In the fifth episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with veterinary dermatologists, Dr. Patrick Hensel and Dr. Nao Hensel. They discuss their journey into dermatology, the importance of communication in veterinary practice, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation also touches on advancements in canine atopic dermatitis, the influence of farm life on their perspectives, increased prevalence of allergies, and challenges in diagnosing food allergies. Further, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Nao Hensel share insights on immunotherapy, the challenges of veterinary referrals, and their personal philosophies on happiness, identity, and fulfillment in their careers.

Chapter Notes
00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds
00:35 Meet Dr. Patrick and Dr. Nao Hensel
03:36 Why Dermatology in Veterinary Medicine?
05:23 Debunking Myths in Dermatology
07:28 Is Dermatology Really That Easy?
08:40 From Wanting to Be an Equine Doctor to Dermatology
10:09 From Arts to Science
11:05 Growing Up in Japan and Deciding on a Second Career
12:06 How Did You Choose Dermatology?
13:54 The Journey of Becoming a Dermatologist
14:35 Dermatology as a Complex Science
16:43 Communication: Building Trust with Clients
19:02 Practicing Dermatology in the US and Going Back to Switzerland
20:34 The Upside and Downside of Academia
22:25 Journey Into Dermatology: From Japan to the US
26:23 Working in the Farm and Helping Farmers as Veterinarians
30:34 Transparency: A New Approach with Clients
33:44 Challenges in Diagnosing Food Allergies
34:52 Reason for More Increased Prevalence in Allergies
39:53 Lymphocyte Activation Testing for Allergy Diagnosis
45:52 Immunotherapy Innovations: A Case by Case Approach
49:54 Rapid-Fire Questions
52:17 Dermatology is Not Boring
53:33 Connection Gives Meaning to our Lives
55:18 Happiness Comes in Moments, Not in Plateaus
01:01:02 Personal Philosophy and Beliefs
01:02:04 Identity Beyond Titles

Listen on Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetmore-podcast/id1809206363

Stream on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0RaHkqIhnpa6RYJN2joTTe?si=52e37a024730410b

Watch the full conversation on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@VetMoreOrg

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

In this fourth episode of the VetMore Podcast, host Dr. Vassiliki Sathopoulou engages with three remarkable veterinarians from Croatia—Dr. Lea Kreszinger, Dr. Ines Jović, and Dr. Iva Šmit—exploring their diverse backgrounds, passions, and the unique intersection of veterinary medicine and sports. The conversation highlights their professional achievements, personal stories, and the resilience they find in balancing their careers with athletic pursuits. Listeners are invited to discover how these dedicated professionals navigate their roles as veterinarians, educators, and athletes, while also being mothers and community leaders.

Chapter Notes

00:00 Meet the Guests: Inspiring Veterinarians
00:36 Early Aspirations: The Journey to Veterinary Medicine
05:34 Cultural Perspectives: Attitudes Towards Veterinary Medicine
08:38 Mentorship and Influence in Veterinary Education
10:54 The Shift in Knowledge Sharing in Veterinary Education
11:57 Coping with Pressure in Veterinary Practice
13:43 The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Medicine
15:14 Letting Go: A Challenge for Veterinarians
17:04 Support Systems in Veterinary Practice
18:49 The Burden of Responsibility in Veterinary Care
20:24 Coping with Grief: The Role of Psychologists
22:01 Mental Well-Being Initiatives for Veterinarians
23:20 Team Dynamics and Respect in Veterinary Work
25:09 Burnout: Recognizing and Addressing the Signs
26:31 Finding Balance: Sports and Mental Health
28:06 Individual Sports: A Personal Journey
29:50 The Role of Sports in Stress Relief
35:28 The Dynamics of Running Relationships
36:40 The Healing Power of Water
38:26 Lessons in Resilience and Limits
39:32 The Importance of Weight Training for Women
41:14 Personal Growth Through Athletic Endeavors
42:30 The Role of Family in Athletic Life
44:28 Navigating Motherhood and Career
46:21 Defining Success and Self-Care
54:41 Building a Supportive Team Environment
59:59 The Importance of Support in Preventing Burnout
01:02:41 Building a Supportive Veterinary Community
01:05:53 The Role of AI in Veterinary Medicine
01:09:16 Personal Reflections and Quickfire Questions

Listen on Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetmore-podcast/id1809206363

Stream on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0RaHkqIhnpa6RYJN2joTTe?si=52e37a024730410b

Watch the full conversation on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@VetMoreOrg

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

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 @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.