Megan Sprinkle on the People of Animal Health Podcast

This is an episode from the People of Animal Health Podcast, hosted by Stacy Pursell, Founder and CEO of the VET Recruiter. 

Stacy interviews the host of Vet Life Reimagined. Dr. Megan Sprinkle, a board certified veterinary nutritionist, entrepreneur, podcast host, and self-proclaimed odd veterinarian. From caring for orphaned elephants in Zambia to leading scientific communication for pet nutrition brands, Dr. Sprinkle has built an unconventional career outside of the traditional clinic. She’s the founder of the Vet Life Reimagined Podcast, president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and co-founder of Rise 3D Printing. Passionate about innovation, storytelling and reimagining veterinary possibilities. Dr. Sprinkle brings curiosity, creativity, and compassion to everything she does. Let’s dive into her incredible journey. 

Resources:

• Episode on The People of Animal Health podcast
• The VET Recruiter website

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Transcript

Megan Sprinkle: [00:00:00] Welcome to Vet Life Reimagined. Recently I've had several people ask me, when can we hear about your story on the podcast? I have shared an episode where I was a guest, but it has been a while. . So I was recently on the People of Animal Health Podcast hosted by Stacy Pursell, founder of the Vet Recruiter.

And Stacy was kind enough to let me share that episode here with you, and she asked me more questions outside my career too. She asked me my thoughts of the future of pet nutrition and some other fun topics. So I hope you enjoy this episode.

Stacy Pursell: Do you work in the animal health industry or veterinary profession? Have you ever wondered how people began their careers and how they got to where they are today? Hi everyone. I'm Stacey Pursell, the founder and CEO of the Vet Recruiter, the leading executive search and recruiting firm for the animal health industry and veterinary pro.

I was the first recruiter to specialize in the animal health [00:01:00] industry and veterinary profession in the United States, and built the first search firm to serve this unique niche. For the past 25 plus years, I have built relationships with the industry's top leaders in Trailblazers. The people of Animal Health podcast highlights, incredible individuals I have connected with.

Throughout my career, you'll be able to learn more about their lives, careers, and contributions. With our wide range of expert guests, you'll be sure to learn something new in every episode. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode. Welcome to the People of Animal Health podcast. Today we're joined by Dr.

Megan Sprinkle, a board certified veterinary nutritionist, entrepreneur, podcast host, and self-proclaimed odd veterinarian from caring for orphaned elephants in Zambia to leading scientific communication for pet nutrition brands. Dr. Sprinkle has built an unconventional career outside of the traditional.

[00:02:00] Clinic. She's the founder of the Vet Life Reimagined podcast, president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and co-founder of Rise 3D Printing, passionate about innovation, storytelling, and reimagining veterinary possibilities. Dr. Sprinkle brings curiosity, creativity, and compassion to everything she does.

Let's dive into her incredible journey. So Megan, you and I met for the first time in Kansas City at the Veterinary Innovation Summit. There were four of us podcasters and there was a podcast room and we were each doing our own podcast. And then all four of us got together and did a podcast about doing a podcast, which was really fun.

And since then, it has been so much fun to get to know you and follow your career, and watch your career grow. So recently I was on your podcast and now you're on my podcast. So I'm excited to have you here today. Megan, thank you for being here. Thank you. It's an absolute honor. Thank you for the invitation.

Well, let's start [00:03:00] off at the beginning. What was your life like growing up and where did you grow up? 

Megan Sprinkle: what a great question. Thank you for asking. I grew up mainly in North Alabama, outside of Huntsville, and I, yes, a lot of people say, where's your accent? when I'm there and when I'm really tired, it comes out.

But otherwise, I ended up with a neutral accent. But I honestly, I always said I landed some of the best parents I, I could have. My dad is a child psychiatrist and my mother is a. Teacher with her master's in early childhood and development. So some people may be like, oh my. Um, but honestly they were the absolute best parents that I could have asked for.

definitely, especially my father was very encouraging of my creative and curious mindset, and I think that really set me up for success. Not to mention with him having a medical background that uh, there was that ability to relate in our interests. 

