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Veterinary life can feel like a treadmill with no off-switch: 15-minute consults that always run over. Emotional labour no one trains you for. A schedule that swings from slow to chaos - in minutes. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In this raw and refreshingly real episode, productivity coach Demir Bentley (Life Hack Method) live-coaches GP vet Dr Ray Gates, tackling the uncomfortable truth of veterinary medicine:You’re expected to be clinically excellent… while running on empty. This isn’t a listicle of “10 productivity hacks.”This is about reclaiming 1% wins that actually work in the chaos of clinical life. You’ll learn: Why productivity isn’t about doing more - it’s about protecting your energyHow “chaos as the default” leads to burnout (and how you can change the system, not just yourself)How to lower your cognitive load and reduce admin fatigueThe art of setting goals that don’t become another source of stressSmall upstream shifts that stop downstream disastersHow to finish a shift and still feel like youWhether you’re buried in charting, stuck in overbooked consults, or silently wondering if you’re just not “resilient enough” - this conversation will show you another way. You don’t need another motivational quote.You need practical tools to get your time, headspace, and energy back. And it starts here. Raise your hand here to find out more about our AI for clinics Mastermind Find out how we can help you build you in your vet career at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Topics and Time Stamps 10:56 The problem 23:04 The revenge binge 26:10 Taking back the 1% 35:52 Upstream changes to prevent downstream chaos 41:31 Expectations vs reality 52:05 You are not powerless

Ever feel like your anxiety or fear of failure is just... who you are? The perfectionism. The overthinking. The constant pressure to “get it right.” It can feel like it’s wired into your DNA. But what if it isn’t? Dr Rod Irwin, vet, former clinic owner and author tells us how who went from panic attacks in an empty vet clinic to a completely rewired life - thanks to neuroscience. After hitting breaking point, a chance encounter with neuroscience set him on a 15-year journey into neuroplasticity and positive psychology - and ultimately changed how he led. Together, we unpack how our brains are shaped by past experiences, why vets are particularly vulnerable to negative belief loops, and how we can deliberately rewire our thinking to reduce anxiety, improve performance and build healthier workplace cultures. We explore: Why early experiences like bullying and perfectionism hardwire us for burnoutWhat neuroplasticity actually means, and why this isn't just “positive thinking”How emotions strengthen or weaken your neural pathwaysDr Irwin’s first 3 practical steps to start rewiring your brainWhy your identity is the key to lasting changeHow clinic leaders unconsciously set the emotional tone for the entire teamAnd how reconnecting to purpose and values can transform your cultureThis is a science-backed, practical conversation on mindset, leadership and wellbeing – tailored to the veterinary world. Because your brain isn’t broken.It’s just wired by experience - and you can change the wiring. ⁠⁠ Learn about all 12 keys here, or here if you're a practice owner, or book a chat with Rod here. Find out how we can support you in your vet career at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Grab one last handful of spots in the Maldives for our surf/dive vet conference with Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go all in on surgery with our collaboration with Sydney University's ⁠⁠⁠CVE Surgery Course.

Welcome to episode one of our new Tech Tools series, where we cut through the noise to bring you real insights into the latest veterinary tech that could genuinely make your day‑to‑day vet life easier. In part one VetRec founder Kevin Cohen helps me put this AI scribe through its paces to show us why veterinary AI software is rapidly moving WAY beyond just note taking.  Highlights : What an AI scribe really is and how it saves vets hours of documentation timeBeyond scribing - new tools to speed up your workflow with increased reliability and contextVetRec’s clinical support tool:  D.A.V.I.D. (Diagnostics Assistance for Veterinary Insights and Differentials)Team workflows — how receptionists, nurses and vets can collaborate in the same platform This one involves a bit of screen sharing, so if you want to follow along - watch the video for this on Spotify. Note:  This episode isn’t a promotion or an ad — it’s the first of many deep dives into the tools you might be considering. If you have a software that you’d like us to explore, let me know at [email protected] Check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go all in on surgery with our collaboration with Sydney University's ⁠CVE Surgery Course. ⁠ Find out how we can help you build you in your vet career at ⁠⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠⁠. Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Topics and Time stamps 04:05 – New Features 202505:19 – Add to Visit07:46 – DictationFeatures08:35 – A Cut Above Promo10:08 – Snippets12:15 – Insights & Recommendations13:59 – Integrations16:06 – EzyVet Chrome Extension17:05 – Custom Templates17:58 – Phone Call Recording21:38 – Multi-Pet Support22:33 – Client Handouts24:07 – Analysis Features28:38 – David AI Assistant38:03 – Records Recap41:09 – Team Access42:29 – Best Recording Practices

