Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Sibele Konno to the VCA Voice Podcast. In their conversation, she shares her journey into veterinary medicine, discussing her early inspirations, the landscape of veterinary education in Brazil, and the challenges faced by new graduates. Dr. Konno reflects on her career evolution, her leadership role at Petcare Brazil, and the importance of quality care in veterinary practices. The discussion highlights the significance of hands-on training, the impact of leadership in veterinary care, and the growth of Petcare Brazil under her guidance. In this conversation, Marie and Sibele discuss the innovative pet care services offered in Brazil, including specialized medical treatments and the importance of training new veterinarians through internship programs. They explore the challenges faced by veterinary technicians in Brazil and the potential for future certification. Their discussion also highlights the cultural differences in veterinary practices between Brazil and the U.S., as well as the evolving relationship between pet owners and veterinarians, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding of pet parents' expectations.

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In her conversation with Dr. Kerl, Dr. Julia Georgesen shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to VP of Veterinary Goods and Services, Sourcing and Quality at Mars Veterinary Health. She discusses her early influences, career development, and the challenges and rewards of owning a veterinary practice. Julia emphasizes the importance of teamwork, quality in veterinary medicine, and the role of partnerships in enhancing animal health. She also highlights her current responsibilities in sourcing and quality assurance, and the significance of having veterinary technicians involved in decision-making processes. Dr. Georgesen discusses the vital roles of veterinary technicians, the importance of sustainability in veterinary practices, and her involvement in charitable work aimed at improving access to veterinary care. She also shares insights on global vaccination efforts in Africa through her work with the Africa Network for Animal Welfare- USA and offers advice for veterinarians considering career changes, emphasizing the value of relationships and staying curious.

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Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome special guest Dr. Christine Santiago, VCA Regional Medical Director for the Mid-Atlantic Group. As her retirement approaches, she reflects on her life-long career and the impact of her work in the field. In their conversation, Dr. Christine Santiago shares her journey in veterinary medicine, detailing her educational background, experiences in various practices, and her transition to leadership roles within VCA. She emphasizes the importance of wellness testing in veterinary care, discussing how it can lead to early disease detection and better health outcomes for pets. Dr. Santiago also highlights the significance of effective communication with pet owners regarding the necessity of testing and the impact of leadership on practice culture. Christine shares insights on how these practices can uncover hidden health issues in pets, emphasizing the importance of tailored testing based on age and regular follow-ups. They also explore case studies that highlight the effectiveness of early detection and the advancements in veterinary medicine, including the use of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Christine Santiago has extensive experience training new doctors and new medical directors. She has presented at regional meetings and to hospital teams on many topics, including Wellness and Early Disease Detection, Dentistry, Medical Metrics, Doctor Communication and Leadership, focusing on Medical Leadership in a Veterinary Practice Environment. Dr. Santiago earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland,
College Park and went on to receive her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987. After working as a primary care veterinarian in private practices in PA caring for canine, feline and zoomed patients, she became the Medical Director at VCA Northside Animal Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. She then became a VCA Area Medical Director for a larger area before being selected as the VCA Regional
Medical Director, first for the VCA Northeast Hospital Group and then VCA Mid-Atlantic Hospital Group. Favorite medical initiatives, as a Regional Medical Director, include adding routine full mouth radiographs to all dental procedures, identifying underlying dental disease and addressing it early.
Another would be working with hospital teams to identify underlying disease in its early stages in patients through routine wellness blood testing and radiographs. The goal being to address the disease before the patient becomes clinically ill, allowing a path to complete cure or earlier/easier chronic disease support. We are always working toward happier patients that live longer and happier pet owners that are given the opportunity to be with their healthy pets for as long as possible.

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Welcome to Part 2 of the RECOVER 2.0 episode. Listen in as Dr. Kerl continues her conversation on Veterinary CPR with Drs. Boller, Burkitt, and Fletcher.

