The Evolved Vets

When Veterinary Medicine Meets Motherhood: Choosing Presence Over Perfection with Dr. Ashley Gray (Ep 33)

Veterinary burnout, motherhood, work-life balance, career transitions, and authentic leadership come together in this deeply personal conversation with Dr. Ashley Gray. What happens when the career you've worked your entire life to build no longer aligns with the season you're living? Dr. Ashley shares her emotional journey from emergency veterinarian and hospital leader to intentionally stepping away from full-time practice after becoming a mother of two. Together with Dr. Bethany Weinheimer, they discuss identity shifts, listening to your intuition, recognizing burnout, asking for help, therapy, lowering perfectionist expectations, and building a sustainable veterinary career that honors both professional purpose and family. This episode is an honest reminder that evolving isn't giving up—it's choosing alignment.Ready to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at https://www.evolvedvets.com/membershipIn This Episode How to recognize when burnout is really your body asking you to pivotWhy motherhood can completely reshape your identity and personal valuesPractical ways to lower perfectionism while creating a more sustainable veterinary careerHow therapy, community, and trusting your intuition can help you navigate life's biggest transitionsKey Timestamps00:00 Motherhood changes your identity in unexpected ways03:35 Ashley's veterinary career journey from internship to ER and leadership06:45 Following intuition through a cross-country move while pregnant11:20 Discovering authentic values after becoming a mother14:00 Navigating a newborn's unexpected medical challenges and career decisions16:30 Why therapy became one of Ashley's biggest lessons20:45 Leaving full-time veterinary medicine and facing an identity crisis24:00 Finding purpose through education, advocacy, and supporting pet parents30:20 Rebuilding a career through writing, creativity, and intentional motherhood37:40 Delegation, raising resilient children, and embracing imperfect growthKey TakeawaysYour body often recognizes burnout before your mind is willing to admit it.Every season of life requires reevaluating your values—and sometimes your career.Asking for help, seeking therapy, and leaning on your community are signs of strength, not weakness.Sustainable success in veterinary medicine comes from alignment, not constant achievement.About Dr. Ashley GrayDr. Ashley Gray is a well-rounded small animal general practitioner who has experience with emergency medicine. She is fear free certified and additional skills include: abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, spectrum of care medicine, excellent communicator, relationship builder, marketer and great at recruiting. She has solid social media experience and run two successful platforms (@Southernpetvet and @vetsontherise). She also held leadership roles as Internship Director and Medical Director. She and a vet school classmate friend started the company Vets on the Rise back in 2019. Why? Her main passion is providing mentorship support to vet students and new grad vets. Check it out on Instagram: @vetsontherise VOTR is here with books, courses and email subscriber support to help new vets! Check out how we can help your new grad hires or vet student classes at: www.veterinariansontherise.comInstagram: :https://www.instagram.com/southernpetvet/?hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetsontherise/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gray-a17407a5Resources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

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New Grad Veterinarian Survival Guide: How to Thrive Beyond Day One (Ep 32)

