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This week’s Uncharted Member Spotlight features the unstoppable Dr. Katie Berlin! She has brought her passions for veterinary medicine and physical fitness/mental wellness together to create her own unique path through her career. We are so proud to have her as part of our Uncharted Veterinary Community! Here's what we learned about her in our recent interview for this week's Uncharted Member Spotlight!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m an associate vet at a small animal general practice in York, PA. I’m also a runner, a writer, a podcast addict (and now a podcaster myself), and a certified personal trainer

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted? 

I wasn’t even sure. I’m a proud Founding Member – but I still don’t know why I went to that first conference. All I know is that because of Uncharted, this world of amazing people and opportunities and incredible friends for life just opened up, and I never looked back. 

What is your current work related goal?

That depends what “work” you’re talking about! For my “real job,” I’m currently enrolled in the IVAS acupuncture certification course and I’m loving it. It’s making me see practice in a whole new way, 10 years after graduation, and I love the marriage of poetry and medicine. It’s magical. 

As for my other “work,” I’m taking on some copywriting jobs in vet med and I absolutely love doing that – writing has always been a home for me. Carrie Jurney and I started a podcast called Veterinary Super Friends and I’m having a blast hanging out with her. And I’m hoping to make my website, The Vet Reset, into another podcast before long, as well as offering online training, coaching, and community there in the future. 

What are your 2 favorite groups in the Uncharted Workplace community and why?

You know I have to say the Anchor Gang! Like any group it goes through busy and quiet times, but I love that people are looking to encourage each other to move more, take care of themselves, and not feel guilty about it. But I especially love the General group. It reminds me of the O.G. Uncharted Facebook Community where so many of us found something we didn’t even know we were missing.

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you. 

There are absolutely TOO MANY! There have been a few times where I was feeling kind of lost. Burning out, or unsure of how to forge ahead when the path was poorly defined. I can’t even name all the people who have reached out at those times without being asked – but special thanks big time to Jamie Holms, Saye Clement, Tanya ten Broeke, Mike Falconer, Mark Nunez, Phil Zeltzman, Lisa Milan, Maggie Brown-Bury, Tracy Sands, Tosha Zimmerman, Gary and Julie Beall – and so many others who have just been there with a hand held out right when I needed it. I really can’t see life without my UVC people and hope I can be there for them too if they ever need it.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?

Everyone will expect me to say running. But I seriously have a million hobbies. I can’t pick one. I discover them by saying one day, “I think I’d like to try _____,” and then doing it. I recommend them all. ☺ 

What is your end-of-workday guilty pleasure? 

I like to binge watch gritty dramas on Netflix while playing Sudoku on my phone and eating chocolate chip ice cream out of a coffee mug. #sorrynotsorry

Have you ever worked outside of the veterinary field? What was it like?

I was an art history major! My first “career” lasted two years – I worked in an art museum and knew pretty quickly it wasn’t going to be a lifetime commitment. I worked with some fantastic people and still love museums! The path just didn’t challenge me in the ways I wanted and needed for the long haul. I sometimes miss working in a place where I could wear cute clothes, get out on time every day, and never smell like poo, though. 

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better? 

Start documenting the good in every day! Take silly selfies at work, write thank you notes to favorite clients, get patient photos and video (with permission, of course) and use them on your clinic’s social media, and share them with all your friends. Not just to show the world all the great parts of our job but to see it through their eyes and remind yourself how lucky we actually are to be able to do this. 

This week’s Uncharted Member Spotlight features the lovely Sara Hogan. She has brought her gifts of practice management magic to the Uncharted Community and shared her story with us in a Mic Drop at Uncharted: Staff Drama in August! Check out what she had to say in our interview!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I’m a hospital manager who followed “Plan B(est)” to work at my current clinic in Arlington, VA. I grew up in the Midwest and have a strong drive towards hospitality, inclusivity and overall enthusiasm for the people in this field! An extrovert hired by brave introverts, I’ve grown to know myself even better because of the awesome people I work with.

