Relief work has grown quickly in veterinary medicine, and this episode dives into why more vets are choosing it, where burnout can show up, and how to build a sustainable path if relief is on your radar. Meredith and Joe talk with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini of Colorado State University and Serenity Vet.

• More veterinarians are choosing relief work than in years past
• Why vets are drawn to relief: flexibility, autonomy, variety, and higher pay potential
• Common burnout drivers: overcommitting shifts, unpredictable income, taxes/admin work, and isolation
• Why a financial plan matters before going full-time relief
• Tips for success: boundaries, skill-building, and knowing your numbers
• Andrew’s best advice: be okay with being okay

Resources:

• Burnout in Relief Veterinary Practice whitepaper: https://serenity.vet/burnout-study-among-relief-locum-veterinarians
• Andrew Ciccolini on Instagram: @okay_vet
• Andrew Ciccolini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ac-dvm
• Serenity.vet: https://serenity.vet

Interested in financial planning built for veterinarians?

Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Quick update for SAVE borrowers. Meredith and Joe break down what the end of SAVE means and how to plan your next steps.

• Notices start July 1 with a 90-day window to choose a new plan
• If no plan is selected, loans may move to Standard repayment
• You can switch now. PAYE and IBR are available and forgiveness progress carries over
• Make sure your contact info is up to date so you don’t miss your notice

If you’d like help clarifying your next steps, schedule a student loan consult with our team at Vet Debt Experts: https://calendly.com/vetdebtexperts

Meredith and Joe talk with Dr. Jason Szumski about how mentorship, business ownership, and AI are shaping modern veterinary careers.

• What new grads should look for in mentorship and how to evaluate a first job
• How practice owners can better support and recruit early-career veterinarians
• Jason’s path into business ownership and how he found mentors along the way
• Balancing clinical work with building something outside of practice
• Where AI notetakers fit into veterinary workflows and what to know right now

Resources mentioned:

Jason Szumski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonszumski

VetSOAP - PetSmart Charities study: https://www.vetsoap.ai/psc

Article: Cost of Care Continues to Strain Veterinary Care Access: https://petsmartcharities.org/press-releases/cost-of-care-continues-to-strain-veterinary-care-access

If you'd like help creating a financial plan that supports your life and career, learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com