4w ago00:43:31Tap to summarize

New graduate veterinarians often enter practice carrying both excitement and overwhelming pressure to be "day one ready"—but what if that expectation has been misunderstood from the start? Dr. Bethany Weinheimer discusses the origins of the phrase, explores the research behind imposter syndrome in veterinary medicine, and offers practical strategies to help new vet grads move from fear and perfectionism into confidence and curiosity. Through personal stories, evidence-based insights, and actionable tips, this episode reminds listeners that graduation isn't the finish line, it's the beginning of a lifelong practice of growth, learning, and self-compassion.The Evolve Vets Membership is an online community designed specifically for women in veterinary medicine who are ready to move beyond survival mode and create a sustainable, fulfilling career. If you're a new graduate, Dr. Bethany is offering one month free to help you build resilience from the very beginning of your career. Simply use the promo code NEWGRAD2026 to experience the tools, guidance, and support that can help you thrive—not just survive—in veterinary medicine.In This Episode You Will LearnWhat "day one ready" was originally intended to mean—and how its message has been misunderstoodWhy imposter syndrome and anxiety are so common among new veterinariansFive practical strategies to build confidence, seek support, and navigate your first year in practiceHow nervous system regulation and the Evolve Method can help create a sustainable veterinary careerTimestamps00:00 Why "Day One Ready" Is a Starting Line, Not a Finish Line01:15 The Question That Changed the Conversation Around New Graduates04:20 Research on Imposter Syndrome and Why You're Not Alone06:20 The Original Meaning Behind the "Day One Ready" Concept09:20 Clinical Knowledge vs. Clinical Confidence13:30 Reframing the Question: "Am I Ready for Day One?"17:35 Dr. Bethany's New Grad Mistakes and Lessons Learned21:35 Five Essential Tips for New Graduate Veterinarians28:35 The Evolve Method and Nervous System Regulation40:15 What Day One Should Actually Feel LikeKey TakeawaysGraduation doesn't mean you know everything—it means you've built the foundation to keep learning.Mentorship, collaboration, and asking for help are signs of wisdom, not weakness.Confidence develops through repetition, experience, and self-compassion.Regulating your nervous system may be one of the most important investments you make in your veterinary longevity.About Dr. Bethany WeinheimerDr. Bethany Weinheimer is a veterinary leader, coach, consultant, and host of The Evolved Vets Podcast. She specializes in burnout recovery, authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and alignment-based coaching for veterinarians and medical professionals. Through Code Blue Coaching and The Evolved Vets Community, she helps veterinarians navigate challenges from burnout to career growth, including areas like veterinary leadership, practice ownership, and long-term sustainability.Resources MentionedThe Doctor Molly Says Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028Dr. Gary Marshall on The Doctor Molly Says Podcast: https://youtu.be/aFXqKz6OGhcPerfectionism in Vet Medicine Episode -https://youtu.be/-eyYOjtVWmwThe Evolved Vets Membership: https://app-evolved-vets.mykajabi.com/membership📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

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The Honest Vet, Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond on Leadership, Motherhood, and Evidence-Based Medicine (Ep 31)

Jun 1801:16:44Tap to summarize

Veterinary leadership, general practice, emergency medicine, exotics, evidence-based medicine, and motherhood collide in this inspiring conversation with Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond.The Honest Vet tells us what honesty means to her and what happens when the career you thought you'd have no longer fits? Dr. Hammond shares her unexpected journey from aspiring large animal veterinarian to small animal, ER doctor, relief vet, exotic pet practitioner, Chief of Staff, mother, and creator of The Honest Vet. Along the way, she discusses navigating misinformation, building trust with pet owners, stepping into leadership, giving and receiving feedback, embracing uncertainty, and learning that the most meaningful career paths are rarely linear. This episode is a powerful reminder that flexibility, authenticity, and curiosity can lead to a veterinary career more fulfilling than you ever imagined.Ready to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at https://www.evolvedvets.com/membershipIn This Episode Why emergency medicine helped shape Dr. Hammond into a more confident veterinarianHow The Honest Vet was created to combat misinformation with compassion and evidenceWhat stepping into leadership as a female veterinarian really looks likeWhy staying flexible and trusting your intuition can open unexpected opportunitiesKey Timestamps00:00 Why emergency medicine made Dr. Hammond a better veterinarian01:45 Reconnecting after veterinary school and reflecting on different career paths04:05 Realizing large animal medicine wasn't the right fit07:45 The pivotal moment she switched tracks during clinical rotations09:30 Starting her first small animal position and navigating student debt realities12:20 Taking on emergency medicine to strengthen clinical confidence15:20 The emotional highs and lows of ER practice19:35 The experiences that inspired The Honest Vet24:10 Fighting misinformation and building trust with pet owners26:45 Moving to Charleston and starting over28:25 Relief work as an unexpected career advantage32:10 Discovering a passion for exotic animal medicine41:30 Using social media to advocate for pets through honest education47:50 The meaning behind The Honest Vet brand54:40 "Evidence-based everything" as a life philosophy01:03:15 Stepping into leadership as Chief of Staff01:12:45 Advice for aspiring veterinary leaders and embracing the journeyKey TakeawaysThe veterinary career you imagined may evolve into something even better if you stay open to change.Emergency medicine builds confidence, decisiveness, and skills that benefit every veterinarian.Honest conversations rooted in empathy and evidence are the strongest antidotes to misinformation.Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about earning trust, staying adaptable, and helping others grow.About Dr. Sylvalyn HammondChief of StaffA 2018 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Hammond grew up on her family's Angus cattle ranch in southern Arizona, where she spent her childhood as her mother's “unofficial” veterinary assistant. That early hands-on experience shaped a lifelong passion for animal health and welfare. Today, she leads our team as Chief of Staff and is especially passionate about client education and partnering with pet owners on their animals’ care. Dr. Hammond works with a wide variety of species, drawing on her experience with both small and farm animals, as well as advanced continuing education in exotic pet medicine through the Exotic Veterinary Academy. Her clinical interests include nutrition, internal medicine, dentistry, and evidence-based preventive care. https://allcreatureschs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestvet/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehonestvetYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehonestvet.officialResources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