Have you ever worked outside of the veterinary field? What was it like? 

Yes, I wouldn’t recommend it.  ?

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

I think you learn a lot by actively listening and communicating with people from all experience levels so I was excited to join Uncharted and do just that! This field provides you with an excuse to never stop learning and the members of Uncharted generate opportunities for us to grow at every level of our careers. 

What is your current work-related goal?  

To develop a reliable stream of ESP with my hospital owners, continually increase awareness of both my own and others around me for the ability to empower and support each other; abolish a person’s feeling of dread when mistakes happen and create opportunities for learning and leadership. In conclusion, world peace. 

What is your end-of-workday guilty pleasure? 

A glass of wine, something I’ve concocted in the kitchen and an episode of The Office and I’m a happy camper. 

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you.

An Uncharted Member once told me that even amidst the many people you work with on a daily basis there are times a leadership position might feel lonely, and that’s part of the territory. I found the statement both simple, yet profound because I had never recognized its sentiment. Now that I do, I can approach those situations with more aptitude and balance.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others? 

A favorite hobby of mine is cooking. I discovered it when extremely hungry one day in college and have never looked back. I have a very basic food blog that I started five years ago, though I rarely have time for it currently. I cook to unwind in the evenings and do so every day during the week and on Sundays. I also love reading about the wine regions of the world. 

Do you have a dream for your career? What is it? 

My dream is to build a deeper visionary component into my current role and pair it more heavily with the responsibility to inspire and connect. Also, to empower people in the field to push their boundaries and find added success and meaning. I’d also like to become more active in groups like Uncharted where shared ideas are valued and the ability to source information and support is encouraged!  

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You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Sara by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. Our first interview was with Dr. Jay Thrush, a veterinarian from Ontario, Canada! Enjoy!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a small animal vet, practice owner (who is currently “between practices” having just sold mine ?), father, and all-around cool dude. No, really. People call me that all the time. You can ask around. I currently live and work in southern Manitoba, but will soon be moving to southern Ontario. Apparently that’s where the action is. Well, that’s where my fiancé lives – so yeah, that’s where the action is… I love performing surgery (orthopedics is my jam), building positive team culture (which I learned about through Uncharted ?), and my Uncharted family. I am the creator of What A Vet Sees (shameless plug) which is my way of sharing a veterinarian’s unique perspective on the world. Google that sh*t. It’s on Instagram, Facebook, and the interweb. My superpowers are learning, kindness, and understanding.

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted? 

When I first signed up for Uncharted, I was looking for and hoping to find ways to improve myself – both personally and professionally. As a vet. As a leader and manager. As a person. To say that I found what I was looking for through Uncharted is a gross understatement. Not only did I find ways to improve myself in all of those areas, but so much more. I found camaraderie, friendship, vulnerability, connection, support, mentorship, community, family and love. Uncharted literally changed my life.

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why? 

Again, this is so hard to pick, because there are so many great people in Uncharted. An obvious choice would be the love of my life, Lisa Milan (yes, I’m totally going for brownie points). On another note, however, I would have to say, Dave Nicol. While Dave is not an active member of the Uncharted Workplace Community, he has been a much-loved speaker at Uncharted conferences. The man is just so damn smart! He has such great positivity and energy, and he’s just an all-around terrific human being. Dave is an inspiration to me, a mentor and I’m proud to say he’s become a good friend.

What is one thing you never thought you could do (or were afraid to try) that you’ve done since joining Uncharted? 

Until Uncharted I never envisioned myself developing a “personal brand.” Becoming involved with Uncharted has given me the inspiration, the motivation, and the tools & resources I needed to do just that.

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do RIGHT NOW to make Vet Med even better? 

