Extraordinary Vets

The Leader’s Cadence: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Freeman

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lisa Freeman, a veterinarian, whose career path led her from comparative biomedical research all the way to becoming the 13th president of Northern Illinois University . Discover her insights on veterinary science, research, leadership, and her dedication to community engagement.

Speaking the Language: Contracts, Equity, and the Future of Vet Med

You won't find Dr. Charlotte Lacroix in a courtroom, but you will find her resolving the day-to-day legal puzzles that veterinarians face nationwide. As both a DVM and a transactional attorney, Dr. Lacroix uses her dual perspective to spot critical issues in employment agreements, non-competes, and equity arrangements. Dr. Lacroix shares her unique journey from UC Davis to practicing law, offering an inside look at how legal principles intersect with veterinary medicine. Whether you are an associate navigating the red flags of employment contracts , a practice owner eyeing corporate consolidation , or a student wondering where your degree can take you , Dr. Lacroix’s core advice to "trust, but verify" provides an essential roadmap for a successful career.

A Veterinarian’s Journey Beyond Earth

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Richard Linnehan, a veterinarian and NASA astronaut who completed four space shuttle missions. Dr. Linnehan pulls back the curtain on his career path that led him from marine mammal research to the flight deck of the Space Shuttle. He describes the grueling reality of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) likening the high-stakes experience of working in a pressurized suit to a "ballet in a giant 55-gallon drum".

Exploring the Raceways: A Deep Dive into Fish Medicine

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Myron Kebus, a specialist in fish production medicine, to explore one of the most unique and rapidly evolving career paths in veterinary medicine. Dr. Kebus shares his journey from the early days of a niche industry to the establishment of board-certified fish health specialties. We dive into the fascinating world of aquaculture from food production and baitfish farming to the science of aquaponics.

From Exam Rooms to Global Thrillers: The Career of Dr. James Rollins

What happens when a Mizzou-trained veterinarian trades his stethoscope for a pen to become a #1 New York Times bestselling author? In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. James Rollins, the creative mastermind behind the acclaimed Sigma Force series, to explore his fascinating career. If you’re looking for a gripping read to dive into this month, James Rollins' latest standalone thriller, Trust No One, is available now.