The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the role of spirituality in veterinary medicine and the importance of reconnecting with animals to counteract the demands of the profession. 

Dr. Wise discusses her personal journey and how her connection with animals evolved over time. She emphasizes the need for veterinary professionals to tap into the spiritual aspect of their work and shares that by doing so they increase their ability to find joy and fulfillment in their profession.

Topics Include:

1. the importance of spirituality in veterinary medicine
2. the impact of logical and scientific thinking on the connection with animals
3. the relationship between burnout, loss of joy, and spirituality

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise provides a formula for effective reflection. 

The formula involves asking three questions, and then considering those questions through the lens of actions, priorities, and emotions in order to full understand one's experience. 

Dr. Wise applies emphasizes the importance of intentional reflection as a tool in creating positive change and breaking the cycles that result in busyness but no meaningful movement toward our goals and dreams.






Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses chasing confidence and its impact on our lives. 

She shares how many people seek external validation to feel confident and points out this habit has been reinforced by educational systems.

An unintended consequence: A constant, conditional pursuit of worthiness. 

Dr. Wise challenges the idea that confidence is something we have to work hard to create, suggesting that it is a decision we can make to be confident in ourselves first. 

The importance of not tying confidence to external validation is emphasized, and listeners are encouraged to reflect on what they would do in their lives if they felt confident. 

The episode concludes with an invitation to join the VetMed; Joy Club and participate in a the Creating Confidence Workshop, exclusively for VetMed; JOY CLUB members.

VetMed; JOY CLUB

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Topics Include:

1. self-confidence
2. seeking external validation
3. the impact of the educational system on confidence
4. the concept of "enough"
5. comparison to others
6. tying confidence to external validation

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise reflects on the importance of staying the course and not giving up, even when faced with challenges. 

Dr. Wise encourages listeners to remember that their goals and desires are possible and not to let external circumstances discourage them. She emphasizes the need to hold onto one's vision and keep going.

She acknowledges the challenges in the field of veterinary medicine and urges listeners to keep trying and to believe in the possibility of success. 

She encourages her listeners to check out the Vet Life Academy program, which helps veterinary professionals overcome challenges and grow personally and professionally. 

Dr. Wise reminds listeners that every challenge presents an opportunity, and if they keep going, they will inevitably find it.

Topics discussed in this episode:

1. The importance of staying the course and not giving up
2. Believing in the possibility of success
3. Finding purpose and meaning in one's journey
4. The value of overcoming challenges
5. Not giving up, even in the face of frustration or defeat

Resources: Vet Life Academy

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy







Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the difference between choosing and deciding, emphasizing that choosing opens up unlimited possibilities while deciding often limits options. 

She encourages listeners to make empowered choices, recognize where they have limited themselves in a binary decision, and to explore the fears that hold them back from choosing boldly. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Choosing opens up unlimited opportunities
2. Deciding limits possibilities
3. Fear causes us to limiting our choices
4. Empowered choices move us towards what we want to create
5. New choices do not mean past choices were wrong
6. Choosing what's right for you benefits everyone

Resources:

Elevate: Critical information every veterinary professional must have in order to personally thrive, and not simply survive, a career in veterinary medicine.

https://joyfuldvm.com/elevate

Vet Life Academy: Transform your life and veterinary career from the inside out. Decrease stress, increase balance, leave work at work... everything is possible!

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy







Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the topic of refusing service to clients who come to veterinary hospitals while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of utilizing the ability to refuse service and shares a personal experience where a client who was chemically altered came into her hospital. 

She discusses how this situation is becoming more common in today's society and raises concerns about the impact of client's potential inability to make decisions and provide proper care for their pets when they are impaired.

The discomfort and challenges faced by veterinary professionals when interacting with impaired clients are also discussed, along with the need to establish protocols and procedures for handling such situations. 

Dr. Wise advises veterinary professionals to trust their instincts and refuse service if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safety of staff, clients, and patients. 