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How to Give and Receive Feedback in Veterinary Medicine Without Fear (Ep 30)

Jun 400:56:06Tap to summarize

Feedback in veterinary medicine can feel emotionally exhausting, especially for perfectionists, people pleasers, and emerging leaders. In this episode of The Evolved Vets Podcast, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer breaks down how to give and receive feedback in a way that strengthens trust, improves communication, and supports healthier veterinary teams. She introduces the SBI model for delivering clear, specific feedback and the HEAR model for receiving feedback without spiraling into defensiveness or shame. Through real-world veterinary leadership stories, emotional intelligence strategies, and mindset shifts around perfectionism, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer shares practical tools to help veterinary professionals communicate with confidence, regulate their nervous systems, and create more sustainable careers in vet med.Want to learn how to use your voice to give and receive feedback in a thoughtful way?Join The Evolved Vets Membership now to learn and master Dr. Weinheimer’s feedback process and plus much more! The Evolved Vets Membership is a roadmap to building confidence, managing energy, improving communication, and stepping into leadership on your own terms. We go beyond professional skills to help you become the veterinarian you’ve always wanted to be.In This Episode You Will LearnHow to use the SBI model to give clear, effective feedbackWhy perfectionism makes feedback conversations so difficult in veterinary medicineThe HEAR model for receiving feedback without defensivenessHow emotional intelligence improves leadership, team culture, and retentionTimestamps00:40 – Introduction to why feedback feels uncomfortable and why many veterinary professionals avoid it.02:30 – Understanding feedback trauma and how vague or judgmental feedback damages trust.08:50 – Introduction to the SBI Model (Situation, Behavior, Impact).09:25 – The Situation component: why specificity matters in feedback conversations.10:00 – The Behavior component: focusing on observable actions instead of assumptions.11:10 – The Impact component: helping people understand the ripple effects of their behavior.13:20 – Using the SBI model to deliver meaningful positive feedback and recognition.18:10 – Why receiving feedback is often harder than giving it, especially for perfectionists.20:30 – Introduction to the HEAR Model (Halt, Empathize, Ask, Reflect) for receiving feedback.24:20 – The "mango" safe-word example: building self-awareness through real-time team feedback.38:40 – Practical feedback tips: timing, privacy, curiosity, and preparing for difficult conversations.52:35 – Closing leadership lesson: helping team members grow through supportive, future-focused feedback.Key TakeawaysSpecific, behavior-based feedback creates safer and more productive conversationsEmotional regulation is critical for both giving and receiving feedback effectivelyFeedback is not about criticism — it is about growth, awareness, and connectionStrong veterinary leadership requires curiosity, empathy, and psychological safetyAbout Dr. Bethany WeinheimerDr. Bethany Weinheimer is a veterinary leader, coach, consultant, and host of The Evolved Vets Podcast. She specializes in burnout recovery, authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and alignment-based coaching for veterinarians and medical professionals. Through Code Blue Coaching and The Evolved Vets Community, she helps veterinarians navigate challenges from burnout to career growth, including areas like veterinary leadership, practice ownership, and long-term sustainability.📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetResources MentionedPerfectionism in Veterinary Medicine, Nervous System Regulation, and Vet Burnout (Ep 25)Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI)™HEAR ModelThe Evolved Vets Membership: https://app-evolved-vets.mykajabi.com/membership📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