Stacy Pursell: Well, when and why did you decide to become a veterinarian?[00:04:00] 

Megan Sprinkle: Yeah, I, I'm one of those, um, veterinarians who knew very young that animals was the a path that I wanted to take, although I. Maybe a little bit different. And going back to that odd veterinarian is that my interests were in marine mammals. There was something that attracted me to dolphins in particular, but dolphins, whales, any type of marine mammal.

And again, back to having great parents who not encouraged me to. Have experiences around these animals. And so I, I did starting junior high, I, I went to SeaWorld camps and, and these were career camps. This wasn't just like day camp and really got to explore my interests there. And, uh, I think that's really, I was able to continue to nurture that in interest and just continue to grow from there.

Stacy Pursell: Well, you have described yourself as an odd veterinarian and proudly so what does that mean [00:05:00] to you, and how has embracing your uniqueness shaped your career path? Yes. Uh, 

Megan Sprinkle: I, I think probably naively thought I wa I was very different, uh, early on. But really I think what has continued to grow me being kind of a nod veterinarian is that early start of a, a different interest, marine mammals and zoo and me.

Having these different experiences around those types of animals gave me exposure to a lot of different types of career paths that all came together to take care of these animals. And so I think it was a great introduction of there's not one way of doing something. I was able to really see a diversity when it came to taking care of animals.

And I, I think from there, my. Nature of, of being very cur, a very curious person, trying different things le leaning into unique interest instead of just assuming there's one way of [00:06:00] doing things. And that has kind of allowed me to develop some unique attributes, um, in the veterinary community. 

Stacy Pursell: From Girl Scout to Elephant Nurse and Zambia to podcast host and entrepreneur.

Your journey has been anything but linear. What have been some of the most defining moments along the way? 

Megan Sprinkle: I. Yes. I, I think there were several defining moments, and some of it was kind of back to that odd veterinarian, which may be why I, I focus on it so much is I, I'm a very observant person. I was even from a young age, and I would kind of notice when people would, I.

Make some type of gesture or comment that made me realize that whatever I had said or done was a little bit unique and I kind of leaned into that instead of being afraid of them making that comment. And so some of these defining moments very early on, um, one that for some reason sticks in my head. I was doing [00:07:00] an externship at a zoo and I was following the veterinarian through the zoo.

And one of the food vendors started waving to me and I waved back and the veterinarian just looked at me and she's like, how do you know him? And I said. While I walk the zoo at, at my breaks and I talk to people and, and she just thought that was so odd. Um, so kind of early on, noticing my ability to interact with, with people of all backgrounds and really be open to people's perspective.

Another big one that, that got me into nutrition was I was doing. An externship at Disney. Um, this was actually my preceptorship, so at the end of vet school, and they have a day where you get to pick which department you can spend time in. And it could have been the big cats. It could have been the primates.

And this was not an option, but I, I said, can I go hang out at the nutrition center? [00:08:00] And they're like. I guess so. And I just, I was so fascinated by nutrition. Um, and so that was another big moment of I really like the nutrition component of things and, and that kind of guided me down that path. And then one other really big one that was a little bit later.

In my career was, this was actually after my residency, but this moment in particular, so my residency advisor, I had invited into my wedding, so I, I was already in my job, I was getting married and my dad told me later that my residency advisor, Dr. Back, is whom I absolutely love, came up to him at my wedding and had told my dad that while I was a resident I had more than doubled.

The service, meaning our, our income and revenue and our, our business. And to me it was a moment of I do have value [00:09:00] that I can bring that is impactful in, in that particular way. And I, I think as veterinarians, we don't always think about our ability to impact in a business setting, but just think about, you know, all of those things that we're able to grow.

And I think that gave me a lot of confidence. And maybe even some language around some of the value that I could bring going forward. 

Stacy Pursell: What was your secret? How were you able to help double the revenue? 

