Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it really means to be a veterinarian. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marie opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine. Her new book, A Compassionate Calling, explores the emotional highs and lows of the profession, from the drive to help animals to the toll it can take on mental health. Andy and Marie dig into why so many veterinarians struggle to stay fulfilled, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why self-compassion might just be the most underused skill in vet med. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance purpose and peace in your veterinary career, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Gang, let’s get into this episode!
Reviving VetMed: https://revivingvetmed.com/
A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-compassionate-calling-marie-holowaychuk/1147036390?ean=9781032389035
Marie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/marieholowaychuk
Marie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieholowaychuk
Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026
Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/
Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/
Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop
All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.
Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.
When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.
Fun facts: I have played the violin, standing bass, oboe, and ukulele; I have never missed a season of Survivor; I am a huge Edmonton Oilers fan; I am an avid swimmer but am terrified of open water
Mentioned in this episode:
Uncharted Practice Manager's Summit
Last Chance to Register is June 1st 2026 - Tell your managers!
Registration is only $199 and they can save 20% with code MANAGER
Register for the Practice Manager's Summit here!
Learn more about Simparica Trio here!
Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!
Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy Roark
Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.
Register for Office Hours here!
