1. RAP rule change alert
2. What does this rule change mean for repayment strategies
3. Class of 2026 new grads, STILL do not consolidate
4. Determine your IDR profile, know your monthly interest accrual, know your starting repayment balance, & run your Simulations!
5. RAP subsidies – what are they? Will you benefit? For how long?
6. What’s next? RAP to IBR 2014 vs. IBR 2014 only vs. RAP only vs. other?
7. How to get help

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Urgent message for Class of 2026: https://vinfoundation.org/urgent-for-class-of-2026-do-not-consolidate-your-federal-student-loans/

2026 New Grad Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: IDR Profiles

Student Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation Get Updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• 2025 Year End Wrap & Preparing for 2026: https://vinfoundation.org/federal-student-loan-repayment-2025-year-end-wrap-and-preparing-for-2026/
• 40 veterinary school simulations in 60 days: 40 in 60 Project: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/40-veterinary-school-loan-estimations-in-60-days/
• Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
• Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/ 
• Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*Trigger warning: this episode may include triggers associated with animal abuse and human abuse.*

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Defining veterinary forensics
• Top issues in the veterinary forensics field
• Laws and legal process for reporting animal abuse
• The role of law enforcement in animal abuse cases
• Resources available for colleagues looking to learn more

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Jennifer Woolf, DVM, MS

Dr. Woolf (pronouns: she/her) is a veterinarian with a Master of Science degree concentrated in Veterinary Forensics. Over the years, she has worked in private practices and animal welfare organizations as well as owning her own relief veterinary services business for many years.  In 2014 she founded Woolf Veterinary Forensics Consulting where she lectures internationally on animal abuse, the Link, and veterinary forensics, as well as investigating and consulting on individual cases.  She also works for Veterinary Information Network (VIN) as a Topic Specialist consulting on message boards, developing resources, and providing webinars on animal abuse and veterinary forensics for VIN members.  Additionally, she writes articles for VIN members and the public. Dr. Woolf has published numerous articles, education modules, and a book chapter on animal cruelty topics, and was a 2018-2019 Don Low-CVMA Practitioner Fellow at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in the Anatomic Pathology Department. Previously, she was an instructor in the University of Florida Veterinary Forensic Sciences Online Graduate Program. Dr. Woolf is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association (IVFSA), and a founding member of the Alameda County Animal Cruelty Task Force. Previously she has served on the boards of the IVFSA and the Contra Costa County Veterinary Medical Association.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Dr. Jennifer Woolf initial Veterinary Pulse podcast episode: https://vinfoundation.org/dr-jennifer-woolf-on-raising-awareness-about-veterinary-forensics-and-the-importance-of-asking-the-right-questions/
• Dr. Jennifer Woolf website: https://www.wvfcinc.com/
• AVMA animal welfare toolkit: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/responding-to-suspected-animal-cruelty-maltreatment
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Animal Abuse and Veterinary Forensics Center: https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=27494
• Melinda Merck - https://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Forensics-Animal-Cruelty-Investigations/dp/0470961627
• University of Florida veterinary forensics: https://info.distance.ufl.edu/l/307541/2025-07-06/56xwzx
• National Link Coalition nationallinkcoalition.org
• Animallaw.info Michigan State
• International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association: https://www.ivfsa.org/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• If you enjoy these podcast episodes, please support this podcast with a gift: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Jeanice Wiard, M.Ed., B. Tech, CVT, CCFP

Jeanice attended the State University of New York at Canton, obtaining her associate of science in veterinary technology and her bachelor's in veterinary service management. She was an active member of the New York State Air National Guard from 2004-2010 as a Command Post Controller, providing emergency communications and status reports to the commander and personnel on Hancock Air Force Base. She’s been a certified veterinary technician since 2007 and has worked in various field areas: general practice, academia (University of Illinois), diagnostic imaging, intensive care, and equine/farm animal medicine. She has held many roles within vet med: receptionist, technician, lead technician, charge auditor, and practice manager. While at the University of Illinois, Jeanice obtained her Master of Education, focusing on human resource development, and is a graduate of the Emerging Women Leaders program offered by the University. She previously served as the ISVMA CVT board member from 2021-2023 and actively participated in the CVT committee. She is currently focusing on her role as the assistant director for VSPN and offering mental health and wellness education to veterinary professionals through her business, Veterinary Wellness Education, LLC, or VetWE for short. Her non-professional interests include spending time with her husband, two sons, a spoiled cat, and a troublesome dog. She enjoys meditation, gardening, hiking, yoga, pole fitness, dancing, and loud music. Her favorite music artist is Qveen Herby. Jeanice is passionate about moving the veterinary profession toward a more individual-focused framework, allowing space and grace for all professionals to grapple with and heal from the difficult experiences we all encounter within the field and the daily struggles that all humans encounter throughout their lifetimes. She is particularly interested in teaching, psychology, compassion fatigue, cognitive behavioral therapy, growth mindset, and mental health awareness.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Veterinary Support Personnel Network (VSPN): https://www.vin.com/vspn/
• VSPN CE: https://www.vin.com/vspn/default.aspx?pId=8505&id=8286322
• Air National Guard: https://www.airforce.com/ways-to-serve/air-national-guard
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• AVMA QPR Training: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
• Please consider a gift to help support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

1. Identifying burnout and compassion fatigue
2. Understanding the cause
3. Task switching
4. How to handle feelings of losing the joy and fulfillment of vet med
5. The importance of team culture
6. How to get support

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP, is a small animal practitioner and Founder of the Agate Bay Animal Hospital and Dog Gone Crazy boarding/training facilities in North Lake Tahoe California. Following the completion of a B.S. in Biology at the University of Cincinnati’s McMicken College, Dr. Montana graduated from the Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1992. A past member of the external advisory and admissions committees for UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Montana also served as a working member of the VIN Foundation Board. In 2010, Dr. Montana helped to create the VIN Foundation’s innovative Vets4Vets® program, a confidential support group providing critical emotional care to veterinarians struggling with all forms of stress/addiction/mental health issues. The program is international and free for all veterinarians and veterinary students. Learning to balance the life of a rural solo practitioner, mom, wife, husky wrangler and aspiring dressage queen while coordinating the Vets4Vets® program has allowed Dr. Montana to become an expert at thinking outside of the box when advising veterinarians who feel stuck in their careers and personal lives. Dr. Montana enjoys lecturing on topics at the intersection of personal and professional life balance, including strategies for a healthy mentoring relationship, job seekers’ success techniques, effective communication in the workplace, as well as teaching the workplace ergonomics section of The Other Side of Veterinary Medicine: Healthy Clinicians Make Better Practitioners (a RACE approved course).

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

VIN Foundation Veterinary Pulse Podcast Future’s So Bright Series: https://vinfoundation.org/category/futures-so-bright/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

1. Removal of the IBR (Income Based Repayment) Partial Financial Hardship test
2. SAVE ending soon?
3. WikiDebt: What is your IDR (Income Driven Repayment) profile?
4. Good time to review student loan options
5. Preparing for more changes this year
6. How to get help

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation. 

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation Get Updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• 2025 Year End Wrap & Preparing for 2026: https://vinfoundation.org/federal-student-loan-repayment-2025-year-end-wrap-and-preparing-for-2026/
• 2026 Federal Poverty Rates Published: https://vinfoundation.org/2026-federal-poverty-rates-published-why-that-matters-for-your-student-loans/
• 40 veterinary school simulations in 60 days project: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/40-veterinary-school-loan-estimations-in-60-days/
• Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
• Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/ 
• Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/ 
• Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

Photo credit: Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences photo, Dr Creevy with two Border Collies at different parts of their lifespan journey - Poet at age 3, and Sophie at age 14.

GUEST BIO: Kate Creevy, DVM, MS, DACVIM-SAIM

Dr. Creevy's educational path includes Georgetown University (BS), the University of Tennessee (DVM), the University of Minnesota (small animal rotating internship) and the University of Georgia (internal medicine residency and MS in Infectious Disease). Along the way she has worked in emergency practice in the Twin Cities and Washington DC, as well as academic emergency practice at UGA, and completed a Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship developing protocols for chimeric bone marrow transplantation in immunodeficient dogs at the NIH's National Cancer Institute. After ten years as a small animal internist on UGA's faculty, she joined the faculty at Texas A&M University's School of Veterinary Medicine where she is now a Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine.  Dr. Creevy is the Chief Veterinary Officer for the Dog Aging Project, a multicenter, multidisciplinary research collaboration, with over 50,000 dogs enrolled across the US. The long-term goal of the Dog Aging Project is to understand the genetic and environmental determinants of healthy aging in companion dogs. In addition to her work on canine aging, Dr. Creevy’s research interests include infectious disease, and the development of lifelong learning skills and critical thinking skills among professional students and early-career veterinarians.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/
• University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/
• University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vet.uga.edu/
• Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/
• One Health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health#tab=tab_1
• Zoobiquity book: https://www.zoobiquity.com/
• Lessons in Chemistry book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58065033-lessons-in-chemistry

If you like these podcast and want to hear more, please support these efforts through a donation to the VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/give/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or signup for the newsletter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

1. Quick review of student loan grace periods
2. Consolidation Caution
3. Application Ataxia
4. Start with PAYE, when possible
5. Important dates to add to your calendar
6. How to get help

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
• Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/ 
• Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/ 
• Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Walter Baker Walter has been devoted to becoming a veterinarian since seventh grade, and took all of the animal science courses  that were available to him throughout my grade school education. He attended the University of Kentucky for his undergraduate education, and received a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences. As a current second year at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, he was fortunate to secure the Kentucky residents’ in-state institution. Walter was one of two recipients of the inaugural Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux. Walter’s goal is to return to rural Kentucky to practice general mixed-animal medicine.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN) 3D Anatomy: https://www.vin.com/3danatomy
• Cornell Merlin App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Do you like this podcast and want to hear additional stories? The VIN Foundation needs your help supporting this program: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

1. SAVE forbearance zero-interest ending
2. Updates for current veterinary students those starting and returning to vet school
3. Pre-veterinary students applying for 2026/2027 year
4. 2025 veterinary graduates whose grace period is ending
5. RAP (Repayment Assistance Program)
6. Phase out of existing programs
7. Where things stand with PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Vet School Bound Future Veterinary Student Loan Changes: https://vetschoolbound.org/future-veterinary-student-loan-changes/

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
• Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/ 
• Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/ 
• Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Debt Repayment Prep Challenge: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/debt-repayment-prep-challenge/ 

May 7th webinar - New Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 

Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Topics covered included:

• What happened to the Income-Driven Repayment application?
• If borrowers are using an income-driven payment plan right now, what should they do?
• How do these changes impact monthly payments for borrowers?
• How about borrowers who are hoping for PSLF? How do the recent changes impact them?
• What’s the best approach for borrowers when dealing with loan servicers?