Megan Sprinkle: Yeah. Uh, so when I started as a resident, I did not have a resident mate and I. My advisor, Dr. Bku, brilliant man, but he is a man of the laboratory, so that was his home.

And we also had clinic duty, and I'm not a person to sit at a desk, so I was like, I'm, I gotta go get some business. So I went and walked the halls of the. The hospital and at the University of Missouri. And I just got to know the other residents, the internal medicine residents became my allies. 'cause luckily they also, uh, [00:10:00] did believe in nutrition and I built relationships with them.

I would read the income, um, or the transfer emails in the morning and I would find the cases that seemed like good nutrition cases and I would go hang out at those. So I, I just wasn't afraid to. Get up and out of my office and start talking with people and, and just being curious. I wasn't taking over, I was just asking questions and saying, Hey, do you mind if I learn and, and hear more about this case?

Is it maybe there's something I can do to support you? And I built those connections over time and that really was the key. It, it was not afraid to get out and, and talk to people and build those relationships and. Over time, as you take cases, you start to build trust with those other doctors. And later on I did ask them as I was.

Heading out of my residency, it's like, why did you trust me? Why, why did you send me all these cases? And they said that I knew one, you would take care of [00:11:00] them in, in, in that capacity, but also you would keep me in the loop. I always communicated back to them. So they trusted me with the case, but also that I would keep them updated.

And so, and they loved that aspect because I would, I would take all that communication with the pet owner that they didn't wanna have when it came to nutrition. So it, it's building 

Stacy Pursell: relationships. Well, that's one of the things that you are known for is building relationships and your career blend science with creativity from nutrition and tech innovation to communication and podcasting.

How have you discovered and nurtured opportunities to flex both your scientific expertise and creative instincts along the way? Yes. I think part of it is luck. 

Megan Sprinkle: I landed a role right out of residency with Royal Canaan. It was a scientific communications position, and a large part of that position was to be part of the onboarding team, [00:12:00] and all new associates coming into the company went through pretty detailed nutrition chaining and that.

This is again, any salaried associate. Of any background. It could be finance, it could be the lawyer. Uh, they all went through us and the team that was already there that I got to join, they were amazing. And there's people like Brie Morrow, who her career is really taking off too. She was so good at explaining the science in such creative ways, and I could see how it impacted people, like they understood it and they, and because they could understand it, they valued it.

It got them excited. Like it was just amazing. And so I think that helped. And what I have found is creativity is, is an important value for me. And if I start to feel like I'm losing that in my role or my job, I go searching for it. And so I've done that. I. I'll reach out to people in, in a company I'll join or even start interest groups so [00:13:00] that we can have deep conversations.

I did that at Royal Canan around finance. Um, it was something I was interested in and knew nothing about. So I reached out to other veterinarians who had the interest and we formed a group. Um, and I, you know, again, I also look for people in companies that value. Creative thinking and innovation. And even going back to the Veterinary Innovation Summit, uh, thankfully a, a wonderful mentor, Dr.

Maya Albert Royal Canan, um, I, I think he could probably see it better than I could even vocalize what I was kind of looking for. And so he recommended that I go to. The Veterinary Innovation Summit, that was before we met, and that really was the place where it just sparked me. I was like, this is it.

These are the people I love. And I get like, these are my people. So a lot of it is just being proactive and, and going after it. 

Stacy Pursell: Oh, I love that. As a board certified veterinary nutritionist and president of A A VN, how do you see the field of [00:14:00] veterinary nutrition evolving and what are, what are the most exciting innovations or challenges right now?

Megan Sprinkle: I think one of the big challenges right now is around this veterinary industry versus the pet industry scenario. There's a. Seemingly great divide between these two different industries, and I have been an observer of some of the. Inability to work together. And in fact, I, I've kind of, I see myself as bridging the two 'cause I'm constantly in both and I love both.

And it is kind of a dream that, that we can somehow work better together because they, it's two different perspectives with different expertise. All extremely important when it comes to what's best for the animals. And so I think it's a challenge that's been around for a while and it's still [00:15:00] going on.

