Our series on “Champions for Change” features people of any gender in any role who are making a difference and creating positive change for women in the veterinary sector – enabling aspirations, inspiring and supporting others to grow and follow their passions, and empowering our community.
Dr Megan Sprinkle, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) is a veterinarian nutritionist, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Her weekly podcast ‘Vet Life Reimagined’ is aimed at veterinary professionals and those considering a veterinary career, sharing the experiences, insights and advice of a diverse range of veterinary professionals from different backgrounds, offering fresh perspectives on careers in the world of veterinary medicine. As well as working full time as a scientific communications manager for Whitebridge Pet Brands, at the time of writing, Megan is expecting her first child and is looking forward to becoming a mom.
Megan tells us more about her drive to inspire and encourage veterinary professionals to explore career paths that can help them to thrive in the sector:
From an early age, my fascination with various animal species led me to witness diverse careers in animal care. This curiosity took me from seal and sea lion rescue at the Marine Mammal Care Centre in California to working with baby elephants at The Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia. As I gained experience across different fields, I recognised a crucial theme in animal care: nutrition.
This interest prompted me to shift my focus from zoo medicine to nutrition, pursuing a rotating internship and a clinical nutrition residency. Desiring to maximise impact and learn from diverse backgrounds, I entered “industry”, where I’ve been working for over seven years. In these industry roles, I bridge the gap between clinical veterinary practice and the vast pet care community.
My journey has reinforced the importance of varied perspectives and skill sets in animal care, aligning with creating a podcast about the possibilities in veterinary careers. Today, I strive to apply my broad experience and nutritional expertise to make a meaningful difference in animal health from the animals to those who care for them.
Please summarise how you are working towards change in the veterinary professions and why do you feel this is important?
Most who enter the veterinary profession do so with a desire to make a difference in animal health. To maximise impact, the world needs veterinary professionals to apply their passion and transferable skills to every aspect of animal welfare. This not only benefits animals by providing educated advocates but also broadens the definition of veterinary careers, creating more opportunities for professionals to thrive, live out their values, and sustain long-term careers.
By sharing personal stories on the Vet Life Reimagined podcast of veterinary professionals who have taken their skills into unique settings, I aim to encourage others to explore paths that allow them to flourish. Career pathing is an often overlooked aspect of burnout in veterinary medicine. With the myriad ways animals are impacted by various industries, it’s not only acceptable but necessary to explore beyond traditional roles. This also enhances the sustainability of the profession. When we see our colleagues thriving in diverse roles, it provides a sense of connection and renewed inspiration in the value of our profession.
How do you feel this is making a difference?
The world is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology and medicine, and shifts in business and economics all bringing new needs to our industry. We need veterinary voices at the table to guide animal health in the right direction. By actively working to broaden perspectives on veterinary careers, I hope to contribute to a more resilient, innovative, and fulfilled veterinary community, ultimately leading to better outcomes for animals and professionals alike.
What motivated you to want to change things?
My motivation to drive change stems from numerous conversations with fellow veterinary professionals about career paths and frustrations. I’ve heard from veterinary technicians seeking growth opportunities to veterinarians battling burnout, unsure if their only options are switching to industry roles or leaving the profession entirely. Disturbingly, some professionals tie their identity so closely to a narrow view of veterinary work that they fear exploring alternatives might compromise their status as a “veterinarian.”
This mindset is particularly disheartening in a field trained for adaptability and creative problem-solving. Believing deeply in the diverse and transferable capabilities of veterinary professionals, I felt compelled to share stories of those who’ve forged unique career paths. By highlighting their decision-making processes, I aim to equip colleagues with tools to navigate their own career journeys, expanding perceptions of what’s possible within our profession.
As I’ve continued this podcast for over two and a half years, I have encountered individuals interested in entering the veterinary profession who express concerns about burnout, debt, and other challenges they’ve heard about. While these issues should not be ignored, they should be presented alongside active solutions and support strategies. By sharing success stories and the paths to achieving them, we can provide a more balanced perspective on the profession.
Ultimately, I hope to foster a more expansive, fulfilling vision of veterinary careers that leverages our multifaceted skills across various sectors. This approach benefits both professionals and the animals we serve, while also inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals by showcasing the diverse opportunities and rewarding aspects of our field.
How have you encouraged other people to get on board with your ideas?
I share the history of starting Vet Life Reimagined with each guest and they all resonate with the mission. Our audience seems to grow on each platform from our LinkedIn newsletter to the audio podcast to YouTube. The feedback and support I have received along the way continue to inspire me to continue the work of putting out the message every week.
What are the biggest challenges you have encountered in this journey and how have you overcome them?
Starting an entrepreneurial endeavour like a podcast presents numerous challenges. Initially, I had to acquire new skills in audio recording, video editing, and social media management. These challenges were enjoyable and allowed me to explore my creative side.
The real challenges, however, lie in maintaining consistency, patience with slow growth, and questioning the impact of my efforts. Balancing weekly podcast production—including guest recruitment, recording, editing, and content creation—with a full-time job, family responsibilities, and professional development (like studying for a board exam) has been demanding. Financial investment has also been significant, with limited monetary support.
Perhaps the most crucial challenge has been finding time to step back and strategise on improving and sustaining the podcast amidst the day-to-day tasks. Despite these obstacles, I’ve maintained a consistent weekly release schedule, demonstrating my commitment to the project and its potential for a positive impact on the veterinary community.
What has most helped and motivated you along the way?
Encouraging feedback from listeners and conversations with inspiring veterinary professionals as guests constantly rejuvenates my motivation. Each unique story I hear through the podcast reinforces my optimism about the possibilities in veterinary medicine.
Joining “mastermind” groups of entrepreneurs, both within and outside the veterinary industry, has been invaluable. These communities provide support, knowledge-sharing, and strategies to overcome challenges. Embracing the mindset of “being the dumb one in the room” has accelerated my personal growth and problem-solving abilities, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into new areas of learning.
What is the best advice you’ve been given, or that you would give to someone else, about driving positive change?
My best advice for driving positive change is to build a diverse team of supportive, knowledgeable individuals. This network, comprising mentors and peers, brings unique experiences and perspectives to help you navigate challenges. While initiative is crucial, remember that meaningful change is rarely achieved alone.
What are your next steps to continue creating change for the better?
My most immediate personal mission is to bring a little human into the world and start the new adventure of motherhood. I have always advocated that veterinary professionals are first and foremost human beings who have multiple components that make life worth living, and family is one of them. The most common answer to my final question on the podcast about gratitude is family. Being a mom is a priority. I hope to show my daughter a mom who works passionately towards meaningful causes and that balancing personal life with aspirations is not only possible but enriching.
The podcast will continue, and I plan to explore ways to expand its impact potentially through new formats and initiatives that further support the veterinary profession.
Email: hello@vetlifereimagined.com
Website: http://vetlifereimagined.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-sprinkle-dvm/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetlifereimagined
Our thanks to Megan for sharing her inspiring story of how she is championing change. If you would like to nominate a Champion for Change or share your story, please let us know.
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