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VIN Foundation | Supporting veterinarians to cultivate a healthy animal community | prevet resources veterinary student resources veterinarian resources | Nonprofit free veterinary resources | Blog | Veterinary Pulse Podcast Episode 163 | Dr. Jim Clark, DVM, MBA shares his multifaceted veterinary career path with relatable insights into learning from your mistakes, leadership, partnerships and more

Dr. Jim Clark shares his multifaceted veterinary career path with relatable insights into learning from your mistakes, leadership, partnerships and more

Listen in as Dr. Jim Clark takes the time to share the story of his fascinating veterinary career path. From how he started his first practice, to the importance of listening to your colleagues, and how his path took him through multi-practice ownership and teaching at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to his three-legged approach to success in the profession. Dr. Clark also spends the time to share his tips for veterinary colleagues who are interested in being independent practice owners, including a recommended timeline and the most important things to consider.

This episode has all the makings of how we as humans are a work in progress, and provides relatable insights into leadership, partnerships, finance, teaching, and a love for animals.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Jim Clark, DVM, MBA
U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Jim Clark is an animal lover, entrepreneur, multi-practice owner, clinician, and educator. After working in general and emergency practice for more than 20 years, earning an MBA, and serving as an owner in four ER/Spec practices, Clark joined the faculty of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, assuming leadership of their Professional Skills curriculum. He currently provides instruction in communication, mental health, career planning, DEI, and business management skills.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:
Veterinary Education and Communication Coaching: http://www.petpracticepartners.com/
VIN Foundation Start Up Club: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-practice-start-up-club/
VIN Foundation Student Debt Education: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Dr. Jim Clark shares his multifaceted veterinary career path with relatable insights into learning from your mistakes, leadership, partnerships and more Read More »

VIN Foundation | Supporting veterinarians to cultivate a healthy animal community | free resources veterinary students veterinarians | Blog | Veterinary Pulse Podcast episode 175 | Veterinary Pulse Podcast with Walter Baker

Scholarship awardee Walter Baker shares insights from his first year of veterinary school

Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship awardee Walter Baker. Walter shares insights and advice from his first year in veterinary school, and what he is looking forward to as he starts his second year.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Walter Baker
Walter has been devoted to becoming a veterinarian since seventh grade, and took all of the animal science courses that were available to him throughout my grade school education. He attended the University of Kentucky for his undergraduate education, and received a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences. As a current second year at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, he was fortunate to secure the Kentucky residents’ in-state institution. Walter was one of two recipients of the inaugural Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux. Walter’s goal is to return to rural Kentucky to practice general mixed-animal medicine.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
Veterinary Information Network (VIN) 3D Anatomy: https://www.vin.com/3danatomy
Cornell Merlin App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Do you like this podcast and want to hear additional stories? The VIN Foundation needs your help supporting this program: https://vinfoundation.org/give
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Scholarship awardee Walter Baker shares insights from his first year of veterinary school Read More »

Dr. Jan Bellows on the power of finding your passion, and the importance of colleagues helping each other in the profession

Leave a Comment / Veterinary Career Journeys, Veterinary Pulse Podcast / By vinfoundation

Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation board member, Dr. Jan Bellows as he shares the story of his veterinary journey. From lessons learned in practice ownership, to a passion for improving his veterinary skills, this episode is full of relatable stories and great takeaways.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP
Dr. Jan Bellows is a distinguished veterinary dentist with a remarkable career spanning several decades. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and earned his DVM from Auburn University in 1975. After an internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Bellows established ALL PETS DENTAL in Weston, Florida, specializing in companion animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry. Bellows is board-certified in Canine and Feline Medicine (ABVP) and Veterinary Dentistry (AVDC). His leadership roles include serving as president of the American Veterinary Dental College and the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. He has authored five dental textbooks and frequently contributed to veterinary publications. As a respected expert, Dr. Bellows was instrumental in developing AAHA’s Small Animal Dental Guidelines. He has been a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network’s dental board since 1993. DVM360 announced Dr. Bellows as the national 2024 Dental Hero by DVM360 magazine. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Bellows is an avid marathon runner and enjoys spending time with his family and dogs in Florida and Colorado.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
Veterinary Information Network (VIN): https://www.vin.com
Paul Pion, DVM, DipACVIM: https://vinfoundation.org/team
VIN Foundation 2024 Year-End Giving, after a huge effort the $100k match was made, but we still need your help! https://vinfoundation.org/give

Have a story you want to share with our podcast audience? Reach out to share your interest: https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Dr. Jan Bellows on the power of finding your passion, and the importance of colleagues helping each other in the profession Read More »

Dr. Sean Gadson on his persistence to break into the veterinary profession coming from an underrepresented community, and his commitment to support colleagues

Leave a Comment / Veterinary Career Journeys, Veterinary Diversity Equity Inclusion Podcast, Veterinary Pulse Podcast / By vinfoundation

Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation board member, Dr. Sean Gadson as he takes us through his veterinary career journey. From Sean’s passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, to his mom’s advice and the importance of mentors, to his ongoing effort to impress his 7 year-old self, his recommendations for pre-veterinary students, and the trends he sees in the profession. Sean’s story and honesty is enriching and provides helpful guidance and insight for colleagues at all stages of their careers.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Sean Gadson, DVM, MS
Sean Gadson has enjoyed a long career working in veterinary medicine starting as an assistant when he was fourteen. He would continue working in various clinics and veterinary organizations while pursuing his undergraduate and master’s degrees. After completing a research project and writing a thesis on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in people, he applied to UC Davis for vet school and graduated in 2021. During his time as a student Dr. Gadson served as president of the UC Davis SAVMA chapter, and Vice- President of their VBMA chapter. After graduation, he completed an intensive rotating small animal specialty internship where he cultivated a passion for emergency medicine. He now works as an emergency veterinarian in Colorado with his wife Mollie who is a surgeon, and their dog Ahri. His interests include supporting other early career veterinarians, mentoring pre-vet students, practice ownership, traveling and speaking to students currently in vet school, and advocating for more minority representation in the veterinary industry.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:
Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA): https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA): https://vbma.biz/
VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® confidential wellness support: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux: https://vinfoundation.org/scholarship
Veterinary Information Network (VIN): https://www.vin.com/vin/
Mentor – Dr. James Clark: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/james-clark
Mentor – Dr. Paul D. Pion: https://www.vin.com/vin/default.aspx?pid=130&meta=13137&id=8108348
Ask Jeeves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ask.com
Kajukenbo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kajukenbo
Dr. Sean Gadson on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sean-gadson and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gadustoedvm/

If you enjoy these stories, please consider donating to the VIN Foundation to help us continue this work. https://vinfoundation.org/give
Have a story you want to share with our podcast audience? Reach out to share your interest: https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback.

Dr. Sean Gadson on his persistence to break into the veterinary profession coming from an underrepresented community, and his commitment to support colleagues Read More »

Dr. Trae Cutchin vulnerably shares his career journey story, the struggles along the way, and the power of perseverance

1 Comment / Inhale/Exhale, Veterinary Career Journeys, Veterinary Diversity Equity Inclusion Podcast, Veterinary Pulse Podcast / By vinfoundation

Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation board member Dr. Trae Cutchin as he shares his story of ongoing perseverance. Trae shares his personal experience coming out of the closet as a gay man with the fear of legal implications, to finding himself dealing with an unexpected addiction and the road to recovery, to the trials and tribulations of owning a veterinary practice and coming out the other side of a cancer diagnosis. Trae’s story will touch your heart and highlight the common threads we experience as humans, working on ourselves and trying to be better in all the roles in our lives.

*Trigger warning* a quick heads up, some of the content in today’s episode may include a trigger as it relates to substance abuse disorder.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or join the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Trae Cutchin, DVM
Trae Cutchin, DVM, is a 1988 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, is originally from Alabama. He has worked as a regular veterinary associate in full services hospitals, in a feline only practice for four years, and as an emergency room clinician for three years. For several years he operated his own relief service in the metro Atlanta area, and then opened his own full service practice in Flowery Branch, a bedroom community just north of metro Atlanta in 2006. He is married to his partner of twenty-five years and has two step kids and three step grandchildren. He has two dogs, Turbo and Shelley, and three cats, Mightie, Tessa, and Sushi. When he isn’t working as a veterinarian, he spends a lot of time working in his lawn and gardens. He is involved with the Veterinary Information Network as a VIN Representative and as a mentor in the VIN Virtual Veterinary Internship program as a mentor.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Virtual Veterinary Internship: https://www.vin.com/AppUtil/Project/DefaultAdv1.aspx?pid=26071
VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
VIN Foundation Start Up Club: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-practice-start-up-club/
Support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast
Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kirks-Current-Veterinary-Therapy-XV/dp/1437726895

If you enjoy these stories, please consider donating to the VIN Foundation to help us continue this work. https://vinfoundation.org/give
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Dr. Trae Cutchin vulnerably shares his career journey story, the struggles along the way, and the power of perseverance Read More »

Dr. Alexia Mazzarella shares her experience with NAVLE and the positives of a non-typical path

Leave a Comment / Veterinary Career Journeys, Veterinary Pulse Podcast / By vinfoundation

Listen in as we talk with recent veterinary graduate Dr. Alexia Mazzarella, as she shares the pros and cons of starting veterinary school during COVID, and the benefits she has experienced from a non-typical veterinary path.

This episode covers how she managed to learn anatomy online, became fast friends with a roommate, and then finding out she didn’t have the necessary educational knowledge for the NAVLE. Alexis takes us inside her journey as a leader in her class, and finding her way to overcome struggles.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Alexia Mazzarella, DVM, cVMA
Alexia graduated from Michigan State University this past May in the Class of 2024. While at MSU, she served as the 2024 Class President all four years and was very involved with SAVMA, serving on the Executive Board for 2 years as the Veterinary Economics Officer. It was through these experiences that she developed a passion for organized veterinary medicine and serving her community. Her veterinary interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, acupuncture, rehab, and palliative care, especially for geriatric patients. Her goals right now include a ABVP residency path and ultimately working in a high-volume General Practice setting. In her free time, Alexia loves checking out local gym classes, hiking, biking, kayaking, and visiting the local Farmer’s Markets. Alexia just moved to Apex, NC with her fiancé to start a rotating internship in July. She is excited to share her story with the VIN Foundation and hopes she can bring comfort to others who may have experienced similar circumstances!