Um, but especially as we, innovation is more and more rapid, um, I think the more we need to learn how to work together to make sure that it is in the best interest for the pet. 

Stacy Pursell: I know what you're saying. I've spent my whole career working in both the pet and the vet and then the animal health. That's even another segment.

But there's so much overlap between all these different segments. 

Megan Sprinkle: Exactly. Exactly. Um, I think on the innovation side of things. What I'm really excited is that we are getting better and better at understanding individualized nutrition. I think we're getting the technology and data being able to use data all to, to get more on that individualized level.

And so we, we used to talk about what is the most common nutrition question you're gonna get is, well, what's the best diet for. My pet fill in the name. And I think [00:16:00] we are getting closer to having the scientific evidence of being very specific on that answer. 'cause right now we're really vague, um, when we answer it.

And I think in the future we're, we're gonna be able to get very specific in what we can recommend. 

Stacy Pursell: You launched the Vet Life Reimagined podcast in 2022. What inspired you to start it and what have you learned from talking to other veterinarians who have taken non-traditional career paths? I. 

Megan Sprinkle: Yeah, so I started it, uh, as you said, in 2022, which was in the middle of the pandemic.

Pandemic had been going on for just a little while, but I, I, at that point, kind of saw two different populations of professionals. One was the group who were in clinic. They were burnt out and they were grasping for help and hope. And they would find me on LinkedIn, see my kind of non-traditional career path, and reach out and say, Hey, can we just chat?

And then there was the other group that often was in [00:17:00] industry. They were comfortable in their roles, but they were looking for ways to grow in their careers, and they just didn't know what was out there. And so kind of between both groups, I saw that there was the lack of understanding that there are so many different possibilities and ways to live out, you know, interior title, veterinarian, vet tech, whatnot.

And that was really exciting to me. I think I'm naturally like this possibilities kind of girl, and I wanted to make sure people knew that, that this is such a flexible, adaptable kind of industry and I want my colleagues who I care so much about to take advantage of that. And so that was a, that's a huge thing that I've learned.

Yes, I believed in it, but man, every time I talk with somebody, it just even broadens my own ability. To verbalize the possibilities in our profession, which is so, so exciting. And the second big thing that I have learned and take taken [00:18:00] away from doing this podcast is just how amazing the people are of this profession.

And it, it just constantly. It excites me every time I have these conversations because they, they are just so full of, of passion and, um, excitement for the profession, and I just love that ability to connect. 

Stacy Pursell: Yeah, that's what I love about it too, are the people. And you mentioned there's so many opportunities in the veterinary profession for veterinarians.

There's also opportunities outside of the profession. The former head of regulatory affairs for Coca-Cola was a veterinarian. He's since retired. And then the former head of quality assurance for Campbell Soup. Was a veterinarian, so veterinarians can do so many interesting things. Hey everyone, we are interrupting the episode briefly to talk to you about today's sponsor.

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Ready to take the next step? Visit the vet recruiter. Dot com today. That's the vet recruiter.com. And now let's get [00:20:00] back into the episode. You have been involved in both large corporations and scrappy startups from role Canan to Healthy Pet Connect to Rise 3D Printing. What lessons have you carried from one world to the other?

Megan Sprinkle: Some lessons that I've definitely learned and continue to carry with me. One is the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences. I think when we're able to get out of our bubble and try something very different, or at least listen to somebody else who has that very different experience, we learn so much.

I think it increases our ability to have empathy, and I also think it increases our ability to. Creatively problem solve. And so I, I so believe that it takes that diverse group of perspectives to end up finding the best solutions for the challenges, whether it's insider profession or, or adjacent. 

Stacy Pursell: Yeah.

That's good. Well, I know that [00:21:00] technology clearly excites you, especially when it comes to improving patient care and client relationships. Where do you see the biggest untapped potential for tech in veterinary medicine? 

