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The Vet Files

by Gretel Wurdack & McCaelyn Beuschel

Welcome to The Vet Files!Join hosts McCaelyn and Gretel, two vet students navigating the chaos of veterinary school, as they share unfiltered stories from the world of vet med. From late-night study sessions and farm call disasters to case studies and industry insights, we’re talking all things vet school, large animal medicine, and everything in between.

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Episodes

  1. File #025: Building a Clinic from the Ground Up - with Dr. Mike Walker

    What does it really take to own and operate a veterinary practice?In this episode of The Vet Files, we sit down with Dr. Mike Walker to talk about veterinary practice ownership, the business side of veterinary medicine, and what it takes to build a successful career beyond the exam room. We…

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  2. File #024: Crocodile Conservation Starts with People

    In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re joined by Dr. Marisa Tellez to talk crocodile conservation, the complex relationship between people and wildlife, and the power of mentorship in shaping careers in animal science and conservation.From understanding crocodilians and their role in the natural...

  3. File #023: Preparing for Death, Grief, Euthanasia, & Palliative Care of Animals - with Dr. Ramos

    What happens when treatment is no longer about finding a cure?In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re talking about palliative and end-of-life care in veterinary medicine and what it really means to care for a patient when the goal shifts from treating the disease to maximizing comfort and…

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  4. File #022: The First Year Debrief (Mizzou, LSU, NC State) - with Braeden Smith

    We made it through first year of veterinary school, and now it’s time to debrief.In this episode of The Vet Files, McCaelyn and Gretel are joined by Braeden from North Carolina State University for a conversation about surviving first year, what we learned along the way, and what we’re expecting…

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  5. File #021: The Summer Files

    We’re back with a good old-fashioned catch-up! In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re chatting about everything we’ve been up to this summer. From externships and international experiences to learning about different cultures and their relationships with animals. We also talk about the…

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  6. File #020: Gold Standard vs Reality in Vet Med - Drs.Neal & Angela Martin (nealandangela_thevets)

    In vet school, we learn the gold standard, the ideal diagnostic workup, treatment plan, and patient care. But what happens when real life gets in the way?In this episode of The Vet Files, we’re talking about the gap between what we learn in the classroom and what is actually feasible in practice....

  7. File #019: Leadership In and Out of the Clinic - with Dr. Jessica Stroupe

    In File #019, we're joined by Dr. Jessica Stroupe, a rural mixed animal veterinarian, clinic owner, and Missouri Veterinary Medical Association delegate, to talk about what it takes to lead both inside and outside the clinic.We dive into building a positive clinic culture, the realities of…

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  8. File #001: Pre-Vet to Vet Student (Repost)

    REPOST for audio quality In our very first episode of The Vet Files, we’re diving into our pre-vet journeys—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the struggles of late night study sessions to navigating the unpredictable world of veterinary school admissions, we’re sharing what we...

  9. File #018: Multifaceted Paths: Dolphin Trainer to Large Animal Intern - Dr. Dan Thurston

    Dr. Dan Thurston’s journey to becoming a vet is anything but traditional. From marine mammal trainer to aspiring equine surgeon, he’s taken a winding road filled with unexpected turns. What matters most is the resilience you build along the way. It’s normal to doubt yourself when you don’t fit…

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  10. File #017: Future Island Vet - Lauren Cabrera (@future.island.vet)

    In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Cabrera, founder of the Saipan Humane Society and current veterinary student at Washington State University, to talk about one of the most unconventional journeys into veterinary medicine we’ve heard yet.Lauren began her career in human healthcare as a…

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  11. File #016: Overcoming Failure in Vet School - with MJ

    In this episode, we talk about what happens when you fail a class in vet school. MJ shares their experience of not passing the first year of vet school and opens up about what it actually felt like to go through it.We dive into their decision to remediate (repeat the year), the mental reset that...

  12. File #015: Rejected to Accepted - Gap Years with Jett Rush

    Thinking about taking a gap year? Or wondering if it’s worth reapplying?We sit down with Jett Rush, a first-year veterinary student at Mizzou, who shares his journey of perseverance after four application cycles before finally getting accepted. From navigating rejection to making the most of gap...

  13. File #014: Rebuilding Equine Medicine - with Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and a leader within the American Association of Equine Practitioners to talk about the reality of equine medicine, beyond the passion that draws so many of us in.We dive into the evolving landscape of...

  14. File #013: Life and Leadership as a Practice Owner - with Dr. Emily King

    In File #013, we sit down with Dr. Emily King for a candid conversation about the realities of modern veterinary medicine. From practice ownership and financial management to the ethical dilemmas veterinarians face every day, this episode pulls back the curtain on the decisions that shape life in...

