Inside Caitlin’s Corner: Career sparks, defining moments, and industry hot takes in veterinary medicine

What does it truly take to thrive in veterinary medicine? In this special Q&A, we pull from the diverse experiences of 3 veterinary professionals, who were recently featured on dvm360’s new video program, Caitlin’s Corner: Josh Broadwater, DVM, DACVO; Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia); Eric Zager, DVM, DACVECC.

Together, they each shared what sparked their journeys, defining moments that shaped their clinical careers, and opinions they hold about the industry today.

The transcripts have been edited lightly for clarity.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

Broadwater: Not at all. I actually wanted to be a baseball player for a long time, and later considered marine biology and forensic science. It wasn't until I shadowed an old country vet before my senior year of undergrad—and he literally handed me a Gigli wire to saw off the head of the femur during surgery—and I was in.

Zager: I was in the complete opposite camp; I spent most of my life convinced I wanted to be anything but a veterinarian because of euthanasia. During a college road trip, my mother jokingly suggested it. When I actually gave it serious thought, it checked all my boxes: ethical, interesting, and financial stability.

McNerney: My path evolved through a desire for continuous growth. While working in general practice, I realized I wanted to master anesthesia, which eventually pushed me to work two jobs just to gain the advanced case experience I needed.

Q: Did you have a specific "Welcome to Vet Med" moment?

Broadwater: Back in veterinary school, an equine professor asked if I was nervous before a surgery. When I said yes, he told me, "Good, because if you're not nervous, you don't understand the consequences of your actions." That realization that every touch matters has stuck with me for 20 years.

Zager: For me, it was during my internship in New York City when I performed my first independent pericardiocentesis. Holding that massive needle right next to a dog's heart, knowing it was entirely on me without anyone holding my hand—that was the moment I realized I had made it to the next step.

McNerney: My defining moment was realizing how profoundly my patient care improved through advanced training. Navigating the rigorous VTS process proved to me that technicians can provide incredibly high-level, specialized care right within their clinics.

Q: What is your personal "hot take" or a hill you are willing to die on regarding the veterinary profession?

Broadwater: E-collars. Absolutely e-collars. If I spend 20 minutes talking to a client about an ophthalmic surgery, 18 minutes are spent defending the cone. Clients act like the world is ending, but you must wear the cone!

Zager: I strongly believe that a post-graduation internship should be legally mandatory to obtain a veterinary license. Veterinary medicine has been a four-year curriculum for decades, yet the depth of medical knowledge keeps expanding. An internship is an invaluable step to safely bridge book knowledge and real practice.

McNerney: You don't have to work at a massive university or specialty hub to practice advanced medicine. Technicians should advocate to bring tools like syringe pumps or ventilators into general practice, attend wet labs for local blocks, and elevate the standard of care everywhere.