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Soda City Unleashed

Soda City Unleashed

by Emily White

Season 2

Off the Leash at Clemson: Inside SC's First Veterinary School

We are going off the leash and heading straight to Tigertown! In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily sits down with Dr. Brian Butler, the Associate Dean of Clinical Programs at Clemson University’s brand-new Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine—the very first vet school in South Carolina history! 🐾🐅 Dr. Butler takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to launch a modern veterinary program. We dive into the details of their competency-based curriculum, what they look for in their handpicked inaugural class of 80 students, and how they are shaking up traditional vet school training with a "partially distributed" clinical model. Plus, we talk about Clemson’s exciting new teaching partnership with local multi-specialty emergency facilities like CVETS. Discover how this innovative collaboration builds real-world confidence, creates deep-rooted mentor relationships, and strengthens the veterinary landscape across South Carolina and the rural communities that need it most. Whether you're a prospective vet student looking for a growth mindset, a pet owner curious about the future of veterinary care, or just want to hear a good The Pitt TV show reference, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the future of pet health!

Alexa, Call the Vet! (And Other Stories from Molly Hill, CVPM)

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Molly Hill, a renowned veterinary consultant and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). Molly shares her lifelong journey within the veterinary medicine world, from growing up as the daughter of a veterinarian to discovering her own passion for the business side of practice management. We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of the CVPM designation, the crucial importance of mental health and boundaries for veterinary professionals, and a look back at the early, concrete-slab days of helping launch CVETS. Molly shares her advice for newer practice managers on finding their support systems, the secrets behind cultivating a positive clinic culture, and even drops a few of the funniest pet names she's encountered throughout her decades in the field. Whether you’re a veterinary professional, a practice owner, or a pet parent who wants to peek behind the clinic doors, you won’t want to miss Molly's inspiring story. Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS. Learn more at cvets.net.

The Super CSR: How 20 Years of Vet Med Makes Barb Britton a Frontline Hero

What happens when you spend 20 years calling the shots in veterinary practice management, only to realize your true passion is at the front desk? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Barb Britton, a veteran of the veterinary industry and a Client Service Representative (CSR) at CVETS in Columbia, South Carolina. Barb shares her incredible journey through two decades of vet med—from managing a massive primary practice with over 70 staff members to intentionally choosing a frontline role where she can interact directly with clients every day. Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS. Learn more at cvets.net.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Vet Med

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Alexis Hoffman, the Director of Human Resources at CVETS, to recognize May Mental Health Awareness Month. Veterinary medicine is a high-intensity, emotionally demanding field where burnout and compassion fatigue often go hand-in-hand. Alexis shares her journey from Waffle House management to third-generation HR professional and discusses why it is critical for leadership to create a "psychologically safe" environment for veterinary staff. Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS. Learn more at cvets.net. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Not One More Vet (NOMV): Support specifically for the veterinary community. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Check your benefits package for free counseling sessions.

From Puppy Funds to Pet Trusts: Financial Planning for Your Furry Family

We often say pets are family, but does your budget reflect that? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Margaret Ellen Pender of Anchor Investment Management to bridge the gap between emotional commitment and financial reality. Margaret Ellen shares her deep roots in the Columbia community and her personal experiences with her beloved Boykin Spaniels to help pet parents prepare for the unexpected. From the rise of "petflation" and the evolution of pet insurance to advanced planning like pet trusts and health care powers of attorney, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their pet's future. Plus, stay tuned for some classic Boykin Spaniel antics and a "stick of butter" hack every outdoorsy dog owner needs to hear! Learn more about Anchor Investment and their services here: https://www.anchorinvestmentmanagement.com/ Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS. Learn more at cvets.net.

Navigating the Real Cost of Pet Care with Care Credit

Owning a pet brings immeasurable joy, but is your wallet prepared for the unexpected? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Emily White sits down with Cathy James from Care Credit to pull back the curtain on veterinary financing. Whether it's a routine wellness check or a late-night emergency room visit, the "sticker shock" of modern veterinary medicine can be a major barrier to care. Cathy shares why financial planning should start the moment you adopt, how to navigate "taboo" money conversations with your vet team, and how specialized health and wellness financing can offer peace of mind when your pet needs it most.

Roots, Relationships, and 100 Years of Care: A Conversation with Dr. Shawn Bierman

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Dr. Shawn Bierman, owner and lead veterinarian at the historic Five Points Animal Clinic. As the clinic approaches its 100th anniversary in the heart of downtown Columbia, Dr. Bierman shares what it’s like to lead a locally owned practice with deep community roots. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a lifelong animal lover, Dr. Bierman’s insights on proactive health and the evolving value of our furry family members are not to be missed. Learn more about Dr. Bierman's practice at fivepointsanimalclinic.org Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS; learn more at cvets.net.

Triage and Teamwork: Decoding After-Hours Emergencies

What really happens behind the sliding glass doors of an emergency animal hospital when the rest of the city is asleep? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Raven Angulo, a dedicated veterinary assistant at CVETS and Army veteran who has traded the traditional 9-to-5 for the fast-paced world of overnight emergency medicine. Raven pulls back the curtain on the "skeleton crew" experience, from managing high-stakes cases to the essential teamwork and pranks that keep the staff alert at 3:00 a.m. She also shares touching insights into how her military background helps her connect with stressed pet owners and why "putting eyes on a patient" is the most critical part of the job. Tune in for a look at the grit, humor, and heart required to advocate for our furry friends in the middle of the night. Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS; learn more at cvets.net.

More Than a Vet Tech: The Life of a Critical Care Specialist

What does it take to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care? Host Emily White sits down with CVETS' own Lauren Johnson to discuss her journey from Hawaii to Columbia, the grueling multi-year certification process, and the "rush" of handling life-saving cases. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the ICU after hours, this deep dive into high-stakes pet nursing is for you.

Beyond the Vaccines: Lifelong Care with Dr. Cheryl Sine

What does it truly mean to be a primary care veterinarian? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Dr. Cheryl Sine from Shandonwood Animal Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sine shares her journey from a pet-free childhood to becoming a leading voice for pet health in Columbia, SC. We dive into the emotional bonds formed through lifelong patient care, the heartwarming recovery story of "Skinny Girl Margarita," and why Dr. Sine believes pet insurance is the single most important investment a pet owner can make. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or a seasoned cat lover, this episode offers a peek behind the curtain of full-service veterinary medicine. To learn more about Shandonwood Animal Clinic, please visit their website at https://www.shandonwood.com/ Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net.

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