Veterinary Vitals

What happens when the line between care and harm starts to blur? In this episode, Dr. Barton Breaks down the risks of non-veterinarians performing chiropractic care on animals, the gaps in training, and what's at stake for patient safety and the profession. 

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Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our May 2 update.

Contact Trent Hightower at:
thightower@tvma.org
(512)610-6656

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Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our April 9 update.

Contact Trent Hightower at:
thightower@tvma.org
(512)610-6656

Support the show

Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our February 21 update.

Contact Trent Hightower at:
thightower@tvma.org
(512)610-6656

Support the show

Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our February 15 update.

Advocacy

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Political advocacy impacts every veterinarian in Texas, but how? Dr. Will McCauley joins Veterinary Vitals to break down VPAC’s role, why your involvement matters, and how even small contributions can shape the future of vet med.

REGISTER: 2025 Legislative Day & Advocacy Lab

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Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our January 17 update.

Advocacy

2025 Legislative Day & Advocacy Lab

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In this episode, we dive into the legislative battles shaping the future of veterinary medicine with Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations. From the push for mid-level practitioners to the fight over VCPR—and whether it’s a good idea to let your chiropractor take a crack at your pet’s joints.

REGISTER: 2025 Legislative Day & Advocacy Lab

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Every other week during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Here is our December 13 update.

Advocacy

2025 Legislative Day & Advocacy Lab

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We’re excited to announce a new segment on Veterinary Vitals! Every other Friday during this election season, Trent Hightower, TVMA’s General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, will bring you concise, impactful updates on veterinary legislation and advocacy efforts shaping the future of our profession.

Advocacy

2025 Legislative Day & Advocacy Lab

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This time, we sat down with Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA's Immediate President, to discuss mentorship, mental health, the state of the profession, and what's next for veterinary medicine.

Everything AVMA
https://www.avma.org/

Vet For A Day
https://www.cfvetforaday.com/

Questions With Crocker - Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/6CGF8GVqq03qS1qSPMG4hr?si=4c6bb6f2e25f4198

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In this episode, we explore the mental health challenges in veterinary practice with insights from Dr. Marisa Brunetti, and Danielle Baynes, writer and producer of the short film The Dog, highlighting the emotional toll of caring for both animals, and their owners.

The Dog

IndeVets

Not One More Vet is an initiative focusing on mental health within the veterinarian industry. Check them out.

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In this episode, we hear from Dr. Andy Schwartz of the Texas Animal Commission, who at the time of this conversation was just retiring as State Veterinarian and Executive Director. Dr. Schwartz stopped by the Veterinary Vitals booth at TVMA Annual Conference & Expo to share about his time at the agency and several little-known perks of working for the state.

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Today on the podcast, we hear from two power-houses: TVMA Past President Dr. Jodi Long and AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson about their paths to leadership in the profession.  

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Today on the podcast, the 2023-24 Power of 10 Leadership Class participants share their journeys in veterinary medicine and why they sought to further develop their leadership skills! You can learn more about The Power of 10 Leadership Class and apply here by 5/17/24: https://ow.ly/VKmX50Rb2bF

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In this episode, we hear from Dr. Bill Liska, TVMA’s 2024 Distinguished Career Achievement Award Winner at TVMA Annual Conference & Expo in Irving. Dr. Liska received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1973. He completed an internship and surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York in 1976 and became Board Certified by the ACVS in 1980. He practiced  in Houston until 1988, when he founded one of the largest multi-disciplinary veterinary specialty hospitals in the country. Dr. Liska was awarded the AVMA Practitioner Research Award in 2009 for his canine and feline hip and knee replacement studies.

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In this episode, we hear a few important legislative updates, as well as the final word from our president Dr. Jodi Long as she prepares to end her term.

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Drs. Cherese Sullivan and Adria Flowers are two veterinarians and practice owners in Houston, Texas. 

Dr. Cherese Sullivan graduated from Cornell University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has worked in general practice, emergency, and shelter medicine throughout her career. 

Dr. Adria Flowers received her Bachelors in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2006 and obtained a masters in public health from University of Missouri. Dr. Flowers goal is to bring the One Health Initiative into her daily practice. 

Drs. Sullivan and Flowers share how they found each other, opened a c...

Sherri Jerzyk, a veterinary technician in the TAMU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, developed "The Grotto" as part of her veterinary social work certificate program. Her experiences in veterinary medicine gave her a passion for addressing mental health in the LVT population.

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To wrap up the year, we hear from veterinarians and veterinary professionals about how they find joy in the tough times. We also take a look across Texas to revel in the accomplishments of our peers. Happy holidays!

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During the legislative session this spring, lawmakers voted to attach the TBVME to another state agency, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the next four years. Here’s our conversation on the agency’s progress since our last update with Brittany Sharkey, Executive Director of TBVME.

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In this episode of veterinary vitals, we spoke with Drs. Chad Harris and Tracy McAdoo at Southwest Veterinary Symposium in September about the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation. Dr. Harris, the TVMF Board of Trustees President since 2017, handed over the gavel to Dr. McAdoo this year. Listen in as we uncover the hidden potential of TVMF and where the organization is headed in 2024.

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Practice Manager Recognition Week is November 12-18, 2023! This week was created to bring attention to the often-unsung heroes who empower veterinary medical providers to devote their focus to patient treatment and outcomes. Have you thought about how you can appreciate your practice manager this week?

FUN FACT: Practice Managers can now use their CE with TVMA toward their CVPM!

In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Susan Driever, CVPM about what it takes to earn your CVPM and be a successful practice manager. Susan is a Course Facilitator for the Veterinary Hospital Managers...

Today on Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Dr. Debra Zoran, Professor for the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Interim Director of the Veterinary Emergency Team (VET). Dr. Zoran specializes in emergency preparedness and response, and the use of simulations in the teaching of disaster. 

