Extraordinary Vets

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Dagmar Mayer, the manager of the Malawi Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Mayer takes us from her first volunteer trips in Botswana, Egypt, and India to Mission Rabies, where her team vaccinated more than 63,000 dogs in just two weeks.

Learn more and get involved:Worldwide Veterinary Service: https://wvs.org.uk/Mission Rabies: https://www.missionrabies.com/en

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Terry Kane and Dr.Melinda Wilkins, to talk about the vital role of honeybees in our ecosystem, the veterinary care they require, and how veterinarians can contribute to pollinator health.

Resources mentioned:

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In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. John Welser former Dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Joined by his wife, Katie Welser, and daughter, Dr. Jennifer Welser, host Dr. Donna Harris explores two generations of leadership and devotion to animal care.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Emily King to discuss her multi-faceted journey through veterinary medicine. From hanging her own shingle in 2003 to expanding her digital footprint, Dr. King shares the invaluable leadership and longevity lessons she has picked up along the way.

Dr. King also shares her absolute must-read book that changed the trajectory of her clinic and her take on where the digital landscape is heading over the next ten years. Whether you are a vet student, a practice owner, or simply a pet lover, this episode...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Mark Johnston, CEO of Vetstream, for a deeply candid conversation about career evolution, resilience, and global impact. Dr. Johnston shares his personal journey from a traditional clinical education at Cambridge to navigating severe, hidden burnout during the intensity of equine practice.

That pivotal crisis became the catalyst for a remarkable shift to entrepreneurship and advocacy. From launching groundbreaking equine safety data initiatives like CEPEF to establishing upstream mental health tools with the Vets in Mind Alliance, Dr. Johnston has dedicated his post-clinic career...

In this special edition of the Extraordinary Vets Podcast, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Jamie Barnabei. With nearly a decade of federal service leading national programs in animal health and emergency preparedness, Dr. Barnabei draws on her deep expertise to break down what this parasite is and how it works.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lisa Freeman, a veterinarian, whose career path led her from comparative biomedical research all the way to becoming the 13th president of Northern Illinois University .

Discover her insights on veterinary science, research, leadership, and her dedication to community engagement.

You won't find Dr. Charlotte Lacroix in a courtroom, but you will find her resolving the day-to-day legal puzzles that veterinarians face nationwide. As both a DVM and a transactional attorney, Dr. Lacroix uses her dual perspective to spot critical issues in employment agreements, non-competes, and equity arrangements.

Dr. Lacroix shares her unique journey from UC Davis to practicing law, offering an inside look at how legal principles intersect with veterinary medicine. Whether you are an associate navigating the red flags of employment contracts , a practice owner eyeing corporate consolidation , or a student wondering where your degree...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Richard Linnehan, a veterinarian and NASA astronaut who completed four space shuttle missions.

Dr. Linnehan pulls back the curtain on his career path that led him from marine mammal research to the flight deck of the Space Shuttle. He describes the grueling reality of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) likening the high-stakes experience of working in a pressurized suit to a "ballet in a giant 55-gallon drum".

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Myron Kebus, a specialist in fish production medicine, to explore one of the most unique and rapidly evolving career paths in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Kebus shares his journey from the early days of a niche industry to the establishment of board-certified fish health specialties. We dive into the fascinating world of aquaculture from food production and baitfish farming to the science of aquaponics.

What happens when a Mizzou-trained veterinarian trades his stethoscope for a pen to become a #1 New York Times bestselling author? In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. James Rollins, the creative mastermind behind the acclaimed Sigma Force series, to explore his fascinating career.

If you’re looking for a gripping read to dive into this month, James Rollins' latest standalone thriller, Trust No One, is available now.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Christy Lee, a veterinarian with a unique career path that includes working with exotic animals and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. Lee shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to her current roles in small animal practice and zoo medicine. She discusses the importance of mentorship, creating opportunities during veterinary school, and the challenges of entering the field of zoo medicine. The conversation also touches on the significance of philanthropy in veterinary work and offers valuable advice for aspiring veterinarians.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:<...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Eric Davis, founder of Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS). Dr. Davis shares his journey from a rural veterinarian to a leader in veterinary education and community service. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working with underserved communities, particularly on Indian reservations, and the evolution of RAVS into a significant nonprofit organization that trains veterinary students and provides essential services to animals in need. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in veterinary medicine and the personal fulfillment that comes from serving others.

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In this special "Dean’s Edition" of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with three deans who prove there is no single "right" way to reach the top of academia.

Inside the Episode:

Building from the Ground Up: Dr. Heidi Banse (Arkansas State University) discusses the challenge of launching a brand-new vet school and explains the "community center model" of clinical education and the importance of the Spectrum of Care initiative.

