Join Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Travis Boston and Jessica Dunbar as they discuss the onboarding process for new equine veterinarians with guests Dr. Jesse Tyma and Dr. Katy Sullivan. The conversation focuses on strategies for practices to effectively integrate new associates and interns, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations, dedicated mentorship, and psychological safety. It also highlights the responsibilities of new hires in seeking opportunities for growth and providing feedback....
Jul 23, 2025•52 min•Ep. 74
This podcast episode from "Practice Life," presented by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, centers on strategies for achieving work-life balance in equine veterinary practice. Host Jessica Dunbar, a practice owner and veterinarian, speaks with three other equine veterinarians -- Dr. Maureen Sutter, Dr. Amanda McCleery, and Dr. Katie Larson -- about their diverse practice models and personal approaches to managing their demanding careers. The d...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min•Ep. 73
Join co-hosts Travis Boston and Jessica Dunbar on this insightful episode of 'Practice Life,' where they explore the evolving economic climate affecting equine veterinary practices. With special guests Dr. Amy Daley and Dr. Julia Petersen, they delve into the challenges and opportunities brought about by recent changes in the veterinary landscape. This episode sheds light on the importance of balancing business acumen with veterinary care, especially in the face of financial pressures. The discu...
May 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of Practice Life, hosted by Jessica Dunbar and Travis Boston, the spotlight is on the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine. The hosts are joined by Dr. Will French and Dr. Ashley Morgan to discuss the pressing issue of mid-level practitioners in Colorado and the broader implications for equine veterinary care nationwide. Furthermore, the episode covers how organized veterinary medicine advocates for practitioners, offering insights into policy shaping at both state and feder...
Apr 25, 2025•42 min•Ep. 71
Join AAEP Practice Life hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall as they chat with Drs. Mindy Smith and Beau Whitaker, both recipients of the AAEP Good Works For Horses award. The share the benefits, and a few caveats, of donating services and products to benefit equine charities. Good Works for Horses, sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Zoetis, honors AAEP-member practitioners whose volunteer efforts are having a positive impact on the equine community. You can read about Dr. Smith's and D...
Mar 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of Practice Life, hosts Dr. Travis Boston and Dr. Jessica Dunbar sit down with AAEP President Dr. Tracy Turner and President-Elect Dr. Sarah Reuss to discuss the organization's current initiatives, challenges, and future direction. The conversation covers everything from the success of the 2024 convention in Orlando to advocacy efforts, member engagement, and upcoming educational programs. The leaders also address important industry challenges like mid-career veterinarian retenti...
Feb 17, 2025•45 min•Ep. 68
Join Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Travis Boston as they chat with two of the hosts of the 2024 AAEP Convention Business News Hour, Drs. Jean-Yin Tan and Shane Baird. The recap of the News Hour covers a wide-ranging series of topics related to the equine veterinary profession, including growth, engagement, new business models, legal issues, work/life balance, and more. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-animalhealth.co...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 67
Join Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Travis Boston at the 2024 AAEP Convention in Orlando, Florida, as they did a speed run through the convention halls and asked fellow practitioners two questions: 1) What was your veterinary highlight of the year? and 2) What's one piece of non-clinical advice you wish you had received upon graduation from yet school that would have made your career easier? Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at http...
Dec 24, 2024•44 min•Ep. 66
What’s better, solo or group practice? Certainly, there’s no right answer, but there are considerations that will help practitioners find the right fit. Join podcast co-hosts Drs. Mike Pownall and Travis Boston as they chat with two solo practitioners – Caitlin Daly and Bonnie Kibbie – and two group practice members – Shannon Lockhart and Singen Elliott – about the value of each type of practice. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-anim...
Nov 22, 2024•47 min•Ep. 65
Join the Practice Life co-hosts Jessica Dunbar and Travis Boston as they learn more about AAEP's Foundation for the Host from podcast guests Leslie Easterwood, chair of the Foundation Development Council, and Paul Ransdell, Foundation Senior Development Officer. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/...
Nov 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 64
AAEP Practice Life Podcast hosts Drs. Mike Pownall and Jessica Dunbar talk with three veterinarians, Drs. Kai DeVoglaer, Mikaela Maldonado and Sam Prusak. who have all recently completed an internship. They share their experiences, what practical skills they learned during their time as an intern , and make some valuable recommendations to those who are considering the internship path. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-animalhealth.co...
Oct 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 63
Join podcast host Dr. Mike Pownall, special guest host Dr. Travis Boston, and panelist Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian as the chat about a grab bag of financial topics, including starting pay, contracts, benefits, loans and target revenues. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/
Sep 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 62
The equine veterinary profession is inherently dangerous. It's not just the horses that can pose a problem, but also facilities, transportation, and even owners. Join podcast co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall, and their guest Dr. Travis Boston, as they discuss how a change in mindsets can lead to fewer accidents and a safer environment for vet, client and horse. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/...
Jul 19, 2024•40 min•Ep. 61
Following last month's discussion about mentorship, this month our podcast host Dr. Jessica Dunbar queries her guests about how to help new associates or interns find success in equine veterinary practice. Joining Dr. Dunbar this month are Drs. Kim Harmon (Fairfield Equine) and Luke Bass (Colorado State University). Listen as they share substantive recommendations for building meaningful connections and supportive work places for those entering the veterinary industry. Sponsored by: AAEP Practic...
Jun 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 60
Good mentorship can be critical for the retention of equine veterinarians. Podcast co-hosts Drs. Mike Pownall and Jessica Dunbar chat with two successful pairs of veterinary mentor/mentees. Join Drs. Laura Javsicas and Alexa Wright from Rhinebeck Equine, and Drs. Scott Hay and Sara Langsam of Teigland, Franklin and Brokken, as they share their collaborative experiences and their belief in the positive outcomes of solid mentor/mentee programs. Sponsored by: AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boeh...