Am I a useless vet? Sounds like a silly question that a new grad might ask, right? But imposter syndrome doesn't care about your credentials. It whispers that you're a fraud, that you got lucky, that one day everyone will realise you don’t belong.  Or maybe you don’t feel like an imposter - but you beat yourself up after a case goes wrong. You replay every missed diagnosis. You hold yourself to an impossible standard, and when you fall short (even slightly), the inner critic shows no mercy. Sound familiar? In veterinary medicine, where perfection often feels like the baseline and the emotional toll runs deep,  these patterns can be exhausting. But here’s the truth: you’re not the only one who feels this way. In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack: Why imposter syndrome isn’t just a new grad thing - it can resurface anytime you step into something new, no matter how experienced or accomplished you are (Just keep listening if you don’t believe me)What confidence really looks like - not knowing everything, but being willing to try, learn, and growWhy perfectionism is often at the root of imposter - and what to do about itMaking peace with the inner-criticWhy vulnerability matters A simple mindset shift that can make all the differenceAnd practical strategies to manage imposter feelings You’ll hear real stories, mindset tools, and the reminder that feeling “useless” says nothing about you.  If you’ve ever questioned your abilities or felt like you're just pretending to hold it all together - this episode is your mirror. You belong here. And it’s time you believed that too. Our guests are:  Dr Marie Holowaychuck - a board-certified emergency and critical care veterinarian and the founder of Reviving Vet Med, a global initiative dedicated to equipping veterinary professionals with practical tools for mental health, resilience, and work–life balance, and the author of A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to be a Veterinarian. Check out her new book here.  Dr Kerri Nelson: Experienced ER vet, mentor and former medical director. First time mom-to-be! (She has an epic blog about over-achieving - here.)  Dr Rob Webster: Co-Chief Executive Officer of Animal Emergency Australia, the leading veterinary emergency-care group down under, where he oversees clinical standards and consults on complex emergency and critical-care cases. A board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care since 2014. Jiu-jitsu tragic.  Check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or go all in on surgery with our collaboration with Sydney University's CVE Surgery Course. Find out how we can help you build you in your vet career at ⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠. Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Topics and Time stamps 04:28 You're not alone 09:56 What is a syndrome? 15:49   Defining Imposter Syndrome 19:44 Maybe It's Just Kinda Normal? 22:10 So What Can We Do About It? 27:22 The Eternal Internal Critic 30:22 Talk It Out 35:59 Vulnerability As A Weapon Against Imposter 39:03 This Is What Getting Better Feels Like 40:18 Perfectionism - The Root of Imposter 49:28 At Least You'er Not a Psychopath! 51:04 The Best People Are Filled With Self-Doubt 51:56 Mistakes Happen

Stop scrolling -  I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t want to listen to someone preaching to me about antimicrobial resistance  - it’s boring, and it just makes me feel guilty!” Here's a promise: you'll find nothing boring or preachy here. What you will get is interesting science, practical tips, and zero guilt trips.  Dr Kate Worthing is a senior lecturer in veterinary microbiology, practising clinician and passionate antibiotic resistance researcher, and she’s about to change how you prescribe. Together we unpack why the way you use antibiotics in general practice is more than a clinical choice - it’s a responsibility that affects your patients, your team, and your future cases. From unseen pathways of resistance to pragmatic stewardship strategies you can implement this week, this is essential listening for all veterinarians.  You’ll learn: Why antimicrobial resistance is not just a global issue - it’s personal, and it’s already in your consult room.How selection pressure works beyond the infection: across the microbiome, the patient, and the environment.Why MRSA isn't really the problem you should be worried about (and where you SHOULD point your attention).Where resistance risk is highest in small animal practice.What “good prescribing” looks like in real lifeHow to find and apply trustworthy prescribing guidelines without slowing down your workflow. Resources: AMRVC https://www.amrvetcollective.com/ https://www.amrvetcollective.com/home/guidelines/ WSAVA Infographics https://wsava.org/committees/therapeutics-guidelines-group/ ISCAID https://www.iscaid.org/guidelines Understanding the mechanisms of resistance Video Visit thevetvault.com to join our Vet Vault Nerd community for more clinical confidence and better patient outcomes, get help with your tricky cases in our specialist‑support space, and subscribe to our newsletter for clinical gems and a bit more.

