More Than a “DOGTOR” with Dr. Christien Bolden: Authenticity, Failure, and Finding Your Path in Veterinary Medicine

What happens when the path to becoming a veterinarian doesn’t go the way you planned? In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Dr. Brianna Armstrong sits down with Dr. Christien Bolden, relief veterinarian and host of the More Than a Dogtor podcast. Dr. Bolden shares his deeply personal journey through veterinary medicine—from not passing the NAVLE twice, to navigating burnout, to ultimately redefining what success and fulfillment look like in his career and life. Together, they explore the pressures young veterinarians face, the identity crisis that can happen when your career becomes your entire sense of self, and the importance of creating space to be more than just your professional title. Dr. Bolden also shares how mentorship, reflection, and prioritizing his family helped him rebuild his relationship with veterinary medicine and ultimately led him to create a platform supporting veterinary students and early-career veterinarians. This conversation is a powerful reminder that failure doesn’t define your future—and that sometimes the hardest moments in your career can become the foundation for helping others. In This Episode What “More Than a Dogtor” really means  The identity crisis many veterinarians experience early in their careers  Dr. Bolden’s experience not passing the NAVLE twice and how it shaped his path  The role mentorship played in rebuilding his confidence  Why authenticity matters in veterinary medicine  The biggest struggles new veterinarians face in their first few years  Learning to set boundaries and prioritize life outside of work  Burnout, sabbaticals, and reclaiming balance in your career  Relief work as a path to rediscovering purpose  Why communication skills are one of the biggest gaps in veterinary education  The inspiration behind Dr. Bolden’s podcast and mentorship initiatives  How he is helping students prepare for the NAVLE through coaching and mentorship  Key Takeaway Your title as a veterinarian is only one part of who you are. Creating a sustainable career in veterinary medicine requires space for authenticity, mentorship, and personal growth—because the healthiest professionals are the ones who remember they are people first. About the Guest Dr. Christien Bolden is a veterinarian, mentor, and host of the More Than a Dogtor podcast. A graduate of Tuskegee University, Dr. Bolden is passionate about supporting veterinary students and early-career veterinarians as they navigate the challenges of entering the profession. Through his podcast, mentorship work, and NAVLE preparation initiatives, he aims to create spaces where veterinary professionals can share their stories, support one another, and remember they are more than just their titles. Connect with Dr. Christien BoldenInstagram: @thebayouvetPodcast: More Than a Dogtor Email: [email protected]