Interviews Episodes

VetsOne: 34 Years of Evolution - Amanda What does 34 years of loyalty to one veterinary clinic tell you? When Amanda started at VetsOne in 1990 as the last on-the-job trained veterinary nurse, she couldn't have imagined she'd still be there today—now as operations manager, leading a team through floods, growth, and transformation. In this episode, Amanda shares what generosity of thought and generosity of time actually look like in daily practice. You'll hear the real story of what happened d...

What does it look like when a veterinarian who knew at age five what she wanted to be deliberately steps back from clinical work to build something bigger?
Dr Sharon Marshall, one of VetsOne's three directors, has spent 25 years in Hawke's Bay building not just a veterinary practice, but a culture designed to outlast her.

In this first of two conversations, she reveals how she reconciles the tension between being a vet and being a business owner (spoiler: they're the same goal approached differ...

This is the final episode in the VetsOne Employer of Choice series where Dr Sharon Marshall brings it all together—the philosophy, the practical support, and the vision for where this 80-year-old practice is heading.
In Part 2, Dr Sharon gets into the specifics of what stepping into leadership at VetsOne actually looks like day-to-day.

In this episode, you'll hear:
How VetsOne supports first-time leaders (3-month induction, monthly leadership meetings, direct support from someone who's been in ...

Dr Jason Clark is one of VetsOne's three directors and a working farm vet who came to veterinary medicine as a mature student. In this episode, he walks through what collaborative protocol development actually looks like when a clinic genuinely involves staff in decision-making. In this episode, you'll hear: How VetsOne's team developed their euthanasia protocols—including why they light a candle by the front door—and what changed from previous practicesWhat happened during the 2023 Cyclone G...

Dr. Jane Jones, a pioneering voice in veterinary narratives, invites us into her world as she navigates the complexities of qualitative research in veterinary science.

With a unique focus on the experiences of Māori veterinarians and vet nurses in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Dr Jane's research journey unveils the challenges and rewards of exploring a field with sparse literature.

Her collaboration with Associate Professor Dr Francesca Brown and her dedication to learning Te Reo Māori highlight not ...

Catherine Neazor Brady - New Zealand licensed immigration advisor with over 20 years of experience in both recruitment and immigration - chats with host, Julie South of VetStaff.

Catherine and Julie discuss the intricacies of immigration for veterinary professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Key topics covered in the episode include:
Recent changes in New Zealand's immigration landscape, particularly the fee increases set to take effect on October 1st. Catherine explains these changes, t...

Kevin Bryant, CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), joins Julie South of VetStaff, us to share his passion and commitment to supporting veterinarians throughout their careers.

From students to retirees, Kevin highlights the NZVA's pivotal role in championing the entire veterinary team.

Often confused, listen as Kevin talks about the vital distinctions between the NZVA and the Vet Council (VCNZ), clarifying their unique roles and contributions to the veterinary sector in New Zea...

Discover the untapped potential of communication skills within your veterinary clinic in this fascinating chat with Dr Meg Irvine from Vet Lifeskills.

We promise you an eye-opening exploration into how effective communication training can revolutionise your clinic, leading to fewer client complaints, better NPS scores, and less clients seeking second opinions.

It's not only about customer satisfaction though - Dr Meg will demonstrate how this training can revolutionise time management, increas...

Ever wondered about the journey from a fledgling veterinarian to a seasoned practitioner with her own coaching business for other professionals in the field? Our inspiring guest today takes us through her fascinating journey; spotlighting the trials, tribulations, and triumphs she encountered along her path. As she sheds light on her early passion for veterinary medicine, her challenges as a fresh graduate, and her mid-career crisis, prepare to be inspired by her resilience and drive.

Our guest...

Julie South of VetStaff speaks with Dr. Stuart Burrough of Vet Marlborough in the final instalment of a three-part series.

Dr. Burrough discusses the strategies his clinic has implemented to mitigate the veterinary shortage and create a great place to work.

He emphasises the importance of paying staff well enough to remove money as a motivator, and shares his vision for a veterinary business that prioritises personal and professional growth.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the impa...

Ever wondered how the professional skills of vet nurses could revolutionise the future of veterinary care?

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Stuart Burrough, a veterinarian and owner of Vet Marlborough, who shares his journey and innovative approach to task delegation.

Learn how this unique principle has transformed Vet Marlborough's practice efficiency, elevating the role of vet nurses and addressing veterinarian shortages.

But that's not all - we have some thrilling updates to...

VetStaff's Julie South chats with Dr Stuart Burrough (BVSc., MANZCVS) a veterinarian with a passion for innovation and commitment to veterinary research. Dr. Burrough is the founder and director of Vet Marlborough and discusses his three-month experiences as part of a Practitioner in Residence prog at the University of Florida. We also delve into Dr. Burrough's innovative approaches to veterinary medicine, including his pioneering work in stem cell therapy for arthritis treatm...

