The Vet Files

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 nurse practitioner before the COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted her path. What started as fostering puppies on Saipan Island turned into a full transition into veterinary medicine, where she now combines her background in human medicine, public health, and animal welfare into a mission-driven career.We talk about:• Founding and building the Saipan Humane Society• The realities of shelter medicine on an island• The importance of community medicine and accessible careWhether you’re interested in veterinary medicine, shelter work, public health, or making a major career pivot, this episode has something for you.Listen now and follow along with more stories from the veterinary world.#VeterinaryMedicine #VetSchool #ShelterMedicine #Veterinarian #PreVet #AnimalRescue #Saipan #PublicHealth #HumanMedicine #TheVetFilesPodcast

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 years, Jett breaks down what kept him going and how those extra years ultimately made him a stronger applicant and future veterinarian.We talk about:• What to do during a gap year to actually stand out• How to stay motivated through multiple rejections

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 general practice.Dr. King shares her perspective on why confidence in general practitioners matters now more than ever—and why relying too heavily on specialists can sometimes erode the autonomy and skill set of the GP veterinarian. We explore the challenges of running a veterinary practice, navigating the business side of medicine, and making difficult calls when medicine, money, and morality intersect.This episode is an honest look at the pressures behind the exam room door and the responsibility veterinarians carry for their patients, clients, staff, and communities.🎙 In this episode we discuss:• The realities of veterinary practice ownership• Financial management and the business side of vet med• Ethical and moral dilemmas veterinarians face• Why confidence in general practitioners is critical• When to rely on specialists—and when to trust your own trainingIf you’re a veterinarian, veterinary student, or someone interested in the real-world challenges of animal medicine, this episode offers an inside look at what it truly means to practice veterinary medicine today.

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, experiences, and advice for aspiring veterinarians.Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation as we celebrate Black History Month and highlight the voices shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

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 us why we chose this path, nothing is off the table.If you’re a pre-vet student, a current vet student, or just curious about what vet school is actually like, this episode is for you.

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 differences between schools🩺 What surprised us most about vet school life☕ How we handled stress, imposter syndrome, and anatomy labs📚 Tips for incoming first-years (and what we wish we’d known!)Whether you’re a pre-vet student, a current vet student, or just curious what the first year of vet school is really like, this episode gives you an honest, unfiltered look at three programs — from the bayou to the Midwest to the high plains.

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 beyond. From veterinary feed directives to hands-on hive care, we uncover the growing role of vets in protecting pollinators. We are joined by Breven Stark from University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign!

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 internal invaders thrive at the expense of their hosts. Then, we head to the canine world, where Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm) and Toxocara canis (roundworm) reveal a darker zoonotic side — one that can affect humans, especially the young and immunocompromised.

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 way.If you're a pre-vet student or aspiring to join the field of veterinary medicine, this episode is for you! We’ll share our personal experiences, offer advice for navigating the pre-vet grind, and give insight into what it really takes to get into vet school.🎧 Tune in to hear stories of perseverance, mistakes, and the lessons we’ve learned (so you don’t have to!).