We scrutinise one of the most practical yet under‑examined advances in veterinary practice: AI‑based radiology interpretation tools.  I sit down with veterinary radiologist and Vedi entrepreneur Dr  Steve Joslyn to unpack the rise of AI-powered radiology tools in general practice. But this isn’t just opinion: Steve reveals the findings from his team’s recent study that put 6 commercially available AI radiology softwares in the spotlight - or up on the light box - to assess whether they deliver on what they promise. From how these systems are trained, to where they shine (and where they fail), this conversation gives a no-nonsense look at what AI can actually do for your diagnostic imaging workflow.  What You’ll Learn: How these tools are built: Neural networks, down-sampling, and the truth behind “ground truth”.The data dilemma: Why most AI tools perform best in theory, not in general practice.Where they fall short: From image quality issues to breed bias and external validation gaps.New accuracy data: Insights from Dr Joslyn’s pilot study comparing six commercial AI tools.A decision-making playbook: When to trust AI, when to double-check, and when to avoid it entirely.Ethics and workflow impact: Who’s responsible? What do you tell clients? Can AI triage be trusted?How to stay future-ready: What’s coming next – and how to adapt without compromising care.🎧 Listen now for the tools to ask better questions about AI in your clinic. Find out how we can help you build you in your vet career at ⁠thevetvault.com⁠. Check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!) 

Did you know that a brachycephalic dog with BOAS has a 433% higher anaesthetic risk than a dog with a normal nose? Let me rephrase that: that Frenchie you’re spaying later this week is more than four times more likely to die on her surgery day than any of your other patients. 😳 Do we have your attention?! Thanks mainly to the rising popularity of the French Bulldog, you’re probably anaesthetising these kinds of patients all the time. So how do we reduce that risk? How do improve patient safety while decreeing your stress levels?! At the Brachycephalic Care Unit, surgeon Dr Abbie Tipler and her team have polished brachycephalic anaesthesia down to a fine art, and in this episode, she shares all the gold. From the days leading up to anaesthesia to selecting the safest mix of premed and anaesthesia agents, all the way to a calm, well-oxygenated recovery, this episode is the ultimate masterclass in brachycephalic anaesthesia. Hit us up for the full show notes for this episode, as well as Dr Abbie’s brachycephalic pre-surgery history template, here.  This episode is one of more than 600 from our subscriber-only clinical podcasts. If you like this style of learning, where I dig for all the pro tips and updates from some of the best specialists in the world, then you’ll love our clinical feed. Go check it out at thevetvault.com Oh, and if you’d like to join me in Japan in February or the Maldives in April for the most fun you’ll ever have at a vet conference  - have a browse at vetsontour.com Topics Covered: Before the big day Structured history taking: airway, gastrointestinal, sleep, and anxiety indicatorsUnderstanding the link between upper airway obstruction and GI dysfunctionAssessing regurgitation, silent reflux, and aspiration riskPre-treatment protocols: omeprazole, metoclopramide, and diet adjustmentsIdentifying when to delay elective procedures for optimisationUsing C-reactive protein and radiographs to assess for aspiration pneumoniaManaging anxiety pre-hospitalisation with trazodonePlan for the day of surgery Fasting times and timing surgeries for optimal recovery monitoringStrategies for minimising stress in brachycephalic patients pre-opThe role of early premedication and pain reliefDrug choices: the “Goldilocks” approach to sedationReducing regurgitation riskYour pre-op pro tipsExtubation and recovery: positioning, monitoring, and oxygen weaningThe impact of cage-side nursing and owner-assisted recovery

 “If you can’t afford a pet, you shouldn’t own one.”  Ever said this line? Once you’ve  been on the receiving of someone’s anger about the cost of their vet bill, it’s an easy thought to have.  But it’s not the whole story, is it? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Manktelow - a veterinary surgeon with 20+ years in UK animal charities and current Director of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross. Dr Paul shares lessons learned in not-for-profit vet care to help us untangle that tension between care, compassion, and commercial reality. We cover: Trends from the front lines in the charity sector How “affordability” is shifting under rising cost of livingDecision-making tools that balance optimal vs achievable careBusiness models that either enable or block access to careHow vets can approach financial conversations with clarity, dignity, and trustYou’ll learn about: 💡 “Pragmatic care” as the antidote to chasing the mythical ‘gold standard’ 💡 Cost-based vs value-based pricing models  💡How to think in tiers of care—and where the limits lie Because behind every clinical decision is a human one. Find out how we can help you build you in your vet career at thevetvault.com. Check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Topics and Time Stamps 03:11 Balancing Costs and Care in Veterinary Practice 06:45 Challenges and Changes in the Veterinary Profession 11:41 Client Expectations vs Financial Realities 16:32 The Impact of Economic Hardships on Pet Care 32:16 Blue Cross's Model 39:10 Individual Responsibility in Veterinary Practice 42:54 Getting Clear on Quality of Life and Prognosis 47:23 Cost-Based vs Value-Based Pricing Models 01:10:05 Pragmatic Care and Clinical Guidelines 01:16:54 The One Question