This is the second in the 2-part series where Julie South interviews veterinary nurse practice manager and author of Tales of a Vet Nurse, Jade Pengelly.

We dive into the controversial topic of how vet nurses are trained and perceived in the UK versus New Zealand.

Jade Pengelly, shares her insights on the similarities and differences between the two nations and her views on what needs to change in New Zealand clinics to help vet nurses reach their full potential.

We discuss the importance of ...

Are you a veterinary nurse looking to take your career to the next level? If so, you won't want to miss today’s episode! In this first of two episodes, we sit down with Jade Pengelly, a veterinary nurse and published author whose book, "Tales of a Vet Nurse," is a must-read for anyone in the field. Jade is on a mission to help veterinary nurses gain the recognition they deserve both with the public and in clinic. Join us as we dive into Jade's journey, the inspiration behind her book, and...

Have you ever felt like you're stuck at the bottom of an insurmountable mountain or in a valley with no way out? How do you maintain that initial sense of wonder you first had when you started your veterinary career? What is "grit"? How and when do you use it? In this inspiring and openly honest episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Crystal Loh, one of New Zealand's three companion animal dental specialists, as she shares the trials and tribulations she faced o...

What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time? Where's the most interesting place you've ever found a tooth? And what does Hobbiton have to do with becoming a boarded dental specialist? Today, Dr Crystal Loh, one of New Zealand's three companion animal dental specialists, shares her journey towards becoming a Specialist and offers valuable advice for anyone on a similar path. Dr. Crystal Loh has an impressive resume that includes being a Member of the Australian NZ...

How professional or collegial is the veterinary profession in New Zealand ?

We pick up today where Dr Paul Unsworth gets on his self-professed soapbox about the requirement for veterinarians to work after hours. He parallels the after hours requirements and expectations of veterinary medicine versus human medicine.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts and ideas on this – please feel free to comment wherever you’re listening to this episode.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to see the f...

What makes a "good" veterinarian and/or a "good" veterinary clinic. Today Dr Paul Unsworth challenges me - Julie South - with specificity. As he says, "good" and "bad" aren't easily classified. If getting fit is on your to-do list for 2023, then stay tuned to the end to find out how to save $500 on an ebike. Today, UK-qualified New Zealand locum veterinarian, Dr Paul Unsworth talks about and reflects on: · What determines a “good” vet · &n...

Crystal Ball Gazing Today we do a bit of crystal ball gazing with Dr Paul Unsworth – Companion Animal Locum Veterinarian. This is the first of a multi-part series. We’re talking about some of the changes Dr Paul has seen since he started his career. Gender Equality and Diversity We also talk about gender equality and professional representation which always a topic that results in passionate debate. Using my words, not his, the veterinary profession has evolved into having not m...

The old model of running a veterinary business no longer works - it's time for a fresh look and different approach. This is the final episode (of 3) is Dr Jade Hackney’s series about life after veterinary burnout and recovery. At the Christchurch wellness symposium I - Julie South - spent the first day sitting next to a part-time vet - she: worked 3x 10-hour days... was a fully engaged, high producing, veterinarian totally committed to her clinic... had a life outside...

This is the second in the multi part series where Companion Animal Veterinarian Dr Jade Hackney shares her path to living life to the full as a healthy and loving, long-term life partner and fully engaged veterinarian.

Dr Jade talks about:
the moment she and her life partner realised they no longer wanted to work fulltime in jobs they didn't enjoy to pay someone else's mortgage;

their journey to owning their own home in their 30s - mortgage-free;

what 'living life to the full' means to Jade;
...

You can take the person out of vetting but can you take vetting out of the person?
This series of episodes with Dr Jade Hackney was recorded a few months’ ago but I thought the topic was very relevant – especially for veterinary professionals who may be reconsidering their careers in the veterinary space… especially the clinical veterinary space.

For example, when you reconsider your career as a veterinarian – not once, but twice – what might that look like and what’s life like on the other sid...

This is the second of the two part series with Dr Jane Ough – Companion Animal Veterinarian at South Wairarapa Vets – who’s wearing her very new New Zealand Veterinary Association Climate Change Ambassador’s hat.

If you haven’t listened to the first part – 105 – I recommend you do that, to give you context for today’s continuation of our chat.

We join the conversation where Jane expresses how worried she is that not enough people are taking steps to offset their own carbon footprint ramificati...

Today we’re with Dr Jane Ough – Companion Animal Veterinarian at South Wairarapa Vets – who’s wearing her very new New Zealand Veterinary Association Climate Change Ambassador’s hat.

This is the second time Dr Jane has been on Paws Claws Wet Noses.

You can listen to her previous episodes 87, 88 and 89 – where she introduced the climate change initiatives South Wairarapa Vets has implemented.

Today, Jane talks about how the NZVA Climate Change Ambassador volunteer position came about and some ...