Extraordinary Vets – Details, episodes & analysis

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:

• Southview Animal Hospital: Official Website

• Sustainable Safari: Learn more about the animals

• Wildlife Safari (Winston, OR): Visit the park

• Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW): Support wildlife rehab

• The Minnesota Zoo: Plan a visit

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.

📚 Extraordinary Vets Reading List:

Dr. Davis recommends "Living Poor" by Moritz Thompson. Originally written about the Peace Corps in the 60s, he suggests it for anyone looking to donate their time to international service, as it honestly lays out the challenges and realities of working in underserved communities.

To learn more about Dr. Davis non profit Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching & Service (RVETS) visit : https://www.rvets.org/

If you are interested in mentorship or have questions on where to start you can also email Dr. Davis: eric@rvets.org

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 American College of Animal Welfare and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians.

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 students focused on public health, global health, and One Health?

In partnership with the CDC, Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou created the Pappaioanou Veterinary Public Health and Applied Epidemiology Award to support emerging leaders in the field. This award offers a $1,300 stipend to one or two standout EEP graduates preparing to apply to the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS).

For more details about the Pappaioanou Award, visit the CDC Foundation’s program page

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 potential for expanding fish veterinary services. She also introduces her innovative business venture, OnlyFins, aimed at providing essential products for fish care. 

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.