Saving Pets, Leading Teams & Loving the Job | Brooke Butler | Emergency Veterinarian & Medical Director

Brooke Butler is a badass emergency veterinarian and Medical Director running her own hospital with the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). Based in the Hoboken, NJ/NYC area, she’s changing the veterinary experience for animals, their humans, and the vets who care for them, combining practicality with deep compassion. Brooke shares how she built her career from internships to leading multiple hospitals, why she thrives in high-pressure ER cases, and how she manages compassion fatigue in a demanding field. She opens up about overcoming anxiety to take bold leaps, including moving across the country for a new role, and how solo travel has shaped her perspective. From ethical challenges in veterinary medicine to the importance of mentorship, Brooke’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and living fully. Chapters 00:00 Meet Brooke Butler 04:15 Growing Up in West Palm Beach 08:10 From Forensic Criminology to Veterinary Medicine 12:35 Why ER Work Felt Like Home 16:50 The Role of Mentorship in Her Career 21:15 Moving to NYC for a New Job and Life 25:40 Running a Hospital and Training Teams 30:25 Managing Compassion and Ethical Fatigue 34:50 How the Veterinary Field Is Changing 39:05 Why Pet Insurance Matters 43:30 Adventures in Solo Travel 47:55 Overcoming Anxiety to Embrace Opportunity 52:10 Brooke’s Call to Action for Future Vets The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices