Many veterinarians feel stuck, as if our education limits us to one narrow path, leaving little room to explore anything outside traditional roles.
When the demands of these roles become unsustainable, many professionals feel forced to leave the field altogether. But here’s the truth: veterinary medicine can offer so much more than you might realize.
From clinical practice to industry, government, entrepreneurship, part-time roles, and beyond, there are countless ways to use our degrees and skills in meaningful, fulfilling ways.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on a hamster wheel you can’t escape or doubted your abilities due to imposter syndrome, I encourage you to tune into Episode 36 of the @RevivingVetMed podcast:
🎙️ https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/12602813
In this special episode, I share an interview I did with Dr. Megan Sprinkle from the @VetLifeReimagined podcast.
My journey in vet med has been far from linear. It’s taken years of reflection and experimentation to find a balance of roles that work for me. Like so many of us, I’ve grappled with workaholism and imposter syndrome along the way.
The truth is, being a veterinarian is about more than diagnosing and treating—it’s about navigating complex decisions in challenging circumstances. These transferable skills open doors to a variety of roles both within and beyond veterinary medicine.
My hope for you in 2025 is to embrace the possibility of finding a work-life balance that truly works for you—one that supports a professional identity where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
#VetLifeReimagined #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #WellnessWednesday #RevivingVetMed
Have you ever read a book that made you stop and say, “OMG, that’s me”?
That was my reaction years ago when I stumbled across a book about imposter syndrome—before the days of Amazon when finding niche books meant scouring the shelves of a bookstore. I read it cover to cover, and it hit me: this was what I had been experiencing for so many years.
Imposter syndrome is that persistent doubt about our abilities and accomplishments, coupled with the fear of being exposed as a fraud—even when there’s clear evidence of success.
The first time I felt this way was when I got accepted into veterinary school. Some of you know that both of my parents are veterinarians and alumni of the same school. At just 19 years old, I convinced myself I hadn’t earned my spot. Instead, I thought they’d only let me in because of my parents. I worried the admissions team was afraid my parents would be upset if I didn’t get accepted.
That belief stuck with me for years. I didn’t even tell most people that both of my parents were veterinarians.
When I got into my internship, I thought being a Canadian vet meant I wouldn’t measure up to American veterinarians. Then, during my residency, I was sure someone would eventually discover they had made a mistake.
It was in residency that I first learned about imposter syndrome, and everything started to click.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. In fact, my episode on imposter syndrome became the #1 downloaded podcast of 2024—a clear sign that this experience touches so many of us in veterinary medicine.
In episode 45 of the @RevivingVetMed podcast, I dive into:
✨ What imposter syndrome is
✨ Who it impacts in veterinary medicine
✨ How it manifests in our personal and professional lives
✨ Practical ways to reduce it and quiet your inner critic
Listen now: www.revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/14691815
If this episode speaks to you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a colleague wh
Did you know yesterday was World Digital Detox Day? 💻❌
In honor of it, the latest episode of the @RevivingVetMed podcast dives into our relationship with technology and explores how we can build healthier habits to reduce the harmful effects of too much screen time.
For those of us in veterinary medicine, technology is woven into every part of our day—whether it’s managing schedules, engaging with clients, documenting medical records, attending virtual CE, or staying connected with friends and family. Add that to the mental, emotional, and physical demands of our work, and it’s no wonder we often feel completely stretched thin.
Excessive screen use can also lead to decision fatigue, leaving us so mentally drained that even simple decisions—like what to eat for dinner or how to unwind—feel impossible.
But there’s hope!
Tune into Episode 55 of the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, "Digital Wellness for Veterinary Professionals". I’m sharing insights on:
✨ How social media impacts our mental health.
✨ Strategies to set healthy boundaries with screens.
✨ Tips for performing a digital detox (even if it’s your first time!).
📲 Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16261146
This episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your time, boost your energy, and reconnect with what truly matters—whether you’re feeling stretched to the limit or just looking for small ways to refocus. A huge thank you to @Scribenote for generously sponsoring this episode!
P.S. Don’t forget to enter our 30-Day Digital Detox Calendar Giveaway before December 31, 2024! 🎉 It’s a fun and easy way to start building healthier tech habits.
How to Enter:
1️⃣ Follow @marieholowaychuk on IG.
2️⃣ Follow @revivingvetmed on IG.
3️⃣ Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, tools, and updates designed to support your wellbeing: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/digitaldetox2024.
Let’s reclaim our time and enha
Happy World Digital Detox Day! 🌿
Today is the perfect reminder to step away from our screens and reconnect with what’s right in front of us. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, getting outdoors, or simply taking a moment to breathe, small steps can make a big difference.
I’m also so excited to announce a giveaway this month! You can enter to win a 30-day digital detox calendar—the perfect tool to help you reduce screen time and reclaim your mental space.
📦 Check out the video to see the prize, which will be mailed to the lucky winner!
Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @marieholowaychuk on Instagram
2️⃣ Follow @revivingvetmed on Instagram
3️⃣ Enter your email to subscribe to my newsletter at https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/digitaldetox2024.
Our Reviving Vet Med newsletter is packed with resources to support your mental health and wellness in veterinary medicine—plus updates on events and new content.
🗓️ Giveaway closes December 31, 2024, and the winner will be drawn on January 2, 2025, notified via email.
Today, I challenge you to take one small step toward a digital detox:
📴 Charge your phone outside the bedroom.
⏰ Use an alarm clock instead of your phone.
🔕 Turn off push notifications.
📞 Call a friend instead of texting.
And don’t forget to check out tomorrow’s new episode of the Reviving Vet Med podcast! I’ll be diving into how screens impact our wellbeing and sharing tips to set healthier tech boundaries.
Let’s make today a step toward greater balance. Who’s with me? 💙
#WorldDigitalDetoxDay #DigitalDetox #TechBoundaries #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #TipTuesday #Giveaway #RevivingVetMed
International Volunteer Day | A Reminder For Caregiving Professionals
Happy International Volunteer Day!
Many veterinary professionals dedicate time outside of work to volunteering for additional causes, whether they be veterinary-related or otherwise. In fact, the highest demographic of volunteers is college-educated women, a demographic of many veterinary professionals.
Today, I want to remind you, as caregiving professionals, that it is important to be mindful of the amount we are giving to others in exchange for how we take care of ourselves.
Here are my top 2 tips for caregiving professionals who volunteer outside of work:
1️⃣ Choose opportunities that align with your values and passions
Make sure that the time you're giving to others is in tune with what is most important to you.
2️⃣ Do not be afraid to set limits and boundaries
Be realistic with yourself about your capacity. You may have to say no to volunteer commitments, even if you are passionate about them.
At one point this year, I was volunteering on four committees and two advisory boards. While I am really passionate about these initiatives, I started to feel stretched thin over time.
As a result, I had to make the difficult decision to step away from some of these opportunities.
Remember: this is a volunteer role. You are doing it out of the goodness of your heart. You are not getting paid and there is likely no contractual obligation. Your wellbeing is just as important as any cause you would like to dedicate your time and energy to.
It's okay to say "I've got too much on my plate right now. Life is hectic and I'm going to put this on hold until I can show up in a better place where I can really dedicate my time and energy to this."
We can only show up as the best version of ourselves for the initiatives we care deeply about when we are taking care of our personal wellbeing too!
For more information about optimizing your volunteer opportunities both in and outside the veterinary profession, please listen to Episode 11 of the Reviving Vet
Women's Brain Health Day | December 2, 2024
Yesterday, December 2, 2024, marked Women's Brain Health Day—a day I feel strongly about recognizing, especially as a woman in the veterinary profession. It reminds me of when I first read Still Alice by Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist and author. The book tells the story of a middle-aged Harvard psychologist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the peak of her career. I couldn’t help but think, What if that happened to me?
Cognitive decline is a real concern for women, who are disproportionately affected by brain-aging disorders. And since most of the veterinary workforce is made up of women, I believe it’s crucial to highlight strategies to keep our brains healthy amidst the challenges of our demanding work. Here are my top 3 tips:
1️⃣ Prioritize sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night (and research suggests some women may benefit from up to 11 hours!). Establish a consistent bedtime routine—about 30 minutes before bed—to help cue your body for rest, and try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. I know this can be tough in veterinary practice, especially for those working irregular shifts. If it feels unattainable, check out episode 25 of my podcast, Reviving Vet Med, which dives into the sleep struggles of veterinary professionals. There’s also episode 54, which focuses on sleep strategies for those on call. 💤
2️⃣ Move your body daily
Exercise doesn’t just strengthen your body—it’s vital for brain health too! Research shows that regular movement helps grow and maintain brain health. This doesn’t mean you need hours at the gym; even a 15-minute walk during lunch, a dog walk after work, or a 20-minute incline session on the treadmill can do wonders. Find an activity you enjoy, and make it a daily habit!
3️⃣ Fuel your brain with the right foods
Foods rich in antioxidants and fatty acids can improve memory and cognition. Add items like walnuts, berries, salmon, leafy greens, and dark chocolate to your meals to
As a veterinary student, I had no idea how much on-call duties would impact my life...
During my internship, I was the only vet on call, managing every emergency that came through the door—from a lost chicken to a sick salamander. I felt completely out of my depth at times.
My residency brought some relief as I transitioned solely to caring for small animals, and a specialty I felt more confident in.
When I became a faculty member at Ontario Vet College, I shared on-call duties with another faculty member, which left us both exhausted until a resident joined the team to help with coverage. I can still remember the joy of having my first full weekend off in months!
Even now, I still do on-call shifts occasionally for locum work, but for months after leaving my faculty role, the sound of a phone ringing would make my heart race.