  15. File #012: The Equine Lameness Everyone Misses - with Dr. DeClue

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging the way lameness is traditionally diagnosed in horses. Instead of immediately focusing on the limb and relying on nerve blocks, Dr. DeClue takes a “horse-first” approach, looking at the entire horse,...

  16. File #011: Representation in Veterinary Medicine With Dr. Alexia Wade

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexia Wade, a trailblazing Black veterinarian, to discuss her journey in veterinary medicine and the importance of representation in the field. From the challenges she’s faced to the impact of seeing more Black women in vet med, Dr. Wade shares her insights,...

  17. File #010: Will AI Change How We Practice Veterinary Medicine? With Dr. Michael Bailey, AVMA President

    In this episode, Gretel Wurdack and Dr. Bailey, AVMA President, talk about the future of AI in veterinary medicine. They dive into the good, the bad, and everything in between when integrating AI into every day life and veterinary practice.

  18. File #009: Surviving the First Semester

    In File #009, we sit down and reflect on our first semester of veterinary school. The expectations we had going in, the reality we faced once classes started, and the lessons we’re taking into the rest of vet school. From anatomy overwhelm and exam stress to small wins and moments that reminded…

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  19. File #008: The Vet Tech Files with Dr. Jen Quammen, AVMA President-Elect

    In File #008, we talk with Dr. Jen Quammen, AVMA President-Elect, about her path from veterinary technician to veterinarian.She shares how hands-on experience shaped her education, how she balanced work and school, and why exploring different corners of vet med can lead to a more fulfilling…

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  20. File #007: What is Vet School Really Like? 3 Students, 3 Schools

    Ever wondered how different vet school can look from one campus to another? In this episode, three first-year vet students — one from LSU, one from Mizzou, and one from North Carolina State — sit down to compare their first-year experiences.We talk about:🐾 The biggest academic and cultural...

  21. File #006: Student Loans after the Big Beautiful Bill- with Dr. Rebecca Mears (VIN Foundation)

    Ever wondered how the One Big Beautiful Bill could affect your journey through vet school or pre-vet studies? 🐾 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Mears from VIN to unpack the bill’s key points, implications for students, and how future veterinarians can navigate these changes.💡 What...

  22. File #005: Bee Health Brief with Breven Stark

    Honeybees are more than just pollinators—they’re patients. In this episode of The Vet Files, we open the case on honeybee veterinary medicine: how veterinarians are stepping into the apiary, what makes bee medicine unique, and why the health of a colony matters for agriculture, ecosystems, and...

  23. File #004: VMCAS Deepdive

    Applying to vet school? Feeling overwhelmed by VMCAS? We’ve been there — and we’ve got your back. In File #004, we break down the entire Veterinary Medical College Application Service process: from personal statements to experience hours, evaluations to school selections. You'll get real talk,...

  24. File #003: The Uninvited Guests

    In this episode, we expose notorious freeloaders that have mastered the art of parasitism in animals — some with the power to cross into human lives. From the segmented sprawl of Moniezia expansa in young ruminants to the stubborn persistence of Parascaris equorum in foals, we unravel how these...

  25. File #002: The Whole Animal Approach

    What is holistic veterinary medicine, really — and does it work? In this episode, we give a quick, clear breakdown of holistic approaches in animal care, then walk you through compelling case studies where alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and more played a key role in...

  26. File #001: From Pre-Vet to Vet

    In our very first episode of The Vet Files, we’re diving into our pre-vet journeys—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the struggles of late night study sessions to navigating the unpredictable world of veterinary school admissions, we’re sharing what we wish we knew along the…

    more

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to The Vet Files!Join hosts McCaelyn and Gretel, two vet students navigating the chaos of veterinary school, as they share unfiltered stories from the world of vet med. From late-night study sessions and farm call disasters to case studies and industry insights, we’re talking all things vet school, large animal medicine, and everything in between.

HOSTED BY

Gretel Wurdack & McCaelyn Beuschel

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Vet Files have?

The Vet Files currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Vet Files about?

Welcome to The Vet Files!Join hosts McCaelyn and Gretel, two vet students navigating the chaos of veterinary school, as they share unfiltered stories from the world of vet med. From late-night study sessions and farm call disasters to case studies and industry insights, we’re talking all things vet...

How often does The Vet Files release new episodes?

The Vet Files has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Vet Files?

You can listen to The Vet Files on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Vet Files?

The Vet Files is created and hosted by Gretel Wurdack & McCaelyn Beuschel.
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