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In this episode of Listening with Dr. Christie Long, Christie talks with Dr. Jennifer Denton, Modern Animal’s VP of Medical Operations, about what it actually takes to grow into leadership in veterinary medicine.

They discuss the shift from focusing only on medicine to also leading people. The emotional weight that comes with the role. How therapy helped Denton understand her own patterns and reactions. And what it looks like to have hard conversations before burnout takes over.

Denton also shares one of her leadership tools: learning her team’s sun, moon, and rising. Not to predict anything. Simply to understand how someone might process information or respond when things are tough, so she can meet them in a way that works for them.

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In this episode of Listening, Dr. Christie Long sits down with Joe Spector, founder and CEO of Dutch, to talk about what happens when outsiders bring fresh perspective to veterinary medicine.

From his family’s journey from Uzbekistan to the United States, to his early success building Hims and Hers, and now Dutch, Joe has made a career out of challenging the status quo.

Together, he and Dr. Long explore what it means to open the “walled garden” of veterinary medicine to new ideas, how access to care can evolve without losing quality, and why humility might be the most underrated leadership skill of them all.

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Registered Veterinary Technician Jean-Pierre Amparan joins the podcast for a conversation on growth, leadership, and redefining what it means to be a veterinary nurse.

From starting his career during COVID to becoming a shift lead at Modern Animal’s La Brea clinic, JP shares how authenticity, mentorship, and a love for animals shaped his journey. We dive into RVT career paths, the nurse title debate, and the emerging role of mid-level practitioners in vet med, plus the viral Mic’d Up video that sparked thousands of shares and even a marriage proposal!

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In this episode of Listening with Dr. Christie Long, I sit down with Dr. Shae Cox, veterinarian, entrepreneur, and co-founder of HonorPet. From failing chemistry three times before vet school to building innovative models of hospice, palliative care, and aftercare, Shae’s journey shows how unconventional paths can reshape veterinary medicine. We talk about entrepreneurship in vetmed, the ongoing debate over telehealth, and where veterinarians can find joy in the profession.

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Dr. Christie Long sits down with her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Kathy Burnell, for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of life in veterinary medicine. From navigating vet school and surviving the challenges of COVID-19, to building PupLid—a product born from her own dog’s needs—Kathy shares stories that blend resilience, empathy, and innovation. She also reflects on how her personal journey with cancer shaped the way she practices today. This episode is a reminder that even in a demanding profession, joy can be found in the small moments, the pets we care for, and the people we serve.

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bob Murtaugh, someone who’s done just about everything in veterinary medicine. From starting out as a 15-year-old kennel attendant to becoming a double-boarded specialist in emergency and critical care, Bob’s career is nothing short of inspiring. We talk about what true leadership in our profession looks like, why he’s helping launch Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine, and how mid-level practitioners could change the way we deliver care. Bob also shares why mentorship and communication are just as important as medical skills, and we wrap up with his thoughts on finding joy in this work and the importance of paying it forward.

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In Part 2 of her conversation with Dr. Peter Bowie, veterinarian, practice owner, and incoming president of the California Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Christie Long dives deeper into the future of veterinary medicine. They discuss the evolving role of leadership, the promise and pitfalls of AI, and why building community matters more than ever. Dr. Bowie shares personal stories, industry insights, and a hopeful vision for where the profession is headed. A must-listen for anyone passionate about vet med’s next chapter.

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Dr. Christie Long sits down with Dr. Peter Bowie, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, and the evolving future of veterinary medicine.

From practice ownership to policy influence, Dr. Bowie shares his unique journey and why he still finds so much joy in the profession. They explore the challenges of access to care, the promise of telemedicine, and how AI is changing the veterinary landscape, all through the lens of someone who’s dedicated his career to moving the field forward.

Follow Dr. Long on IG: @dr.christielong

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Wanna work at Modern Animal?: jobs.modernanimal.com