She suggests involving outside help or authorities if necessary to ensure everyone's wellbeing and urges veterinary professionals to establish clear expectations for client behavior and create a work environment where everyone feels empowered to put safety first.

Resource: 

Vet Life Academy

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy







Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise explores the idea of whether it is possible to change one's life. She emphasizes the importance of making small decisions every day to achieve lasting change and encourage listeners to believe that change is possible. 

Dr. Wise discusses the brain's resistance to change and the need to let go of limiting beliefs, self-judgment, and societal expectations. 

She concludes by reiterating that listeners have the power to change their lives in any way they desire and invites them to join the Elevate event for guidance on making these changes.

Featured: 

ELEVATE: Critical information every veterinary professional must have in order to personally thrive, and not simply survive, a career in veterinary medicine.

joyfuldvm.com/elevate









Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the importance of prioritizing oneself, particularly in the demanding profession of veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes the significance of self-care for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing, and challenges the notion that prioritizing oneself is selfish or irresponsible. 

She encourages listeners to focus on their own desires and interests, rather than seeking validation from others, and emphasizes the importance of following one's own path and pursuing what feels right. 

Ultimately, prioritizing oneself is the path to becoming the best version of oneself and the only way to help others effectively.

Primary topics include:

1. the importance of prioritizing oneself
2. self-care for veterinary professionals
3. overcoming the fear of judgment
4. following one's own path
5. the impact of prioritizing oneself on personal growth and fulfillment

Resources:

VetMed; JOY CLUB

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Vet Life Academy

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise reflects on her 50th birthday, and encourages self-reflection. She poses the question, "What are you committed to?" and shares her own experiences of realizing commitments that did not align with her goals and dreams. 

She emphasize the importance of self-awareness and intentional decision-making, and shares the origin of the Vet Life Academy program, which focuses on self-awareness and creating a different life. 

Dr. Wise highlights the tendency for people to be committed to busyness and negative emotions, and encourages listeners to shift their focus and take action towards creating the life they truly want. 

She concludes with a reminder that being aware of commitments and making intentional choices can help individuals create a life that aligns with their goals and dreams.

Resources: Vet Life Academy







Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise discusses the concept of life purpose and its relationship to veterinary medicine. Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of separating one's career in veterinary medicine from their true identity as a human being and offers resources to support personal and professional growth. She encourages veterinary professionals to disentangle their career definition from their actual identity and not to limit themselves with specific labels.

Resources discussed in this episode

Elevate: https://joyfuldvm.com/elevate

Vet Life Academy: https://joyfuldvmcom.vetlifeacademy

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the fear of negotiation when looking for a new job. 

She emphasizes the importance of approaching the job search and negotiation process with clarity and confidence. 

Job seekers are encouraged to dispel the myth that they have to accept any offer and instead approach interviews with curiosity and a clear understanding of what they want in a position. 

Dr. Wise advises job seekers to take the time to identify their preferences and deal breakers before going into interviews, and to negotiate for what they want, even if the initial offer does not meet their criteria. 

The importance of being their own advocates and finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties is also highlighted.

Key takeaways:

1. Approach the negotiation process with clarity, confidence, and a willingness to advocate for what you want.
2. Have a clear understanding of what you want in a position before going into interviews
3. Remember it's a two-way experience- potential employees want jobs, and potential organizations want employees. 
4. Take time in making a decision and do not feel pressured to accept an offer immediately.

Vet Life Academy

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy




Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

"Energy vampires" are individuals who drain our energy and affect our emotions. As a veterinary professional, Dr. Cari Wise understands the significant impact anxiety and stress can have on those around us. 

In this episode, she shares her personal experience as a practice owner and how it affected her interactions with her staff. It is crucial to recognize and understand the impact of anxiety and stress. 

She provides tips for veterinary professionals, including embracing imperfection, seeking support, learning from mistakes, and choosing empowerment. 

Healing our relationship with ourselves and letting go of control is encouraged. 

