'd like to reach out to Dr. Tracy for more information feel free to email him at gaemia.tracy@vrcmalvern.com. 

During the pandemic, we've all had to limit our social interactions, and this social isolation can take a toll on our health and well-being. Here are four ways to increase and improve the quality of your interactions, even in a pandemic.

Allow the good memories to come into your mind - and honor yourself for managing through the tougher times in your life. 

Learning how to shift our perspective to a positive and outcome-oriented mindset.

Season 1. Episode 4. Dr. Lucy ShoemakerOur objective in these Special Guest Pawcasts is to explore unique viewpoints, tackle the tough topics, and share useful ideas – all with an aim of fostering our wellbeing, to help us live more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled lives.IN THIS EPISODE, Dr. Shoemaker describes how she has begun to reduce the daily anxiety that a veterinary clinic can deliver, simply by focus on being present in the moment. As Dr. Shoemaker began pausing, breathing, and focusing on her physicality throughout the day, it also led to positively impacting the other realms in her person as well - the Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual.# # #

Season 1. Episode 3. Dr. Jan BellowsOur objective in these Special Guest Pawcasts is to explore unique viewpoints, tackle the tough topics, and share useful ideas – all with an aim of fostering our wellbeing, to help us live more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled lives.IN THIS EPISODE, we explore the topic of ANXIETY. Dr. Bellows and I turn our attention to six primary areas that may increase anxiety levels if left unchecked. The good news is there are simple, practical solutions to remedy our angst. Join us as Dr. Bellows shares his experience and insight into these functional areas to help us continue to advance our wellbeing practices:• Training• X-rays• Expense• Anesthesia• Bleeding• Time Limitations# # #

What does emotional integrity look like in our day-to-day? I'll share it with you.

This exercise helps us creates Peace and Energy at the same time.

Season 1. Episode 2. Dr. Stacy BurdickOur objective in these Special Guest Pawcasts is to explore unique viewpoints, tackle the tough topics, and share useful ideas – all with an aim of fostering our wellbeing, to help us live more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled lives.IN THIS EPISODE, Dr. Burdick shares her journey in the veterinary profession. We then take the discussion into the topics of business vs. medicine, Covid-19 shifts, hospital culture, and self-care.  Dr. Burdick, a mom and a doctor, shares behaviors and skills needed to be successful, her perspective on women in the veterinary profession, and the importance of grace in our day-to-day wellbeing.   # # #

Benefits of setting healthy boundaries for ourselves. 

Season 1. Episode 1. Dr. Jodi LongOur objective in these Special Guest Pawcasts is to explore unique viewpoints, tackle the tough topics, and share useful ideas – all with an aim of fostering our wellbeing, to help us live more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled lives.You do so much for others, here's something for you. We hope you can find a few moments to care for yourselves by listening to the Pawcasts. IN THIS EPISODE, we start off with a bit on Jodi's background and expertise, and then we moved into a conversation on hospital culture, Covid-19 impacts, finding self-grace, being fully present, and more. She also shares some of her recommendations on wellbeing practices while at work.  # # #

Simple exercise to reduce stress and anxiety, using our five senses.5 breathe and see4 hear3 touch2 smell1 taste or message

Let's take a micro-vacation. Here we find the warmth and color of peace and ease. 

“A walk in nature, walks the soul back home.”  ~Mary DavisThis Pawcast takes us through a relaxing awareness walk.

Focusing on the good things in life and holding our own power.

A practice which allows us to become more alive, joyful, and optimistic.

We'll share a practice that helps us generate more self-compassion.  

This is considered "the simplest and most powerful mind-body technique in our toolkit,” on living a healthier life.

Easing the tension and creating more balance through our interactions with others.

This Pawcast shares a simple practice to create more joy in our lives. 

Learn how to release your stress to help you improve your own quality of life.

Learn how to care and help others, by first learning how to help ourselves.

This episode will help you develop presence of mind for a more peaceful day.