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Time for your student loan physical exam? VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

VIN Foundation Download My IDR Progress Google Chrome extension to help you grab a copy of your IDR forgiveness progress

VIN Foundation Blog, most recent:

• All IDR applications for student loans are paused – Now what?
• February 2025 Q&A from Climbing Mt. Debt Webinar: What’s Next for your Student Loans?

VIN Foundation Navigating Uncertainty Checklist, what you can do now: https://vinfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/VIN-Foundation-What-You-Can-Do-Now-Navigating-Student-Loan-Uncertainty.pdf

Climbing Mt. Debt webinar: What’s Next for Your Student Loans? by VIN and VIN Foundation, February 5th, 2025: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/#MostRecentWebinar 

VIN Foundation Relevant WikiDebt Resources:

• IDR Profiles: What is your IDR profile?
• IDR Discretionary income calculations

Personalized student loan help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): 

• https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions
• https://www.ed.gov/save
• https://studentaid.gov/ 

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support programs these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Topics covered included:

• December 18, 2024 US Department of Education announcement on Pay As Your Earn (PAYE) and Income Contingent Repayment (ICR)
• Timeframes/features and additional information about PAYE and ICR
• Income Driven Repayment (IDR) profiles
• What this latest news means for the Save On Valuable Education (SAVE) plan 
• Where things stand on the One-time Forgiveness Adjustment
• Additional helpful information for borrowers

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

VIN Foundation IDR Profiles: WikiDebt - IDR Eligibility

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support programs these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• PAYE and ICR income-driven repayment plans temporarily reactivated https://vinfoundation.org/paye-and-icr-income-driven-repayment-plans-temporarily-reactivated/
• The election is over. Change is on the horizon. What is next for your student loans? https://vinfoundation.org/the-election-is-over-change-is-on-the-horizon-what-is-next-for-your-student-loans/
• Student Loan FAQs and What’s Next? https://vinfoundation.org/september-2024-student-loan-update-faqs-and-whats-next/
• SAVE is blocked. What does that mean for your student loans?: https://vinfoundation.org/save-recent-court-rulings/ 
• Choosing between PAYE and SAVE income-driven plans: Are you in The Pickle? https://vinfoundation.org/choosing-between-paye-and-save-income-driven-plans-are-you-in-the-pickle/
• A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): https://www.ed.gov/save 

SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions 

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP

Dr. Jan Bellows is a distinguished veterinary dentist with a remarkable career spanning several decades. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and earned his DVM from Auburn University in 1975. After an internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Bellows established ALL PETS DENTAL in Weston, Florida, specializing in companion animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry. Bellows is board-certified in Canine and Feline Medicine (ABVP) and Veterinary Dentistry (AVDC). His leadership roles include serving as president of the American Veterinary Dental College and the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. He has authored five dental textbooks and frequently contributed to veterinary publications. As a respected expert, Dr. Bellows was instrumental in developing AAHA's Small Animal Dental Guidelines. He has been a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network's dental board since 1993. DVM360 announced Dr. Bellows as the national 2024 Dental Hero by DVM360 magazine. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Bellows is an avid marathon runner and enjoys spending time with his family and dogs in Florida and Colorado.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN): https://www.vin.com
• Paul Pion, DVM, DipACVIM: https://vinfoundation.org/team
• VIN Foundation 2024 Year-End Giving, after a huge effort the $100k match was made, but we still need your help! https://vinfoundation.org/give  

Have a story you want to share with our podcast audience? Reach out to share your interest: https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

It’s time for a good student loan “physical exam” using the  VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• • Veterinarians in Repayment:
    • SAVE is blocked. What does that mean for your student loans?: https://vinfoundation.org/save-recent-court-rulings/ 
    • September 2024 Student Loan Update: FAQs and What’s Next?: https://vinfoundation.org/september-2024-student-loan-update-faqs-and-whats-next/

• Veterinary Students Borrowing:

• • Student Loan Interest Rates: New high for 2024-2025 Academic Year: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-interest-rates-for-veterinary-school/
  • Borrow Better resources: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/
  • Student Loan Borrow Better Challenge Message Board: https://www.vin.com/doc/?Id=9385101&DocumentID=12266931&SAId=1

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): https://www.ed.gov/save 

SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions 

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Sean Gadson, DVM, MS

Sean Gadson has enjoyed a long career working in veterinary medicine starting as an assistant when he was fourteen. He would continue working in various clinics and veterinary organizations while pursuing his undergraduate and master’s degrees. After completing a research project and writing a thesis on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in people, he applied to UC Davis for vet school and graduated in 2021. During his time as a student Dr. Gadson served as president of the UC Davis SAVMA chapter, and Vice- President of their VBMA chapter. After graduation, he completed an intensive rotating small animal specialty internship where he cultivated a passion for emergency medicine. He now works as an emergency veterinarian in Colorado with his wife Mollie who is a surgeon, and their dog Ahri. His interests include supporting other early career veterinarians, mentoring pre-vet students, practice ownership, traveling and speaking to students currently in vet school, and advocating for more minority representation in the veterinary industry.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA): https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA): https://vbma.biz/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® confidential wellness support: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux: https://vinfoundation.org/scholarship
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN): https://www.vin.com/vin/
• Mentor - Dr. James Clark: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/james-clark
• Mentor - Dr. Paul D. Pion: https://www.vin.com/vin/default.aspx?pid=130&meta=13137&id=8108348
• Ask Jeeves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ask.com
• Kajukenbo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kajukenbo
• Dr. Sean Gadson on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sean-gadson and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gadustoedvm/

If you enjoy these stories, please consider donating to the VIN Foundation to help us continue this work. https://vinfoundation.org/give

Have a story you want to share with our podcast audience? Reach out to share your interest: https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. 

*Trigger warning* a quick heads up, some of the content in today’s episode may include a trigger as it relates to substance abuse disorder.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or join the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Trae Cutchin, DVM

Trae Cutchin, DVM, is a 1988 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, is originally from Alabama. He has worked as a regular veterinary associate in full services hospitals, in a feline only practice for four years, and as an emergency room clinician for three years. For several years he operated his own relief service in the metro Atlanta area, and then opened his own full service practice in Flowery Branch, a bedroom community just north of metro Atlanta in 2006. He is married to his partner of twenty-five years and has two step kids and three step grandchildren. He has two dogs, Turbo and Shelley, and three cats, Mightie, Tessa, and Sushi. When he isn't working as a veterinarian, he spends a lot of time working in his lawn and gardens. He is involved with the Veterinary Information Network as a VIN Representative and as a mentor in the VIN Virtual Veterinary Internship program as a mentor.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Virtual Veterinary Internship: https://www.vin.com/AppUtil/Project/DefaultAdv1.aspx?pid=26071
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• VIN Foundation Start Up Club: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-practice-start-up-club/
• Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kirks-Current-Veterinary-Therapy-XV/dp/1437726895

If you enjoy these stories, please consider donating to the VIN Foundation to help us continue this work. https://vinfoundation.org/give

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• SAVE is blocked. What does that mean for your student loans?: https://vinfoundation.org/save-recent-court-rulings/ 
• 2024 Graduating Veterinarians: Special Student Loan Timing Considerations: https://vinfoundation.org/2024-graduating-veterinarians-special-student-loan-timing-consideration-are-you-in-pickle/
• Choosing between PAYE and SAVE income-driven plans: Are you in The Pickle?: https://vinfoundation.org/choosing-between-paye-and-save-income-driven-plans-are-you-in-the-pickle/
• A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): https://www.ed.gov/save 

SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions 

SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

Have a story you would like to share on the podcast? Submit your story idea. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

This episode covers how she managed to learn anatomy online, became fast friends with a roommate, and then finding out she didn’t have the necessary educational knowledge for the NAVLE. Alexia takes us inside her journey as a leader in her class, and finding her way to overcome struggles. 

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Alexia Mazzarella, DVM, cVMA

Alexia graduated from Michigan State University this past May in the Class of 2024. While at MSU, she served as the 2024 Class President all four years and was very involved with SAVMA, serving on the Executive Board for 2 years as the Veterinary Economics Officer. It was through these experiences that she developed a passion for organized veterinary medicine and serving her community. Her veterinary interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, acupuncture, rehab, and palliative care, especially for geriatric patients.  Her goals right now include a ABVP residency path and ultimately working in a high-volume General Practice setting. In her free time, Alexia loves checking out local gym classes, hiking, biking, kayaking, and visiting the local Farmer's Markets. Alexia just moved to Apex, NC with her fiancé  to start a rotating internship in July. She is excited to share her story with the VIN Foundation and hopes she can bring comfort to others who may have experienced similar circumstances! 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA): https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA): https://vbma.biz/
• NAVLE VIN/VIN Foundation course: https://www.vin.com/navle
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
• May 29th webinar - Repay Wiser: Interns & Residents: https://VIN.zoom.us/webinar/register/4917165695129/WN_4VaSKzkBQrqgqotb50G8cA

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• Identifying Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) using VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/
• 2024 Graduating Veterinarians: Special Student Loan Timing Considerations: https://vinfoundation.org/2024-graduating-veterinarians-special-student-loan-timing-consideration-are-you-in-pickle/
• Choosing between PAYE and SAVE income-driven plans: Are you in The Pickle?: https://vinfoundation.org/choosing-between-paye-and-save-income-driven-plans-are-you-in-the-pickle/
• Veterinary student loan repayment: trends from the trenches: https://vinfoundation.org/youre-running-out-of-time-to-consolidate-your-loans/
• A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 
• Student Loan FAQs: The one-time forgiveness count adjustment: https://vinfoundation.org/faq-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/
• Income-Driven Repayment: recertify, Switch plans, or Wait?: https://vinfoundation.org/income-driven-repayment-recertify-no-switch-plans-or-wait/
• Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/
• Student Loan FAQs: The one-time forgiveness count adjustment https://vinfoundation.org/faq-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Infographic ONE-TIME FORGIVENESS COUNT ADJUSTMENT: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/student-debt-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/

One-Time Forgiveness Count Adjustment Video Case Study, 1999 DVM may save more than $65,000 in student loan costs: https://youtu.be/6gp7cXvEy8c

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/

Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 

New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

New Proposed Regulations Would Transform Income-Driven Repayment by Cutting Undergraduate Loan Payments in Half and Preventing Unpaid Interest Accumulation: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/new-proposed-regulations-would-transform-income-driven-repayment-cutting-undergraduate-loan-payments-half-and-preventing-unpaid-interest-accumulation 

