Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots

In an Idiots first, the guys take on a three part episode, covering a very breviated history of wolves becoming dogs, then how different breeds came about, going into breeds that have gone extinct over the years or were rolled into other breeds, and then concluding with a discussion about bringing one breed, the French Bulldog, away from the brink of extinction. Part 1 is the discussion of wolves, specifically a breed of wolf that no longer is on this planet, most likely because it assimilated quietly into modern dogs. They talk of how dogs spread throughout the world, the cause of them joining human ranks, why a symbiotic relationship was so important it came to what we have today, and discuss other things, like ring evolution (editors note, Cory talks about birds on Darwin Island and erroneously refers to them as wrens, but they were actually finches) and selective breeding for working needs. 

The Idiots have talked about what it's like when you're an established vet, what it's like going through vet school, and what it's like in internships, residencies, and clinicals, but that murky inbetween has not been breached. That's where Dr. Maddy Golichowski (or as Kent says "Gahlowzzskckksheeee") comes in. Dr. Maddy is well into her second year as a practicing vet, which allows her the hindsight of a first year without the distance in time obscuring her view. We talk pros, cons, and difficulties with being green in the field. Listen up, this rookie is going to do great things, and The Idiots were happy to be along for the ride. 

We did a crossover thing! The lovely Dr. Amy Pike and Dr Amy Learn were gracious enough to share a show with us. Vet Med For Idiots By Idiots collides with Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys, and the result is wonderful. Lots of laughs, lots of information, much of it to do with simplifying dog behavior, understanding how to interpret their mannerisms and actions, and why some things get confused due to outdated thoughts. Be safe with your pets, and your pets will be safe with you. Also, check out their show. Our episode has been on for a couple weeks, and now is available on our sites. Learn and Pike are both wonderful, intelligent, and entertaining doctors and are probably better than us in every way, except we grow better beards and are way bigger in Iceland.  Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys, is available on Apple at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behavior-buzzzzzz-with-2-amys/id1706761841 and Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZMc3J3TOhg7FmQm3N1vTz?si=486-lB_zSV-8s62F26HfGw 

If there is something that we can all agree on wholeheartedly, it's "f*#$ cancer", right? This week, The Idiots bring on The Oncology Idiot, Dr. Christopher Fulkerson, who is at the forefront of cancer research for animals. Join us as we break down why there isn't a simple cure for cancer, the ways we are advancing in medicine, how the research process goes, and why animal research is great for humans, as breakthroughs with the former can jump to the latter.  Also, Dr. Kent ALMOST laughs at Cory's joke, so that's exciting. 

This week, The Idiots discuss White Coat Syndrome, which is a phenomenon where nerves override the body in anticipation of seeing a doctor. Can be the building, the area, the lobby, the doctor-something just gets ahold of the animals. This can happen to humans, as well. We are lobbying for a new law where pizza and tacos are given free at the doctor, to make it more enjoyable and to relate good with the clinic. We do the same with animals! Anyway, listen in to hear about WCS, how you can help your pets get through it, and the pitfalls of failing to be prepared for a visit with an anxious dog. Just remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

Howdy! Do you want to pay a small amount now or a huge amount later? Unless you are a moron, I think I know the answer. That's what this episode is all about. The boys talk preventative medicine, including checks ups, vaccines, and other routine maintainence for your pet. Don't worry, they get distracted, figure out how to work Angela Bassett into the conversation, and get sidetracked talking about sharks.   BTW, Cory's 5 favorite sharks all time are the thresher, great white, megalodon, goblin, and stethacanthus.

In a season of return guests, another makes a come back. Amber Johnson, Idiot Brain Witch extraordinaire, touches on mental health again, and steps you can do to help keep mental health in check. Be it self care, calming techniques, or just being kind to yourself in general, you matter, and vets have incredibly stressful jobs. Yours might be, too, if your career isn't in the veterinary medicine world. Maybe you're unemployed or a stay at home parent. Mental health, self care, and calming techniques aren't limited to stressful jobs. It's an episode that can speak to anyone. Give a listen and be kind to your mind. If you have more questions for Amber, reach out to either of the Idiots and they can put you in contact. If we get enough questions about mental health in general, we may compile them into another episode with Amber.    Suicide and Crisis Helpline: Call or Text 988   https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ University of Tennessee - Veterinary Social Work   Grief and Bereavement services available as well as pet loss support groups. Consultations and resources for animal caring professionals experiencing compassion fatigue, stress, burnout, etc.   Veterinary Social Work Helpline 865-755-8839    For pet owners: https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/get-help-for-people/   For professionals: https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/intentional-well-being/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)   https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help   1-800-662-HELP Not One More Vet   https://www.nomv.org CompassionFatigue.org Self-Compassion.org  Yoga Nidra   Why it helps! https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-benefits-of-yoga-nidra/   A great meditation: https://youtu.be/8mM5Oks8yZc?si=Gi9XGVY1ygszOKVT

Have you ever wanted to be the workhorse of a veterinary hospital? Do all the work for the veterinarians but get none of the credit and a fraction of the pay? Do you want to get scratched and bit by patients routinely? If this sounds amazing to you, then listen to this episode of the path it takes to become a veterinary technician. Jokes aside, they are the lifeblood of any hospital, and a vital piece to the wellbeing of all pets. Our new favorite guest, the Vet Tech Idiot Beth, discusses the way to get there.  Apologies, this episode had some technical difficulties resulting in a second episode in a row with no video and some of Beth's audio was lost, but only in small random spots. The meat and potatoes of the episode is there. Anyway, we're going to blame Kent. Beth is a vet tech. Literature nerd. Music appreciator. Terrible dancer. Her credentials are Beth Laffoon, MS, RVT. She gave "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" a 3.5/5.  "One of the best parts about being a vet tech in academia is getting to serve as a mentor to current, former, and prospective students. Any listeners out there who are thinking about becoming veterinary technicians- feel free to reach out with questions! I’m happy to give insight on the vet tech life or provide info about our residential and online vet tech programs that are accessible from all over the world. (Looking at you, Iceland!)" -B Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGguCq8mE/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlynn5150?igsh=MXM4NTVrZ3BucjhqYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

The Idiots recognize that it is tough to be a woman in the world, and it can be even more for one in the veterinary world, so they brought back two of their favorite women doctors, Dr. Erin and Dr. Laura, for a chat about what it's like to be the fairer sex. The gang discuss sexism, both obvious and subversive, harrassment, and discuss the surprising reality that while the vet world is majority female, some of the worst attitudes towards women comes from other women.  Dr. Erin's socials Tiktok and Insta @sheep.rock.vet YT and FB @sheeprockvet Dr Laura's socials and website www.fernandezveterinaryservices.com Tiktok and Insta @thedoctorsfernandez Apologies, we did not record this episode for video.

If a dog's nose is dry, is it sick? Do cats really steal baby's breath? Listen in for these and other myths your favorite Idiots discuss. The boys talk about why these myths exist, where they came from, and if there is any validity to them.  That's it. That's the show description. Also, if you really like this episode, reach out to the Idiots either at their individual socials or at vetmedforidiotsbyidiots@gmail.com and ask about some of your own myths that you have heard about pets over the years.