Transitioning from veterinary school to practice is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Early-career veterinarians face challenges navigating client interactions, team dynamics, and the emotional demands of clinical work, which require more than medical knowledge and call for emotional intelligence.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tipsarp (Minnie) Kittisiam, a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and wellbeing researcher whose doctoral work at the University of Guelph explored emotional intelligence and wellbeing among veterinarians. Minnie shares how skills like self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation can help early-career vets adapt, thrive, and maintain wellbeing in the workplace.

You will learn what emotional intelligence really means in veterinary practice, how it supports communication and resilience, and why developing these skills is essential for long-term satisfaction and success. Whether you are a recent graduate finding your footing or a leader mentoring the next generation, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and practical strategies to foster emotional growth, connection, and thriving in veterinary medicine.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
Link pending

Resources
Follow Dr. Tipsarp (Minnie) Kittisiam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipsarp/ or visit her website: https://tipsarp.github.io/

A qualitative exploration of the emotional experiences and applications of emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40497294/

The Feelings Wheel: https://feelingswheel.com/

Name them to tame them (Reviving Vet Med Podcast Ep 1): https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/10874187-name-them-to-tame-them-episode-1-reviving-vet-med

Dr. Kittisiam’s thesis: https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/items/e0afb4e9-20b4-431c-b698-8c1e82a1b727

Thank you to our sponsor Scribenote
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Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about Reviving Veterinary Medicine’s offerings including coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident group debriefing, and online programs, please visit our website: https://revivingvetmed.com/

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com

Veterinary medicine can be deeply rewarding, but it can also take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Part of the solution may be expanding our idea of care to include ourselves as well as our patients.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Galina Bershteyn, a veterinarian, certified acupuncturist, food therapist, and AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator with more than three decades of experience across species, disciplines, and continents. Now living in Costa Rica, she leads Pura Vida Vet Wellness, where she integrates Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine with preventive care, holistic approaches, and a focus on sustainability in work and life.

Galina explains how acupuncture, food therapy, and other integrative practices can support both animal health and the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. We also explore the restorative impact of nature, especially the ocean, the value of creative outlets like music and art, and the idea that caring for the planet can be part of caring for ourselves.

If you are seeking more balance, creativity, or connection in your life and wondering how that fits with a veterinary career, this conversation offers practical ideas and meaningful inspiration.

Watch the Video Version of this Episode
https://youtu.be/tIzwx4f9VZc

Resources
Learn more about Lunch and Learns by Reviving Veterinary Medicine: https://revivingvetmed.com/lunch-and-learns-for-veterinary-teams/

Follow Galina Bershteyn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/galina-bershteyn-dvm-cva-cvft-avma-wellbeing-educator-76a52852/ and Facebook / Instagram @puravidavetwellness

Visit Galina’s website: https://www.puravidavetwellness.com/

Watch Ocean with David Attenborough: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-a746313c-f585-4d28-86e5-3eccedd49e15

Listen to Ep. 11 - Volunteering Fosters Mental Health And Wellbeing: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/10874177-volunteering-fosters-mental-health-and-wellbeing-episode-11-reviving-vet-med

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo

Free 14-Day Trial: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

To order a copy of Dr. Marie Holowaychuk’s book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means To Be a Veterinarian, visit ACompassionateCalling.com

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Reviving Veterinary Medicine Resources
To explore our RACE-approved online programs, handouts & posters, podcast episodes, blogs, and upcoming events, visit: https://RevivingVetMed.com. This is your hub for free resources, 1-on-1 coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident debriefing, and everything Reviving Veterinary Medicine has to offer.

Questions, Suggestions,

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk shares her recent conversation with Dr. Andy Roark from the Cone of Shame podcast, diving into the heart of her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian. Together, they explore the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, from perfectionism and burnout to purpose, identity, and rediscovering joy in the work.

Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, student, or someone who loves a veterinary professional, this episode offers a candid, compassionate look at what it truly means to build a career in a caring profession without losing yourself along the way. If you’ve ever struggled to balance passion with personal wellbeing, or wondered how to set boundaries without guilt, this conversation will feel both validating and deeply hopeful.

Tune in for an honest discussion that reminds us why the work matters, and why caring for ourselves matters just as much.

Resources

Learn more about A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian and order your copy: https://ACompassionateCalling.com

Follow Dr. Andy Roark on social media: @DrAndyRoark

Follow and listen to the Cone of Shame podcast: https://drandyroark.com/podcast/

Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Reviving Veterinary Medicine Resources

To explore our RACE-approved online programs, handouts & posters, podcast episodes, blogs, and upcoming events, visit: https://revivingvetmed.com. This is your hub for free resources, 1-on-1 coaching, lunch & learns, critical incident debriefing, and everything Reviving Veterinary Medicine has to offer.

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities

Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com