Payment Count Adjustments Toward Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs:

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Department of Education press release (Nov 2022):  https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-continues-fight-student-debt-relief-millions-borrowers-extends-student-loan-repayment-pause 

Department of Education press release (April 2022): https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

This episode has all the makings of how we as humans are a work in progress, and provides relatable insights into leadership, partnerships, finance, teaching, and a love for animals.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Jim Clark, DVM, MBA

U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jim Clark is an animal lover, entrepreneur, multi-practice owner, clinician, and educator. After working in general and emergency practice for more than 20 years, earning an MBA, and serving as an owner in four ER/Spec practices, Clark joined the faculty of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, assuming leadership of their Professional Skills curriculum. He currently provides instruction in communication, mental health, career planning, DEI, and business management skills.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Veterinary Education and Communication Coaching: http://www.petpracticepartners.com/

VIN Foundation Start Up Club: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-practice-start-up-club/

VIN Foundation Student Debt Education: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

1. Consolidation deadline extended
2. Loan servicers continue to be terrible 
3. Recertification dates
4. The new SAVE plan
5. Common mistakes made while using the Student Loan Repayment Simulator

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• • Veterinary student loan repayment: trends from the trenches: https://vinfoundation.org/youre-running-out-of-time-to-consolidate-your-loans/
  • A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 
  • Common Student Loan Consolidation Questions and Answers: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/

• I have federal student loans. When do I need to recertify my income? https://vinfoundation.org/i-have-federal-student-loans-when-do-i-need-to-recertify-my-income/

• • Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/

• Student Loan FAQs: The one-time forgiveness count adjustment https://vinfoundation.org/faq-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/

• Student Loan Forgiveness Planning: Preparing for the Tax Bill: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-forgiveness-planning-preparing-for-the-tax-bill/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Infographic ONE-TIME FORGIVENESS COUNT ADJUSTMENT: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/student-debt-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/

One-Time Forgiveness Count Adjustment Video Case Study, 1999 DVM may save more than $65,000 in student loan costs: https://youtu.be/6gp7cXvEy8c

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/

Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 

New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

Loan Servicers Having Trouble:

• https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-withholding-payment-student-loan-servicer-part-accountability-measures-harmed-borrowers
• https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-takes-additional-action-hold-student-loan-servicers-accountable-failing-meet-contractual-obligations

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts: 

• Veterinary student loan repayment: trends from the trenches: https://vinfoundation.org/youre-running-out-of-time-to-consolidate-your-loans/
• A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 
• Common Student Loan Consolidation Questions and Answers: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/
• I have federal student loans. When do I need to recertify my income? https://vinfoundation.org/i-have-federal-student-loans-when-do-i-need-to-recertify-my-income/
• Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/
• Student Loan FAQs: The one-time forgiveness count adjustment https://vinfoundation.org/faq-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/
• Student Loan Forgiveness Planning: Preparing for the Tax Bill: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-forgiveness-planning-preparing-for-the-tax-bill/ 

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

Infographic ONE-TIME FORGIVENESS COUNT ADJUSTMENT: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/student-debt-one-time-forgiveness-count-adjustment/

One-Time Forgiveness Count Adjustment Video Case Study, 1999 DVM may save more than $65,000 in student loan costs: https://youtu.be/6gp7cXvEy8c

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857 

Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/

Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 

New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 

Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/

SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

New Proposed Regulations Would Transform Income-Driven Repayment by Cutting Undergraduate Loan Payments in Half and Preventing Unpaid Interest Accumulation: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/new-proposed-regulations-would-transform-income-driven-repayment-cutting-undergraduate-loan-payments-half-and-preventing-unpaid-interest-accumulation 

Payment Count Adjustments Toward Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs:

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Department of Education press release (Nov 2022):  https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-continues-fight-student-debt-relief-millions-borrowers-extends-student-loan-repayment-pause 

Department of Education press release (April 2022): https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 

One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

The VIN Foundation is honored to be the home of the Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux. Learn more about the scholarship in the link below. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Veterinary Student Scholarship: https://vinfoundation.org/scholarship
• VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

If you enjoy listening to this podcast and want to support these efforts, please consider making a donation to the VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/give.

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Get Student Debt Updates: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-debt-updates/

VIN Foundation Student Debt Tools:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

Additional links:

• • Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 
  • Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
  • Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 
  • New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 

• Climbing Mt. Debt for Veterinary Interns and Residents: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/climbing-mt-debt-veterinary-intern-resident/

• Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Application: https://studentaid.gov/
• Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) replacing REPAYE: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan
• Student Debt Relief Information: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation 
• One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca has worked as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member. She has been involved in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) since vet school and now as a co-advisor for the National VBMA. In her work with VIN and the VIN Foundation she has a primary focus on student debt education and is a member of the VIN Student Team. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Students: https://www.vin.com/students
• VBMA: https://vbma.biz/
• Vets for Pets and People: https://news.uga.edu/vets-for-pets-and-people/ 
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Susan Cohen 

Susan P. Cohen, DSW, ACSW has been called a pioneer in the fields of pet loss, human-animal interaction, and the human side of veterinary practice. Since 1982 Dr. Cohen has helped pet lovers make decisions about the illness of their pets. She developed the first-ever Pet Loss Support Group and began an animal assisted activity program that took the then-unusual form of having volunteers work with their own pets. She originated many training programs for workers in the veterinary and social service fields, and she has been a field instructor for several schools of social work. She has written several book chapters and scholarly articles on social work, veterinary practice, and the human-animal bond. Her most recent book chapter, “Loss, Grief, and Bereavement in the Context of Human-Animal Relationships” (Susan Cohen, DSW; and Adam Clark, LSW, AASW) was published in 2019. She is currently working on a chapter on pet loss for Routledge’s International Handbook on Human-Animal Interaction. These days she consults with veterinary groups on client and professional communication, compassion fatigue, and how to make practice fun again. She facilitates online support groups for veterinarians, animal welfare workers, managers, and those grieving the loss of a pet. She teaches online workshops and lectures widely to veterinary colleges and conferences, colleges of social work, veterinary technician programs, and human health groups on communication, pet loss and bereavement, human-animal interaction, client relations, compassion fatigue, and career development. She is Vice Chairperson of SWAHAB (Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond), the first such committee of the National Association of Social Workers. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine. In addition, she has made numerous television and radio addresses nationwide, including “The Today Show,” “20-20,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• Bliss list example: https://vinfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/VINFoundation-Veterinary-Pulse-Episode-157-Dr.-Susan-Cohen-on-Perfectionism-Bliss-List-example.pdf
• Red Shoes Syndrome podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/are-you-caring-too-much-red-shoe-syndrome-with-dr-susan-cohen/
• Wabi Sabi: ​​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi
• Nine Signs Your Perfectionism is Out of Control: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/telltale-signs-your-perfectionism-out-control-dr-travis-bradberry/
• 14 Signs Your Perfectionism Has Gotten Out of Control: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-perfectionism-is-ruin_n_4212069

Quotes mentioned in the episode:

• Brene Brown: “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”
• Fred Astaire: “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style.”

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you leave a review, subscribe/follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Hot List:

1. Did you finish vet school before 2014? - You may have privately-held FFELs.  Consolidate and benefit from the one-time forgiveness count adjustment
2. Do you have loans that have been in repayment longer than you've been using income-driven repayment? - Consolidate and benefit from the one-time forgiveness count adjustment.
3. Are you eligible for PAYE? Are you using PAYE? - Make sure you find out before PAYE is phased out!
4. Did you make any payments before the pandemic forbearance benefits began, March 13, 2020? - Request a refund before the benefits end!
5. Do you know when your income-driven repayment renewal date is? Hint - it's not until sometime after January 2024, at least. Use the My Student Loans tool to see your "Anniversary Date" and start planning your post-forbearance strategy.
6. Married? Have you been filing your taxes separately from your spouse recently because of your student debt? - You can amend recent prior year tax returns from separate to joint! We covered this in a recent Dear Dr. Debt column. Visit with your accountant to see if you can get a refund.
7. Graduating veterinary school in 2023? Congratulations! Did you miss the New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook webinar? - Here is a link to the playbook recording, slides, and checklist.

Honorable mentions (coming soon):

1. Most unpaid interest capitalization is going away starting July 1, 2023
2. One-time forgiveness count adjustments will be applied in 2024 (or sooner if you are due forgiveness)
3. The Supreme Court will rule on the special cancellation benefits this summer
4. Interest and payments are likely starting up later this summer, possibly after August 2023

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Get Student Debt Updates: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-debt-updates/

VIN Foundation Student Debt Tools:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

Additional links:

• Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 
• Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
• Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 
• New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 
• Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Application: https://studentaid.gov/
• New Proposed Regulations Would Transform Income-Driven Repayment by Cutting Undergraduate Loan Payments in Half and Preventing Unpaid Interest Accumulation: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/new-proposed-regulations-would-transform-income-driven-repayment-cutting-undergraduate-loan-payments-half-and-preventing-unpaid-interest-accumulation 
• Student Debt Relief Information: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation 
• Department of Education press release (Nov 2022):  https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-continues-fight-student-debt-relief-millions-borrowers-extends-student-loan-repayment-pause 
• Department of Education press release (April 2022): https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 
• One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*Trigger warning* hey all, a quick heads up that some of the content in today’s episode may include a trigger as it relates to alcohol and substance abuse disorder, childhood trauma, and suicidal ideations. As a reminder, the VIN Foundation’s confidential support group Vets4Vets® is here for you and you can find information to reach out in the episode notes. please know, you are not alone. 

GUEST BIO:

Philip Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CPPC, CCFP 

Dr. Richmond is the Chief Medical & Wellbeing Officer for Veterinary United and the Founder of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants. He is an advocate for positive culture and individual, team and organizational psychological health, safety, and wellbeing in veterinary workplaces.

Dr. Richmond both leads and is involved in state, national and international projects for the advancement of workplace wellbeing and culture in veterinary medicine. He currently serves as the chair for both the Florida Veterinary Medical Association’s Outreach and Professional Wellbeing Committees and is a member/advisor for several national committees and boards for workplace suicide prevention and veterinary wellbeing, including those sponsored by the CDC/NIOSH, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, AAHA, Fear Free, MentorVet and Appalachian State University.

