Veterinary burnout, career growth, and leadership in veterinary medicine take center stage as Dr. Lori Teller shares how to build a fulfilling vet career without burning out.

What if the key to a fulfilling veterinary career isn’t working harder—but staying engaged, curious, and open to change? 

In this episode, Dr. Lori Teller shares her incredible journey from a determined 12-year-old aspiring vet to becoming a national leader in veterinary medicine. Along the way, she opens up about career pivots, mentorship, clinical pauses based on her season of life, burnout, technology, and how saying “yes” to the right opportunities can completely transform your path. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for your next chapter, this conversation offers both perspective and practical guidance.

In This Episode You Will Learn

✅ How engagement and mentorship can reshape your veterinary career

✅ The real impact of AI and telemedicine in modern veterinary practice

✅ How to navigate burnout, career pivots, and life transitions with confidence

Ready to evolve your veterinary career?
Explore coaching, programs, and resources designed to support alignment, leadership, and long-term sustainability in veterinary medicine at www.evolvedvets.com

Timestamps

• 00:00 How to Stay in Veterinary Medicine Without Burning Out
• 03:02 First Vet Clinic Experience (and Passing Out!)
• 04:26 28-Year Career + Transition to Texas A&M
• 05:08 Becoming Executive Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
• 06:25 Why Engagement & Leadership Matter in Vet Med
• 09:46 Transition from Clinical Practice to Academia
• 12:08 Telemedicine in Veterinary Medicine: Real Use Cases
• 19:50 AI in Veterinary Medicine: Benefits, Risks & “Dr. Google”
• 26:01 Burnout, Career Doubt & Staying Engaged in Vet Med
• 35:28 Life Challenges, Career Breaks & Personal Resilience
• 43:03 Saying Yes vs No: Career Growth, Boundaries & Opportunities
• 49:07 Leadership Values, Mentorship & Support Systems

Key Takeaways

🔹 Preparedness beats prediction: Success in veterinary medicine—and life—comes from being adaptable, not having all the answers.

🔹Engagement is everything: Staying involved in your profession opens doors, builds community, and prevents burnout.

🔹You don’t have to choose one path: Veterinary medicine offers diverse opportunities—evolving your role can reignite passion.

🔹Support systems matter: Mentorship, community, and boundaries are essential for sustaining a long, fulfilling career.

About Dr. Lori Teller

Dr. Lori Teller is a graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (TAMU CVM), and she is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice. She has worked at Meyerland Animal Clinic for many years, starting at the age of 12, and continuing after graduation from veterinary school. Recently Dr. Teller joined the faculty at TAMU CVM as the Clinical Associate Professor of Telehealth. She was a previous AVMA President and the TVMA President in 2010. Dr. Teller has special interests in internal medicine cases, particularly those regarding GI diseases and autoimmune problems. She also greatly enjoys cytology as a diagnostic tool for lumps and bumps and working with senior animals to alleviate pain as they age. She is also very passionate about telemedicine and the role it can play in veterinary medicine. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriteller/

Resources Mentioned

📸 Instagram: @EvolvedVets
📺 YouTube: Evolved Vets

🎵 TikTok: @evolvedvets
🌐 Website & Membership: www.evolvedvets.com

📸 Instagram: @drbeththevet
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bethany-weinheimer-a9047558
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeththevet

SOCIAL MEDIA

The Evolved Vets - Dr Lori Teller VV1 v2.mp4

Why Engagement Changes Everything | Dr. Lori Teller on Loving Your Career Again.

Feeling disconnected from your work? Dr. Lori Teller explains how getting involved and surrounding yourself with passionate professionals can transform your career from “just a job” into something you truly enjoy.

👉 Subscribe for more veterinary career tips: https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedVets

#shorts #veterinarymedicine #careergrowth #mentorship #networking

Tags: veterinary medicine, Dr. Lori Teller, career engagement, professional growth, vet life, mentorship, leadership development, career fulfillment, networking, women in medicine, 

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