In episode 141, I shared my take on where AI fits into veterinary medicine - and where it might take us next.  But I’m no expert. So I brought one in. In this episode, I sit down with Rohan Relan , Silicon Valley software engineer and founder of ScribbleVet ,an AI tool built for vets. We unpack the promise and pitfalls of AI in clinical practice and try to figure out how you can use it without losing sleep (or your license). What we cover: Why AI is not just a "smarter Google”- and why that mattersThe risky shortcuts vets are already taking (and how to avoid them)How to increase trust and accuracy when using AIWhere innovation collides with privacy, data, and consentDIY AI vs purpose-built tools  If you're curious about AI but not sure what’s hype and what’s helpful, this one’s for you. Come find out what W(asabi)TF Wednesday is all about at our Japan Snow Conference Check out our podcast for business owners, and Dr Sam’s ‘How To Make A Hell Of a Profit And Still Go To Heaven’ workshop. Join our community of Vet Vault Nerds to lift your clinical game and get your groove back with our up-to-date, easy-to-consume clinical episodes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vvn.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get help with your tricky cases in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ V⁠⁠isit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for show notes and resources related to this episode. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Topics and Timestamps 04:39 What I got wrong about AI 08:19 How models “know” things — next‐word prediction & reasoning 15:00 Grounding AI responses using external tools / search 19:19 Scribble Vet features 38:12 Privacy, ownership, and AI liability 51:00 Rohan’s podcast and AI tool recommendations 54:00 Key misconceptions & Caveats

Today’s bonus IVECCS live session wasn’t your average ‘clinical 101’. I had the absolute privilege of getting two brilliant minds on the yellow couch, and … wow.  Apparently 1 + 1 = 🤯 !! Clinical pathogist Dr Cynthia Lucidi joined me to unpack her talk on Diagnosing Ineffective Hematopoiesis.  If you’re a bit lost with that title - don’t worry, so was I!  So I brought backup: ECC legend Dr Claire Sharp joined me to ask the smart questions, and together, they cracked open a topic every GP and ECC vet needs to understand: PIMA – Precursor-Targeted Immune-Mediated Anaemia. (If you’ve ever managed an anaemia case that almost looked like IMHA but just didn’t quite fit, or just an anaemia that didn’t want to fit into ANY of the boxes, it was probably this!)  This one started out GP-friendly, but with two minds like these-it escalated fast. Expect specialist-level gold. You’ll want to give this one your full attention. But I promise - it’s worth it! What we cover: Defining ineffective haematopoiesis and how it differs from hypoplasiaDiagnostic criteria and differentials for PIMA vs. IMHAImportance of timing and interpretation in persistent non-regenerative anaemiaWhy bone marrow aspiration is underused and how to perform it effectivelyPathologist tips on identifying spherocytes and phagocytosis artefactsChallenges of diagnosing IMHA and PIMA in catsRole of transfusions and crossmatching in long-term PIMA managementTimeframes for response and remission in PIMA treatmentWhen to consider splenectomy for refractory casesClinical significance of myelofibrosis in dogs with PIMAEducating clients and general practitioners on prognosis and referral timing Click here⁠⁠ to access all of our clinical content at IVECCS special rates.