Dr. Richmond is a speaker and published writer, a frequent veterinary podcast guest, and holds multiple certifications in the fields of applied positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, workplace wellbeing, psychological health & safety, trauma-informed workplaces, resilience training, behavior change, and suicide prevention. He was awarded the FVMA Gold Star for service in 2019 and FVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 2021.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• About Dr. Philip Richmond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drphilrichmond/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• Veterinary Hope Foundation: https://veterinaryhope.org/
• Adverse Childhood Events: https://numberstory.org/
• Instead of what’s wrong with you, what happened to you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNIJBT5q0nI
• VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

If you enjoy listening to this podcast and want to support these efforts, please consider making a donation to the VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/give

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Lance Roasa

Lance Roasa, DVM, MS, JD is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M where he was the first student to undertake a 4th year business-track, spending the majority of his clinical training in veterinary business and industry. In 2016 He completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska and his training was centered on the law of small business, taxation and the law of veterinary medicine. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Drip.vet contract negotiation course: https://dripvet1.teachable.com/p/art-science-of-negotiation?coupon_code=STUDENT100&product_id=963735
• Labor stats: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• VIN Foundation Model Employment Contract: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/model-employment-contract/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*TRIGGER WARNING* Some of the content in this episode may include triggers for mental health topics. As a reminder, if you are a veterinary student or veterinarian, the VIN Foundation’s confidential peer-to-peer support group Vets4Vets® is here for you, at no cost, please know, you are not alone. Text (530) 601-2133 or visit the Vets4Vets® website to learn more at https://vinfoundation.org/v4v.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist and passionate advocate for veterinary team wellbeing. As a yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach, she facilitates workshops and retreats for veterinary clinics and organizations and offers individual and group coaching and online programs for veterinary team members. She recently launched a new website (www.revivingvetmed.com) containing wellness resources for veterinary professionals and is the host of the Reviving Vet Med podcast, which offers practical tools and easily applicable tips for burnout prevention and workplace wellbeing.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

Dr. Sophia Yin Memorial Fund: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/dr-sophia-yin-memorial-fund/

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk website: https://marieholowaychuk.com/

In this episode we cover the following nine topics:

1. Latest announcement on Jan 10th
2. Phasing out of ICR and PAYE repayment plans
3. Is this a different way of doing things?
4. Where can a borrower see what repayment plan they are enrolled in currently?
5. A ‘new’ income driven repayment plan?
6. What is Re-REPAYE?
7. ‘New’ plan added to Student Loan Repayment Simulator
8. Are there other changes happening?
9. What should colleagues do now?

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim 
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give

VIN Foundation Blog Recent Student Debt Blog posts: 

• A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan?: https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/ 
• Common Student Loan Consolidation Questions and Answers: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/
• Class of 2020, 2021, 2022 Income-Driven Repayment Renewal Note: https://vinfoundation.org/class-2020-2021-2022-student-loan-renewal-note/ 
• Special Cancellation of Up to $20,000 of Student Debt. Are You Eligible?: https://vinfoundation.org/special-cancellation-student-debt/
• Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/
• Student Loan Forgiveness Planning: Preparing for the Tax Bill: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-forgiveness-planning-preparing-for-the-tax-bill/ 
• Student Loan Interest Rates Increase for 2022-2023 Academic Year: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-interest-rates-for-veterinary-school/ 
• Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 
• Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
• Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 
• New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 
• Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Application: https://studentaid.gov/
• New Proposed Regulations Would Transform Income-Driven Repayment by Cutting Undergraduate Loan Payments in Half and Preventing Unpaid Interest Accumulation: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/new-proposed-regulations-would-transform-income-driven-repayment-cutting-undergraduate-loan-payments-half-and-preventing-unpaid-interest-accumulation 
• Student Debt Relief Information: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation 
• Department of Education press release (Nov 2022):  https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-continues-fight-student-debt-relief-millions-borrowers-extends-student-loan-repayment-pause 
• Department of Education press release (April 2022): https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 
• One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it! Reach out to podcast@vinfoundation.org.

In this episode we’re covering the following six topics:

1. Latest news for current veterinary school students 
2. How to help 2023 grads prepare for repayment
3. What pandemic grads, classes 2020, 2021 and 2022 should be doing
4. Helpful information for all other borrowers
5. The latest on the Student Debt Relief before the Supreme Court
6. Recertification and the important dates to be aware of now

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation Blog Recent Student Debt Blog posts: 
• Common Student Loan Consolidation Questions and Answers: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/
• Class of 2020, 2021, 2022 Income-Driven Repayment Renewal Note: https://vinfoundation.org/class-2020-2021-2022-student-loan-renewal-note/ 
• Special Cancellation of Up to $20,000 of Student Debt. Are You Eligible?: https://vinfoundation.org/special-cancellation-student-debt/
• Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/
• Student Loan Forgiveness Planning: Preparing for the Tax Bill: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-forgiveness-planning-preparing-for-the-tax-bill/ 
• Student Loan Interest Rates Increase for 2022-2023 Academic Year: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-interest-rates-for-veterinary-school/ 
• Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 
• Repay Wiser: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
• Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/ 
• New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ 
• Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Application: https://studentaid.gov/
• Student Debt Relief Information: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation 
• Department of Education press release (Nov 2022):  https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-continues-fight-student-debt-relief-millions-borrowers-extends-student-loan-repayment-pause 
• Department of Education press release (April 2022): https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 
• One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

In this episode we’re discussing the latest news of student loans and covering these four topics:

1. Student Debt Relief Application/Status
2. Consolidation - Should you? Why? When? 
3. PSLF Limited Waiver
4. Bonus - upcoming changes

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and has been an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans

VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt

VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/

VIN Foundation Blog posts: 

• Common Student Loan Consolidation Questions and Answers: https://vinfoundation.org/fed-student-loan-consolidation-faqs-questions-answers-considerations/
• Special Cancellation of Up to $20,000 of Student Debt. Are You Eligible?: https://vinfoundation.org/special-cancellation-student-debt/
• Got Federal Student Debt? You’re Now Closer to Forgiveness Than You Think: https://vinfoundation.org/got-federal-student-debt-youre-now-closer-to-forgiveness-than-you-think/

Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/ 

StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/

Student Debt Relief Application: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application 

Student Debt Relief Information: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation 

Department of Education press release: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 

StudentAid.gov https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment

Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*TRIGGER WARNING* Some of the content in this episode may include triggers for topics including pregnancy and person loss. As a reminder, if you are a veterinary student or veterinarian, the VIN Foundation’s confidential peer-to-peer support group vets4vets® is here for you, at no cost, please know, you are not alone. Call (530) 601-2133 or visit the website to schedule a confidential Vets4Vets® session https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Lynn Hendrix

Dr Lynn Hendrix has worked and been on the cutting edge of the animal hospice and veterinary palliative medicine field.  She is a certified Hospice and Palliative veterinarian, and Founder/owner of Beloved Pet Mobile Vet. She was a co-author on the 2013 IAAHPC guidelines for best practices in animal hospice and palliative care. She is founder of the Facebook group, the Veterinarian Palliative Medicine group, and the founding consultant for the Hospice and Palliative medicine folder on VIN.   She has also founded the World Veterinary Palliative Medicine Organization in 2018, though it has been on hiatus since 2020 due to covid. Dr. Hendrix has an upcoming book, Animal Hospice and Palliative Medicine for the House Call Veterinarian. Just recently, she started giving End of Life rounds at UC Davis.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

Animal Hospice and Palliative Medicine for the House Call Veterinarian: 

• USA: https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/animal-hospice-and-palliative-medicine-for-the-house-call-veterinarian-9780323567985.html
• EU: https://www.eu.elsevierhealth.com/animal-hospice-and-palliative-medicine-for-the-house-call-veterinarian-9780323567985.html
• UK: https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/animal-hospice-and-palliative-medicine-for-the-house-call-veterinarian-9780323567985.html
• Japan: https://www.asia.elsevierhealth.com/animal-hospice-and-palliative-medicine-for-the-house-call-veterinarian-9780323567985.html 

Social links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_palliative_vet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePalliativeVet/
• Facebook group for veterinarians only:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldvetpalliativemedicine
• Facebook group for techs interested in palliative care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeterinaryPCNurses
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-hendrix-dvm-chpv-30313282/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Department of Education press release: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-student-loan-pause-extension-through-december-31-and-targeted-debt-cancellation-smooth-transition-repayment
• StudentAid.gov https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/
• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/special-cancellation-student-debt/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• Get student loan help: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Student Aid Data File, Consolidation: https://studentaid.gov/
• Student Loan Repayment Restart webinar recording:
• https://vinfoundation.org/climbing-mt-debt-student-loan-repayment-restart/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
• Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

In this episode we’re discussing the latest news about student loan forgiveness from the Department of Education. Is this a time machine for loan forgiveness? What should borrowers know now and if colleagues have been making payments can they get a refund? Find out what you need to do if you federally held loans versus commercially held loans and where to go for updates. 

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.  

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Rebecca Mears

Rebecca Mears, DVM grew up in Delaware before moving to Lexington, KY, where she completed her BS at University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school, she served as the National Business Certificate Director for the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and as a board member for Vets for Pets and People. During this time she took an active role in wellbeing awareness and access within the veterinary community. Rebecca then worked as an equine general practitioner and has been an active AAEP member. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found hiking, baking, and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so as a member of the VIN Foundation student debt team and Rising Leaders Committee lead.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Department of Education press release: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-announces-actions-fix-longstanding-failures-student-loan-programs 
• StudentAid.gov https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/fedloan-servicing-quits/
• FedLoan Servicing: https://myfedloan.org/ 
• StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• New Grad Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/playbook
• New Grad Student Loan Playbook webinar: https://VIN.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016518582800/WN_panblGA3RlKA8yf3wCVOAA
• Student Loan Repayment Restart webinar recording:
• https://vinfoundation.org/climbing-mt-debt-student-loan-repayment-restart/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized student loan assistance: https://vinfoundation.org/personalized-veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
• Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Top 5 categories to have when considering selling your veterinary practice:

1. Lease information
2. Financial records, make sure they are clean
3. Make sure that practice management software is able to print out financial reports
4. Think about your exit plan, are you willing to work and for how many years?
5. Pay to have a professional evaluator ahead of selling, ideally 2 years

Most importantly, we want to hear from YOU our listeners, to know what topics YOU want to hear about from experts. Please email us to share your thoughts: podcast@vinfoundation.org.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Bree Montana Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in the field of Biology followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation from veterinary medical school, Dr. Montana worked exclusively in small animal outpatient and emergency hospitals while pursuing additional medical training in the latest technologies. Dr. Montana has advanced training in ultrasonography, echocardiography, chemotherapy, dentistry, emergency medicine and surgery, transfusion medicine, class IV laser therapy, pain management and rehabilitation. A past member of UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine’s External Advisory and Admissions Boards, and a past Board member of the VIN Foundation, Dr. Montana is the Director of the VIN Foundation’s Vets4Vets® programs. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Montana will generally be found playing with her daughter Ember and their ponies, hiking with her huskies, and skiing or snowboarding with her husband. 

