264: How to Choose the Right Veterinary Practice After Graduation, with Dr. Moriah McCauley

This week, Dr. Moriah McCauley returns with a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to every new grad stepping out into the veterinary world. If you’ve just crossed the stage and earned your DVM, congratulations, this one’s for you.

Dr. McCauley reflects on her own journey five years post-grad and offers a candid, compassionate look at what the first year in practice really feels like. From the adrenaline rush of finally becoming a vet to the unexpected emotional turbulence of job interviews and gut instincts, this episode is a reassuring guide to navigating the choices ahead.

She shares her personal story of finding her first job through AVMA classifieds, and how an early encounter with her now-mentor helped shape the trajectory of her career. With clarity and care, she unpacks what to look for in a mentor, why psychological safety matters, and the five markers—The 5 C’s—that signal a truly supportive practice culture.

Whether you’re still searching for your first role or preparing to start next week, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and the reminder that growth often looks different than we imagined, but it can still be better than we ever hoped.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Welcome to the profession!

[01:20] Why the first year is such a unique chapter

[02:15] AVMA 2025 announcement: The mentorship panel you won’t want to miss

[06:40] The importance of celebrating graduation

[08:13] You are not stuck: the flexibility of veterinary careers

[09:18] What to prioritise in your job search

[10:22] Dr. McCauley’s story: How she found her mentor

[14:57] The red flag test: what your nervous system is trying to tell you

[18:14] How to tell if a practice has psychological safety

[21:07] The 5 C’s of a supportive practice culture

[24:14] You don’t have to take the first job offer

[25:37] A final word of encouragement

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

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