Be kind. For me, it all boils down to kindness. I’m a firm believer in the saying: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Be kind to your patients (obviously), be kind to your clients and be kind to yourself. But most of all, be kind to your peers. Be an agent for positivity and kindness in our profession. Respect, support, uplift and celebrate one another – in doing so, you will elevate our profession as a whole.

What is your end-of-workday guilty pleasure? 

Hmmm… there are a few things I could pick here. I would say watching me a little Netflix or Amazon Prime – although I usually make myself run on the treadmill while I watch something so that I feel less guilty about it… and I enjoy a good glass of bourbon now and then.

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you. 

The amazing Phil Zeltzman provided me with advice, direction, inspiration, motivation and a good ol’ push (which is to say he continuously harassed me) which helped me to get my website and blog for What A Vet Sees up and running. Now I just have to keep everything up to date – which I’m bad at. (How about another push, Phil?)

Do you have a dream for your career? What is it? 

My current dream is to get moved to Ontario so that me and Lisa (my fiancé – who just happens to be an incredible practice manager – and did I mention that she’s the love of my life? I did? OK, good – I just wanted to make that clear…) can begin our take-over of the veterinary world. Who knew the epicenter would be in southern Ontario? Never mind – you’ve been given fair warning. I would love to grow and develop an amazing practice (or several practices) with her, as well as to find a meaningful way to give help and support to others in our profession – something that I’m sure Uncharted will play no small part in.

You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Jay by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!

by Dr. Katie Berlin, DVM

I’m not sure how it happened, but we are less than 3 weeks out from the April Uncharted Veterinary Conference in Greenville! From your comments in Workplace, I know there are a lot of people who are trying to prioritize physical wellness in one way or another right now, and there is nothing that disrupts good habits like a fabulous conference.

I went to VMX this year as I was just getting going with training for my spring running events. I had some ambitious goals and was off to a good start – and then VMX just totally derailed me. I hadn’t gone to the conference since it moved to the convention center and I did not arrive with a plan. I had a great time, but it really threw off the routine I had going on at home and I never really caught up with training after that. 

So, we thought it might be helpful to put together a wellness “survival guide” for UVC – whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran with a new or improved focus on physical health, I hope this is useful. 

Tip #1: Don’t pack too lightly.It’s tempting to pare down to the basics to try to fit everything into a tiny carry-on. Baggage fees and waiting for your suitcase are no fun. If you’re worried about looking like a Kardashian, unless you’re bringing trunks of stuff that require a personal valet, I can personally guarantee someone will have more stuff than you. But I really think to get the most out of your time at UVC, you need to be prepared, and that means Bringing Stuff. Here’s what you’ll gain by not trying to be a minimalist:

• You won’t miss out on exploring an awesome town because you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, dressed for the wrong weather, or worried about sweating in the clothes you need to wear all day. Greenville is pretty fantastic. The weather in April is usually pleasant and there are tons of people outside. Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, an umbrella, a shirt to change into if you need. 
• You’ll be free to participate in yoga with Melanie or BollyX with me during our Wellness time on Saturday afternoon! If you have any questions about attire for either of these sessions, please reach out. I’ll also be posting closer to the conference about BollyX. We get pretty sweaty – it’s great. 
• You can take advantage of the Swamp Rabbit Trail which is accessible just down the hill from the Westin. It’s a beautiful, flat, paved path that is outstanding for walking or running. There will probably be groups posting about meeting up to walk or run on Thursday, but I love to go there solo for a long run and take some deep breaths before the conference begins. The concierge can easily direct you to the trail.
• You can squeeze in a cardio or weights session at the Westin fitness center if that’s more your style. 
• There are several CrossFit options, OrangeTheory, CYCLEBAR, and other popular studios in Greenville. If you’re looking for a buddy, post in the group – I bet someone (or five or six) will want to join you. 

