In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather James, DVM for a candid conversation about finding your calling, surviving the messy middle, giving back through mentorship, and noticing the impact of your work.

Heather shares her non-linear path to vet med, from an early background in art, to quitting programs that weren’t the right fit, to selling Girl Guide cookies at 2 a.m. outside a bar because opportunity doesn’t always show up during business hours. We talk about grit in its many forms: working rural mixed animal practice with relentless on-call schedules, sleeping in an SUV while doing summer research, leading a rescue operation for an 1800 pound Clydesdale, and carrying the weight of six-figure student debt while finding creative ways to move forward.

But this episode isn’t about glorifying struggle. It’s about what comes beyond survival mode: learning how to make empowering financial decisions despite fear, knowing when to reward yourself, investing in the right people, and realizing that burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Heather speaks openly about leadership, mentorship, and why a mentor’s success should always be measured by the success of their mentees.

We also explore the deeply human side of veterinary medicine, the intimacy of caring for animals who are family members, the trust placed in vets during some of life’s hardest decisions, and the emotional weight that stays with you long after the appointment ends.

This conversation is powerful, practical, and refreshingly honest. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to do things differently, take up space, and build a career (and life) that actually works for you.

About Dr. Heather:

Heather James, DVM, is a co-owner of Ospika Animal Hospital, a DVM- and RVT-owned small animal practice in Prince George, BC. A 2007 graduate of the WCVM, Dr. James also has a background in contract research, shelter medicine, and mixed animal practice, as well as working as a general practice and emergency locum. She has a strong passion for teaching and trauma-aware mentorship, which grew during her leadership roles as medical director and area medical director at multiple hospitals prior to ownership. A perpetual student at heart, Dr. James loves trying new technology, hearing new perspectives, and is most proud of her certifications in the Human Animal Bond, Trauma of Money, and Master Gardener. She shares her home life on Vancouver Island with her “Tiger Collie” (read “mutt”) called Rhubarb and her husband, who is also an entrepreneur.

Ospika Animal Hospital: https://ospikavet.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-james-dvm/

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Hosts Leilani Mustillo and Jillian Carr sit down with Syd Vaughan, Registered Massage Therapist, breathwork coach, and founder of 3 Well by Syd.

Syd shares her personal journey into breathwork and how regulating the nervous system can be a practical, effective tool for managing stress, especially in high-pressure professions like veterinary medicine. The conversation reflects on the speakers’ experience at CVMA 2025, where Syd guided a group of veterinary professionals through a breathwork session that challenged skepticism and reframed breathwork as a grounded, accessible stress-regulation practice.

Together, they explore the role of vulnerability, authenticity, and music in mental health and performance, and why sustainable well-being isn’t about doing more, but about learning how to pause, reset, and give yourself some grace.

Syd Vaughan

Syd Vaughan is a Registered Massage Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, Dynamic Speaker, and the Visionary Founder of 3 Well by Syd. With over a decade of experience, Syd masterfully bridges the science of the body with the art of self-discovery creating profound, lasting change in the lives of her clients.

Syd launched her personal training business at just 20 years old. Since then, she has built a multidimensional career rooted in helping individuals reconnect with themselves physically, emotionally, and energetically. Syd empowers people to radically transform their relationship with their bodies, beliefs, and breath. With technical expertise she helps clients cultivate self-love, break through limitations, and build sustainable lifestyles.

Her unique skill set guides clients to take deliberate, transformative steps to evolve all elements of mind, body, and breath. From one on one training, facilitating transformational retreats, or captivating audiences from the stage, Syd brings a powerful grounded presence. Her signature approach helps individuals reconnect to themselves, unlocking deep, lasting transformation.

Instagram: @sydvaughan

Website: www.3wellbysyd.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gerard O'Leary, the CEO and founder of NxVet. Gerard discusses his unconventional journey from engineering to veterinary medicine, including his work with the European Space Agency and on smartphone technology before moving to medical devices. He elaborates on his commitment to humanizing the veterinary field and breaking down barriers. Gerard provides an in-depth look at NxVet's innovative stethoscope attachment, which combines AI technology for scribing and vital sign measurements. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, the support from key individuals such as his wife and colleagues, and the challenges faced in entrepreneurship. The episode ends with Gerard’s vision for the future of NxVet and how interested parties can get involved.

About Gerard:

Dr. Gerard O’Leary has led the technology and business development behind NXVET since co-founding NerveX in 2021. He’s passionate about demonstrating the benefits of NXVET in veterinary clinics and thrives when developing new technologies with the engineering team at the NerveX lab. He received his B.Eng. degree from the University of Galway, and his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Gerard has held engineering positions at Analog Devices, the European Space Agency, and ARM.

He is the recipient of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IEEE Predoctoral Achievement Award. His Ph.D. research was in neuroelectronics, and ranged from in-vitro devices for fundamental neuroscience to developing integrated circuits and systems with integrated machine learning accelerators for implantable neural interfaces. Since graduating, Gerard has broadened his research to bioelectronic sensing for solving in-clinic and at-home healthcare challenges. As Chief Executive Officer at NerveX, his goal is to build a sustainable company that supports a world-leading engineering and clinical deployment team. So far, so great!

For more on NxVet: https://nx.vet/

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For podcast inquiries, please contact Kaleigh at communications@animalhealthlink.ca