In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Eric Davis, founder of Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS). Dr. Davis shares his journey from a rural veterinarian to a leader in veterinary education and community service. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working with underserved communities, particularly on Indian reservations, and the evolution of RAVS into a significant nonprofit organization that trains veterinary students and provides essential services to animals in need. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in veterinary medicine and the personal fulfillment that comes from serving others.

📚 Extraordinary Vets Reading List:

Dr. Davis recommends "Living Poor" by Moritz Thompson. Originally written about the Peace Corps in the 60s, he suggests it for anyone looking to donate their time to international service, as it honestly lays out the challenges and realities of working in underserved communities.

To learn more about Dr. Davis non profit Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching & Service (RVETS) visit : https://www.rvets.org/

If you are interested in mentorship or have questions on where to start you can also email Dr. Davis: eric@rvets.org

In this special "Dean’s Edition" of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with three deans who prove there is no single "right" way to reach the top of academia.

Inside the Episode:

• Building from the Ground Up: Dr. Heidi Banse (Arkansas State University) discusses the challenge of launching a brand-new vet school and explains the "community center model" of clinical education and the importance of the Spectrum of Care initiative.

• The Global Perspective: Dr. Brendan Lee (St. Matthew’s University) explains his unique role as Executive Dean and offers advice on the "terminal degree" and why saying "yes" to uncomfortable opportunities is key to career growth.

• From "Mickey Mouse" to UC Davis: Dr. Mark Stetter reveals how 15 years at Walt Disney World provided the leadership, budget, and storytelling skills necessary to lead the world's top-ranked veterinary college.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Joe Gaydos, a marine mammal veterinarian and science director at the SeaDoc Society. They discuss Joe's unique career path, his experiences in wildlife medicine, and the importance of ocean health and conservation. Joe shares insights from his time in Zimbabwe, his transition to marine mammals, and his efforts in educating the public through children's literature and media outreach. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine, particularly in wildlife conservation, and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians.

Keep up with the SeaDoc Society on their socials:

https://www.seadocsociety.org/

facebook.com/seadocsociety/

instagram.com/seadocsociety/