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Breaking the Perfectionism Trap That's Holding Women Vets Back: Leadership, Confidence & Career Growth with Dr. Cheryl York (Ep 29)

May 2100:32:31Tap to summarize

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your skill, but your mindset?Veterinary leadership, perfectionism in veterinary medicine, and career sustainability are at the heart of this episode with Dr. Cheryl York.Dr. York shares her journey from self-doubt and fear of public speaking to becoming a confident leader and advocate in organized veterinary medicine. Together, we explore how perfectionism, vulnerability, and community shape career growth. This episode dives into leadership development, overcoming fear, and building meaningful connections so veterinarians can thrive—personally and professionally—without sacrificing themselves in the process.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ How perfectionism shows up in veterinary medicine—and how to overcome it✅ Why vulnerability and community are essential for career growth✅ How to step into leadership even when you feel unqualified or afraid✅ Practical ways to build a sustainable, fulfilling veterinary careerReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comTimestamps00:00 Perfectionism and the hidden impact on veterinarians01:45 Cheryl’s journey into veterinary medicine and career path04:46 Overcoming fear of public speaking through challenging yourself to do the uncomfortable thing06:40 Failing forward: persistence and earning a board position09:00 The power of networking and community in vet med13:34 Finding purpose and avoiding isolation in a demanding career15:07 Perfectionism, fear of failure, and “life paralysis”19:22 Advice for women in veterinary medicine navigating self-doubt21:30 The importance of community and shared experiences25:45 Life outside veterinary medicine: hobbies, balance, and self-careKey Takeaways🔹 Perfectionism is often rooted in fear and shame—and can limit growth if left unchecked🔹 Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about stepping up despite fear and discomfort🔹 Community and connection are critical to surviving and thriving in veterinary medicine🔹 Self-compassion and vulnerability are essential for long-term career sustainabilityIf you enjoyed this episode, check out Dr. Bethany Weinheimer’s episode on perfectionism in veterinary medicine, overcoming self-doubt, and building a more sustainable veterinary career. Check it out here 👉 https://youtu.be/-eyYOjtVWmwAbout Dr. Cheryl YorkVeterinarian & Medical DirectorDr. Cheryl York received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in 2009, then went on to graduate from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She practiced in San Diego, California for several years prior to her move back to Texas in 2017 to be closer to family. She has been with the Bluebonnet family ever since, having practiced at all 3 locations! The Circle C location is her long term work home, where she is currently serving as their medical director.https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-york-a6308bb0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyork32/?hl=enEmail: cheryl@yorkdvm.comResources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetveterinary medicine, vet leadership, TVMA, veterinary networking, professional networking, career change, veterinary advocacy, leadership skills, veterinary community, Dr Cheryl York, perfectionism, mental health, burnout

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The Weight We Carry — Euthanasia, Grief, and What No One Taught Us in Vet School (Ep 28)