I know I'm not alone—many veterinary professionals I’ve spoken with feel the same way about on-call duties. It took me years to ease the anxiety that came with those responsibilities.
In the latest episode of the @RevivingVetMed podcast, I dive into the impact of on-call shifts on our wellbeing, sharing my personal journey alongside the latest research, and explore strategies for managing these stressors.
Listen to the episode: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16177856-coping-with-on-call-responsibilities-in-veterinary-practice-episode-54-reviving-vet-med
I know that for many new grads, the pressure of being on call without enough support can feel overwhelming. Even seasoned practitioners often hesitate to reach out to nearby clinics for fear of losing clients.
The expectation to manage cases solo can create a lot of stress.
But the reality is, we can't achieve true work-life balance if we’re always "on" and never able to fully disconnect.
If we want to build resilience in this field, we need to support each other. Acknowledging the challenges of on-call work is the first step towards making it more man
National Stress Awareness Day | November 6, 2024
Today is National Stress Awareness Day!
Of course, there is no shortage of stress in the veterinary workplace.
Some of the top stressors identified among veterinary professionals include financial insecurity, client interactions, team dynamics, and work-life balance.
As a result, it is important that we have strategies to manage our stress, ideally in a healthy way.
Each of us has different ways of managing stress and it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. For example:
Mindful breathing techniques
Kickboxing class
A walk with the dog
Time in nature
I encourage you to think about at least one stress relieving strategy that you can use during your workday, and then another you can do outside of work.
Leave it in the comments for your colleagues who need a gentle nudge to remember to take care of their stress.
And if you are looking for some inspiration, you can find some stress management meditations on my YouTube channel @DrMarieHolowaychuk or Insight Timer @sweetmarie0002
#StressAwarenessDay #StressManagement #VeterinaryMedicine #VeterinaryWellbeing #VeterinaryWellness #WellnessWednesday #WellbeingWednesday
Setting Boundaries and Saying No in Veterinary Medicine | Episode 52 | Reviving Vet Med
I hear this all the time when I talk to people in veterinary medicine - we all want to be team players and we want to help every animal that comes through the door.
But then where does that leave us?
I'll let you know from experience that it leaves us feeling burnt out, exhausted, and questioning if we can keep doing this long term.
In the demanding field of veterinary medicine, establishing clear boundaries and learning to say no are essential skills for fostering resilience and maintaining mental health.
Many veterinary professionals struggle with the pressure to take on additional responsibilities, leading to feelings of overwhelm and a sense of losing control.
If you can relate to these sentiments, I highly recommend you tune into the latest episode of the Reviving Veterinary Medicine Podcast, "Setting Boundaries and Saying No in Veterinary Medicine": www.revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16009718
Now before you scroll away, I know what you're thinking:
Boundaries?
Saying no?
That's easier said than done.
And you know what?
You are absolutely right.
But in this episode, we unpack these crucial skills and actionable strategies to make boundary setting a part of your everyday life.
Recognizing the importance of setting limits is crucial for personal wellbeing and allows veterinary professionals to prioritize their needs to sustain their passion for the profession.
Whether you're a vet tech, veterinarian, practice manager, or anyone else on the team: empowering yourself to set boundaries can enhance resilience, protect your mental health, and create a more sustainable career.
#WorkLifeBalance #Boundaries #TipTuesday #BurnoutPrevention #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #RevivingVetMed
ADHD in the Veterinary Profession | Reviving Vet Med Clip | Episode 51
What traits are essential for success in veterinary medicine?
Focus. Multitasking. Organization. Attention to Detail. Working Under Pressure.
Now imagine that you have a brain that doesn't naturally excel at those things, but you're still expected to perform at a high level day in and day out. You may find yourself forgetting to put details in a medical record, jumping to new tasks without finishing the first one, or losing track of time during a surgery, procedure, or consult.
In a busy clinic, this can lead to overwhelm, frustration, and often burnout. In 2021, the Veterinary Mental Health Initiative conducted a survey that uncovered that more than 1 in 5 respondents reported experiencing symptoms consistent with ADHD, even though many had not received a formal diagnosis.
As team members, it is critical to educate ourselves about neurodiversity and the challenges that come with them. By fostering a culture of understanding, we can have more empathy, offer support, and ultimately create a workplace feels valued to contribute in a way that feels good to them.
October is ADHD Awareness Month and the scene shared above is a common daily occurance for people with ADHD, who often describe their minds being "noisy." For those living with ADHD, they can struggle to filter out distractions or feel amplified anxiety or frustration when they are struggling to meet expectations.
ADHD isn't just about challenges and deficits: those affected often have an incredible ability to think outside of the box, solve problems creatively, and handle emergencies with a spontaneity and energy that can be a true asset in veterinary medicine.
In episode 51 of the Reviving Veterinary Medicine podcast, we discuss how ADHD affects veterinary professionals, strategies for managing ADHD in veterinary settings, and the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace.
Listen to the episode: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/15937735
Whether you live with ADHD or
