Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it really means to be a veterinarian. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marie opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine. Her new book, A Compassionate Calling, explores the emotional highs and lows of the profession, from the drive to help animals to the toll it can take on mental health. Andy and Marie dig into why so many veterinarians struggle to stay fulfilled, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why self-compassion might just be the most underused skill in vet med. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance purpose and peace in your veterinary career, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Reviving VetMed: https://revivingvetmed.com/

A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-compassionate-calling-marie-holowaychuk/1147036390?ean=9781032389035

Marie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/marieholowaychuk

Marie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieholowaychuk

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.

Fun facts: I have played the violin, standing bass, oboe, and ukulele; I have never missed a season of Survivor; I am a huge Edmonton Oilers fan; I am an avid swimmer but am terrified of open water

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack one of the most stressful situations for cat owners: a new kitten wreaking havoc on the household harmony. When a lively young Bengal starts chasing the older Maine Coon around the house, Dr. Roark calls in the behavior expert to help navigate the chaos. They talk through the science and strategy behind proper cat introductions, why common advice like “let them work it out” often backfires, and how to use behavior modification, enrichment, and empathy to create a peaceful multi-cat home. This episode is packed with practical veterinary behavior tips, relatable analogies, and plenty of lightbulb moments around feline body language and environmental needs. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Chirrups and Chatter

Tabitha Kucera on Instagram

Tails From A Vet Tech Podcast

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech.

Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills. Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work.

Vicky Ograin, RVT, AVTS (Nutrition), MBA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a Vet Tech Week special that’s full of heart and inspiration. As a lifelong learner, educator, and champion for veterinary technicians, Vicky shares how the profession has evolved, why advocacy and utilization still matter, and how technicians can build fulfilling, sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Together, Andy and Vicky unpack everything from the return of Hill’s Veterinary Nutritional Advocate Program to the importance of lifelong learning, professional growth, and team collaboration. They also tackle common challenges like burnout and underutilization, reframing them with optimism and practical advice.

Whether you’re a credentialed technician, an aspiring one, or a veterinarian who wants to better support your team, this conversation will leave you feeling proud, motivated, and ready to celebrate Vet Tech Week in style. Gang, let's get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!

Veterinary Nutritional Advocate (VNA) Certificate Program

Hill's Vet

Hill's Veterinary Academy

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) received her technician degree from Los Angeles Pierce College. She served in private practice for many years in California, and then 22 years ago began a career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where she is a Scientific Communication Senior Specialist, in the US Professional Veterinary Affairs department. She focuses on education for technicians and the health care team as well as strategy for veterinary technicians in tech schools and graduates.

In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters, both in Business Administration. Vicky obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition in June 2013. Vicky speaks nationally and internationally and is a published author.