For more information on resources mentioned in today's episode, check out the links below:

RECOVER 2.0 Initiative
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14764431/2024/34/S1

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In the first episode of our two part series on Veterinary CPR, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Drs. Boller, Burkitt, and Fletcher. Their conversation includes discussing their experiences in veterinary medicine and the groundbreaking RECOVER 2.0 Initiative, which aims to improve CPR practices in the field. They each share their professional journeys, the historical context of CPR, the design and outcomes of the RECOVER 2.0 guidelines, and the international response to their work. They emphasize the importance of community support, education, and ongoing research to fill knowledge gaps in veterinary CPR. Enjoy listening to part one and stay tuned for part two coming up next!

For more information, please check out the links below:

RECOVER 2.0 Initiative

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14764431/2024/34/S1

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Melanie Hnot, a specialist in veterinary dermatology. In their conversation, she shares her journey in veterinary medicine and discusses the importance of dermatology in pet care. She explains common skin conditions in pets, the role of primary care veterinarians, and the complexities of diagnosing and managing allergies. Dr. Hnot also highlights new treatments for your pet's skin irritation and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between pet owners and veterinarians in managing skin diseases.

Dr. Melanie Hnot, VMD, DACVD, is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital in South Florida, where she collaborates with local general practice veterinarians to provide comprehensive dermatological care for pets. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, ear, and allergy-related conditions, Dr. Hnot is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets with chronic and severe dermatological issues.
Dr. Hnot received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania before completing a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey. She further honed her expertise through a dermatology internship across practices in NJ and PA, culminating in a dermatology residency and a Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 2015.
Her clinical focus includes the management of allergic diseases and ear infections (otitis), common but often complex conditions in veterinary medicine. She offers advanced diagnostics and treatment options such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, particularly for pets suffering from atopic dermatitis.
When not at the hospital, Dr. Hnot enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family, which includes her lively greyhound, Jagger. Her personal love for animals complements her professional commitment to delivering top-tier care.

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Happy Veterinary Technician Week! On his episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Kim Dudder, Regional Technician Director for VCA's Mid-Atlantic Region. Listen in as she discusses her transition from early childhood education to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, team dynamics, and the role of regional technician directors in optimizing patient care. Kim also highlights the significance of healthcare documentation and the Scribe program, as well as her collaboration with Harcum College and the Upward Bound program to engage and educate future veterinary professionals. Their conversation touches on the need for diversity in the field and the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of veterinary medicine. For more information on how Harcum College and Upward Bound created a pipeline for new Vet Nurses, check out this video.

Kim is a Certified Veterinary Technician residing in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Kim has been in veterinary medicine for 27 years with her clinical career focused on Emergency Medicine. She joined the VCA family in 2001 and has held many roles in VCA hospitals throughout her career. Kim is currently a Regional Technician Director for hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In her role as Regional Technician Director, she works with different teams in multiple aspects such as medical protocols, efficiency, training and her favorite aspect, mentoring Technician leaders on each team. This combines her passion for teaching and for veterinary medicine. Kim also has opportunities to engage with several Veterinary Technician Programs in her region working with new students and sitting on advisory boards to guide the next generation of Veterinary Technicians. Her goal is to encourage people to see that being a Veterinary Technician is an amazing career and to educate them on the numerous career paths that open up for credentialed technicians.

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In this conversation recognizing and celebrating our Latinx Associates, Michelle Gonzalez shares her extensive journey in veterinary medicine, detailing her rise from kennel attendant to Senior Regional Operations Director at VCA. She and Dr. Kerl discuss the challenges and rewards of managing multiple hospitals, the importance of mentorship, and the need for diversity and inclusion in the field. Michelle emphasizes community engagement, breaking down language barriers in veterinary care, and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to leadership roles in veterinary medicine.

Michelle has over 30 years in the veterinary industry. She began her career as a kennel attendant in a boarding facility and is now a Senior Regional Operations Director supporting two amazing Regional Operations Directors with multiple hospitals in three states. She is an advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), serving as Co-lead on the VCA Latinx Associate Resource Group and has served on the DEI Commission for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). She earned her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification in 2010 and is an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association (VHMA). She served on the Board of Directors for 12 years and is a Past-President for the VHMA. Currently, she is attending the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University (ASU).

Please check out the links mentioned in this episode:

LatinX Veterinary Medical Association

Lionbridge

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