Megan Sprinkle: Yeah, well you mentioned Healthy Pet Connect and, um, I get no money from supporting them, but man, the, their ability to use technology for advanced monitoring is really exciting.

So I, I think there's, there's a lot of areas that are untapped in, in technology. Um, also, you know. Talking about improving client relationships. I, I think there's that ability to connect the veterinarian and the owner, which is, as we know, is, is growing more and more important, I think in, in today's age.

The challenge though, is. You really have to find a very big pain point for successful adoption. And it's something that, you know, I've heard from people who are, are far more expert in AI and [00:22:00] technology than I am, and they often will. Pull in the example of the AI scribing. Why in a profession that people say we're so hesitant to adopt technology or, or something like that.

Why was AI scribing so quickly adopted and appreciated? And that was, that there was a very clear pain point for the veterinarian that it solved in an easy and fast way. And, and that's why it was successful. And so I, I think. Yes, I see some opportunities for untapped potential, but again, I think it requires that diverse team to be able to come together and really understand what's the problem that we're solving, and it needs to be a really uncomfortable problem to, to start with.

And then as it, I think it becomes more natural. Maybe we can be, um, more creative in some of the things we bring, but it, it's just something that I've noticed that I, I, I wanna make sure to. To add in there as, as people are trying to [00:23:00] think about that, um, bringing solutions in. 

Stacy Pursell: That's a really good point.

Well, you have worn many hats, communicator, teacher, innovator, entrepreneur. How do you stay grounded while navigating such a dynamic and multifaceted career? How do I stay grounded? Um, I 

Megan Sprinkle: am constantly reminded how human I am. So, uh, I, I am by far not perfect. Uh, I'm a new mother of an almo, almost nine month old.

And so talk about another great example of. Being reminded how human you are. But, um, I, I'm also a, a, a learner at heart. I am always trying to learn how to grow and be better. And so I, I kind of see things as opportunities to learn. Um, it's not failure. It is an opportunity to, to learn. And, and so I, I think that is how I, I stay in the game is embracing opportunities to learn and, and knowing that you never stop being a learner.

Stacy Pursell: Well, [00:24:00] that intellectual curiosity has carried you far and you stay so humble. Thank you. Well, being a mom, a wife, and co-running a business while still advancing your veterinary career, how do you balance it all and what advice do you have for other professionals trying to juggle multiple roles? 

Megan Sprinkle: I would lie if I said it wasn't a challenge and that I constantly work on this.

So again, like I said, I, I have an, um, a nine month old and you know, especially with her as she grows, her needs change. And so I think a lot of it is. Listening to what's around you, communication. My goodness, me and my husband have to constantly communicate. That was definitely something I wanted to emphasize even early on in our marriage is you have to talk to me.

We, we have to talk to each other, even if it's hard conversations, um, to make sure that we are hearing each other and we're able to support each [00:25:00] other. 'cause again, life changes and, and we need to be able to. To communicate and adapt together. I think the other thing too, I is be creative. You know, if you try something and it doesn't work, try something else.

Don't keep banging your head against the wall. Um, and, and then maybe, uh. Lastly is really be grounded in, in your values and, and what's gonna be the priority. Um, these will change. So I think it's also important to check in, um, and, and make sure that those values are up to date at the time. So when you have to make a really hard decision, you can rely on those to be your North Star.

Stacy Pursell: Yeah, that's really good. Well, let's fast forward five years. What's your dream vision for your impact on the veterinary profession and what does vet life reimagine look like then? 

Megan Sprinkle: That's a great question. I, um, I like to keep the vision open a little bit. Maybe that's a cop out answer, but because I'm constantly reminded [00:26:00] of the possibilities that are out there, I wanna make sure that I am not too, uh.

I'm not grasping too hard on one single vision because as you very well know, because you know, you present new opportunities to people all the time. You never know what might land in your lap. And so again, yes, being clear in your values and, and kind of knowing what sparks me. For example, I love being a connector, so kind of what I see as.