Dr. Jose Pla

Dr. Pla obtained his DVM degree from Cornell University in 1995 and his MBA from Rutgers University in 2018. As a practicing veterinarian he has a special interest in feline medicine, behavior, nutrition and gastrointestinal diseases. As a businessman he has been the owner or co-owner of five veterinary practices and a  founding partner of Companion Animal Practices North America. Since obtaining his MBA, Dr. Pla shifted his focus to entrepreneurial ventures, practice management education and private practice transition consulting. He is an avid sailor, scuba diver and wanna-be photographer. Activities he shares with his wife and two sons. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Veterinary Pulse Podcast on VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast_v
• VIN Foundation application access for VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/vinapp

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*Episode note* As always this is a fast changing landscape and since we recorded this episode additional student loan information has been in the news, check the links below for more information.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• *New info!* As we were recording this podcast new information came out about student loans: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/19/1093310151/student-loans-income-based-repayment
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/fedloan-servicing-quits/
• FedLoan Servicing: https://myfedloan.org/ 
• StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• New Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized assistance is available via the special Student Debt Message Board areas. If you do not have an active VIN username and password, you may gain access through the VIN Foundation access application: https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=9593830
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
• Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

*Episode note… this episode was originally recorded in February 2022 but due to some technical issues was published on April 20, 2022.”

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Casara Andre Casara Andre, DVM, is a Healer consistently motivated by her desire to help all mammals of all species (human and veterinary) repair and sustain their health and wellbeing. A veterinarian by education and training, Dr. Andre’s day-to-day mission is creating a safe-haven and incubator-for-ideas opportunities within medical communities.  By leveraging the power of cooperation, creating a supportive community, and encouraging creative solutions, she works to support entrepreneurship among Healers that have a vision for positive change in the world. Dr. Andre currently serves the geographic regions east of the Continental Divide as the volunteer branch director of the Front Range Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (FRvMRC).  The FRvMRC is a group of medical and non-medical volunteers working to support a disaster prepared and resilient veterinary community and provide animal-related expertise to non-veterinary disaster response organizations.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Front Range Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (FRVMRC): https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/front-range-vmrc
• Get in touch with FRvMRC: https://forms.gle/wLkmMzdw1aQgcVH67
• Massey Veterinary School: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/colleges-schools-and-institutes/college-of-sciences/school-of-veterinary-science/
• Virginia-Maryland Veterinary School: https://vetmed.vt.edu/
• Veterinary Cannabis: https://www.veterinarycannabis.org/
• Cultivate Wellbeing: https://www.cultivatewellbeing.health/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

From exploring how identity can be tied up with owning a practice, to how to deal with a shift in life priorities. Bree shares her personal experience, Susan offers tips on how to assess when the right time to sell might be based on a colleague's individual life circumstance, and we discuss how colleagues can set themselves up for mental success.

Most importantly, we want to hear from YOU our listeners, please weigh in on the discussion, and we want to know what topics YOU want to hear about from experts. Please email us to share your thoughts: podcast@vinfoundation.org.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Bree Montana Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in the field of Biology followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation from veterinary medical school, Dr. Montana worked exclusively in small animal outpatient and emergency hospitals while pursuing additional medical training in the latest technologies. Dr. Montana has advanced training in ultrasonography, echocardiography, chemotherapy, dentistry, emergency medicine and surgery, transfusion medicine, class IV laser therapy, pain management and rehabilitation. A past member of UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine’s External Advisory and Admissions Boards, and a past Board member of the VIN Foundation, Dr. Montana is the Director of the VIN Foundation’s Vets4Vets® programs. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Montana will generally be found playing with her daughter Ember and their ponies, hiking with her huskies, and skiing or snowboarding with her husband. 

Dr. Susan Cohen Dr. Susan P. Cohen has been called a pioneer in the fields of pet loss, human-animal interaction, and the human side of veterinary practice. Since 1982 Dr. Cohen has helped pet lovers make decisions about the illness of their pets. She developed the first-ever Pet Loss Support Group and began an animal assisted activity program that took the then-unusual form of having volunteers work with their own pets. She originated many training programs for workers in the veterinary and social service fields, and she has been a field instructor for several schools of social work.

She has written several book chapters and scholarly articles on social work, veterinary practice, and the human-animal bond. Her most recent book chapter, “Loss, Grief, and Bereavement in the Context of Human-Animal Relationships” (Susan Cohen, DSW; and Adam Clark, LSW, AASW) was published in 2019. She is currently working on a chapter on pet loss for Routledge's International Handbook on Human-Animal Interaction.

These days she consults with veterinary groups on client and professional communication, compassion fatigue, and how to make practice fun again. She facilitates online support groups for veterinarians, animal welfare workers, managers, and those grieving the loss of a pet. She teaches online workshops and lectures widely to veterinary colleges and conferences, colleges of social work, veterinary technician programs, and human health groups on communication, pet loss and bereavement, human-animal interaction, client relations, compassion fatigue, and career development. 

She is Vice Chairperson of SWAHAB (Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond), the first such committee of the National Association of Social Workers. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine. In addition, she has made numerous television and radio addresses nationwide, including “The Today Show,” "20-20," and "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

Book appt with Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4vappt

Veterinary Pulse Podcast on VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast_v

VIN Foundation application access for VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/vinapp

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Are you wanting to sell all of your practice? Maybe you want to stop working? Or perhaps you want to continue working but are curious about the financial options to improve your work/life balance. Listen in to find out how Bree did on her homework assignment and the pros and cons of each sale option. 

Most importantly, we want to hear from YOU our listeners, to know what topics YOU want to hear about from experts. Please email us to share your thoughts: podcast@vinfoundation.org.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Bree Montana Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in the field of Biology followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation from veterinary medical school, Dr. Montana worked exclusively in small animal outpatient and emergency hospitals while pursuing additional medical training in the latest technologies. Dr. Montana has advanced training in ultrasonography, echocardiography, chemotherapy, dentistry, emergency medicine and surgery, transfusion medicine, class IV laser therapy, pain management and rehabilitation. A past member of UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine’s External Advisory and Admissions Boards, and a past Board member of the VIN Foundation, Dr. Montana is the Director of the VIN Foundation’s Vets4Vets® programs. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Montana will generally be found playing with her daughter Ember and their ponies, hiking with her huskies, and skiing or snowboarding with her husband. 

Dr. Lance Roasa

Lance Roasa, DVM, MS, JD is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M where he was the first student to undertake a 4th year business-track, spending the majority of his clinical training in veterinary business and industry. In 2016 He completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska and his training was centered on the law of small business, taxation and the law of veterinary medicine. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Veterinary Pulse The Future’s So Bright on VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast/fsbv
• VIN Foundation access on VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/vinapp
• Veterinary Pulse Message Board on VIN: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast_vmb
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® support group: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• Podcast email: podcast@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies, and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping, and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• White House Statement: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/22/statement-by-president-joe-biden-extending-the-pause-on-student-loan-repayment-an-additional-90-days/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/fedloan-servicing-quits/
• FedLoan Servicing: https://myfedloan.org/ 
• StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• New Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized assistance is available via the special Student Debt Message Board areas. If you do not have an active VIN username and password, you may gain access through the VIN Foundation access application: https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=9593830
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
• Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Most importantly, we want to hear from YOU our listeners, to know what topics YOU want to hear about from experts. Please email us to share your thoughts: podcast@vinfoundation.org.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Bree Montana Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in the field of Biology followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation from veterinary medical school, Dr. Montana worked exclusively in small animal outpatient and emergency hospitals while pursuing additional medical training in the latest technologies. Dr. Montana has advanced training in ultrasonography, echocardiography, chemotherapy, dentistry, emergency medicine and surgery, transfusion medicine, class IV laser therapy, pain management and rehabilitation. A past member of UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine’s External Advisory and Admissions Boards, and a past Board member of the VIN Foundation, Dr. Montana is the Director of the VIN Foundation’s Vets4Vets® programs. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Montana will generally be found playing with her daughter Ember and their ponies, hiking with her huskies, and skiing or snowboarding with her husband. 

Dr. Lance Roasa

Lance Roasa, DVM, MS, JD is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M where he was the first student to undertake a 4th year business-track, spending the majority of his clinical training in veterinary business and industry. In 2016 He completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska and his training was centered on the law of small business, taxation and the law of veterinary medicine. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

1. VIN Foundation Vets4Vets: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
2. Drip.vet: https://drip.vet/
3. VBMA: https://vbma.biz/
4. EBITDA: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ebitda.asp

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Listen in as VIN Foundation Executive Director Jordan benShea has a conversation with Dr. Christy Corp-Minamiji, a veterinarian with a love for words. Christy shares her non-traditional journey in the veterinary profession, how improving someone’s day is part of her job, and what she sees as the path for mental health, diversity and inclusion amongst colleagues.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Christy Corp-Minamiji

Christy Corp-Minamiji, DVM is a 1996 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.  She has worked as a small animal practitioner, in the biologics industry as a field researcher and technical services veterinarian/marketing director (it was a small company), and for a decade as a large animal practitioner.  In 2011, she changed career tracks when the large animal practice was closed due to the recession.  Since that time she has worked in communications for the Veterinary Information Network where she learns new job skills every day.  She lives in Davis, CA with a rotating array of almost adult and adult offspring.  Though she currently has no pets of her own she makes use of friends and family by loving on their furry and/or feathery companions whenever possible.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VetzInsight: https://www.vin.com/vetzinsight/
• VIN: https://www/vin.com
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• Imposture syndrome article by Dr. Michele Gaspar: https://vinfoundation.org/feeling-like-a-fraud-youre-not-alone/
• Salon - Putting Down the Vet Clinic I Loved: https://www.salon.com/2011/01/25/closing_down_vet_clinic/
• The Horse - Under the Blue Tarps: https://thehorse.com/135727/under-the-blue-tarps/
• Multi Culture Vet Med Association: https://mcvma.org/
• Veterinary as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE): https://vetvoicenational.org/
• PRIDE VMC: https://pridevmc.org/
• VOICE President, Indya Woods podcast episode: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-pulse-podcast-with-indya-woods/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Listen in as VIN Foundation Executive Director Jordan benShea has a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Woolf about the current veterinary forensics landscape. Do you know your state’s animal abuse reporting laws? Does the story fit the clinical signs? Do veterinarians need to have experience in veterinary forensics to report animal abuse? In this episode Jennifer covers how animal abuse is currently handled in the veterinary profession, where she sees areas for improvement and the link between animal abuse and interpersonal abuse. 