Signs of being an energy vampire include mood swings, blaming others, feeling responsible for everything, and dreading work. 

It is important to address internal issues rather than trying to change external circumstances. Veterinary professionals should prioritize their wellbeing and embrace the possibility of a better future.









Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

VetMed; JOY CLUB

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the topic of getting fired as a veterinary professional.

Dr. Wise emphasizes that getting fired does not mean that the individual is bad or not cut out for the job, and encourages individuals to approach the situation with curiosity and compassion, seeking to understand the experience and learn from it. 

The importance of organizations providing clear employee expectations and regular feedback in the workplace is highlighted, as well as the role of leadership in firing employees. 

Key takeaways from the context include:

1. Getting fired does not define one's worth or value as a human being.
2. It is important to approach getting fired with curiosity and compassion, seeking to understand the experience and learn from it.
3. Employers must set clear expectations and give regular feedback in the workplace in order for employees to perform and grow.
4. Sometimes getting fired has nothing to do with the individual and may be a result of organizational changes or position eliminations.

Resource:

Mentorship for Veterinary Practice Leaders- email support@joyfuldvm.com for information.




Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise shares about her experiences with unexpected events throughout the week. She discusses how unexpected events are a normal part of veterinary medicine and emphasizes the importance of recognizing that fear is often the root cause of the desire to control. 

Dr. Wise suggests focusing on emotional wellbeing and choosing our reactions to unexpected events. Despite the chaos and unpredictability, she explains how it is possible to maintain calm and provide good service to her clients. 

She encourages listeners to recognize their own ability to navigate unexpected events and let go of the need to control and be perfect.












Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

VetMed; JOY CLUB

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the importance of setting boundaries, particularly with oneself. This boundary pertains to where one allows their focus to rest when they are not at work. 

Dr. Wise explains that many veterinary professionals tend to obsessively think about cases and events from work, which can lead to negative emotions and anxiety. 

She shares that it is crucial to set a mental boundary to prevent one's focus from dwelling on things that cannot be controlled in the present moment. 

Two main issues that arise when one fails to set this boundary:

First, they continue to experience negative emotions associated with the events of the day. Second, they lack awareness that they cannot change or control these situations in the present moment. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of controlling one's focus and redirecting it to something real and useful when the mind starts to wander into worry and obsession. She explains that worry stems from an inability to let go of situations and fear of the unknown and reminds listeners that veterinary professionals never control case outcomes or client behavior.

By redirecting focus to the present moment and avoiding worry, veterinary professionals can improve their wellbeing and enjoy their lives outside of work.

Resource: Vet Life Academy

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy










Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise, discusses the importance of time blocking and intentional focus to increase productivity and reduce overwhelm. 

She emphasizes the need to evaluate and eliminate non-essential tasks from the to-do list, and shares her personal experience of using time blocking to complete a stack of 19 medical records efficiently. 

Dr. Wise encourages veterinary professionals to challenge the belief that there is not enough time to make progress on tasks. She highlights the benefits of time blocking and intentional focus, including increased productivity and reduced stress.








Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the importance of continuing to make efforts even when we don't see immediate results, using a personal story about befriending a feral cat to illustrate the point. 

Dr. Wise encourages listeners to have faith that their efforts are accumulating beneath the surface and that eventually, their desired outcomes will become a reality. 

She concludes by reminding listeners that their only job is to take the first step and continue persevering through the journey, as this is the key to achieving their goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. It is importance to persevere on the journey toward achieving goals.
2. We must embrace discomfort and uncertainty in order to experience personal growth.
3. Taking the first step and continuing the journey even when we don't see evidence of our efforts is the key to achieving desired outcomes.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

CONNECT WITH ME

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyfuldvm
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoyfulDVM/
• Website: www.joyfuldvm.com

Thank you so much for listening! If this episode supported you in any way, the best way you can pay forward is by taking a screenshot of this episode and sharing it on social media or with your team, and tag me!

In this episode Dr. Cari Wise shares about the concept of resistance and its impact on our ability to pursue activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. 