Ever had a case where you just knew what was wrong before you even touched the patient - but if someone asked you HOW you know, you couldn’t explain it?  That almost mystical “sixth sense” we develop in practice - that’s exactly what this episode is about. Our guest is Dr Annie Wayne - a criticalist, educator, and learning strategist—who’s been exploring naturalistic decision making: the cognitive model that explains how experts think in real-time, and how to pass that intuition on. We talk about what separates expert intuition from novice reasoning, how to break down unconscious diagnostic processes, and how the right kind of mentorship can accelerate the path to expertise. Annie also shares her research on parenting and vet careers, challenging the stigma around pregnancy and parenthood during training. Here’s what you’ll learn: What “naturalistic decision making” really means (and why it feels like a sixth sense)How experienced vets spot subtle signs that others missHow to externalise your gut feeling so younger vets can learn from itReal-world strategies for mentorship and better clinical teachingHow to avoid the traps of lazy “shortcut” thinkingHow this framework builds confidence and reduces stress in new gradsAnnie’s personal take on parenting through training—and how to smash the stigma around pregnancy in vet careers This isn’t just about clinical decision-making - it’s about how we teach, how we lead, and how we support each other in a demanding profession. Lift your clinical game with our RACE approved clinical podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vvn.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for more clinical confidence and better patient outcomes, or check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Topics and Time Stamps 04:53 What is Naturalistic Decision-Making? 08:36 Expert vs Novice Thinking: Why Mentorship Matters 15:55 Risks of Shortcut Thinking and Balancing with Algorithms 19:11 Speeding Up Expertise: Can We Teach "Sixth Sense" Thinking? 22:47 Mentorship Models: Building Skills and Confidence 34:45 Can AI Help Naturalistic Thinking? 37:20 Parenthood and Veterinary Careers: Breaking Stigma and Building Support

Thinking of trading grey skies for the Australian sun – stethoscope in hand?Moving to Australia as a vet can change your life, but here’s the truth: it’s not a straight road. Between visa hurdles, the dreaded AVE exams, and adjusting to a new culture (gotta love the Aussie slang!), the journey demands grit, strategy, and support. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Natalia Gomez , Colombian-born vet and co-founder of Brainy Bilby, a platform dedicated to helping foreign-trained vets prepare for the AVE, about the tips, pitfalls, and success stories learnt from her own her journey, and from the other overseas-trained vets she’s coached through the AVE. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why Australia is one of the most in-demand vet destinations – and how to make it work for youThe step-by-step roadmap to your veterinary licence (no fluff, just facts)AVE decoded: costs, structure, study tips & mistakes to avoidWhat it’s really like working under supervision (and finding supportive employers)The practical exam explained: sheep tipping, cow pregnancy tests, and moreSurviving the financial and emotional rollercoaster – without burning outHow to adapt to Aussie culture, slang, and workplace quirksLife on the other side: what makes it all worth it 🎧 Listen now and start mapping your own Aussie vet journey. Lift your clinical game with our RACE approved clinical podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vvn.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for more clinical confidence and better patient outcomes, or check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠⁠Vets On Tour⁠⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Episode timestamps: 04:32 Why Australia? The Allure for Vets 10:04 The Australian Veterinary Examination (AVE) 16:31 Navigating the English Test and Paperwork 26:35 The Cost and Commitment of the AVE 29:05 Working Under Supervision 36:58 Preparing for the Practical Exam 44:43 Cultural and Language Barriers

You can think of a bunch of things that make your working day (and career!) as a veterinarian more frustrating than you’d like it to be, right? But have you ever considered the role of the software that you use in how frazzled you feel at the end of the day? And beyond the pure frustration of ‘too many clicks’ and that spinning wheel of doom when you have ten other things to do - have you considered how the very software that feels like it's holding you back could actually help solve some of the systemic challenges that feel like they’re just baked into the vet profession, like low clinical confidence, medical errors, and even burnout? In this conversation, we speak to emergency vet and tech entrepreneur ⁠Dr Caleb Frankel⁠ , founder of ⁠Instinct Science⁠, about what’s broken in vet tech, what good software should actually do, and why the future of practice might depend on getting this right. In this episode: Why building good vet software is so damn hard (and how to spot the tools worth your trust)What to look for (and avoid!) when choosing new software for your clinicReducing the trauma of introducing a new tech tool to the team (yes, even the dreaded PIMS change!)How software design impacts clinical confidence, patient safety, and mental health  AI in clinical decision-making - why it’s more than just a productivity tool Must-have tech tools for 2025 (that aren’t just another app) If you’ve ever felt like your tools are working against you, this is the conversation that might just change the way you practice—for good. Lift your clinical game with our RACE approved clinical podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠vvn.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠  for more clinical confidence and better patient outcomes, or check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at ⁠⁠⁠cutabove.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠.  Get case support from our team of specialists in our ⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space⁠⁠⁠. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Join us in person for our epic adventure CE events at ⁠Vets On Tour⁠. (Next up: Japan snow conference!)  Episode topics and timestamps: 05:55 Why veterinary software is so challenging 11:15 What to look for (and avoid!) in veterinary software 14:26 Cloud vs server-based software? 34:08 Unexpected ways where tech can help with the main challenges in veterinary medicine 37:07 AI in veterinary medicine 48:09 Must-have tech tools for 2025 55:14 Advice for new graduates We love to hear from you. If you have a question for us or you’d like to give us some feedback please get in touch via our contact form at ⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠, or catch up with us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. And if you like what you hear, please share the love by clicking on the share button wherever you’re listening and sending a link to someone who you think should hear this. 