May 23, 2024•45 min•Ep. 59
AAEP Practice Life Podcast host Dr. Jessica Dunbar, herself a recent initiative alumna, talks with three veterinarians who are involved in the Equitarian Initiative ( https://equitarianinitiative.org/ ), which brings veterinary care to working equids in developing countries. Listen as Drs. Rob Franklin and Ciera Guardia, and EI executive director Annie Henderson, share the goals, challenges and benefits of being involved with the philanthropic organization. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boe...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 58
Dr. Jeremy Shaba and Dr. Deianira Smith, members of the AAEP Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee, discuss inclusivity and belonging in equine practice and the DEI Committee’s mission to create greater awareness about these principles and their importance to the horse doctor community. Practice Life is hosted by Dr. Mike Pownall and Dr. Jessica Dunbar. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Mar 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 57
Podcast co-hosts Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall talk with AAEP leadership about the 2023 Convention and the upcoming year. Listen as Drs. Katie Garrett (AAEP President) and Tracy Turner (AAEP President-Elect) and AAEP Executive Director David Foley share what’s in store for 2024. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com .
Feb 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 56
Podcast co-hosts Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall chat with the presenters of the 2023 AAEP Convention's Business News Hour. Drs. Stacey Cordivano, Jean-Yin Tan, and Kelly Zeytoonian discuss their investigative process and share what they learned -- and what surprised them. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com .
Jan 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 55
Podcast co-hosts Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall share strategies from veterinarian attendees to the 2023 AAEP Convention in San Diego, focusing on communicating with clients -- including difficult personalities -- about challenging economic decisions and boundaries. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com .
Dec 28, 2023•26 min•Ep. 54
Practice Life podcast co-hosts Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall travelled to San Diego in December to chat with veterinarian attendees of the AAEP Annual Convention in San Diego about our favorite subject: What do you love about equine practice, and where do you find awe in your work and life? AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Dec 28, 2023•25 min•Ep. 53
AAEP Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall are joined by three veterinarians who think that being a horse doctor is a pretty great thing. Listen to Drs. Rachel Bourne (Wisconsin), Jeremy Shaba (Kentucky) and Brooks Vardell (Virginia) share their favorite -- and not so favorite -- things about being an equine vet. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Nov 20, 2023•40 min•Ep. 52
Much has changed since our first podcast on Telemedicine, way back in 2020. Join our host Dr. Mike Pownall as he visits again with two of the original panelists, Drs. Erica Lacher (Florida) and Cris Navas (Pennsylvania) and new panelist Kelly Zeytoonian (California) as they share tips and hints – including how to charge for telemedicine services – that keep both practitioners and clients happy. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Oct 23, 2023•38 min•Ep. 51
Support staff, properly utilized, not only improve practice efficiency but also the quality of life of the veterinarians who employ them. AAEP Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall join three equine veterinarians for a wide-ranging discussion on support staff. Listen as Drs. Kelly Zeytoonian, Brigitte Gravitt and Bridget Heilsberg share their experiences with and recommendations for support staff. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theart...
Sep 25, 2023•54 min•Ep. 50
Podcast hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall have a conversation about emergency coverage with four members of the Emergency Coverage subcommittee of AAEP's Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability. Joining the podcast hosts are Drs. Leann Kuebelbeck and Mike Erskine, subcommittee co-chairs, and members Jessica Martin and James Beckman. They share their work on the committee and the insights they've gained regarding handling emergencies in veterinary practice while still having a lif...
Jul 24, 2023•33 min•Ep. 49
Is that elusive work/life balance possible for equine veterinarians who are also mothers? Listen to these four vet moms explain how they’re making it work. Join AAEP Practice Life Podcast host Dr. Jessica Dunbar as she chats with Drs. Melissa Johnson, Valeria Kappes, Bonnie Kibbie and Jennifer Selvig, all mothers who have discovered ways to stay happy and productive in both aspects of their lives. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Jun 20, 2023•56 min•Ep. 48
AAEP Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall continue their series of chats with veterinarian members of the AAEP Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability. In this episode, the hosts chat with Drs. Sarah Reuss and Jackie Christakos of the Internship subcommittee, and Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber of the Student subcommittee. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
May 18, 2023•36 min•Ep. 47
AAEP Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Jessica Dunbar and Mike Pownall chat with four veterinarian members of the AAEP Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability: Drs. Jim Zeliff and Travis Boston of the Compensation sub-committee, and Drs. Kelly Zeytoonian and Stacey Cordivano of the Practice Culture sub-committee. Listen in as they share some of their early findings. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Apr 17, 2023•32 min•Ep. 46
AAEP Practice Life co-hosts Drs. Mike Pownall and Jessica Dunbar chat with four veterinarians who love being equine practitioners. Joining the hosts are Drs. Lindsay Deacon, Jennifer Reda, Danielle Price, and Erica Paxton, who share why they think equine practice can be great. AAEP Practice Life is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Visit them at theartofhorse.com ....
Mar 20, 2023•41 min•Ep. 45
Join AAEP Practice Life podcast co-hosts Drs. Mike Pownall and Jessica Dunbar as they speak with Dr. Gemma Campling of Worldwide Vets about her veterinary work in battle-torn Ukraine. Content warning : this podcast includes sensitive discussions of suicide, abuse, violence and mental illness. Please consider this before listening to the podcast. You can learn more about Worldwide Vets here: https://www.worldwidevets.com/ Please note: following the publication of the original podcast, panelist Dr...
Feb 27, 2023•27 min•Ep. 44
