On today’s show, I have Nicole VanDeLeest who is an Associate Veterinarian living outside of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Nicole and I chat about the vet school process and what it was like, some of the most difficult parts of being a veterinarian, one of her proudest moments of her career, her thoughts on pets having a grain free diet, advice she’d give to anyone who wants to be veterinarian, and so much more!

Excited for you to tune in and hope you enjoy!

Nicole VanDeLeest | Associate Veterinarian

Show notes

In today’s episode, you’ll find out:

• The process of veterinary school and how Nicole got started.
• The hardest and most difficult parts of being a veterinarian.
• One of her most proudest moments of her career as a vet.
• What she thinks people misconceive about being a veterinarian.
• A few of the craziest situations she’s been in while being a vet.
• Advice for people who want to become a vet one day.

Graduated from Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine 5 years ago and has since worked in the veterinary field around the Indianapolis area. Working as a small animal associate veterinarian in Indianapolis brings a variety of cases and workload on a day to day basis with no two days ever being remotely similar. Her goal is to help as many furry patients and their owners as possible make the best daily choices and medical decisions for their pets. 

Key takeaways from this episode

“I enjoy math, science, problem-solving, and trying to figure stuff out and I was able to tie that into my love of helping animals.” – Nicole VanDeLeest

“There’s definitely a limit to what type of surgeries I’ll do.” – Nicole VanDeLeest

I think in the vet setting, pets feed off of their owners being anxious. - Nicole VanDeLeest Click To Tweet Those first few weeks and months that people have puppies makes a big difference. - Nicole VanDeLeest Click To Tweet

“The hardest part of my job is giving an owner a bad diagnosis for their pet.” – Nicole VanDeLeest

“I definitely feel that there are some clients and patients that I do get emotional about it.” – Nicole VanDeLeest

On certain days when you’re giving really bad news three times in a day, you come home and don’t want to do anything else. - Nicole VanDeLeest Click To Tweet

“I think a lot of my clients appreciate the empathy that I show and can tell I truly care.” – Nicole VanDeLeest

It’s a lot of hard work and a big emotional day-to-day job. - Nicole VanDeLeest Click To Tweet

Links to resources

• Mass Ave Animal Clinic
• Fountain Square Animal Clinic

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Thanks so much for tuning in. See ya next week!