Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots – Details, episodes & analysis

Keeping the Spooky Season eps rolling, Idiots Cory and Doctor Kent discuss Tuberculosis and the foundation of the modern vampire that has come from it. That's basically it. They talk about how not sexy tuberculosis is, both in what it does to the body (not just the lungs) and the bacterium. Stay vaccinated, stay safe, and don't handle dead bodies that died of an unknown disease without PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Also, Ellis makes another guest appearance. 

Spooky season is halfway over, and the Idiots aren't going to let it go without a bite...of spooky! The boys discuss a few new cryptids, and talk about why they will not touch a skinwalker-out of respect.

In an Idiots first, the guys take on a three part episode, covering a very breviated history of wolves becoming dogs, then how different breeds came about, going into breeds that have gone extinct over the years or were rolled into other breeds, and then concluding with a discussion about bringing one breed, the French Bulldog, away from the brink of extinction.

Welcome to part 2. This week the Idiots talk about breeds going extinct, but also dabble in how some could be saved or became other breeds. They discuss what makes a breed a breed, and some other stuff. Idk. I was too busy looking things up for them. 

In an Idiots first, the guys take on a three part episode, covering a very breviated history of wolves becoming dogs, then how different breeds came about, going into breeds that have gone extinct over the years or were rolled into other breeds, and then concluding with a discussion about bringing one breed, the French Bulldog, away from the brink of extinction.

Part 1 is the discussion of wolves, specifically a breed of wolf that no longer is on this planet, most likely because it assimilated quietly into modern dogs. They talk of how dogs spread throughout the world, the cause of them joining human ranks, why a symbiotic relationship was so important it came to what we have today, and discuss other things, like ring evolution (editors note, Cory talks about birds on Darwin Island and erroneously refers to them as wrens, but they were actually finches) and selective breeding for working needs. 

The Idiots have talked about what it's like when you're an established vet, what it's like going through vet school, and what it's like in internships, residencies, and clinicals, but that murky inbetween has not been breached. That's where Dr. Maddy Golichowski (or as Kent says "Gahlowzzskckksheeee") comes in. Dr. Maddy is well into her second year as a practicing vet, which allows her the hindsight of a first year without the distance in time obscuring her view. We talk pros, cons, and difficulties with being green in the field. Listen up, this rookie is going to do great things, and The Idiots were happy to be along for the ride. 

We did a crossover thing! The lovely Dr. Amy Pike and Dr Amy Learn were gracious enough to share a show with us. Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots collides with Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys, and the result is wonderful. Lots of laughs, lots of information, much of it to do with simplifying dog behavior, understanding how to interpret their mannerisms and actions, and why some things get confused due to outdated thoughts. Be safe with your pets, and your pets will be safe with you. Also, check out their show. Our episode has been on for a couple weeks, and now is available on our sites. Learn and Pike are both wonderful, intelligent, and entertaining doctors and are probably better than us in every way, except we grow better beards and are way bigger in Iceland. 

Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys, is available on Apple at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behavior-buzzzzzz-with-2-amys/id1706761841 and Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZMc3J3TOhg7FmQm3N1vTz?si=486-lB_zSV-8s62F26HfGw 

If there is something that we can all agree on wholeheartedly, it's "f*#$ cancer", right? This week, The Idiots bring on The Oncology Idiot, Dr. Christopher Fulkerson, who is at the forefront of cancer research for animals. Join us as we break down why there isn't a simple cure for cancer, the ways we are advancing in medicine, how the research process goes, and why animal research is great for humans, as breakthroughs with the former can jump to the latter. 

Also, Dr. Kent ALMOST laughs at Cory's joke, so that's exciting. 

This week, The Idiots discuss White Coat Syndrome, which is a phenomenon where nerves override the body in anticipation of seeing a doctor. Can be the building, the area, the lobby, the doctor-something just gets ahold of the animals. This can happen to humans, as well. We are lobbying for a new law where pizza and tacos are given free at the doctor, to make it more enjoyable and to relate good with the clinic. We do the same with animals! Anyway, listen in to hear about WCS, how you can help your pets get through it, and the pitfalls of failing to be prepared for a visit with an anxious dog. Just remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

Howdy! Do you want to pay a small amount now or a huge amount later? Unless you are a moron, I think I know the answer. That's what this episode is all about. The boys talk preventative medicine, including checks ups, vaccines, and other routine maintainence for your pet. Don't worry, they get distracted, figure out how to work Angela Bassett into the conversation, and get sidetracked talking about sharks.

BTW, Cory's 5 favorite sharks all time are the thresher, great white, megalodon, goblin, and stethacanthus.

In a season of return guests, another makes a come back. Amber Johnson, Idiot Brain Witch extraordinaire, touches on mental health again, and steps you can do to help keep mental health in check. Be it self care, calming techniques, or just being kind to yourself in general, you matter, and vets have incredibly stressful jobs. Yours might be, too, if your career isn't in the veterinary medicine world. Maybe you're unemployed or a stay at home parent. Mental health, self care, and calming techniques aren't limited to stressful jobs. It's an episode that can speak to anyone. Give a listen and be kind to your mind.

If you have more questions for Amber, reach out to either of the Idiots and they can put you in contact. If we get enough questions about mental health in general, we may compile them into another episode with Amber. 

Suicide and Crisis Helpline: Call or Text 988

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

University of Tennessee - Veterinary Social Work

Grief and Bereavement services available as well as pet loss support groups. Consultations and resources for animal caring professionals experiencing compassion fatigue, stress, burnout, etc.

Veterinary Social Work Helpline 865-755-8839 

For pet owners: https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/get-help-for-people/

For professionals: https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/intentional-well-being/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

1-800-662-HELP

Not One More Vet

https://www.nomv.org

CompassionFatigue.org

Self-Compassion.org 

Yoga Nidra

Why it helps! https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-benefits-of-yoga-nidra/

A great meditation: https://youtu.be/8mM5Oks8yZc?si=Gi9XGVY1ygszOKVT