401: The journey of becoming a veterinarian

In this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, host Dr. Adam Christman welcomes Dr. Connor Barish, a small animal veterinarian from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for an intimate conversation about his journey into veterinary medicine. From a childhood dream of being a 'guinea pig doctor' at age four, to navigating the rigorous path of undergraduate prep, vet school at Saint George University in Grenada, and earning a dual DVM/MPH degree, Dr. Barish shares the pivotal support from mentors like Dr. Smith and Dr. Bowman that helped him succeed. He reflects on the unique challenges and strengths gained from studying in a developing country, the value of the One Health approach, and how his time as a relief veterinarian provided flexibility, confidence, and invaluable clinical exposure. Now, Dr. Barish is preparing to open a new clinic, Live Well, with Mission Pet (merged with SVP), marking a major milestone in his career. He also shares personal stories about his two beloved dogs—Nebby, a Golden Doodle battling a rare fungal infection, and Winston, a quirky Great Dane who’s become a family favorite. Throughout the episode, Dr. Barish emphasizes the importance of stepping outside comfort zones, embracing growth opportunities, and building a life that balances professional ambition with family and personal well-being.