May 700:52:54Tap to summarize

Veterinary euthanasia, compassion fatigue, veterinary burnout, and moral stress are realities many professionals silently carry every day. In this deeply honest episode, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer opens up about the emotional impact of humane euthanasia, CPR codes, grief, and the hidden trauma veterinary teams experience behind closed exam room doors. She shares powerful personal stories from emergency medicine, explores how perfectionism and emotional compartmentalization affect veterinarians, and offers evidence-based tools for processing grief in healthier ways. From difficult financial euthanasias to peaceful goodbyes, this episode is a compassionate conversation about self-care, emotional resilience, and sustaining a meaningful veterinary career without losing yourself along the way.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why humane euthanasia can feel both peaceful and emotionally devastating✅ How compassion fatigue, burnout, and perfectionism impact veterinary professionals✅ The emotional differences between behavioral, financial, and emergency euthanasias✅ Practical self-care tools to process grief and build long-term emotional resilienceReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comTimestamps(00:00) Why Dr. Bethany believes euthanasia is a gift(02:10) The emotional toll veterinarians carry after difficult cases(04:15) Breaking down while processing euthanasia grief at home(07:25) The weight veterinarians were never taught to carry(10:08) Research showing most vets receive no self-care training(13:15) Inside an emergency CPR code and end-of-life decisions(21:00) Why clear euthanasia language matters with pet owners(24:10) Tips for creating a more compassionate euthanasia experience(33:05) The emotional impact of behavioral and financial euthanasias(42:45) Evidence-based tools for processing grief and preventing burnoutKey Takeaways🔹 Veterinary professionals often carry unresolved grief that builds over time without proper emotional processing🔹 Perfectionism and emotional compartmentalization can intensify burnout and compassion fatigue🔹 Humane euthanasia requires both medical clarity and deep emotional compassion🔹 Structured self-care, rituals, therapy, and emotional support systems are essential for career sustainability in veterinary medicineAbout Dr. Bethany WeinheimerDr. Bethany Weinheimer is a veterinary leader, coach, consultant, and host of The Evolved Vets Podcast. She specializes in burnout recovery, authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and alignment-based coaching for veterinarians and medical professionals. Through Code Blue Coaching and The Evolved Vets Community, she helps veterinarians navigate challenges from burnout to career growth, including areas like veterinary leadership, practice ownership, and long-term sustainability.📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

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Seasons of Veterinary Medicine: How to Pivot in Vet Med So You Don't Burnout with Dr. Lori Teller (Ep 27)

Apr 2301:03:32Tap to summarize

Veterinary burnout, career growth, and leadership in veterinary medicine take center stage as Dr. Lori Teller shares how to build a fulfilling vet career without burning out.What if the key to a fulfilling veterinary career isn’t working harder—but staying engaged, curious, and open to change?In this episode, Dr. Lori Teller shares her incredible journey from a determined 12-year-old aspiring vet to becoming a national leader in veterinary medicine. Along the way, she opens up about career pivots, mentorship, clinical pauses based on her season of life, burnout, technology, and how saying “yes” to the right opportunities can completely transform your path. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for your next chapter, this conversation offers both perspective and practical guidance.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ How engagement and mentorship can reshape your veterinary career✅ The real impact of AI and telemedicine in modern veterinary practice✅ How to navigate burnout, career pivots, and life transitions with confidenceReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comTimestamps00:00 How to Stay in Veterinary Medicine Without Burning Out03:02 First Vet Clinic Experience (and Passing Out!)04:26 28-Year Career + Transition to Texas A&M05:08 Becoming Executive Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association06:25 Why Engagement & Leadership Matter in Vet Med09:46 Transition from Clinical Practice to Academia12:08 Telemedicine in Veterinary Medicine: Real Use Cases19:50 AI in Veterinary Medicine: Benefits, Risks & “Dr. Google”26:01 Burnout, Career Doubt & Staying Engaged in Vet Med35:28 Life Challenges, Career Breaks & Personal Resilience43:03 Saying Yes vs No: Career Growth, Boundaries & Opportunities49:07 Leadership Values, Mentorship & Support SystemsKey Takeaways🔹 Preparedness beats prediction: Success in veterinary medicine—and life—comes from being adaptable, not having all the answers.🔹Engagement is everything: Staying involved in your profession opens doors, builds community, and prevents burnout.🔹You don’t have to choose one path: Veterinary medicine offers diverse opportunities—evolving your role can reignite passion.🔹Support systems matter: Mentorship, community, and boundaries are essential for sustaining a long, fulfilling career.About Dr. Lori TellerDr. Lori Teller is a graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (TAMU CVM), and she is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice. She has worked at Meyerland Animal Clinic for many years, starting at the age of 12, and continuing after graduation from veterinary school. Recently Dr. Teller joined the faculty at TAMU CVM as the Clinical Associate Professor of Telehealth. She was a previous AVMA President and the TVMA President in 2010. Dr. Teller has special interests in internal medicine cases, particularly those regarding GI diseases and autoimmune problems. She also greatly enjoys cytology as a diagnostic tool for lumps and bumps and working with senior animals to alleviate pain as they age. She is also very passionate about telemedicine and the role it can play in veterinary medicine.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriteller/Resources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetveterinary burnout, veterinary leadership, women in veterinary medicine, veterinary careers, vet med leadership, career reinvention story, burnout recovery, veterinary business, CSR veterinary role, veterinary training, women in leadership, vet entrepreneur, purpose driven career, evolved vets