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Jennifer Woolf Dr. Woolf received her D.V.M. and M.S. (concentration: Veterinary Forensic Sciences) from the University of Florida (UF). Over the years, she has worked in private practices and animal welfare organizations, including relief work at over 50 locations in the Boston, MA and San Francisco, CA areas. In 2014 she founded Woolf Veterinary Forensics Consulting where she lectures internationally on animal abuse, the Link, and veterinary forensics, as well as investigating and consulting on individual cases. She also works for Veterinary Information Network (VIN), behind the scenes and upfront writing articles and developing materials on animal abuse and veterinary forensics for VIN members and the general public. Additionally, Dr. Woolf is an instructor in the UF Veterinary Forensic Sciences Online Graduate Programs, has published numerous articles and a book chapter on animal cruelty topics, and was a 2018-2019 Don Low-CVMA Practitioner Fellow at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in the Anatomic Pathology Department. Dr. Woolf is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association (IVFSA), and a founding member of the Alameda County Animal Cruelty Task Force. Previously she has served on the boards of the IVFSA and the Contra Costa County Veterinary Medical Association.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Animal Legal and Historical Center: https://www.animallaw.info/
• National Link Coalition: https://nationallinkcoalition.org/
• Animal Abuse and Veterinary Forensics Center on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), VIN membership is required to view: https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=10129371&pid=27494&
• International Veterinary Forensics Society: https://www.ivfsa.org/
• Veterinary Forensics Sciences Online Graduate Program at University of Florida: (https://vetforensics.med.ufl.edu/)faculty mentioned:
  • Adam Stern, DVM, ACVP: forensic veterinary pathologist; co-instructor in the UF program
  • Julie Brinker, DVM, MS: shelter veterinarian at Humane Society of Missouri; co-instructor in the UF program
• National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory https://www.fws.gov/lab/ specifically pathologists Tabitha Viner, DVM, ACVP and Rebecca Kagan, DVM, ACVP
• Dr. Jennifer Woolf Veterinary Forensics Consulting: https://www.wvfcinc.com/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website https://vinfoundation.org, or join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VinFoundation, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vinfoundation, or Twitter https://twitter.com/vinfoundation.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Listen in as VIN Foundation Executive Director Jordan benShea has a conversation with Vets4Vets® team member Dr. Susan Cohen about suicide risks in the veterinary profession, how adverse childhood events play a role, and the impact of perfectionism. This episode kicks off the Veterinary Pulse’s Inhale, Exhale Series on mental wellness in the veterinary profession. Learn the warning signs of mental distress, what to do if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, and where to go for help.

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Susan P. Cohen Susan has been called a pioneer in the fields of pet loss, human-animal interaction, and the human side of veterinary practice. Since 1982 Dr. Cohen has helped pet lovers make decisions about the illness of their pets. She developed the first-ever Pet Loss Support Group and began an animal assisted activity program that took the then-unusual form of having volunteers work with their own pets. She originated many training programs for workers in the veterinary and social service fields, and she has been a field instructor for several schools of social work. She has written several book chapters and scholarly articles on social work, veterinary practice, and the human-animal bond. Her most recent book chapter, “Loss, Grief, and Bereavement in the Context of Human-Animal Relationships” (Susan Cohen, DSW; and Adam Clark, LSW, AASW) was published in 2019. She is currently working on a chapter on pet loss for Routledge's International Handbook on Human-Animal Interaction.

These days she consults with veterinary groups on client and professional communication, compassion fatigue, and how to make practice fun again. She facilitates online support groups for veterinarians, animal welfare workers, managers, and those grieving the loss of a pet. She teaches online workshops and lectures widely to veterinary colleges and conferences, colleges of social work, veterinary technician programs, and human health groups on communication, pet loss and bereavement, human-animal interaction, client relations, compassion fatigue, and career development. She is Vice Chairperson of SWAHAB (Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond), the first such committee of the National Association of Social Workers. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine. In addition, she has made numerous television and radio addresses nationwide, including “The Today Show,” "20-20," and "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® and Support4Support:: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
• Book a session with Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets-appointments/
• Dr. Susan Cohen Veterinary Pulse Episode 104: https://vinfoundation.org/are-you-caring-too-much-red-shoe-syndrome-susan-cohen/
• Adverse Childhood Events: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html
• Borderline personality disorder: https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Dr. Shiloh Landskov 

Dr. Shiloh Landskov is a new graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2020. She is a Minnesota native, and currently works in general practice and emergency medicine. Her interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and leadership within veterinary medicine. She currently lives with her husband and 6 pets in central Minnesota.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized Assistance available via the special Student Debt Message Board areas:
  • VIN member (including veterinary students)
  • Non-VIN member (veterinarians and pre-veterinary students)

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Edie is the VIN News Service director and has been reporting and editing for VIN News since 2008. Before that, she covered science, energy, the environment, education and whatever else needed doing at newspapers in Sacramento, California; Portland, Maine; Binghamton, New York; and Stockton, California. Edie has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives near Seattle with her husband, daughter and two canine associates.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN News
• VIN News email signup
• One Health
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Indya Woods

Indya Woods is currently a 4th year veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Indya grew up in Mobile, AL, and knew she loved animals from a very young age. Indya began pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian while in college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her time at UAB, Indya completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. While in college, Indya also developed a love for servant leadership, mentorship, and community service- which influenced her extracurricular involvement in veterinary school.

At Auburn, Indya currently serves as Vice President of the Class of 2022. Indya has also served as 2019-2020 National Vice President of Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) and 2020-2021 National Co-President of VOICE. Indya’s time with VOICE showed her that she has a true commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity within the veterinary profession, and hopes to continue to use her career to educate her peers on DEI within vet med.

After graduating in May 2022, Indya hopes to move to South Florida to become a small animal and exotics veterinarian. She also hopes to volunteer in aquatic animal rescue and rehabilitation. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
• VOICE: https://vetvoicenational.org/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO: Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/fedloan-servicing-quits/
• FedLoan Servicing: https://myfedloan.org/ 
• StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• New Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized assistance is available via the special Student Debt Message Board areas. If you do not have an active VIN username and password, you may gain access through the VIN Foundation access application: https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=9593830
• Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
• Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Rachel Mar

Dr. Rachel Mar completed her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in photography at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She worked in high school ministry for one year then moved to Dublin, Ireland to obtain her degree in Veterinary Medicine from University College Dublin. Now she is an integrative veterinarian working in Santa Barbara, California. She is a Fear Free certified veterinarian and will complete her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) through Chi University at the end of Summer 2021. Dr. Mar is currently enrolled in the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) course through the University of Tennessee. She has a blog dedicated to improving the wellbeing of both pet parents and their pets, and also offers virtual veterinary teleadvice consults via her website www.thevitalityvet.com. Dr. Mar can also be found on Facebook and Instagram (@thevitalityvet).

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Cal Poly: https://www.calpoly.edu/
• Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin: https://www.ucd.ie/vetmed/
• Vitality Vet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityvet/
• Vitality Vet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevitalityvet/?hl=en
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Andrew Moffatt

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Andrew Moffatt, DVM, MBA, at the age of five, told his mother, with a firm commitment, that he wanted to be an "animal doctor". Some 20 years later Dr. Moffatt graduated with a degree in Veterinary Science from Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand in 2006.

He started his veterinary career at Cliffe Veterinary Group in East Sussex, England, then made the move to London and took on the role of Clinical Director at Chadwell Heath Veterinary Practice. Dr. Moffatt then joined The Village Veterinary Group (CVS) as Clinical Director, managing four busy hospitals and 55 staff. Whilst living in London, he completed an Executive MBA at Cass Business School.

In between these permanent positions Dr. Moffatt worked in another 20 hospitals for varying lengths of time, and made the move to California in the fall of 2011 and lives in San Francisco with his black and white cat Monstey. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, fly-fishing, cycling, and diving.

Dr. Moffatt tries to offer his clients and their pets health care advice that is honest, ethical, and compassionate. His has advanced skills in surgery (both soft tissue and orthopedics), imaging (ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy), dentistry, oncology, and exotic patient care, enjoys seeing species such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, pigs, goats, and even fish! He is obtaining his certification as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) with the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and is Fear Free Certified.

Dr. Moffatt is the Founder and current CEO of VetnCare, Inc, a growing group of veterinary hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area. These days his main foci are New Graduate mentorship, Veterinarian recruitment, and clinical leadership and operations.

In 2017 Dr. Moffatt was awarded the California Veterinary Medical Association's "RVT's Outstanding DVM of the Year". This award recognizes Dr. Moffatt's hard work and dedication to his patients, clients and staff alike and rewards his focus on education, training and progressive medicine. He is an active member of the CVMA's PAC (Political Action Committee) and the Certified Veterinary Assistant Committee. He is also a past Vice President and Board Member of the Alameda County Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Moffatt is an Expert Witness for the  Veterinary Medical Board providing consultation to the board as part of Disciplinary Investigations. He speaks at numerous AVMA accredited schools around the world, covering various business topics including professional happiness, debt management, veterinary business finance, entrepreneurialism, and veterinary business ownership. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VetnCare: https://vetncare.com/
• VetnCare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetncare/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
• VIN Foundation Thrive in Five Toolkit: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/thrive-in-five-new-veterinary-graduate-toolkit/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Maslach Burnout: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslach_Burnout_Inventory
• Contact Dr. Andrew Moffatt: amoffatt@vetncare.com

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/fedloan-servicing-quits/
• FedLoan Servicing: https://myfedloan.org/ 
• StudentAid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
• StudentAid PSLF: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized Assistance available via the special Student Debt Message Board areas:
  • VIN member (including veterinary students)
  • Non-VIN member (veterinarians and pre-veterinary students)

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt. 

