Out of Practice

In this episode of Out of Practice, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month by diving into the essential, yet often daunting, process of seeking professional support.While the veterinary profession is increasingly open about mental health challenges, the practical steps of finding help can feel overwhelming when you’re already operating at capacity. We move beyond the "why" and focus on the "how"—navigating the search for a therapist who truly understands the unique pressures of the clinic.We discuss:Practical techniques for vetting providers and finding a therapist.How chronic stress and acute trauma physically manifest in the veterinary workplace.Understanding how personal history and professional stressors intertwine.The importance of reaching out for support and the role of clinical debriefing after difficult cases.This episode continues our commitment to professional well-being, moving from the concept of self-care into the tangible action of clinical support. Whether you’re looking for a therapist for the first time or seeking better ways to support your team, this conversation offers a roadmap for the journey.

We all wear masks.In veterinary medicine, and in life, different situations call for different versions of us. The calm clinician. The decisive leader. The supportive colleague. The steady presence clients rely on.These roles aren’t inherently inauthentic. Often, they help us navigate complex environments and care for others well.But over time, it can become harder to tell where the role ends and the person begins.In this episode, we explore identity, authenticity, and the masks we wear, not with the goal of removing them entirely, but with the intention of understanding them.

What does it take to slow down when your mind is wired to keep going?In Part 2 of this conversation, Ginger continues her discussion with emergency veterinarian and practice owner Dr. Ben Donati, co-owner of APEX Vets, shifting the focus to the challenge of creating space outside of work.Dr. Donati reflects candidly on the difficulty of turning off work-related thoughts and the practices he has begun exploring to create moments of quiet.Together, they discuss:The drive that often fuels veterinary leadersWhy slowing down can feel unexpectedly difficultEarly efforts to create mental space and recoveryThis episode continues the Out of Practice exploration of identity, sustainability, and the ongoing process of building a veterinary career with intention.This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation.

In this first of a two-part conversation, Ginger is joined by emergency veterinarian and practice owner Dr. Ben Donati, co-owner of APEX Vets, to explore how mentorship has shaped his professional journey and leadership approach.Together, they discuss:The difference between mentorship and coachingThe role of peer mentorship in veterinary medicineWhy connection and guidance matter at every career stageThis conversation continues the Out of Practice exploration of identity, belonging, and the relationships that help veterinary professionals grow and stay connected to the work.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

In veterinary medicine, certain narratives get repeated so often that they begin to feel like truth. But what if some of the stories shaping our profession aren’t entirely accurate?In this episode, we examine three commonly held beliefs in veterinary medicine related to generational stereotypes, practice ownership, and mental health. Together, we explore where these narratives originated, why they persist, and how they may be influencing the future of the profession.Join us for a thoughtful conversation that challenges assumptions, encourages critical reflection, and invites listeners to consider a more nuanced — and hopeful — perspective on veterinary medicine.This conversation briefly references mental health and suicide. If this feels like a sensitive topic for you, we encourage you to listen with care and reach out for support if needed. You’ll find resources in the show notes.ResourcesIndependent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA) – https://ivpa.org/Independent Animal Hospital Association (IAHA) - https://iahavet.com/988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 — available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress, crisis, or suicidal thoughts.

In Episode 5, we talk about the role of community in veterinary medicine and why so many veterinarians struggle to find it early in their careers. We discuss how isolation, burnout, and siloed clinic environments can make connection feel difficult, especially when moving to a new state, starting a first job, or transitioning into a new role.We share practical ways to build authentic professional relationships, including networking without an agenda, leveraging LinkedIn, joining state VMAs, attending conferences, connecting through affinity groups, and exploring virtual communities.Whether you’re exploring nonclinical roles, craving mentorship, or simply tired of feeling alone in veterinary medicine, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap for finding your people.ResourcesAVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference - https://www.avma.org/events/veterinary-leadership-conferenceVeterinary Innovation Summit - https://veterinaryinnovationcouncil.com/veterinary-innovation-summit/OrganizationsPawsibilities Vet Med - https://pawsibilitiesvetmed.com/Pride VMC - https://pridevmc.org/Multicultural Vet Med - https://mcvma.org/LatinX Vet Med - https://latinxvma.org/Canadian VIBE - https://www.facebook.com/CanadianVIBENetwork/National Association for Black Veterinarians - https://nabvonline.org/Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals - https://www.aavmp.org/American Association of Veterinarians Indian Origin - https://aavio.org/ BlackDVM Network - https://www.blackdvmnetwork.com/ Chapter VIII - https://www.chapterviii.org/about-us/Native American Veterinary Association (NAVA) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/753809451452278/about/Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) - https://vetvoicenational.wordpress.com/Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative (WVLDI) - https://wvldi.org/

In this episode, we unpack the phrase “we’re a family at work” a common sentiment in veterinary medicine that can feel comforting to some and uncomfortable or even triggering to others. We explore both the positive intentions behind the language and the ways it can create pressure, blur boundaries, or feel exclusionary depending on personal history and workplace culture.We talk about why “community” may be a more inclusive and accurate term, and why belonging, engagement, and shared purpose matter more than labels. We also discuss how leaders can cultivate authentic community by asking their teams what they want and involving them in shaping the culture, rather than relying on activities alone.Finally, we reflect on finding community outside of work and how building those circles often requires vulnerability and a willingness to “do it scared.”

In Episode 3, we talk about family, the joyful, complicated, and evolving relationships that shape our lives both inside and outside of veterinary medicine.We explore how family life intersects with veterinary careers across different seasons, from raising young kids while practicing full-time to embracing hobbies and traditions in the empty-nest phase. Along the way, we share personal stories, holiday rituals, and practical strategies for maintaining autonomy, managing expectations, and taking care of yourself around the people you love.

In Episode 2, we talk about the discipline and skill of stepping away from veterinary work — whether from a clinical shift, the inbox, a leadership role, or an ambitious well-being project.We explore why detaching is easier in some roles than others, what helped us learn to “leave work at work,” and how hobbies, intentional boundaries, and supportive mentors play a surprising role in disconnecting.Leaving work at work is often the first step toward enjoying life both inside and outside of veterinary medicine.

In our first episode, we explore what it means to have a life outside of veterinary medicine and why that matters for wellbeing, identity, and longevity in the profession.We talk about how easy it is to lose yourself in vet school, internships, and early career practice, and how rebuilding an identity outside of the profession can feel intimidating, especially for perfectionistic, high-achieving veterinarians. We share personal stories about burnout, losing (and rediscovering) hobbies, and the stigma around creative pursuits in adulthood.This episode focuses on creative outlets as a form of wellbeing. Addie dives into how music has become a major part of her life. Ginger reflects on returning to artistic pursuits after years of separating “serious” professional identity from “play.” We discuss adult hobbies, the fear of being “mediocre,” and why embracing imperfection (“make crappy art!”) may be essential for wellbeing.Listen to Addie and Cole's "the Middle" on Streaming Services -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/73MKLAMMHT07TxUsw6fC2j?si=SNBrHLmBRDavIB2qLNVA2gApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-middle/1848064482Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/addie-and-cole/the-middle/ALwl9nnbptqK5h4?part=ug-desktop&corr=122720892970105710Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lSGey-oLGZD66iywijlAG5-ISQHyrH0vU&si=WifEkcUPwg_Q8OiZAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0FXG4DWMN?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_JkiSKAavi690NYUB4AVDtCi03Amie McNee - We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something - https://www.amazon.com/We-Need-Your-Art-Something/dp/0593833007