Tip #2: Bring snacks, and you’ll actually probably enjoy your meals more. Greenville has AMAZING FOOD. I’m absolutely a believer in enjoying food and taking advantage of being in a new place with new things to try or looking forward to favorites you’ve had before. But, if you’re anything like me, being at a conference makes you super hungry. 

• There is usually a snack break once or twice during the day at the hotel, but options will be limited (if you see the Westin’s signature granola bars, though, snag one of those puppies. They are like a mini-meal in Saran wrap and they are basically to die for). 
• Then there’s the nebulous “before dinner” time. We will have Happy Hour on Friday, but on some days, there is a long stretch between lunch and a substantial meal, and I am pretty hangry by dinnertime. It’s tempting to say, “I’m going to save myself for special food” and stick it out, but at least for me, a nutritious snack beforehand means I’m less likely to gorge myself when we go out, I’m going to eat more slowly and taste my food more, I won’t fill up on bread and appetizers before my meal shows up, and I’ll be a lot more pleasant and chatty until then, too. 

Tip #3: It’s OK to choose rest. If you’re battling serious FOMO but you’re also so tired you can barely form sentences, you’re probably not alone, and you won’t be judged.

• The beauty of Uncharted is that none of us are going anywhere. Yes, you want to take advantage of as much as you can while you’re in Greenville and able to chat and mingle and be inspired in person with all the incredible people you’re meeting online. But none of that will be any good if you arrive back at your practice feeling run down, sick from germs on the plane, having indigestion from overdoing it on Southern hospitality, and in need of a staycation to recover. 
• If you feel good, it’s OK to be a little tired and still go out for that late drink or get up early and run by the river. But if you’re already feeling overwhelmed and behind the 8-ball, maybe sleeping an extra hour might serve you better in the end. You know yourself best, and none of us will judge you for needing to take care of yourself. 

Tip #4: #justask but #beyourself 

• Not sure if you have a buddy for dinner or lunch? Just ask! This is literally THE most welcoming group of people you’re likely to meet. It physically hurts us to think that someone would eat alone because they didn’t have anyone they knew to sit with. Everyone I’ve met at UVC would absolutely bend over backwards to make a new person feel comfortable. 
• That being said, we are also a group heavy on the introverts and people who like to socialize but also feel totally happy alone. A HUGE part of Conference Overwhelm, for me, is just having people around ALL THE TIME – and I’m one of the relative extroverts in the group. There are times during UVC when I have to go off and sit by myself outside during a break or sit down at a table alone and be OK if someone sits with me or doesn’t, because I just need to give my brain a breather. I break the bank to have my own room for that reason. If you aren’t a person who wants to socialize 24/7, it’s absolutely fine to take some time for yourself – and trust me when I say that the VAST majority of the group will completely understand that. You’ll get more benefit and enjoyment out of together time if you do what you need to recharge. 

I think a lot of us are planners – we like to know what to expect, and it’s hard to do that when you’re heading into a conference that is literally publicized as “like nothing you’ve experienced before.” I’ve been there since the first one, and I can confirm that this is 100% true, but in the absolute best possible way. It’s different because it’s not meant to cram 2 years of learning into four days, or run you ragged sprinting from one hotel to another during a 10 minute break, or make you pay $4 every time you want a drink of water. And you aren’t just a body circulating through a convention center with 15,000 other bodies. You’re one of a cohesive, welcoming, brilliant but humble, forward-thinking but grounded group of incredibly positive people. Come ready to experience new things, but know that it’s also OK to take a step away and just do you when you need to. We’ll be right here when you come back! 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Katie Berlin is a small animal general practitioner in Mechanicsburg, PA. She is also a reader, a rider, a runner, a lifter, a teacher, and an art lover. She graduated from Williams College in 2000 with a degree in Art History and worked in art museums before going back to school and earning her DVM from Cornell in 2009. She is an avid supporter of Fear Free practice and the battle against compassion fatigue in the veterinary profession.

by KELSEY BETH CARPENTER, RVT