VCA Voice Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Kerl welcomes Dr. Susan Zobler to the podcast to discuss her work as one of VCA's first RMDs and as an ABVP boarded individual. They also chat about Dr. Zobler's various non-work activities of regular travel and orchid collection, emphasizing the importance of having a life outside of work in our profession both for veterinarians and technicians.

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On this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Lisa Gillespie.
Lisa is the Regional Operations Director (ROD) for the Southeast Region, which includes southwest Florida.
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 event with 150 mph winds. It was the first Category 4 hurricane to hit Florida in 18 years and the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to hit the United States.
Approximately 800 VCA Associates were in the initial path of the storm.
Field leadership estimates that 110 were severely impacted, including Medical Directors, Hospital Managers, and team members.
Some lost cars and homes due to flooding and at least one home burned.
Forty of the 60 grants awarded through the Better Together Fund were awarded to VCA Associates. Through it all, VCA Associates continued caring for 24 patients that were unable to be evacuated, and several hospitals were able to get up and running to support community need.
In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Kerl, Lisa shares her experience of leading a region through a national disaster, from the moment of crisis activation through preparation, landfall, recovery, rebuilding, and reopening.
For more information on the Better Together Fund mentioned in this episode, please visit www.marsbettertogetherfund.org
Please visit this site for more information about the AVMA Disaster Preparedness program.

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On this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Zachary Wright, DVM DACVIM (oncology), Chair of the VCA Pet CancerCare Alliance , Medical Director- VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic. In their fascinating conversation, Dr. Wright discusses the joys and challenges of working as a Veterinary Oncologist, as well as his journey with VCA.
For more information on the VCA Pet CancerCare Alliance, please visit: Vcahospitals.com/vca-pet-cancer-alliance

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In light of the recent wildfires in Southern California, Dr. Kerl welcomes Brian Ruditsky to the podcast to share about his team's response to the emergent need to find safe places to board pets of owners displaced due to mandatory evacuation orders during the Post Fire. Brian is Regional Operations Director for the Southern California region and discusses the joys and challenges of working in this role within VCA, as well as his journey as a naval aviator to his career in veterinary medicine.
Brian grew up in Simi Valley, California and attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy. After graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Navy and spent ten years as a naval aviator, piloting F-18s. During his service, Brian earned an M.B.A. from Fresno State University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. After ten years in the Navy, Brian ventured into healthcare and held several roles in performance improvement and business development. His most recent position in human healthcare was at a local community hospital, where he served as the Business Development Executive. While looking for a change in careers, Brian had the privilege of serving as the General Manager for Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital (CVVH), a 24/7 general practice and emergency veterinary hospital in Thousand Oaks, California. This role was gratifying as it introduced him to the world of veterinary health and the dedicated professionals who passionately care for animals. As he looked to continue to grow professionally, he found a fantastic opportunity at VCA as the Regional Operations Director for SC01 and SC07 regions, which encompasses his hometown.
On a personal note, he’s been happily married to his wife, Crystal, for 21 years. Together, they have three wonderful daughters: Ashley, who is currently in college; Katelyn, who is in high school; and Savanna, who is starting high school. Their family is completed by their three energetic golden retrievers, Cody, Daisy, and Paddles, who bring craziness into their home.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Melanie Hnot, a specialist in veterinary dermatology. In their conversation, she shares her journey in veterinary medicine and discusses the importance of dermatology in pet care. She explains common skin conditions in pets, the role of primary care veterinarians, and the complexities of diagnosing and managing allergies. Dr. Hnot also highlights new treatments for your pet's skin irritation and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between pet owners and veterinarians in managing skin diseases.
Dr. Melanie Hnot, VMD, DACVD, is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital in South Florida, where she collaborates with local general practice veterinarians to provide comprehensive dermatological care for pets. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, ear, and allergy-related conditions, Dr. Hnot is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets with chronic and severe dermatological issues.
Dr. Hnot received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania before completing a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey. She further honed her expertise through a dermatology internship across practices in NJ and PA, culminating in a dermatology residency and a Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 2015.
Her clinical focus includes the management of allergic diseases and ear infections (otitis), common but often complex conditions in veterinary medicine. She offers advanced diagnostics and treatment options such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, particularly for pets suffering from atopic dermatitis.
When not at the hospital, Dr. Hnot enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family, which includes her lively greyhound, Jagger. Her personal love for animals complements her professional commitment to delivering top-tier care.

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All episodes produced by dādy creative