I’m never excited when I diagnose a cat with anaemia: vague signs, confusing diagnostics, and what feels like a not-so-great prognoses. But are they really that hopeless? In this episode, feline medicine specialist Dr Rachel Korman joins us demystify the anaemic cat and offer a clear, practical diagnostic framework that will give you more confidence and better outcomes the next time you see a cat with a low PCV. Some highlights from this conversation: A step-by-step approach to categorising anaemia.Regenerative vs. non-regenerative: what it actually means in cats, and how to interpret the data.Why IMHA in cats doesn’t look like IMHA in dogs — and how to recognise it.Haemoplasma infections (like Mycoplasma):  When to treat, how to treat, PCR testing, and what the results really tell you.Age-specific differentials: what to prioritise in young vs. older cats.Supportive care: what works, what’s myth.Prognosis pitfalls: why PCV alone doesn’t predict survival. This episode will help you approach feline anaemia with more clarity, structure, and - dare we say - optimism. 💡 Proudly supported by Vetnostics Pathology: Australia's largest network of veterinary pathologists and internal medicine consultants. Learn how Vetnostics can support your work-up of complex anaemia cases with comprehensive PCR panels and diagnostic expertise. 🎧 Want more clinical deep dives? Subscribe at vvn.supercast.com for 600+ episodes covering small animal medicine, surgery and ECC.  Upcoming conferences that I’m excited to attend: Vets On Tour snow conferences (https://vetsontour.com) in Wānaka, NZ (August ’250), and Nozawa Onsen, Japan (Feb ’26)ANZCVS Science Week, 24-25 July 2025. https://vetscienceweek.com.au⁠IVECCS 2025⁠, San Diego, September 4-8 Get help with your tricky cases in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Specialist Support Space.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ V⁠⁠isit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevetvault.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for show notes and resources related to this episode. ⁠Subscribe to our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for Hubert's favourite clinical and non-clinical learnings from the week. Episode Topics and Timestamps05:14 – Categorising anaemia06:00 – Regenerative vs. non-regenerative07:42 – Haemolytic anaemias in cats17:17 – Clinical signs and first tests18:43 – PCV/TP interpretation27:48 – Common causes by age31:38 – Mycoplasma diagnosis and treatment35:04 – Recognising haemolysis39:38 – PCR and anaemia panels48:53 – Bone marrow biopsy tips54:52 – Supportive treatments

🎙️ Introducing the Veterinary Business Accelerator, our new podcast for veterinary practice owners who want more than just survival - they want to own the practice they dreamed of when they first decided to start a practice - a place that gives them joy and freedom, and where other vets like to work.  In this brand-new series, vet business coach, author, and former Vet Vault guest Dr. Sam Bowden shares the mindset, strategies, and systems he’s used to help hundreds of practice owners transform their clinics into what he calls “abundant practices” - workplaces that are profitable, sustainable, and deeply rewarding. In Episode 1: Why Even Start a Vet Practice?, we ask the question: Wouldn’t it be easier to just get a job?  When you’re in the thick of it all, it feels that way, doesn’t it? Especially when you’re knee-deep in payroll, staff issues, client complaints, and wondering if you’ll ever take a proper holiday again. In this kickoff episode we start with the question every practice owner should revisit regularly: Why are you in business? Dr Sam Bowden breaks down why most owners start with good intentions: better medicine, a better team, better money - but end up overworked, underpaid, and out of joy. And why the fix begins with something deceptively simple: clarity on that why. Sam outlines his framework for what he calls an “abundant practice” - the five pillars that any vet business needs to get right if it’s going to support the life you want. And yes, that includes permission to take a holiday. What You’ll Learn: The real reasons vets start practices (hint: it’s not just the money)Why good intentions often lead to overwhelmThe 5 pillars of Sam’s Abundant Practice Model: time, team, clients, finances, fulfillmentHow a low financial drive hurts the profession—and your personal lifeCommon mindset traps (and how to replace guilt with growth)The power of shifting from “either/or” to “yes/and” thinkingWhy clarity is the foundation for fun, freedom, and financial success If this episode was made just for you, and you’d like to hear more, you can find our other episodes here.