The Global Perspective: Dr. Brendan Lee (St. Matthew’s University) explains his unique role as Executive Dean and...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Joe Gaydos, a marine mammal veterinarian and science director at the SeaDoc Society. They discuss Joe's unique career path, his experiences in wildlife medicine, and the importance of ocean health and conservation. Joe shares insights from his time in Zimbabwe, his transition to marine mammals, and his efforts in educating the public through children's literature and media outreach. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine, particularly in wildlife conservation, and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians.

Keep up with the...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris welcomes Dr. Justin Schlanser, Colonel in the U.S. Army, Chief of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and Commander of Public Health Command East. Joining the conversation are Second Lieutenant Shelby Friend and Second Lieutenant Selena Gomez, veterinary students and recipients of the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Together, they discuss Dr. Schlanser’s journey into veterinary medicine, the roles and responsibilities of the Army Veterinary Corps, and the unique career pathways available to veterinarians in military service. The episode also explores leadership development, public heal...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Daphne Mobley, a veterinarian with a diverse career path that includes lab animal medicine, corporate roles, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mobley shares her journey from a childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian to her experiences in the corporate world and her eventual leap into entrepreneurship. She discusses her book, 'The Pet Effect: Healing and Learning Life Lessons from the Pets We Love ,' which highlights the positive impact pets have on people's lives.

To learn more about Dr. Mobley and the work she goes you can v...

Discover what it really takes to become a successful dairy veterinarian and how veterinarians transition into the animal health industry with Dr. Matt Boyle,Director, Dairy Technical Services at Zoetis Inc. In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, we explore the day-to-day work of a technical services veterinarian, the future of dairy medicine, and the skills today’s veterinarians need to thrive in a rapidly changing livestock industry.

Dr. Boyle shares his journey from dairy practice to a leadership role at Zoetis, offering practical career advice for veterinary students, new grads, and any veterinarian interested in food animal me...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Bob Sager whose career spans more than 45 years in beef cattle medicine. From running rural mixed practices to leading veterinary health and biosecurity for over 600,000 head of cattle in Russia, Dr. Sager’s journey is anything but ordinary.

He shares stories of innovation in cattle health, the surprising “gummy bear trade” that saved a herd, his late-life PhD pursuit, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. This conversation is a testament to lifelong learning, global adventure, and the heart of a true...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Steve Osofsky, a prominent figure in wildlife conservation and the One Health movement. Dr. Osofsky shares his journey from being a young boy fascinated by wildlife to becoming a leading wildlife veterinarian and conservationist. He discusses his experiences in Botswana, the establishment of the Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks Wildlife Veterinary Unit, and the importance of integrating environmental stewardship and public health through the One Health and Planetary Health concepts. The conversation also explores a range of roles for veterinarians in conservation, and the critical need for goo...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Michael Bailey, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Bailey shares his journey into veterinary medicine, his experiences overcoming dyslexia, and his diverse career path that includes teaching, private practice, and involvement in organized veterinary medicine. He discusses the importance of diversity in the veterinary field, the role of artificial intelligence in veterinary radiology, and his vision for the future of veterinary medicine. Dr. Bailey emphasizes the need for veterinarians to be actively involved in their professional organizations and the importance of empathy in...

This episode of Extraordinary Vets features Dr. Ashley Womersley and Dr. Brad Boike, two Michigan-based veterinarians. Donna dives into the world of VETR Health, a mobile veterinary service with a unique membership-based pricing model. Learn how this innovative startup is making pet care more affordable and accessible while improving the quality of life for both pet parents and veterinarians. The doctors share their personal career journeys, including how they made the leap from traditional practice to a startup venture.

In this episode of "Extraordinary Vets," host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Stacey Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, and DACAW, who is the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Research Compliance Officer at the Texas A&M University System. They discuss the unique role of research compliance in veterinary medicine, the intersection of animal and human research, and the importance of animal welfare. Dr. Pritt shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges and opportunities in veterinary research, and the future of veterinary medicine, including the impact of AI and funding sources for research. The conversation also highlights the...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Donna Harris interviews Dr. Cord Brundage, an assistant professor of biology and veterinary advisor to the National American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association. They discuss Dr. Brundage's unique journey through veterinary medicine, including his experiences in Alaska, Colorado, and California, as well as his transition to Wisconsin. The conversation covers his career aspirations, challenges in veterinary practice, the importance of acupuncture and rehabilitation, and the role of IACUC in research. Dr. Brundage also shares insights on supporting pre-veterinary students and the future challenges facing the veterinary profession.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM , a veterinarian with a rich history in public health and epidemiology. They discuss Dr. Marguerite's journey from veterinary school to her influential roles at the CDC and her current work in One Health and environmental health. The conversation highlights the importance of veterinarians in public health, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and the future challenges facing veterinary medicine.

