VetMore Podcast
Welcome to VetMore Podcast — where science defies boundaries and medicine evolves, one species at a time. From the microscopic to the monumental, every species tells a story. Join Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou as we dive into the fascinating world of veterinary science, research, and the future of animal and human health.
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Dr. Wolfgang Dohne: Locum Life, Traveling, Veterinary Leadership, and The Blue Vet Diary Chronicles
05/06/2025
Dr. Wolfgang Dohne: Locum Life, Traveling, Veterinary Leadership, and The Blue Vet Diary Chronicles
In this thought-provoking third episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou talks to Dr. Wolfgang Dohne, a veterinary surgeon whose career spans clinical expertise, international leadership, and educational reform. Together, they explore Dr. Wolfgang Dohne’s unique path into veterinary medicine—sparked by a love of biology and a deep respect for animals. From the challenges of mentorship in large academic settings to the emotional demands of patient care, the conversation offers a grounded look at what it means to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and find fulfillment in the everyday moments of practice. Dr. Wolfgang Dohne also shares insights from his diverse experiences across Europe, touching on the power of communication, the richness of locum work, and the role of cultural fluency in client care. Beyond the clinic, his contributions to veterinary education, scholarship programs, and reflective writing in The Blue Vet Diary highlight a lifelong commitment to growth and connection. Whether you're a student, a seasoned vet, or navigating the locum life, this episode offers valuable lessons in leadership, wellness, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond. Chapter Notes: 00:00 Introduction to VetMore and Wolfgang Dohne 03:54 Wolfgang's Early Life and Influences 04:19 Education and Mentorship in Veterinary School 06:03 Career Path and Diverse Expertise 10:35 Human Medicine VS Veterinary Medicine 11:35 The Burden of the Responsibility 12:26 University Life in Hanover 14:45 Reflections on Happiness and Life Balance 20:27 Delayed Gratification 21:31 Career Spanning Multiple Countries 25:59 People Bloom in Different Environments 27:05 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 28:11 Shifts and Work Hours in Veterinary Medicine 29:52 Adapting to Different Work Environments 30:35 Working Through Winter 30:45 Leisure After Work 31:39 Doing Emergency and Critical Care Work 32:26 The Role of Teamwork in Veterinary Practice 33:08 What is the Locum Work? 35:12 Working with Professional Nursing Teams 36:08 Communication and Client Relationships 36:53 Appreciating The Team 41:24 Learning from Specialists and General Practitioners 49:04 Leadership Qualities in Veterinary Medicine 53:59 Feeling At Home in the Workplace 55:54 The Value of Travel in Professional Development 58:42 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 59:29 The Importance of Personal Connections at Work 01:01:11 Corporate vs. Independent Practices 01:01:18 The Human Capital 01:02:42 Navigating Corporate Challenges 01:06:02 Experience with Corporate 01:07:02 Making Decisions Based on What You Love 01:09:38 The Evolution of Veterinary Education 01:17:29 Establishing Scholarships for Future Generations 01:22:43 The Blue Vet Diary: A Personal Reflection 01:26:10 The Essence of Resilience and the Human Spirit 01:27:21 Integrating Advanced Veterinary Practices 01:28:33 Perceptions of Veterinary Medicine 01:29:49 The Intersection of Travel and Veterinary Medicine 01:31:02 Overcoming Skepticism as a Foreign Veterinarian 01:35:12 Building Trust with Clients 01:37:04 Lessons from Starting One's Own Clinic 01:40:58 The Value of Honesty in Clinical Work 01:44:12 Reflections on Mortality and Life Choices 01:50:14 Lessons from Animals 01:54:09 The Importance of History and Human Experience 01:54:19 The Joy of Reading in the Age of Social Media Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Dr. Maria Kokozidou: Lab Animals Science, Comparative Medicine, and Life in Academia
05/06/2025
Dr. Maria Kokozidou: Lab Animals Science, Comparative Medicine, and Life in Academia
In this thought-provoking episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with Dr. Maria Kokozidou to explore a journey that crosses continents, species, and scientific disciplines. From her early days in Greece studying veterinary medicine to her transition into human medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research, Dr. Kokozidou shares the defining moments that shaped her path in science and academia. Through candid reflections, Dr. Maria Kokozidou explores the intersections of veterinary and human medicine, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in research, and the ethical complexities of working with animals in science. She also shares her teaching philosophy, thoughts on mentorship, and personal insights on life, purpose, and resilience — all framed by her cultural heritage and global academic experience. Whether you're a student, researcher, or science enthusiast, this episode offers rich life lessons, practical advice, and inspiration for navigating the world of science with heart and integrity. Dr. Maria Kokozidou is a distinguished veterinary scientist with expertise in anatomy, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. She holds a diploma in veterinary medicine from Aristotle University and a Master's Degree in Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. She earned her