She defines resistance as the internal pushback we experience when we want to do something but struggle to take action and provides examples, such as wanting to spend more time on a hobby or becoming more physically fit, but finding excuses or lacking motivation to follow through. 

Dr. Wise explains that resistance often leads to self-judgment, shame, and frustration; but that resistance is a normal and natural response, particularly when it comes to activities that are not considered productive by societal standards. 

She challenges the belief that work and responsibilities should always be prioritized over self-care and hobbies, and encourages listeners to prioritize activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. 

She warns that resistance arises when we try to break the habit of not engaging in activities we enjoy, and that our brains are wired to resist change and reminds us that resistance is not a sign of failure or weakness, but rather a natural response to breaking old habits and forming new ones. 

Dr. Wise advises listeners to push through resistance and take the first step towards engaging in activities they desire, as even dedicating a few minutes to the desired activity can often overcome resistance, lead to enjoyment, and are essential for achieving balance and alignment in our live.

By taking control of our choices and pushing through resistance, we can improve our overall well-being and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resistance is the internal pushback we experience when we want to do something but struggle to take action.
2. Resistance often leads to self-judgment, shame, and frustration.
3. Society tends to prioritize work and responsibilities over hobbies, self-care, and activities that bring us joy.
4. Resistance arises when we try to break the habit of not engaging in activities we enjoy.
5. Resistance is not a sign of failure or weakness, but rather a natural response to breaking old habits and forming new ones.
6. Building new habits takes time and effort, and it is important to be patient and compassionate with ourselves during this process.
7. Pushing through resistance and taking the first step towards engaging in desired activities can often overcome resistance.
8. Prioritizing activities that bring us joy and fulfillment is essential for achieving balance and alignment in our lives.
9. Personal well-being is not solely dependent on careers, and individuals can improve their overall well-being and quality of life by taking control of their choices and pushing through resistance.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the issue of bullying in veterinary organizations.

She defines bullying as adverse behavior exhibited by veterinary professionals towards their colleagues, such as being short-tempered, avoiding conversations, making backhanded comments, and setting others up for failure. 

Dr. Wise emphasizes that bullying is often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions, such as shift leads, office managers, owners, or senior veterinarians. 

The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine is highlighted as a contributing factor to the prevalence of bullying. 

The consequences of bullying in veterinary medicine are discussed, including the formation of cliques and divisions within the workplace.  Dr. Wise advises listeners to leave toxic environments if their concerns are not taken seriously or if their morals, ethics, and values are compromised. 

Veterinary professionals are urged to interact with each other from a place of courage rather than fear and to speak up when witnessing bullying. The importance of building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession for the benefit of all is emphasized.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bullying in veterinary organizations is a prevalent issue, often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions.
• Bullying is driven by insecurity and a desire for power and control.
• Leadership positions come with the responsibility to treat everyone equally and evaluations should be based on clear criteria.
• The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine contributes to the prevalence of bullying.
• It is important to leave toxic environments if concerns are not taken seriously or if morals, ethics, and values are compromised.
• Veterinary professionals should interact with each other from a place of courage and speak up when witnessing bullying.
• Building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession is crucial for the benefit of all.

veterinary medicine, veterinarian, joyful dvm, veterinary technician, vet tech, vet life, vet life academy, joy vet alliance, emotional gatekeeping 

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise talks about the grounding force that birds provide in her life and encourages listeners to find their own grounding anchors. Dr. Wise explains how birds bring her back to what is real and help her navigate the chaos of the world. She encourages listeners to identify their own grounding items or activities and reminds them that veterinary medicine is just one part of their journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Veterinary professionals often lose sight of their value and try to find self-worth through external validation.
• By intentionally shifting their focus and identifying their anchors, individuals can reconnect with their true selves and experience the fullness of life.

Website:  https://joyfuldvm.com

Vet Life Academy:  http://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

VetMed; JOY CLUB: https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay