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.