In this episode of VetMed Mind, hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey sit down with Dr. Leslie Bauer—Medical Director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in San Antonio. A dvm360 Veterinary Hero Award winner, Dr. Bauer shares her journey from a second-grader who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian to a 23+ year ER career devoted to elevating emergency medicine and the people who practice it.

Dr. Bauer opens up about early imposter syndrome, working solo overnight shifts, and the long road to confidence—and why normalizing vulnerability is essential for retention and growth. She also details how she helped transform a “broken” hospital into a collaborative, training-centered center of excellence, and how Thrive is building a university-style ecosystem of interns and residents across multiple specialties (including ER as a true specialty track).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to navigate imposter syndrome without losing your love for the work
2. Practical steps to build confidence: mentorship, movement, community, and reflection
3. Why ER medicine deserves a seat at the governance table—and how advocacy changes culture
4. How Thrive’s House Officer programs and ER Academy are shaping career-long ER vets
5. Hiring and retention wisdom: set expectations, avoid crisis hiring, overcommunicate
6. A powerful reframing: work is part of life—find joy in the profession you worked so hard to join

To learn more about Dr. Bauer's work:

Website - https://www.thrivepetcare.com/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

Background & career path

1. Early calling to veterinary medicine (second grade)
2. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; dairy cattle focus early on
3. ER “bug” during first-year vet school while working nights
4. Rotating internship at UPenn; move to San Antonio, TX

Early-career challenges & mindset

1. Imposter syndrome; fear of mistakes and outcomes
2. Overnight solo ER shifts; perfectionism; confidence gap
3. Difficulty separating case outcomes from self-worth

Coping strategies & growth

1. Walking/exercise; “walkabout” as stress management
2. Mentors/peers/therapy; normalize talking about doubt
3. Focus on wins to counter negativity bias

Leadership & ER advocacy

1. Elevating ER from “stepchild” status in vet med

This episode of VetMed Mind highlights the journey of Dr. Megan Sprinkle, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), a trailblazer in veterinary nutrition.

Hosts Rachel Teichberg and Shawn McVey explore Dr. Sprinkle's dynamic career, from her foundational work in clinical medicine to her influential roles in the pet nutrition industry. As the Scientific Communications Manager at Whitebridge Pet Brands, Dr. Sprinkle has made significant strides in bridging the veterinary and pet industries, offering her expertise as an internal nutrition advisor and marketing strategist.

Discover how Dr. Sprinkle's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found a 3D printing company and advise several pet start-ups. Her leadership as the President of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN) further underscores her commitment to advancing the field. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of innovation and veterinary nutrition, offering insights into the possibilities of a bright future for the profession.

To learn more about Dr. Sprinkle's passions in life and work:

Website - http://vetlifereimagined.com/

Follow Dr. Sprinkle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-sprinkle-dvm/

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

Early Inspirations and Career Path:

• Dr. Sprinkle's childhood fascination with animals and her initial dream of becoming a dolphin trainer.
• The influence of her father, a child psychiatrist, in nurturing her interest in medicine.
• Transitioning from a focus on marine mammals to veterinary medicine, with a growing interest in nutrition.

Educational Background:

• Veterinary school at Auburn University and residency at the University of Missouri.
• The decision to pursue a career in the pet nutrition industry rather than academia or private practice.

Industry Experience:

• Roles at Royal Canin and Whitebridge Pet Brands, emphasizing her work in scientific communication and education.
• The importance of making scientific concepts accessible and engaging for non-scientific audiences.

Entrepreneurial Ventures:

• Co-founding a 3D printing company and advising pet start-ups.
• The significance of collaboration and relationship-building in her professional success.

Challenges and Achievements:

• Overcoming hurdles in becoming a board-certified nutritionist and the perseverance required.
• The role of feedback and self-awareness in navigating her career path.

Vision for the Future:

• Dr. Sprinkle's optimism about the possibilities within veterinary medicine, including the impact of technology and AI.
• Encouraging veterinary professionals to explore diverse career paths and embrace change.

In this engaging episode of the VetMed Mind podcast, hosts Shawn McVey and Rachel Teichberg sit down with Judi Bailey, a seasoned practice manager with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Judi shares her remarkable journey from starting as a veterinary technician to becoming a leader in practice management. She discusses the importance of mentorship, building strong relationships, and staying true to one's career vision. Judi also offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary field, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in veterinary practice management.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Judi Bailey's career path from veterinary technician to practice manager
• The founding and impact of the Georgia Veterinary Managers Association
• Strategies for effective practice management and leadership
• Overcoming career challenges and staying aligned with personal goals
• The importance of mentorship and building professional relationships
• Hiring practices and managing a diverse workforce
• Strategic planning and adapting to changes in the veterinary industry
• The evolving role of veterinary technicians and practice managers
• Managing generational differences in the workplace
• Judi's personal insights and advice for aspiring veterinary managers

To learn more about Judi Bailey's passions in life and work:

Veterinary Practice - Lanier Animal Hospital

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.