Are you a graduate of the Externship in Epidemiology Program (EEP)—a hands-on CDC experience for veterinary st...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets Dr. Donna Harris sits down with global health expert Dr. Charles  Mackenzie, whose career has spanned continents and saved countless lives. From his early work in immunology to becoming a leading voice in the fight against filarial diseases like river blindness and elephantiasis, Dr. Mackenzie shares the surprising turns his career has taken and the scientific breakthroughs that followed.

Join Dr. Donna Harris on location at King's Cross Station as she catches up with Dr. Stuart Reid, President and Principal of the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. In this lively conversation, Dr. Reid reflects on his journey from food animal practice in Scotland to leading one of the most prestigious veterinary institutions in the world. They discuss the role of epidemiology in modern veterinary medicine, lessons from COVID-19, and the surprising path from average student to university leadership. It's a candid, insightful, and on-the-go chat that proves there's no one route to becoming an Extraordinary Vet.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Jessie Sanders shares her journey as an aquatic veterinarian, detailing her early love for animals, her educational path, and her experiences in veterinary school. She discusses the unique aspects of caring for fish and the challenges of aquatic veterinary medicine, as well as her role in advancing the field through public speaking and education. She discusses the growth of veterinary conferences, the challenges of starting her own practice, and the importance of husbandry in fish health. Jessie emphasizes the need for better resources for fish hobbyists and veterinary students and highlights the...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Vets podcast, Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Melinda Merck, a pioneer in veterinary forensics. Dr. Merck shares her journey from a young animal lover to a trailblazer in the field, discussing her early influences, experiences in veterinary school, and the ethical challenges she faced in her early career. She explains how her passion for animal welfare led her to establish her own practice and eventually transition into forensic veterinary medicine, where she has made significant contributions to the field.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. David Sherman shares his remarkable journey in veterinary medicine, detailing his role at the World Organization for Animal Health and his passion for animal health on a global scale. Dr. Sherman also highlights his expertise in goat medicine and his experiences teaching and mentoring future veterinarians, culminating in a full-circle moment as he returns to Nairobi to contribute to veterinary workforce development. He discusses his role as a state veterinarian, and his experiences in establishing veterinary services in Afghanistan. Dr. Sherman emphasizes the significance of sustainable development in veterinary practices and reflects...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Ebony Escalona shares her unique journey in the veterinary field, emphasizing the importance of finding one's fit in a diverse career. She discusses her experiences in clinical practice, academia, and community building through her initiative, Vet Stay Go Diversify. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, the need for emotional intelligence, and the significance of community support in navigating career paths. Dr. Escalona encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and seek fulfillment beyond traditional roles in veterinary medicine.

🌍 Vet Stay Go Diversify
Explore global vet...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian, to explore her remarkable journey from childhood fascination with primates to her groundbreaking work in gorilla conservation. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka shares her experiences in veterinary school in London, the challenges she faced as a trailblazer in wildlife medicine, and the profound impact of tourism on wildlife. This conversation delves into the complexities of human-wildlife conflict, the importance of a One Health approach, and the lessons learned from great apes. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka also emphasizes the vital role of family support, economic value...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Stephanie Morley shares her unique journey from veterinary school to becoming an entrepreneur in the veterinary field. She discusses her early career experiences, the challenges she faced in private practice, and her transition to lab animal medicine. Dr. Morley highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and the intersection of business and science in veterinary medicine. She also addresses the pressing issues of mental health in the profession and the impact of private equity on veterinary practices. Through her story, she inspires veterinarians to embrace change and pursue their passions.

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In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Scott Dee shares his unique journey in veterinary medicine, particularly in the swine industry. From his early aspirations of becoming a canine veterinarian to his eventual focus on pigs and microbiology, Dr. Dee discusses the challenges he faced and the emergence of significant diseases like PRRS and PED. He highlights the importance of academic rigor, mentorship, and innovative research in addressing these challenges and improving biosecurity in swine production. In this conversation, Scott Dee discusses his extensive experience in veterinary medicine, particularly in swine health. He shares insights into investigating disease outbreaks...

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Debbye Turner Bell shares her unique journey from a young animal lover in Arkansas to becoming Miss America and a prominent journalist. She discusses the pivotal influences in her life, including her supportive mother and veterinarians who inspired her passion for animal care. Dr. Turner Bell reflects on her experiences in the pageant world, balancing her education in veterinary medicine with public speaking and media opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse career paths within the veterinary profession and encourages others to pursue their passions, regardless of traditional expectations. In this...

This podcast offers an inside look at the lives and careers of extraordinary individuals from around the globe. Tune in and discover the possibilities in veterinary medicine—one story at a time.