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From Hollywood to Veterinary Leadership: Reinvention, Burnout, and Building a Legacy with Dr. Jill Clark (Ep 26)

Apr 901:18:27Tap to summarize

What happens when a Hollywood career no longer aligns with your purpose? For Dr. Jill Clark, that moment led to a complete reinvention into veterinary medicine, leadership, and ultimately transforming how veterinary teams learn and grow.Dr. Bethany Weinheimer sits down with veterinary leader and entrepreneur Dr. Jill Clark to explore her journey from film and television to becoming a veterinarian, executive leader, and founder of Ignite.This conversation dives deep into veterinary burnout, leadership gaps, women in veterinary medicine, and the overlooked role of client service representatives (CSRs). Jill shares powerful stories about breaking cultural conditioning, stepping into leadership as a woman, and building a business rooted in purpose and impact.From sitting in male-dominated boardrooms to redefining education in veterinary medicine, Jill’s story is a masterclass in courage, alignment, and creating change from the inside out.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ How Jill Clark transitioned from Hollywood to veterinary medicine✅ The real signs of burnout and self-abandonment in veterinary careers✅ Why women in medicine often hold themselves back✅ How mentorship and advocacy can accelerate leadership growth✅ The importance of boundaries in preventing veterinary burnout✅ Why CSR training is critical to patient care and clinic success✅ How neuroscience is reshaping veterinary education and trainingReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comTimestamps(00:00) From Hollywood to Veterinary Medicine (Wild Career Pivot) (08:52) The Moment Everything Felt Misaligned (15:31) Burnout in Veterinary Medicine (21:00) Choosing Yourself Without Guilt (25:05) From Vet Practice to Leadership and Business (33:01) Why Veterinary Training is Failing And What Actually Works (38:02) Starting a Business From Scratch (43:45) The Most Undervalued Role in VetMed (50:03) Client Communication Mistakes That Impact Patient Care (01:05:00) Starting Ignite: From Idea to Business (01:09:00) Entrepreneurship in Veterinary Medicine (01:12:30) Finding Purpose, Passion, and Alignment (01:16:00) Why CSR Roles Are Critical in VetMed(01:18:30) Client Communication Mistakes That MatterKey Takeaways🔹 Burnout in medicine often stems from self-abandonment and lack of boundaries.🔹 Women in leadership must actively advocate for themselves and seek opportunities.🔹 Mentorship and community support are key to career growth and confidence.🔹 Traditional veterinary training methods are ineffective without reinforcement and emotional engagement.🔹 Client service representatives play a critical role in patient outcomes and client trust.About Dr. Jill ClarkDr. Jill Clark is a veterinarian, executive leader, and founder of Ignite, a veterinary learning company focused on transforming how teams are trained and developed. With a unique background in film, business leadership, and veterinary medicine, Jill combines storytelling, neuroscience, and real-world experience to improve education, communication, and outcomes across veterinary practices.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillclarkdvm/Website: https://ignitevet.comResources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetveterinary medicine, veterinary burnout, women in veterinary medicine, veterinary leadership, veterinary careers, client service representatives, CSR training, veterinary education, veterinary entrepreneurship, Dr. Jill Clark, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer, Evolved Vets, Ignite Vet, veterinary team training, veterinary communication, women in leadership, burnout recovery, purpose driven career, career reinvention, vet med leadership

