Navigating the Journey: A New Veterinarian’s Path to Growth, Mentorship, and the Future of the Profession with Bre Demaline

Veterinary school is tough—but what comes next can be truly rewarding. On this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Bragdon talks with Dr. Bre Demaline, an emergency vet and rising leader in the profession. Dr. Bre reflects on her journey from vet student to practicing DVM, offering encouragement for current students and eye-opening insights for practice owners who want to better support new grads.

From surviving imposter syndrome to finding joy in surgery, Dr. Bre shares what helped her thrive early in her career—strong mentorship, collaborative teams, and saying yes to hands-on learning. She also discusses the role of the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) in shaping her leadership path and why independent practices play a key role in the future of vet med.

If you're navigating the leap from school to practice—or trying to guide someone who is—this episode is packed with real talk, honest advice, and a hopeful outlook. https://youtu.be/qJzvYkJcr7c

#VeterinaryInsider #VeterinaryPodcast #NewGradVet #VetStudents #EmergencyVet #VetMed #MentorshipMatters #VBMA #IndependentPractice #DVMlife #IVPA #WomenInVetMed

00:00 The Journey Begins: A Veterinarian's Hopeful Message

00:53 Veterinary School Experience: Challenges and Triumphs

04:02 Finding Your Path: Job Search and Networking in Vet School

07:09 Mentorship Matters: Building Supportive Relationships

09:48 Navigating Anxiety: First Year as a Veterinarian

13:05 Resources for Success: Tools and Communities

15:59 Job Interview Strategies: Finding the Right Fit

19:03 The Role of Independent Practices: A Personal Perspective

22:12 Staying Informed: The Importance of Industry News

23:06 The Future of Veterinary Medicine: Trends and Predictions

25:26 The Future of Independent Veterinary Practices

26:27 Navigating Early Career Challenges

30:02 Building Leadership Skills in Veterinary Medicine

32:46 Overcoming Workplace Challenges

35:31 Finding Joy Outside of Work

37:56 Embracing Surgical Opportunities

40:18 Learning and Growing in Veterinary Practice

42:11 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

44:00 Evolving Career Goals in Veterinary Medicine

47:30 Hope for the Future of Veterinary Medicine