In this thought-provoking third episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou talks to Dr. Wolfgang Dohne, a veterinary surgeon whose career spans clinical expertise, international leadership, and educational reform. Together, they explore Dr. Wolfgang Dohne’s unique path into veterinary medicine—sparked by a love of biology and a deep respect for animals. From the challenges of mentorship in large academic settings to the emotional demands of patient care, the conversation offers a grounded look at what it means to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and find fulfillment in the everyday moments of practice.

Dr. Wolfgang Dohne also shares insights from his diverse experiences across Europe, touching on the power of communication, the richness of locum work, and the role of cultural fluency in client care. Beyond the clinic, his contributions to veterinary education, scholarship programs, and reflective writing in The Blue Vet Diary highlight a lifelong commitment to growth and connection. Whether you're a student, a seasoned vet, or navigating the locum life, this episode offers valuable lessons in leadership, wellness, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond.

Chapter Notes:

00:00 Introduction to VetMore and Wolfgang Dohne
03:54 Wolfgang's Early Life and Influences
04:19 Education and Mentorship in Veterinary School
06:03 Career Path and Diverse Expertise
10:35 Human Medicine VS Veterinary Medicine
11:35 The Burden of the Responsibility
12:26 University Life in Hanover
14:45 Reflections on Happiness and Life Balance
20:27 Delayed Gratification
21:31 Career Spanning Multiple Countries
25:59 People Bloom in Different Environments
27:05 The Importance of Work-Life Balance
28:11 Shifts and Work Hours in Veterinary Medicine
29:52 Adapting to Different Work Environments
30:35 Working Through Winter
30:45 Leisure After Work
31:39 Doing Emergency and Critical Care Work
32:26 The Role of Teamwork in Veterinary Practice
33:08 What is the Locum Work?
35:12 Working with Professional Nursing Teams
36:08 Communication and Client Relationships
36:53 Appreciating The Team
41:24 Learning from Specialists and General Practitioners
49:04 Leadership Qualities in Veterinary Medicine
53:59 Feeling At Home in the Workplace
55:54 The Value of Travel in Professional Development
58:42 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
59:29 The Importance of Personal Connections at Work
01:01:11 Corporate vs. Independent Practices
01:01:18 The Human Capital
01:02:42 Navigating Corporate Challenges
01:06:02 Experience with Corporate
01:07:02 Making Decisions Based on What You Love
01:09:38 The Evolution of Veterinary Education
01:17:29 Establishing Scholarships for Future Generations
01:22:43 The Blue Vet Diary: A Personal Reflection
01:26:10 The Essence of Resilience and the Human Spirit
01:27:21 Integrating Advanced Veterinary Practices
01:28:33 Perceptions of Veterinary Medicine
01:29:49 The Intersection of Travel and Veterinary Medicine
01:31:02 Overcoming Skepticism as a Foreign Veterinarian
01:35:12 Building Trust with Clients
01:37:04 Lessons from Starting One's Own Clinic
01:40:58 The Value of Honesty in Clinical Work
01:44:12 Reflections on Mortality and Life Choices
01:50:14 Lessons from Animals
01:54:09 The Importance of History and Human Experience
01:54:19 The Joy of Reading in the Age of Social Media

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.

In this thought-provoking episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with Dr. Maria Kokozidou to explore a journey that crosses continents, species, and scientific disciplines. From her early days in Greece studying veterinary medicine to her transition into human medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research, Dr. Kokozidou shares the defining moments that shaped her path in science and academia.

Through candid reflections, Dr. Maria Kokozidou explores the intersections of veterinary and human medicine, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in research, and the ethical complexities of working with animals in science. She also shares her teaching philosophy, thoughts on mentorship, and personal insights on life, purpose, and resilience — all framed by her cultural heritage and global academic experience.

Whether you're a student, researcher, or science enthusiast, this episode offers rich life lessons, practical advice, and inspiration for navigating the world of science with heart and integrity.

Dr. Maria Kokozidou is a distinguished veterinary scientist with expertise in anatomy, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. She holds a diploma in veterinary medicine from Aristotle University and a Master's Degree in Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. She earned her doctorate in 2003 from Justus Liebig University in Gießen with magna cum laude distinction for her research on PCR methods in "Leishmania infantum" detection, which is a huge problem in Europe and in the Mediterranean.

With a German veterinary license and specialization, as a human anatomist, she has held research and teaching roles at institutions such as the Boehringer Ingelheim START, RWTH Aachen Maastricht University and Paracelsus Medical University. Her research spans from molecular parasitology to vascular biology, securing substantial grants for the university, including those from Boehringer Ingelheim and the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation. She has served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and contributed to international cardiovascular research initiatives.

Dr. Maria Kokozidou's research portfolio includes extensive work on vascular remodeling, placental biology, and the development of biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Dr. Kokozidou has also held research and teaching positions at institutions such as Klinikum Nueremberg Nord and has been actively involved in mentoring students in both English and German.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• From Pan-Hellenic exams to veterinary school in Greece 🇬🇷
• A transformative academic moment at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 🎓
• Shifting into human medicine and cardiovascular research 🫀
• The power of mentorship, community, and cultural adaptation 🌍
• Teaching with empathy and building student trust 🧠
• Animal ethics and the future of organoids in research 🐾🧪
• Artificial intelligence: potential, limitations, and human oversight 🤖
• The meaning of life, legacy, and nurturing the soul beyond science 🌱

Chapters Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine Journey
04:21 The Path to Research and Academia
06:31 Cultural Adaptation and Resilience
08:27 Surrounding One's Self with Good People
08:48 The Role of Mentorship in Science
10:53 Our DNA Has Memory
11:18 Transitioning from Veterinary to Human Medicine
12:46 Transitioning to Human Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research
13:25 Creating Opportunities in Research
14:34 The Children of This Era Are Afraid To Dare To Do Something
16:13 Just Do It — Create Opportunities
18:37 The Evolution of Veterinary and Medical Education
20:53 Personal Values and Relationships
23:18 Future of Research and Personal Aspirations
25:25 Nurturing the Soul Beyond Science
27:27 A Purpose To Fulfill
27:51 Fashion and the Art of Science
30:05 Organoids and the Future of Animal Use in Research
30:28 Ethics in Animal Research
30:32 The Role of Organoids in Research
33:22 Ethics and Regulations in Animal Research
35:04 Not Taking Criticisms Personally
35:47 The Pursuit of Grants and Funding in Academia
38:50 Robotics and Training in Medicine
40:04 Artificial Intelligence in Research
44:08 Living in a Changing World
44:22 Change is Underground
46:33 What is the Meaning of Life?
49:37 The Role of Women in Academia
51:56 The Importance of Asking for Help

Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmore on IG, Meta, and TikTok.