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Perfectionism in Veterinary Medicine, Nervous System Regulation, and Vet Burnout (Ep 25)

Mar 2600:48:52Tap to summarize

Perfectionism in medicine isn’t just high standards. It’s one of the biggest drivers of veterinary burnout, emotional exhaustion, and moral stress.On The Evolved Vets Podcast, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer breaks down how perfectionism impacts veterinarians across every stage of their career, from emergency veterinary medicine to veterinary practice ownership. She explains how chronic stress disrupts nervous system regulation and keeps medical professionals stuck in fight-or-flight.This episode also explores energy management for vets, the pressure of veterinary student loans and money mindset, and how perfectionism shows up across paths like preventative pet healthcare and zoo medicine.If you’ve ever felt like you have to be perfect to be a good veterinarian, this is your reframe. Sustainable success in veterinary medicine comes from self-awareness, compassion, and learning to release the pressure of perfection.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why perfectionism is so common in veterinary medicine✅ The difference between healthy striving and harmful perfectionism✅ How perfectionism contributes to burnout and emotional exhaustion✅ What depersonalization looks like in veterinary professionals✅ How chronic stress impacts nervous system regulation✅ Why moral stress hits perfectionists harder in veterinary medicine✅ Practical strategies including energy management for vets to release perfectionism without lowering standardsReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comTimestamps(00:00) Perfectionism in veterinary medicine and why it matters (01:59) The story veterinarians tell themselves about mistakes (04:26) Healthy striving vs perfectionism (05:36) Research linking perfectionism to burnout in healthcare (05:43) Emotional exhaustion and what it looks like in VetMed (08:03) Understanding depersonalization in veterinary professionals (13:11) Why perfectionism ties performance to identity (14:27) How perfectionism shows up in daily veterinary practice (20:25) Why perfectionism is a survival strategy (23:21) How veterinary culture reinforces perfectionism (27:18) Psychological safety and reducing medical errors (29:38) How perfectionism feels in the body (31:23) Steps to break the perfectionism cycle (38:02) The rumination window and journaling practice (43:23) Self-compassion and burnout resilience (44:20) Redefining the gold standard in veterinary medicine (46:26) Why perfectionism helped you succeed but can’t sustain you (47:36) Moving from fear to confidence in VetMedKey Takeaways🔹 Perfectionism is often self-punishment disguised as professionalism in medicine🔹 Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization are two major signs of veterinary burnout🔹 Nervous system regulation is key to reducing stress and improving performance🔹 Many veterinarians tie their identity to clinical outcomes, which intensifies moral stress🔹 Releasing perfectionism and improving energy management for vets allows sustainable successAbout Dr. Bethany WeinheimerDr. Bethany Weinheimer is a veterinary leader, coach, consultant, and host of The Evolved Vets Podcast. She specializes in burnout recovery, authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and alignment-based coaching for veterinarians and medical professionals. Through Code Blue Coaching and The Evolved Vets Community, she helps veterinarians navigate challenges from burnout to career growth, including areas like veterinary leadership, practice ownership, and long-term sustainability.📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetResources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.comveterinary burnout, perfectionism in medicine, nervous system regulation, energy management for vets, veterinary practice ownership, veterinary student loans, money mindset for veterinarians, preventative pet healthcare, emergency veterinary medicine, zoo medicine, wildlife veterinarian career, veterinary leadership, veterinarian mental health

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Veterinary Leadership & Career Growth — Mita Malhotra (Chewy Health) on Courage, Innovation & Vet Wellbeing (Ep 24)