My vision and, and it could be broad. It, it allows for those abilities to, um, have different. Opportunities arrive that I, I don't even know, exist out there. But I do hope that the future involves me bringing people together. Again, I, I keep harping on that diverse background, but I just see how, how important it is, um, but bringing people to, of different backgrounds, different expertise to [00:27:00] really be able to create these big, impactful challenges.

I know we can. So, um, I, I have a, a lot of enthusiasm for the future and I definitely, um, still have that life reimagined in in my future. 

Stacy Pursell: Well, that resonates with me so much because I have the privilege in my professional life to be a connector. I do that professionally and that's, I I enjoy that so much.

And I know you are such a connector too. Yes. Thank you. And you are a master at it. Well, thank you. Well, Megan, what has been the most surprising thing to you up to this point during your career in the veterinary profession? I. I 

Megan Sprinkle: think I, I'm, I'm constantly surprised just when I, I realize how fast the profession has changed and continues to change.

And I think some of that is not intentionally, um, it's just kind of how the world has changed and, and how quickly veterinary medicine [00:28:00] has adapted to it. Uh, one example that. Commonly comes up when I interview, especially veterinarians who've been in the industry for a very long time. It is just the gender changes.

You know, we, we are going from heavily male dominated to heavily female dominated. Um, you know, the differences in how people see pets. I think that's even changing e even in the past few years as generations change as the economy and, and just life in general and. It doesn't surprise, it does surprise me how quickly I think veterinary medicine has kind of changed along with that.

Stacy Pursell: Yeah. Well, what does your crystal ball say about the future of the veterinary profession? 

Megan Sprinkle: Yes. I feel like a broken record, but I still think that the possibilities in this profession are endless. I think that's just going to continue and I, I hope it, it, it excites people because. If you are looking to grow yourself, and maybe [00:29:00] it's just not clear yet what that direction is, is I know that there are going to be new jobs, new needs.

Tomorrow that don't exist today. And, and so it hopefully that excites you is that again, this is such an evolving adaptive profession that there will always be an opportunity for you to, to find something that I think fits your, your values as well as your interests and skillset. 

Stacy Pursell: Well, what are some of your daily habits that have allowed you to achieve success?

I think if 

Megan Sprinkle: we look on a daily level, well this is still a little rough with a baby in the house. I do prioritize sleep. Thankfully, me and my husband have a, we have a system worked out and it seems to be doing okay. Um. But I know that sounds, maybe it sounds a little silly, but sleep is so important to make [00:30:00] sure that you are functioning.

Um, you know, a lot of what we do revolves around our, our mind, our ability to think, as well as our ability to emotionally connect. And I, I think if we are not rested. We can't do that. Even if you're good at it normally, like sleep will, will hurt that. And so I think sleep has been a key factor in allowing me to do all the things that I do.

Stacy Pursell: And, and you're very intentional about that. Yeah, I try. Well, what has been the biggest challenge that you have had to face up to this point in your career? 

Megan Sprinkle: Um, you know, as much as I love the people of veterinary medicine. If I have to think about the biggest challenge, I think it's the same answer. I think it's sometimes it's people, it's the human beings that we interact and it's just because we're human.

We're not perfect. And, and so, you know, I've been presented situations where I just [00:31:00] usually conflict, you know, management kind of situations where it like it, it shocks me that somebody's. Reacting that way. And, and again, of course you, you gotta lean into it in a curious way. I experienced my first real adult bully, you know, in veterinarian medicine.

And that was just really challenging for me 'cause I, I was very green as a veterinarian at the time, and so you've got a lot going on. The last thing that you want to put in the mix is, is having to. You know, manage someone where you feel like you're being bullied. Um, as well as leadership too. There's some amazing leadership and there's some that's not so great.

And so being able to overcome how to handle some of those things and understand what is in my control, I think is so key. Like I, I try from those situations, that is one thing that I have taken away, I've said. What is in my control? How have I contributed to the situation and what can I do [00:32:00] next? And I think those are, are some of the big things that can help in those human to human, uh, challenge situations.

