Hi friends, I’m Dr. Leah Osowiecki—though many know me as “Dr. Leah” or “Dr. O”—and I’m so excited to welcome you to the very first episode of Vetted Out.
Since I was five years old, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. My passion has always been about more than just treating animals—it’s also about supporting the people who love them. During the pandemic, I left my clinic jobs and devoted myself to in-home hospice care, helping families say goodbye to their pets in the comfort of their own homes. That experience reminded me how powerful the human–animal bond truly is.
In this episode, I open up about my personal journey, the challenges facing the veterinary profession, and why I believe this show is so important. We’ll talk honestly about compassion fatigue, the mental health crisis in veterinary medicine, and the misconceptions that hurt both vets and pet parents. As I say in the episode:
“No matter our differences in politics, religion, race, gender, or socioeconomic status, we share this common thread of the human–animal bond. It is real, and it’s powerful.”
My hope is that Vetted Out becomes a community where animal lovers and caregivers can come together, share real stories, and support one another. Whether you’re a pet parent, a farmer, a wildlife enthusiast, or a fellow veterinary professional, this show is for you.
So, thank you for being here at the very beginning. Please watch, subscribe, share with your animal-loving friends, and join me as we take this journey together. I promise honesty, education, compassion—and plenty of stories about the critters we all love.
— Dr. Leah