Recent Reports on FedLoan Servicing Exit:

• https://www.marketwatch.com/story/student-loan-giant-that-manages-public-service-loan-forgiveness-will-stop-servicing-federal-loans-11625779955?siteid=yhoof2

• https://www.businessinsider.com/public-service-student-loan-forgiveness-pheaa-elizabeth-warren-2021-7?amp

• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/student-loan-servicer-pheaa-drops-out-of-federal-student-loan-program-172217542.html

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2021/07/08/huge-student-loan-servicing-shakeup-this-major-loan-servicer-is-ending-its-contract/?sh=6d73b4fd7b23

• https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/09/the-agency-managing-your-federal-student-loans-could-soon-change.html

• https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/08/politics/federal-student-loan-servicing-contract-pheaa/index.html

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Tony Bartels

Tony Bartels graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and a VIN Foundation Board Member. He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources as a board member. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

Daniella Guzman

Daniella is an economist and fourth-year veterinary student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is pursuing a career in zoological medicine and is exploring an interest in veterinary public policy. Highly active in organized veterinary medicine, she is currently the AAZV Student Programs and Services Student Representative, the WDA Wildlife Veterinary Section Student Representative, President of the OSU chapter of VOICE and WVLDI, and holds various other leadership roles. In her spare time, Daniella likes to take her cat on nature walks and paint pet portraits for her friends and family. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation Apply Smarter: https://vetschoolbound.org/applysmarter/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
• Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE): https://vetvoicenational.org/
• OSU VOICE: https://www.facebook.com/OSU-CVM-VOICE-100142705121696
• OSU: https://vet.osu.edu/
• AAZV Education Committee: https://www.facebook.com/AAZVEducation
• AAZV Student Programs and Services: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2280591488658071
• WVLDI: https://wvldi.org/
• OSU WVLDI: https://www.facebook.com/osuwvldi
• YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s43eQ_xa51c&t=1s

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Charlotte Waack, AA, AAS, BS, CVT, RVT

 Charlotte started working in the field of veterinary medicine in 1990, as a veterinary assistant. She ended up loving the field and pursued the education to become a credentialed veterinary technician. Charlotte graduated from St. Petersburg Distance Learning Veterinary Technology program in 2004, and in 2006 started working for Veterinary Information Network (VIN), assisting with Continued Education (CE) courses for VSPN (Veterinary Support Personnel Network). Charlotte currently serves as the Director of VSPN and VSPN CE. In addition to driving all content to the VSPN website, she is also in charge of hiring instructors and coordinating the CE courses offered to technicians and support staff, is the co-founder and Team Lead of the VIN Foundation peer support group Support4Support, and is a vital member of the VIN Conference team, working at conferences in the US, Canada, and Europe, and has recently started to host interview type vlogs for VSPN, called #lovevspn.

Charlotte served on the National Veterinary Technician Association executive board from 2012-2014, Missouri Veterinary Technicians Association board from 2008-2012; Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association board from 2014-2017. She coordinated three CE conferences for Missouri Veterinary Technicians Association and has served on the CVT and CE committees for ISVMA since 2015 and co-chair of the ISVMA yearly convention since 2017-2019, as well as the technician program chair for Chicagoland Veterinary Conference.

Charlotte’s speaking engagements have included the Wild West Veterinary Conference, Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Symposium, presented webinars for VSPN, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, and has given presentations to Illinois veterinary technology programs. She has also been published in NAVTA Journal, ISVMA Epitome and Veterinary Technicians Magazine.

As an educator, Charlotte has taught CE courses for VSPN CE, a veterinary assistant course at John Wood Community College in Quincy, IL, and was an adjunct instructor for San Juan College Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program. She also serves on the curriculum advisory committees for San Juan College Veterinary Technology Program and Pima Medical Institute (Las Vegas) Veterinary Technology Program.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VSPN: https://www.vin.com/vspn
• VSPN CE: https://www.vin.com/CE
• Support4Support: support4support@vinfoundation.org
• VSPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vspn_community/
• VSPN on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vspnorg
• VSPN on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vspn-veterinary-support-personnel-network

Learn more about the VIN Foundation Veterinary Pulse podcast, or explore the VIN Foundation and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Quote mentioned by Nia Powell during the episode: “Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” - Babe Ruth

GUEST BIO:

Nia Powell

Nia Powell is a 2nd-year student at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. After growing up in Chicago, Nia attended the University of Missouri where she earned a B.S in Psychology and Spanish. Currently, Nia is interested in small animal and equine medicine. She also enjoys cardiology and internal medicine. Outside of vet med, Nia likes to travel and spend time with her family, friends, and dogs Zoe (a pomeranian mix) and Peyton (a lab mix).

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Nia Powell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingdoctornia/
• NC State College of Veterinary Medicine: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/
• VIN Foundation Cost of Education Map: https://vetschoolbound.org/how-much-will-my-veterinary-education-cost/
• VIN Foundation Apply Smarter: https://vetschoolbound.org/applysmarter/
• 3D Anatomy on VIN: https://www.vin.com/3dlearning
• You will need a VIN membership to view the 3D Learning, you may sign up for a free VIN Student membership: https://www.vin.com/students/default.aspx
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA Tony Bartels graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources as a VIN Foundation board member. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319/text?format=txt
• Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov
• Federal Student Aid COVID FAQ: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
• Sizing up the Student Loan Tax Forgiveness blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/sizing-up-student-loan-forgiveness-tax-exemption/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/

Personalized Assistance available via the special VIN and VIN Foundation Student Debt Message Board areas:

• VIN member

• Non-VIN member

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Andrew Lee

Dr. Andrew Lee is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana where he received his doctorate in veterinary medicine (2017)  as well as receiving his BS in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Dr. Lee is passionate about forming life-long relationships with clients through education, compassion, trust, and works with owners to be active participants in the healthcare of their pets. In his free time, Dr. Lee likes to spend time with friends and family, travel, exercise (but hates running), work with his hands, fancying a new whiskey, watches movies, loves to try new cuisine, and also appreciates a lazy Sunday afternoon. He lives with Scout (a sweet mixed breed dog), Sawyer (an energetic Schnauzer) and Lego (a mischievous siamese cat).

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

Model Employment Contract: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/model-employment-contract/

Learn more about the VIN Foundation Veterinary Pulse podcast, or explore the VIN Foundation and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Lance Roasa is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M where he was the first student to undertake a 4th year business-track, spending the majority of his clinical training in veterinary business and industry. In 2016 He completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska and his training was centered on the law of small business, taxation, and the law of veterinary medicine. 

Drew Olson, DVM

A 2012 Iowa State Veterinary College graduate, Dr. Drew Olson has practiced in small and large animal clinics and has considerable experience in the veterinary compounding medicine industry.  An Omaha native, he is regarded as one of the nation’s leading veterinarians in compounding specialized veterinary medications. Be sure and ask Dr. Olson about his experience with retired circus elephants or his participation as a veterinary student in Frontier Vets, a documentary filmed in the remote region of Kruger Park in South Africa.  Drew resides in Omaha with his wife, Karin, and their daughter Olive.  They enjoy spending time with friends, family, and their rescue dog, Faith.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Drip.vet: https://drip.vet/
• FREE Personal Financial Course: https://drip.vet/vin/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Moriah McCauley

Dr. McCauley is a practicing small animal veterinarian who has always been deeply passionate about caring for those around her.

Through her veterinary studies in Scotland, she was given opportunities to learn from incredible veterinarians around her. Seeing the immense value in their stories she sought a way to share these opportunities with her colleagues, thus the podcast was created.

As Dr. McCauley transitioned from student to doctor she began to focus on the role these stories have in veterinary medicine and how storytelling can improve outcomes for clients and patients.

Each episode takes its listeners around the world to hear from inspiring veterinarians as they faced exciting and challenging situations in their jobs and teaches veterinary students and veterinarians how to become confident and engaging storytellers.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• That Vet Life podcast: https://www.thatvetlifepodcast.com/
• The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/studying
• Student Association of Veterinary Medicine (SAVMA): https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• I Want to be a Veterinarian: https://iwanttobeaveterinarian.org/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Justice Birdsong

Justice Birdsong is from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri (MIZZOU) where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During her undergraduate studies she worked as an assistant and manager with the Small Animal Critical Care Assistants (SACCA) in the ICU of the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. She is currently a DVM 2023 candidate attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) with hopes of becoming an ER and Critical Care Veterinarian. She is currently the 2020-2021 RUSVM SAVMA Secretary, a member of the RUSVM Diversity Task Force, and is a charter member and the Vice President of the RUSVM Student Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians (SNABV).

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• I Want to be a Veterinarian: https://iwanttobeaveterinarian.org/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/vets4vets
• SAVMA: https://veterinary.rossu.edu/about/student-government/national-savma
• National Association Black Veterinarians: https://nabvonline.org/
• Ross Diversity Task Force: https://medical.rossu.edu/about/news/rusm-diversity-inclusion-taskforce-provides-a-three-month-update

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

GUEST BIO:

Serena Nayee, DVM

Dr. Serena Nayee is a 2020 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Serena and her siblings were raised with a multicultural background, rooting from strong Gujarati and American values. After graduating high school in Fishers, Indiana, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at Ohio State University, before heading to veterinary school. Serena’s interests in the veterinary profession are focused on emergency medicine and development of affordable and accessible urgent/preventative healthcare (clinical and policy) to diversify the veterinary field, with a commitment to the value of One Health. In 2020 she founded Chapter VIII: Veterinary Inclusion and Intersectionality Initiative, to promote inclusive advocacy and education, intersectional art and story-sharing, communication workshops, community mentorship, and diversifying professional experience. Outside of veterinary medicine, Serena enjoys writing poetry and short literary fiction, singing, reading, and filming/editing videos.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation I Want to be a Veterinarian: https://iwanttobeaveterinarian.org/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/vets4vets
• Chapter VIII Veterinary Inclusion and Intersectionality Initiative: https://www.facebook.com/chapterviiiboard/
• Chapter VIII email: chapterviiiboard@gmail.com
• Pawsibilities: https://pawsibilitiesvetmed.com/

Learn more about the Veterinary Pulse podcast and the hosts on the VIN Foundation website: https://vinfoundation.org/podcast

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

HOST AND GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Matt Holland

Matt Holland, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.

Bronwyn Fullagar, BVSc, MS, DACVS-SA

Dr. Bronwyn Fullagar is a specialist small animal surgeon based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Bronwyn grew up in Brisbane, Australia and earned her veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in 2007. After a few years in mixed and small animal practice, she moved to Calgary for a rotating internship, then to the Ohio State University to complete a residency in small animal surgery. She returned to Canada and was awarded Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2016. Since then, Bronwyn has worked as a specialist small animal surgeon in Canada, Australia and the United States, and has volunteered as a surgical instructor for World Vets and the Worldwide Veterinary Service. At work, she enjoys challenging soft tissue surgery cases and she loves to share her enthusiasm for surgery, helping veterinary students and practicing vets to boost their expertise and confidence. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her in the mountains, trail running with her dog, mountain biking or backcountry skiing. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• The Vet Vault Clinical Podcast: https://vvn.supercast.tech/ 
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

HOST AND GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Matt Holland

Matt Holland, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.