Stacy Pursell: Well, what advice would you give the younger version of yourself? When I 

Megan Sprinkle: think about like, maybe what I would do differently so far, I go back to vet school and, and. And this can still continue with maybe others in, in early career too. I wish I had built relationships earlier in vet school. I think IWI wish I had taken the time and not been such a study aholic.

Um, and actually built better relationships with my classmates and stop stressing about the grades, you know, understanding what's important. And again, I, I still believe I come back to those relationships that we build. Um, that is what has, you know, allowed me to go in, into places that I couldn't have even dreamed [00:33:00] of.

It was because of the connections that we build. So, to start that as early as possible. 

Stacy Pursell: Yeah, the connections are so important. Well, what message or principle do you wish you could teach everyone listening to our podcast today? I. 

Megan Sprinkle: I think that the message around the value of curiosity, um, and I think you can put that in so many different scenarios.

Again, like I mentioned it, when it comes to like a, a human to human conflict, right? And like someone. Does something and you, you have no idea where it came from instead of, you know, immediately jumping to dis defensiveness or something like that. And even if you immediately do training yourself to go, okay, hold on a second.

Let's be curious about this. What might be going on? That I don't know about. And but also when it comes to your career again, is, is you know, you don't know what you don't know. You go into vet school and in your early career only [00:34:00] knowing a very small part of one the world, but two, even veterinary medicine.

And as you keep a very curious mindset, I think that is what is going to allow you to. Help. Even with the burnout aspect of things, if you stay curious and lean into to possibilities and not be afraid to, to take things that maybe you haven't quite done and, and understand, like the things I have learned in in the past can apply to different scenarios.

Stacy Pursell: Well, Megan, some of our guests say they've had a key book that they read that helped them along the way. Do you have a key book in your life that has impacted you the most? 

Megan Sprinkle: Hmm, I, this might be kind of hard for me. One, I, I was a reader when I was young, and I think it was good. Of course, I, I did the fiction books and I think those are good too because it, one, it takes you into a different place, and I think that's [00:35:00] important too for mental rest, but also to kind of.

Spark imagination too. I think we need some opportunities to do that. And then I also really hit a point where like I was all about the self-help and personal development kind of books. And so I've read so many that they probably all kind of blur together. Um, but one of the books that does stand out is the book, how To Win Friends and Influence People.

It's an oldie, but it is a goodie, um, because it does bring so many important. It seems like straightforward kind of things, but it, they really make a difference again when it comes to building relationships with people. And so that, that is one that has kind of stuck with me. And if I had to recommend one too, that that would be one to recommend.

Stacy Pursell: That's an excellent book. Well, Megan, you've got the mic. What is one thing that you wanna share with our listeners of the People of Animal Health podcast before you drop the mic today? [00:36:00] 

Megan Sprinkle: I hope people know that. Everybody in this industry and profession. We have a lot in common, even though I value that diversity perspective, we have a lot in common.

We, we love animals. We, um, again, there's just like this instant connection when you realize there it's somebody else from this industry and I hope that gives you that. A peace of mind, that warm feeling that you are not alone. There is someone out there who gets it. And I think that's such an important message that we hold onto because I think there are points in our career where we're, we feel alone.

Um, there, there's a lot of opportunities where we kind of feel like we're the, we're the only one who, who gets us in, in spaces, and I promise there is someone who, who gets it. That's not that far away. We're a big little industry and we're highly connected, and so I, I [00:37:00] want that message out there that.

There is somebody who would be more than happy to sit down and chat with you. I, I've learned that over and over again. I, I've rarely had someone turn me down for a quick phone call, and so just, just to know you're, you're not alone. And, um, I, I definitely care about you, so if you can't find anybody else, reach out to me.

Stacy Pursell: I've always said we're a big little industry and that was such good advice. You're not alone. Reach out to Megan. She'll talk to you. Megan, thank you for talking to me. Thanks for being here on the People of Animal Health podcast. I enjoyed our conversation today. Thank you. I did too.