doctorate in 2003 from Justus Liebig University in Gießen with magna cum laude distinction for her research on PCR methods in "Leishmania infantum" detection, which is a huge problem in Europe and in the Mediterranean. With a German veterinary license and specialization, as a human anatomist, she has held research and teaching roles at institutions such as the Boehringer Ingelheim START, RWTH Aachen Maastricht University and Paracelsus Medical University. Her research spans from molecular parasitology to vascular biology, securing substantial grants for the university, including those from Boehringer Ingelheim and the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation. She has served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and contributed to international cardiovascular research initiatives. Dr. Maria Kokozidou's research portfolio includes extensive work on vascular remodeling, placental biology, and the development of biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Dr. Kokozidou has also held research and teaching positions at institutions such as Klinikum Nueremberg Nord and has been actively involved in mentoring students in both English and German. 🔑 Topics Covered: From Pan-Hellenic exams to veterinary school in Greece 🇬🇷 A transformative academic moment at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 🎓 Shifting into human medicine and cardiovascular research 🫀 The power of mentorship, community, and cultural adaptation 🌍 Teaching with empathy and building student trust 🧠 Animal ethics and the future of organoids in research 🐾🧪 Artificial intelligence: potential, limitations, and human oversight 🤖 The meaning of life, legacy, and nurturing the soul beyond science 🌱 Chapters Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine Journey 04:21 The Path to Research and Academia 06:31 Cultural Adaptation and Resilience 08:27 Surrounding One's Self with Good People 08:48 The Role of Mentorship in Science 10:53 Our DNA Has Memory 11:18 Transitioning from Veterinary to Human Medicine 12:46 Transitioning to Human Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research 13:25 Creating Opportunities in Research 14:34 The Children of This Era Are Afraid To Dare To Do Something 16:13 Just Do It — Create Opportunities 18:37 The Evolution of Veterinary and Medical Education 20:53 Personal Values and Relationships 23:18 Future of Research and Personal Aspirations 25:25 Nurturing the Soul Beyond Science 27:27 A Purpose To Fulfill 27:51 Fashion and the Art of Science 30:05 Organoids and the Future of Animal Use in Research 30:28 Ethics in Animal Research 30:32 The Role of Organoids in Research 33:22 Ethics and Regulations in Animal Research 35:04 Not Taking Criticisms Personally 35:47 The Pursuit of Grants and Funding in Academia 38:50 Robotics and Training in Medicine 40:04 Artificial Intelligence in Research 44:08 Living in a Changing World 44:22 Change is Underground 46:33 What is the Meaning of Life? 49:37 The Role of Women in Academia 51:56 The Importance of Asking for Help Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmoreorg on IG, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Dr. Panos Azmanis: The Art of Falconry, Wildlife Conservation, and Veterinary Science
04/11/2025
Dr. Panos Azmanis: The Art of Falconry, Wildlife Conservation, and Veterinary Science
Join Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou as she interviews the incredible Dr. Panos Azmanis, a world-renowned veterinarian specializing in avian medicine, wildlife conservation, and falconry. From the deserts of Dubai to the cultural heritage of falconry recognized by UNESCO, Dr. Azmanis shares his remarkable journey into veterinary science, his experiences with royal families, and the deep bond between humans and animals. 0:00 - Intro 04:14 - Falconry: Tradition and Practice 24:04 - The Art of Falconry and its Controversies 30:19 - Ethics in Wildlife Conservation 34:20 - The Role of Wildlife Veterinarians 47:22 - The Balance of Ethics 54:58 - Childhood Influences on Veterinary Aspirations 01:06:53 - Passion and Specialization in Veterinary Medicine 01:15:08 - Navigating Work-Life Balance and Career Goals 01:30:00 - Conservation and the Drive to Help Wildlife 01:43:25 - Precision Medicine in Veterinary Care 01:49:32 - Falconry: Tradition Meets Modern Applications 02:05:00 - A Life Well Lived: Reflections on Purpose Explore the ethical dilemmas of hunting, the role of veterinarians in conservation, and the complex relationship between modern science and ancient traditions. Learn how falconry is more than a practice—it’s a bridge between cultures and a testament to human ingenuity and survival. Discover how Dr. Azmanis’ childhood fascination with animals evolved into a lifelong passion for conservation and innovation. Whether you’re a vet, a nature enthusiast, or curious about the intersection of science and tradition, this episode will leave you inspired and informed. 🎙️ Topics Covered: • Falconry as an art and its roots in Bedouin culture. • Ethical questions surrounding hunting and animal welfare. • Conservation efforts in the Mediterranean and beyond. • Dr. Azmanis’s mobile veterinary clinics and his role in wildlife rehabilitation. • The evolving role of science, AI, and tradition in addressing ecological challenges. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that celebrates the intersection of compassion, culture, and conservation. Let us know what you think of this episode by engaging with us on our social media accounts @vetmore on IG, Meta, and TikTok.
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