Junior Saint Preux 

Junior Saint Preux is a 4th-year student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Orlando, FL he received his Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences from Bethune-Cookman University. After several twists and turns, Junior had to decide between his athletic career in track and field or continuing his education. Through the support of his fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., he made his way to Florida A&M University Pharmacy School for one semester before ultimately realizing the importance of being passionate about a direction. Junior knew a career in veterinary medicine was his calling with a desire to help both people and animals. Upon starting at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine he recognized an opportunity to improve the veterinary school experience for himself and his classmates. He began to dedicate his time to SAVMA and was elected Chapter President, where he focused his efforts on addressing the importance of diversity and inclusion and making Ross a safer and more welcoming campus for minorities and underrepresented students. Junior also collaborated with classmates to start the first student chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians, creating a safe space for African Americans and allies at Ross. Through this effort, they have also been able to mentor undergraduate students, create their own mentoring program to connect with alumni for guidance and collaborate with the school counselors to address issues regarding the mental health of the minority students. Junior believes in the motto “lifting as we climb,” and continues to focus his efforts in the veterinary profession with this mission. 

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• National Association for Black Veterinarians: https://nabvonline.org/
• SAVMA: https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine: https://vet.rossu.edu/
• University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine: https://cvm.missouri.edu/
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: https://oppf.org/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

HOST AND GUEST BIOS:

Dr. Matt Holland

Matt Holland, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.

Dr. Quincy Hawley

Quincy Hawley, DVM is a 2013 graduate of NC State’s CVM. Dr. Hawley has 6 years of working in small animal general practice. He is the co-founder of Get MotiVETed LLC, a company that provides wellbeing solutions for veterinary professionals and organizations. He is a Certified Professional Coach, self-published self-help and fitness author. Dr. Hawley has experience coaching a variety of veterinary professionals including but not limited to veterinarians, practice managers, and various veterinary hospital support staff. Dr. Hawley is also the president of the NC Association of Minority Veterinarians, a 501-3c non-profit organization with a purpose of improving diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency for the profession. Dr. Hawley volunteers his time as a member of NC State’s CVM admissions committee, and is currently serving his 3rd term doing so. He lives in NC with his wife, 2 daughters, along with their 8 dogs, 1 calico cat and a handful of chickens!

Renee Machel

Renee Machel is a nationally recognized wellbeing speaker, certified life coach, CYT 200 yoga instructor, mindfulness, and meditation guide. As the co-founder of Get MotiVETed she aims to provide a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and enhance the culture within organizations. She has spent nearly 20 years in the veterinary industry as a hospital leader and technician. She now shares her personal story of overcoming wellbeing struggles and key teachings in managing personal and professional wellbeing and development. Additionally, she lives in NC with her blended family, welcoming their newest addition into the world this spring, and of course, her fur-kids Eli & Penelope. As a family, they spend much of their time racing motocross when she and her fiance are not wearing their ‘entrepreneur hats’.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® Confidential Support Group: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
• Get MotiVETed: https://getmotiveted.com/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Since March 13, 2020, borrowers with federally held student loans have received student loan repayment relief. Interest rates have been set to zero percent, payments have been suspended, and for those using income-driven repayment or working towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the suspension time has counted towards qualifying forgiveness payments.

The entire student loan collection system was never intended to be turned off and on all at once, like a switch, so what can we expect as we head into a full year of this relief? Listen in to learn more.

In this episode we mention the following links and information:

• Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov
• Federal Student Aid COVID FAQ: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
• VIN Foundation COVID-19 Repayment Restart blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/covid-19-veterinary-student-loan-repayment-restart/
• VIN Foundation Repay Wiser Tools: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
• VIN Foundation New Veterinary Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/class-2020-veterinary-student-loan-playbook/
• VIN Foundation Student Loan Forgiveness Planning blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-forgiveness-planning-preparing-for-the-tax-bill/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
• Personalized Assistance available via the special VIN and VIN Foundation Student Debt Message Board areas:
  • VIN member
  • Non-VIN member

Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Jonathan is candid and transparent about his unique path to veterinary school and shares a realistic view on how the veterinary profession is dealing with diversity, equality, and inclusion. Facing his steepest challenge yet, Jonathan admits that veterinary school is difficult, and this raw conversation provides insight into his touching story of perseverance and dedication. As Jonathan says, faith without work is dead.

HOST AND GUEST BIOS:

Matt Holland, DVM

Matt Holland graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.

Jonathan Dumas

Jonathan is from Miami, Florida, and attended the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. He then went on to receive a dual master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education and International Agriculture and Development from Pennsylvania State University. Jonathan spent five years working in Washington, D.C. as a Program and Policy Analyst for both USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, and USDA, Departmental Management, Office of Human Resources Management respectively. It has been Jonathan’s lifelong dream to become a Veterinarian, and since starting Veterinary School he has developed interests in mixed animal medicine, animal nutrition, and public policy. Jonathan currently serves as the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine SAVMA President and is the National SAVMA Chapter Presidents Representative-Elect.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine: https://vet.rossu.edu/
• SAVMA: https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• USDA Pathways Program: https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/careers/usda-pathways-programs 
• USDA APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home/
• USDA DM Office of Human Resources Management: https://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/ 
• Dr. Matt Holland episode: https://vinfoundation.podbean.com/e/a-haiku-a-veterinarian-and-the-coronavirus/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Normally, interest accrues on your veterinary school Direct Loans from the day you receive them. The interest suspension you received during 2020 has been an extremely beneficial form of financial relief. This will likely save you tens of thousands of dollars during repayment. 

Unfortunately, the student loan interest suspension period will end and interest will begin to accrue on your loans at some point after January 31, 2021. For the 2020-2021 academic calendar year, the loans you received from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, will accrue interest at a rate of 4.3% for Direct Unsubsidized and 5.3% for Direct Grad PLUS loans.

Listen in to learn best practices to help you renter student loan repayment as a veterinary student. 

SPEAKER BIOS:

Dr. Lance Roasa

Dr. Lance Roasa is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M where he was the first student to undertake a 4th-year business-track, spending the majority of his clinical training in veterinary business and industry. In 2016 He completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska and his training was centered on the law of small business, taxation, and the law of veterinary medicine. Dr. Roasa exclusively serves veterinarians from his law practice, teaches veterinary law and business at 14 veterinary schools, and co-founded drip.vet.

Dr. Tony Bartels

Tony Bartels graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies, and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping, and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Drip.vet FREE Personal Financial Course: https://drip.vet/vin 
• Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov
• Federal Student Aid COVID FAQ: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
• VIN Foundation Blog: https://vinfoundation.org/blog/
• VIN Foundation COVID-19 Repayment Restart blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/covid-19-veterinary-student-loan-repayment-restart/
• VIN Foundation Borrow Better Tools: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/
• VIN Foundation New Veterinary Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/class-2020-veterinary-student-loan-playbook/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Email help from VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Since March 13, 2020, borrowers with federally held student loans have received student loan repayment relief. Interest rates have been set to zero percent, payments have been suspended, and for those using income-driven repayment or working towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the suspension time has counted towards qualifying forgiveness payments.

The current relief is now set to expire on January 31, 2020. Many receiving student loan repayment relief have been notified by the Department of Education and/or their loan servicers that repayment will be restarting in 2021. The entire student loan collection system was never intended to be turned off and on all at once, like a switch, so what can we expect this February 2021? Listen in to learn more.

In this episode we mention the following links and information:

• Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov
• Federal Student Aid COVID FAQ: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
• VIN Foundation COVID-19 Repayment Restart blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/covid-19-veterinary-student-loan-repayment-restart/
• VIN Foundation Repay Wiser Tools: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/
• VIN Foundation New Veterinary Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/class-2020-veterinary-student-loan-playbook/
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
• VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
• VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
• Email help from VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Helpful for all pre-veterinary students, Amber takes you step-by-step through her financial expenses while applying to veterinary school. From application fees to moving costs, this podcast episode provides tangible information to help with the pre-veterinary school process. 

In this episode we mention the following links and information:

• Amber McElhinney blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/the-financials-of-applying-to-veterinary-school-what-i-wish-i-had-known/
• VIN Foundation Apply Smarter: http://vinfoundation.org/applysmarter
• VIN Foundation Apply Smarter Checklist: https://vetschoolbound.org/applysmarterchecklist
• Vet School Bound: https://vetschoolbound.org
• VIN Foundation Cost of Education Map: https://vetschoolbound.org/how-much-will-my-veterinary-education-cost/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Paying for your veterinary education is complicated. FAFSA, Direct Unsubsidized and Grad Plus Loans, Health Professions Student Loans, private loans, family loans, spouse support, savings, summer job -- how do you know which loans or resources are best to use now to decrease stress now and during repayment?  

If you’re borrowing, you undoubtedly have received your financial aid award for this semester. And you also have a special surprise this year -- no interest so far! This webinar will help you assess your award, the current interest suspension information unique to this year, and Borrow Better for the remainder of veterinary school. Learn how to create the best plan for you!

In this episode we mention the following links and information:

• VIN Foundation Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/
• VIN Foundation Borrow Better Checklist: https://vinfoundation.org/borrowbetterchecklist
• VIN Foundation My Student Loans Tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
• VIN Foundation In-School Loan Estimator: http://www.vinfoundation.org/isle
• Student Aid.gov: https://studentaid.gov/
• Drip.vet Personal Financial Success FREE Course: https://drip.vet/vin/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

Dr. Levitin was born and raised in the Wrigleyville area of Chicago, IL. She attended the University of Illinois where she received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences with honors (2010) and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (2015). Following graduation, she completed a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialty Center (Buffalo Grove, IL). While Dr. Levitin always had a strong interest in neurology throughout veterinary school, her rotating internship found her interested in caring for more critical patients as well. She subsequently returned to the University of Illinois for a specialty internship in Emergency and Critical Care with an additional emphasis on Neurology. During her specialty internship, she developed a strong interest in cases that combined these two specialties, including management of cluster seizures, implementing treatment for encephalitides, and head trauma. She is currently in her final year of her Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at the University of Illinois.

In this episode we mention the following resource:

Vets4Vets® https://vinfoundation.org/vets4vets

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

In this episode we mention the following links:

Saving Money in Veterinary School blog post: https://vinfoundation.org/saving-money-in-veterinary-school-living-expenses/

Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!

About Victoria McKaba:

Victoria has a strong interest in small animal cardiology and hopes to pursue an internship and residency after graduation. While in veterinary school, Victoria has dedicated her time to organized veterinary medicine, serving as the Illinois SAVMA President, Omega Tau Sigma - Theta Chapter President, and currently serves as the National SAVMA Chapter President Representative. Outside of vet med, Victoria loves hiking with her dog Bentley, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and discovering the best local breweries.

In this episode we mention the following resources:

• SAVMA: https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
• University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!