In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Mark Johnston, CEO of Vetstream, for a deeply candid conversation about career evolution, resilience, and global impact. Dr. Johnston shares his personal journey from a traditional clinical education at Cambridge to navigating severe, hidden burnout during the intensity of equine practice.That pivotal crisis became the catalyst for a remarkable shift to entrepreneurship and advocacy. From launching groundbreaking equine safety data initiatives like CEPEF to establishing upstream mental health tools with the Vets in Mind Alliance, Dr. Johnston has dedicated his post-clinic career to protecting both animals and the veterinary team. Dr. Johnston’s work spans global relief, clinical intelligence, and vital mental health advocacy. To explore his active projects, or support his ongoing humanitarian initiatives, connect with the platforms below:Vetlexicon: www.vetlexicon.comVets in Mind: www.vets-in-mind.orgEuthasafe: https://www.safety.vetProsalus Foundation: www.prosalusfoundation.org Confidential enquiry into perioperative equine fatalities: https://cepef4.wordpress.com

In this special edition of the Extraordinary Vets Podcast, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Jamie Barnabei. With nearly a decade of federal service leading national programs in animal health and emergency preparedness, Dr. Barnabei draws on her deep expertise to break down what this parasite is and how it works.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lisa Freeman, a veterinarian, whose career path led her from comparative biomedical research all the way to becoming the 13th president of Northern Illinois University .Discover her insights on veterinary science, research, leadership, and her dedication to community engagement.

You won't find Dr. Charlotte Lacroix in a courtroom, but you will find her resolving the day-to-day legal puzzles that veterinarians face nationwide. As both a DVM and a transactional attorney, Dr. Lacroix uses her dual perspective to spot critical issues in employment agreements, non-competes, and equity arrangements.Dr. Lacroix shares her unique journey from UC Davis to practicing law, offering an inside look at how legal principles intersect with veterinary medicine. Whether you are an associate navigating the red flags of employment contracts , a practice owner eyeing corporate consolidation , or a student wondering where your degree can take you , Dr. Lacroix’s core advice to "trust, but verify" provides an essential roadmap for a successful career.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Richard Linnehan, a veterinarian and NASA astronaut who completed four space shuttle missions. Dr. Linnehan pulls back the curtain on his career path that led him from marine mammal research to the flight deck of the Space Shuttle. He describes the grueling reality of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) likening the high-stakes experience of working in a pressurized suit to a "ballet in a giant 55-gallon drum".

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Myron Kebus, a specialist in fish production medicine, to explore one of the most unique and rapidly evolving career paths in veterinary medicine.Dr. Kebus shares his journey from the early days of a niche industry to the establishment of board-certified fish health specialties. We dive into the fascinating world of aquaculture from food production and baitfish farming to the science of aquaponics.

What happens when a Mizzou-trained veterinarian trades his stethoscope for a pen to become a #1 New York Times bestselling author? In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. James Rollins, the creative mastermind behind the acclaimed Sigma Force series, to explore his fascinating career.If you’re looking for a gripping read to dive into this month, James Rollins' latest standalone thriller, Trust No One, is available now.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Christy Lee, a veterinarian with a unique career path that includes working with exotic animals and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. Lee shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to her current roles in small animal practice and zoo medicine. She discusses the importance of mentorship, creating opportunities during veterinary school, and the challenges of entering the field of zoo medicine. The conversation also touches on the significance of philanthropy in veterinary work and offers valuable advice for aspiring veterinarians.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Southview Animal Hospital: Official WebsiteSustainable Safari: Learn more about the animalsWildlife Safari (Winston, OR): Visit the parkClinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW): Support wildlife rehabThe Minnesota Zoo: Plan a visit

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Eric Davis, founder of Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS). Dr. Davis shares his journey from a rural veterinarian to a leader in veterinary education and community service. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working with underserved communities, particularly on Indian reservations, and the evolution of RAVS into a significant nonprofit organization that trains veterinary students and provides essential services to animals in need. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in veterinary medicine and the personal fulfillment that comes from serving others.📚 Extraordinary Vets Reading List:Dr. Davis recommends "Living Poor" by Moritz Thompson. Originally written about the Peace Corps in the 60s, he suggests it for anyone looking to donate their time to international service, as it honestly lays out the challenges and realities of working in underserved communities.To learn more about Dr. Davis non profit Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching & Service (RVETS) visit : https://www.rvets.org/If you are interested in mentorship or have questions on where to start you can also email Dr. Davis: [email protected]

In this special "Dean’s Edition" of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with three deans who prove there is no single "right" way to reach the top of academia. Inside the Episode:Building from the Ground Up: Dr. Heidi Banse (Arkansas State University) discusses the challenge of launching a brand-new vet school and explains the "community center model" of clinical education and the importance of the Spectrum of Care initiative.The Global Perspective: Dr. Brendan Lee (St. Matthew’s University) explains his unique role as Executive Dean and offers advice on the "terminal degree" and why saying "yes" to uncomfortable opportunities is key to career growth. From "Mickey Mouse" to UC Davis: Dr. Mark Stetter reveals how 15 years at Walt Disney World provided the leadership, budget, and storytelling skills necessary to lead the world's top-ranked veterinary college.