The Animal Specialists

The 2%: Why Veterinary Specialists Must Speak Up, Step Up, and Shape the Profession

What does it actually mean to be a veterinary specialist? Not the letters after your name or the diploma on the wall — but the real value you bring when a case is complex, the path is unclear, and someone needs direction. In this episode, EBVS Director of Education Mark Bowen and CEO Julie Rosser explore what defines specialist expertise, how the profession can move from seeking recognition to claiming a genuine voice, and why that distinction matters more than ever. They discuss the veterinary profession as a team sport — a solar system of first opinion practitioners, advanced practitioners, and specialists who depend on each other — and why workforce sustainability requires all of those relationships to be stronger and better defined. The conversation also takes in AI and digital innovation, the "sprinter versus marathoner" problem in specialist training, social licence, and what it looks like to advocate for animals and the profession in spaces that matter — from clinical referral conversations to the European Commission. If you're a specialist, a resident, or someone thinking seriously about where the profession is heading, this one is for you.

Making a Lasting Impact: from midnight emergencies to policy-changing research

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mathijs Theelen, a specialist in equine internal medicine at Utrecht University, to discuss the high-stakes world of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and translational medicine. We also explore the cutting-edge collaboration between Utrecht’s veterinary and human hospitals, where Mathijs is helping to validate a new sepsis diagnostic test in foals that could soon be used to save the lives of human babies. Beyond the lab, we dive into the difficult "daily call" specialists face in antimicrobial stewardship: the challenge of "daring to not use" antibiotics despite intense pressure from worried animal owners. From midnight clinical emergencies to research that changes international policy, Mathijs shares what it truly means to be a specialist at the intersection of animal and human health

Owning our Visibility: voice, policy & the next generation of vets

In this episode, Alice Diana from the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) explores her newfound interest about how veterinary specialization is evolving through more flexible residency programs and self-directed learning. Together our host, Julie, and Alice discuss the growing importance of non-clinical career paths in policy, public health, and leadership, and the need for greater diversity and visibility within the profession. Alice shares why veterinarians, especially women and young professionals, should feel empowered to step into leadership and policy spaces, shaping a more inclusive and influential future for veterinary medicine.

Patient Welfare & Business Go Hand in Hand for Sport Horse Vets

An insightful discussion with Mark Bowen, an expert in veterinary sports medicine: Mark shares his passion for enhancing the health and welfare of horses, stressing the critical nature of thorough diagnostics to prevent cardiac and infectious incidents. In this episode, we dive into the exciting advancements in equine veterinary medicine, including the integration of AI in ECG monitoring. This remarkable technology reduces analysis time drastically, ensuring timely interventions. Additionally, we tackle the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of responsible antibiotic usage. Mark emphasizes the necessity for veterinarians to possess strong communication skills, especially when delivering tough news to clients. This episode reflects on collaboration over competition, urging veterinary professionals to advocate for equine welfare through innovative practices. Are you curious about the role of innovation and innovative business models in veterinary medicine? We invite you to listen and share your thoughts on how advancements can reshape the future of animal care.

In Her Boots: Work-Life Balance and Earning Trust on the Farm

In this episode of The Animal Specialists, we step into the boots of Iris Kolkman [https://www-a7noorddierenartsen-nl.translate.goog/team/iris-kolkman/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc], a bovine specialist navigating the unique challenges of farm life. From balancing work and family to building trust with farmers in a traditionally male-dominated space, we explore what it takes to thrive in the field. The conversation also highlights the importance of preventive care and animal welfare—and how empathy, expertise, and persistence are reshaping the role of women in large animal veterinary medicine. Special thanks to Iris and her practice A7 Nord Dierenartsen [https://www-a7noorddierenartsen-nl.translate.goog/team/iris-kolkman/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc] for volunteering her time for this engaging and enthusiastic episode!