She earned a BS in animal science from Kansas State University, an MS in clinical sciences from Iowa State University, and a DVM and a Ph.D. in nutrition, both from Texas A&M. Listen in as Dr. Zoran shares the o...

Dr. Pierce is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He was an ophthalmology intern at the Eye Care for Animals & Biological Test Center in California and at Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Pierce completed his residency in ophthalmology and received his Masters Degree.

This episode is sponsored by VESPECON. VESPECON partners with specialty veterinary practices so you can offer specialty care on the cases that need it. You can continue...

Welcome to the season 5 premiere of Veterinary Vitals! This season begins with a timely update from Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA past-president and TVMA past-president, on illicit xylazine. AVMA helped develop, introduce, and build support for the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which seeks to keep the drug's legitimate veterinary uses under the current prescription status. 

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With more than a year at TVMA, Executive Director Troy Alexander reports on the State of the Association. From developments with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to the opening of a new veterinary school at Texas Tech University, Mr. Alexander shares the challenges and successes in organized veterinary medicine.

This is the season finale of Season 4! Season 5 will begin this Fall. We welcome feedback and ideas for the podcast. Email awood@tvma.org.

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Dr. Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER veterinarian for veterinary emergency group in Dallas and owns Alta Vista Animal Hospital. She supports fellow veterinary professionals and educates the pet-owning public through her various endeavors. Dr. Crocker is also a TVMA member and serves on several committees.

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Enjoy this sneak peak of Dr. Ralph Harvey's CE session from TVMA Annual Conference. Dr. Harvey currently works as a consultant in practice and industry promoting best medicine, including Fear Free practices, and new advances in patient care, with a focus on the management and relief of animal pain and suffering. 

Dr. Harvey formerly taught anesthesia and pain management in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, Tennessee. He has served as the section head for the Small Animal Surgical Services and as a member of t...

In today’s episode, we speak with Tabitha Baibos and Tomas Reyes about their award-winning veterinary AI tool, RadAnalyzer. Tabitha is a 4th-year veterinary student at Texas A&M University and Tomas graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2020 with his Bachelors  in Electrical Engineering and in August 2022 with his Master’s  in Electrical Engineering. His focus was in applied machine learning (AI). Tabitha and Tomas met at Texas A&M, are cofounders of RadAnalyzer, and are engaged to be married! Listen to their story.

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As the Director of Corporate Relations for Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, TAMU Health, and the School of Engineering Medicine, Dr. Will McCauley serves as a dedicated conduit for companies seeking to partner with Texas A&M University. These partnerships empower Texas A&M's incredible students, dedicated faculty, and innovative programs to improve the health of people, animals, and the environment. Today, Dr. McCauley shares from his experience on veterinary career opportunities in the regulatory sector. 

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Dr. Richard Stone, Vice President of Medicine at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, discusses improving medical quality in veterinary medicine. Dr. Stone received his DVM from Texas A&M University in 2004, and completed a Veterinary Internal Medicine Residency Program at The University of Georgia in 2011. Dr. Stone ensures regional and local medical leaders across the country can deliver on the BluePearl promise of remarkable care. He is also the recipient of the 2023 TVMA Medical Specialty Practitioner of the Year Award. 

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Walter Brown, RVTg is an Emergency and Critical Care specialty veterinary technologist, social media public figure, influencer, comedian and founder of SKINNI GO LIVE LLC. Walter combines his background in veterinary medicine with comedy to bring education and relief to veterinary professionals around the world. When he isn’t devoting time to his brand, Walter works as a veterinary technologist program liaison for United Veterinary Care, where he cultivates relationships with veterinary technology programs and provides veterinary technology students with opportunities and resources to pave the way for future career interest.

This episode is...

Dr. Jodi Long graduated from Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and started her career in Houston in 2003. She now serves as the General Practice Mentor Veterinarian for National Veterinary Associates. As someone who has attended many TVMA events over the years, we hear from her about what makes our Annual Conference unique and how newcomers can find their tribe. 

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In this episode, we hear a preview of the February issue of Texas Veterinarian magazine. Can the State Turn the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Around? by Steve Levine reveals historical challenges at the TBVME and the agency's wake up call for big change.

After the reading, we catch up with Trent Hightower, TVMA's General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, to hear his thoughts on the proposed changes.

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New executive director of TBVME, Brittany Sharkey, JD, discusses steps the agency is taking to better service Texas veterinarians and the industry.

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Dr. Heidi Lobprise graduated from Texas A & M University in 1983 and became a board certified veterinary dentist in 1993. In 2003, she joined the Veterinary Specialty Team of Pfizer Animal Health, and in 2010, she became the Senior Technical Manager for Virbac Corporation. She helped organize, and was the first president of, the International Veterinary Senior Care Society, whose mission is to provide resources targeting the complete health care needs of senior pets to the veterinarian, their team, and clients. 

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In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we hear from Trent Hightower, General Counsel and Director of Legislative Affairs at TVMA about upcoming legislation that impacts the veterinary profession.

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Today on Veterinary Vitals, I speak with Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin, assistant professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Valeris-Chacin was recently awarded a $100,000 grant through Texas A&M AgriLife Research from the USDA-NIFA Animal Health and Disease Research Capacity Program. The grant will be used to research associated pathogens of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).

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Season 4 Premiere: In order to bring you more quality episodes about what’s happening in Texas veterinary medicine, we’re offering you a sneak peak into TVMA members’ exclusive benefit, Texas Veterinarian magazine. Each month, we'll select an article from the magazine to share with you as a reading on the podcast. Starting with this article from Dr. John August, the Carl B. King Dean of the Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine, entitled “Veterinary Research in the Texas Panhandle”.

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