Can Vet Heroes Get To Net Zeros? Sustainable Futures, with Dr. Jeremy Watson

About the Guest

Dr. Jeremy Watson completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours at the University of Melbourne in 1986. He established the Brimbank Vet Clinic in 1998, a small animal practice in suburban Melbourne. During 2011, the clinic was rebuilt incorporating the latest environmental design features, facilitating a pathway to make the practice carbon neutral.

In 2013, Dr. Watson achieved membership by examination to the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of small animal surgery.

Dr. Watson joined Vets for Climate Action in 2020 to help amplify the role that veterinary teams can play in motivating our community to take urgent action on climate change. Within this organisation, he has been working specifically on the Climate Care Program for Veterinary Practices.

Links

Tune in to the latest episode of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where we are honored to have the remarkable Dr. Chloe Buiting, an Australian wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, published author, and consultant for Fauna & Flora International, join us.

With an impressive background as an Official Advocate for Kensington Palace's Earthshot Prize and a member of the Science Advisory Committee at Zoos Victoria, the world's first carbon-neutral zoological facility, Dr. Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our conversation.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Chloe's deep-rooted love for our natural world, cultivated during her childhood on the breathtaking Lord Howe Island. In this episode, she generously shares her early influences, veterinary heroes, and the transformative path that led her to become a dedicated conservation vet. Prepare to be inspired as she opens up about her book, 'The Jungle Doctor,' revealing the motivations, challenges, and profound insights behind its creation. Together, we explore the impact of conservation work and embark on a thought-provoking discussion about the effects of COVID-19 on wildlife, navigating existential crises, and more.

In the end, we unravel Dr. Chloe's relationship with Instagram and dive into a rapid-fire round of questions, getting to know the real person behind the inspiring work she does. This engaging episode is brimming with invaluable lessons and advice for the next generation of veterinarians. Don't miss out!

Outline of this episode:

• [0:48] Meet Dr. Chloe Buiting: Discover the story behind the passionate wildlife veterinarian and conservationist.

• [06:30] Early Influences on Lord Howe Island: Explore the formative experiences that shaped Chloe's love for nature and wildlife.

• [09:00] Veterinary Heroes: Learn about the people who influenced and motivated Dr. Chloe along her veterinary journey.

• [13:05] Path to Conservation Vet Work: Dive into the pivotal moments and factors that led Dr. Chloe to dedicate her career to conservation veterinary work.

• [17:07] Navigating Existential Crisis: Discover how Dr. Chloe finds her way through a challenging phase in her life.

• [20:30] Breaking Stereotypes: Explore the truth behind whether Conservation Vets have a penchant for breaking things and the deeper meaning behind their work.

• [26:18] "The Jungle Doctor" by Chloe Buiting: Gain insights into Dr. Chloe's book, including its motivation, inspirations, and the challenges she faced during its creation.

• [31:08] Balancing Act: Explore how Dr. Chloe manages the mental challenges of her work and maintains her well-being in a demanding environment.

• [34:31] Motherhood and Purpose: Learn how becoming a mother has influenced Dr. Chloe's purpose and perspective in her conservation efforts.

• [36:25] The State of Affairs: Get an update on Dr. Chloe's current endeavors and how things are shaping up in her professional journey.

• [38:16] Stories, Learnings, and Highlights: Delve into the captivating anecdotes, valuable lessons, and standout moments from Dr. Chloe's career.

• [42:31] Impact of Conservation Work: Discover the significant impacts that conservation efforts have made so far, including achievements and ongoing challenges.

• [50:56] COVID's Wildlife Impact: Explore the effects of the global pandemic on wildlife populations, particularly primates, and the importance of addressing these challenges.

• [55:44] Advice for Future Vets: Listen to Dr. Chloe's insightful advice and words of wisdom for the next generation of veterinarians.

• [1:01:22] The Power of Networking and Mentoring: Understand the value of building connections and finding mentors within the veterinary profession.

• [1:08:06] Loop Abroad Engagements: Learn about Dr. Chloe's involvement and experiences with the Loop Abroad program, facilitating international study abroad programs for aspiring wildlife medicine and conservation professionals.

• [1:14:43] Instagram and Conservation: Gain insights into Dr. Chloe's relationship with Instagram and how she utilizes the platform to advance conservation efforts.

• [1:16:36] Rapid Fire with Dr. Chloe Buiting: Engage in a rapid-fire round of questions, offering a glimpse into Dr. Chloe's personality and perspectives.

Resources Mentioned:

The Jungle Doctor by Chloe Buiting

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Robert Hilsenroth. Dr. Hilsenroth was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1971!

After a year in practice, he took the bold step of moving to Colorado and opening a small animal practice as a relatively inexperienced vet and businessman. Things clearly worked out, as he owned the practice for the next 19 years.

There were highs and lows, including frustration with how the media handled veterinary issues. As such, Dr Hilsenroth was drawn to develop his media skills to better contribute to and improve the quality of reporting on important local and national veterinary issues. This investment paid off, and for a decade, he was employed by the ABC television affiliate KUSA as their “pet health expert,” producing weekly reports on pet and animal issues.  In addition, he hosted radio talk shows and wrote weekly newspaper columns.

In 1991, his career changed course quite dramatically and sold his practice and began a 13-year tenure with the Morris Animal Foundation, an organisation funding health studies for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. 

Initially joining as the Staff Veterinary Communications Officer, Dr. Hilsenroth’s skills allowed him to be identified and successfully appointed as the Foundation’s Executive Director.

When he began this role, the Foundation was funding only two studies in the Zoo & Wildlife Division, while there were 10 or more studies in each of the other Divisions. When he got done more than a decade later, the same division was funding more than 30 studies.

Dr. Hilsenroth “retired” from Morris Animal Foundation in April 2004 and moved to northern Florida to enjoy fishing and the quiet life. Or so he thought… Talent, however does not often get the luxury of going quietly into the night… and it wasn’t long before the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, a group he had worked closely with while at the Morris Animal Foundation, came calling on his leadership experience. 

Those calls, while initially rebuffed, were, in the end, effective and in 2005, Dr Hilsenroth was appointed to the role of Executive Director of the Association. A position he still holds nearly 18 years later! Quite possibly a record in delaying retirement.

Aside from the enormous impact on zoo animals and conservation Dr Hilsenroth has made, he has made just as significant an impact on people -  amassing a wealth of learned and taught leadership experience during his career. Including completion of Harvard’s Executive Education program “Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management”.

But before we jump into today’s episode, here is a quick word from today’s show sponsor…

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