LINKS AND INFORMATION:
Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA): https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA): https://vbma.biz/
NAVLE VIN/VIN Foundation course: https://www.vin.com/navle
VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Dr. Alexia Mazzarella shares her experience with NAVLE and the positives of a non-typical path Read More »

Jeanice Wiard on shooting for contentment and satisfaction and the importance of self-compassion

Leave a Comment / Veterinary Pulse Podcast / By vinfoundation

Listen in as we talk with Jeanice Wiard as she shares her journey in veterinary medicine. She takes us through the highs and lows and lessons learned through multiple veterinary practices and shares her path to self-compassion and finding the importance of emotional wellbeing.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Jeanice Wiard, M.Ed., B. Tech, CVT, CCFP
Jeanice attended the State University of New York at Canton, obtaining her associate of science in veterinary technology and her bachelor’s in veterinary service management. She was an active member of the New York State Air National Guard from 2004-2010 as a Command Post Controller, providing emergency communications and status reports to the commander and personnel on Hancock Air Force Base. She’s been a certified veterinary technician since 2007 and has worked in various field areas: general practice, academia (University of Illinois), diagnostic imaging, intensive care, and equine/farm animal medicine. She has held many roles within vet med: receptionist, technician, lead technician, charge auditor, and practice manager. While at the University of Illinois, Jeanice obtained her Master of Education, focusing on human resource development, and is a graduate of the Emerging Women Leaders program offered by the University. She previously served as the ISVMA CVT board member from 2021-2023 and actively participated in the CVT committee. She is currently focusing on her role as the assistant director for VSPN and offering mental health and wellness education to veterinary professionals through her business, Veterinary Wellness Education, LLC, or VetWE for short. Her non-professional interests include spending time with her husband, two sons, a spoiled cat, and a troublesome dog. She enjoys meditation, gardening, hiking, yoga, pole fitness, dancing, and loud music. Her favorite music artist is Qveen Herby. Jeanice is passionate about moving the veterinary profession toward a more individual-focused framework, allowing space and grace for all professionals to grapple with and heal from the difficult experiences we all encounter within the field and the daily struggles that all humans encounter throughout their lifetimes. She is particularly interested in teaching, psychology, compassion fatigue, cognitive behavioral therapy, growth mindset, and mental health awareness.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Veterinary Support Personnel Network (VSPN): https://www.vin.com/vspn/
VSPN CE: https://www.vin.com/vspn/default.aspx?pId=8505&id=8286322
Air National Guard: https://www.airforce.com/ways-to-serve/air-national-guard
VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
AVMA QPR Training: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
Please consider a gift to help support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Jeanice Wiard on shooting for contentment and satisfaction and the importance of self-compassion Read More »

Student Debt Questions & Answers – from 3rd year veterinary students

1 Comment / Veterinary Questions & Answers, Veterinary Resources, Veterinary Student Debt / By Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA

Student Loan Borrowing and Repayment Q&A from 3rd Year Veterinary Students, Class of 2027 This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated with new questions reflecting student loan borrowing and repayment changes for 2026. The following are questions asked during a recent VIN Foundation Climbing Mt. Debt session with 3rd-year veterinary students

Student Debt Questions & Answers – from 3rd year veterinary students Read More »

Blog | VIN Foundation | Supporting veterinarians to cultivate a healthy animal community | veterinary student loan information veterinary student debt information veterinary student debt news veterinary student debt podcast veterinary student debt blog | Federal Student Loan Repayment: 2025 Year-End Wrap and Preparing for 2026

Federal Student Loan Repayment: 2025 Year-End Wrap and Preparing for 2026

5 Comments / Consolidation, Veterinary Questions & Answers, Veterinary Resources, Veterinary School, Veterinary Student Debt, Veterinary Student Loans, Veterinary Students / By Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA

It’s been a confusing year in student loan repayment, to say the least. We continue to see changes even as we approach the end of 2025. We have two ongoing points of frustration and one suggestion to round out 2025. IBR application issues: Partial Financial Hardship update SAVE may be ending sooner rather than later.

Federal Student Loan Repayment: 2025 Year-End Wrap and Preparing for 2026 Read More »

Changes to federal student loans come into focus

Leave a Comment / Consolidation, Veterinary Questions & Answers, Veterinary Resources, Veterinary Student Debt, Veterinary Student Loans / By Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA

This commentary was originally posted by VIN News on July 10, 2025. Updates are made as new information becomes available. This post was last updated on 4/15/2026. New US law introduces borrowing limits, major shift in repayment options We now have a more definitive blueprint on what comes next for veterinary student borrowers and those

Changes to federal student loans come into focus Read More »