In this special episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Christie Cornelius sits down with Dr. Bonnie Bragdon, founder and past president of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA). Bonnie opens up about her inspiring journey—from single mom in vet school to influential leader in the veterinary field—and how resilience, curiosity, and bold leadership shaped her path.

Dr. Bragdon reflects on the challenges she overcame early in her career, the creation and impact of the IVPA, and her evolving vision for independent veterinary medicine. She shares practical advice on building networks, navigating ambiguity, and embracing leadership—especially for those starting out or pivoting into new ventures. Her candid stories offer encouragement and insight for anyone navigating the complexities of veterinary practice today.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube and hear more from Dr. Bonnie Bragdon and host Dr. Christie Cornelius: https://youtu.be/417OoD8yRIE

#VeterinaryLeadership #VetMed #VeterinaryInsider #IVPA #VeterinaryPodcast #WomenInVetMed #VeterinaryBusiness #ChristieCornelius #BonnieBragdon #IndependentVet

00:00 Introduction to the Journey03:12 Overcoming Early Challenges

06:07 Evolving Career Vision08:51 Mentorship and Networking

12:00 Founding the IVPA

14:47 Core Values and Leadership18:07 Focus and Dealing with Uncertainty

30:23 Navigating Ambiguity and Uncertainty

32:18 The Role of IVPA in Veterinary Advocacy

34:40 Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Veterinary Medicine

37:22 The Vision Behind the Veterinary Insider Podcast

41:06 Audience Insights and Podcast Impact

43:53 Embracing Authenticity and Conflict in Conversations

46:10 The Importance of Ownership in Veterinary Practice

49:44 Future of Independent Practice and IVPA's Role

51:34 Career Transitions and Networking in Veterinary Field

54:49 Supporting Colleagues in the Commercial Field

56:16 Competition and the Future of Veterinary Medicine