Mar 1200:57:04Tap to summarize

Veterinary leadership is evolving, and women are playing a bigger role than ever in shaping the future of animal health.Mita Malhotra (President, Chewy Health) shares how courage, risk-taking, and a growth mindset fueled her move from engineering to leading Chewy Health. Practical leadership principles for veterinarians, advice for women in veterinary medicine, and steps clinics can take to reduce vet burnout and build cultures of trust and accountability. Actionable takeaways on career growth, innovation in animal health, and creating supportive systems for veterinary teams. Key timestamps included.Mita discusses how courage, risk taking, and a growth mindset helped her build new businesses and why the future of veterinary medicine depends on innovation, compassion, and stronger support for veterinary professionals.They also discuss the challenges women in medicine face today, including vet burnout, leadership development, and the need for systems that better support the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary teams.If you are a veterinarian, veterinary leader, a woman in medicine, or someone passionate about the future of animal health, this episode offers powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact in veterinary medicine.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ How Mita Malhotra built a career from engineering to leading Chewy Health✅ Why courage and risk-taking are essential for career growth✅ How women in medicine can develop leadership skills and resilience✅ Why veterinary medicine needs more innovation and support systems✅ How great leaders create cultures where people can speak up and growReady to evolve your veterinary career?Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.comKey Timestamps0:00 Leadership, Courage, & Innovation in Veterinary Medicine with Mita Malhotra0:14 Meet Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health1:08 From civil engineering to leading a veterinary healthcare company3:12 Why veterinary professionals inspire Mita the most4:33 The biggest career risks that shaped her leadership7:56 Three leadership principles: courage, judgment, and learning from failure11:10 Why a growth mindset matters for veterinarians and leaders14:21 Building global teams and listening to quiet voices in the room21:22 Leadership advice for women in veterinary medicine23:34 Leading veterinarians with compassion and accountability28:00 The future of veterinary medicine and industry innovation32:21 How Chewy builds a culture of trust and teamwork36:17 What creates a true five-star veterinary experienceKey Takeaways🔹 Courage is essential for leadership growthTaking risks and trying new paths is often what leads to the biggest career breakthroughs.🔹 A growth mindset creates resilienceBeing open to new ideas and learning from failure helps veterinarians grow as leaders.🔹 Leadership means creating space for every voiceGreat leaders actively seek input from quieter team members, not just the loudest voices.🔹 Compassion and accountability build stronger veterinary teamsVeterinary leaders must balance empathy with clear expectations to create sustainable workplaces.About the GuestMita Malhotra is the President of Chewy Health, where she leads initiatives focused on veterinary care, telemedicine, pharmacy services, and innovation in animal healthcare. Prior to joining Chewy, Mita held leadership roles at Amazon and Dell, where she built and scaled major business operations.She is passionate about transforming the veterinary industry through technology, innovation, and better support for veterinary professionals. She believes if we come together and support each other, we will go further as an industry.Learn more about Chewy Health and Mitahttps://www.chewy.com/health/Host BioDr. Bethany Weinheimer is a veterinary leader, coach, consultant, and host of The Evolved Vets Podcast. She specializes in burnout recovery, authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and alignment based coaching for veterinarians and medical professionals. Through Code Blue Coaching and The Evolved Vets Community, she helps veterinarians redefine success, prevent burnout, and build careers rooted in purpose, peace, and self-trust.📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevetResources Mentioned📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets🌐 Website, Coaching & Membership: www.evolvedvets.comTwitter x.com/EvolvedVetsTikTok tiktok.com/@evolvedvets?lang=enveterinary leadership, women in veterinary medicine, women in medicine, veterinary career growth, vet burnout, animal health innovation, women doctors, veterinary management, veterinary leadership skills, Chewy health, veterinary entrepreneurship, veterinary mental health, leadership in veterinary medicine veterinary leadership, veterinary medicine, women in veterinary medicine, woman in medicine, veterinary innovation, vet leadership, veterinary career growth for women, innovation in animal health industry, veterinary leadership skills, veterinary workplace culture, veterinary mental health support, how veterinarians become leaders

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