How To Secure a Strong Letter of Recommendation

How To Secure a Strong Letter of Recommendation

Welcome to episode #40 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Applying to veterinary school or scholarships and feeling unsure about how to ask for a letter of recommendation? You're not alone. In this episode, we break down The 5 C's of Securing a Strong Letter of Recommendation, a simple framework to help pre-veterinary students approach the process with confidence and professionalism. Whether you're preparing your VMCAS application, applying for scholarships, or building relationships that will support your future career, this episode will give you the tools to secure stronger, more meaningful letters of recommendation. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you’d love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I’d love to hear from you! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor Linked In: @Grace Gaynor

NAVLE Nuggets: Canine Juvenile Orthopedic Diseases

Welcome to episode #39 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Join us for the first installment of NAVLE Nuggets, a fun, and informative veterinary medicine review series designed for veterinary students preparing for exams, clinics, and the NAVLE. In this episode, we break down four common developmental orthopedic diseases seen in young dogs: Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), Panosteitis, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), and Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head). Learn how to differentiate these conditions based on signalment, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and treatment recommendations, and stay until the end for a quiz! Whether you're studying for the NAVLE, preparing for a block exam, or just looking for a quick review, this episode is packed with practical, high-yield information to help reinforce key concepts in veterinary orthopedics. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you’d love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I’d love to hear from you! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor Linked In: @Grace Gaynor

What No One Tells You Before Vet School

Welcome to episode #38 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this special solo episode, Grace shares the lessons, surprises, and realities she wishes someone had told her before starting veterinary school. Whether you're a pre-vet getting ready to start your veterinary school journey, a current student looking for reassurance that you're not alone, or simply curious about what life in vet school is actually like, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and encouragement. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you’d love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I’d love to hear from you! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor Linked In: @Grace Gaynor

What Got Us In: Personal Statement Advice with Cole Shapiro, DVM

Welcome to episode #37 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Today, we welcome Cole Shapiro back to the podcast. As a recent graduate of the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Cole joins us for a discussion on the new 2026 VMCAS guidelines for the veterinary school personal statement. We read and reflect on three unique personal statements, exploring the different approaches successful applicants have taken to tell their stories. Whether you're just starting your application or polishing your draft, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and practical tips to help you craft a compelling personal statement of your own. Show Notes: Previous Personal Statements Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QwHr7zYjRXcKiPPbrRBMC?si=d252fabfbf394384] Emi Jones' Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tFqDxbULlgBXavQfO4w9F?si=55872c6228be40cc] If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review – it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you’d love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I’d love to hear from you! Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: @grace_gaynor @bacon_man7 Linked In: @Grace Gaynor

Food Is Love: Rethinking Pet Nutrition and Trust in Vet Med with Tiana O'Neill

Welcome to episode #36 of Scrubbed In: The DVM Journey – the podcast where we dive into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In this episode, first year veterinary student at VMCVM Tiana O'Neill returns to the show to explore a side of veterinary medicine that often sparks strong opinions, but deserves more open conversation: the independent pet food industry and the role it plays in shaping client trust. Before entering veterinary school, Tiana owned a specialty pet food store and co-owned a dog training and grooming business, giving her a unique perspective on how pet owners make decisions, and why those decisions are often rooted in something deeper than just nutrition. For many clients, food is an expression of love, and understanding that emotional connection is key to building stronger relationships in the exam room. Together, we discuss the disconnect that can exist between veterinarians and pet owners when it comes to nutrition, where trust can break down, and how communication plays a critical role in bridging that gap. Tiana shares insights from her experience in the independent pet food space, what veterinarians may be overlooking, and how we can approach these conversations with more empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. This episode challenges listeners to think beyond traditional recommendations and consider how trust is built in everyday interactions with clients. Whether you’re a veterinary student, practicing clinician, or simply interested in the human side of veterinary medicine, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can better connect with the people we serve. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, it helps others find the show and join the conversation. And if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear about, feel free to leave us a comment. I'd love to hear from you! SHOW NOTES: Previous Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MeS57CcEEGpI2k5wTMSDH?si=9645efdc0123446b] with Tiana about balancing motherhood and veterinary school! Follow me on Social Media! Instagram: @scrubbedinthedvmjourney @grace_gaynor LinkedIn: @Grace Gaynor