Ep 162: The Making of a Mentor, Dr. Vernard Hodges’ Story

For this week's episode of That Vet Life Show, Dr. Moriah is joined by veterinarian, TV star, author, and practice owner, Dr. Vernard Hodges.Dr. Vernard Hodges is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the prestigious Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hodges is a founder and owner of multiple successful veterinary hospitals. He practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, GA. The hospital and Dr. Vernanrd caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel in 2019, and starred in their own television show “Critter Fixers”.Alongside his career in veterinary, Dr. Hodges also started a real estate company, which has grown to a multi-million dollar business comprised of several apartment complexes and commercial properties. He has started writing a blog about how to win by betting on himself, which ultimately led to his writing a bestselling book: “Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions.” Bet on Yourself reached number #1 on the Amazon Personal Finance Booklist.In addition to his businesses, Dr. Hodges takes his work in the community very seriously. He started the Dr. Hodges “It Takes A Village” Charity Foundation in 2011. The Foundation was started to teach business skills to children. Dr. Hodges has won numerous awards for his business acumen and his community services.In this week’s episode, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about his mentorship story and how he fell in love with vet medicine. Additionally, they discuss how his life experiences influenced his mentoring style, how he became a star of a TV show, and how that show gave him the opportunity to do so many amazing things in veterinary medicine.Outline[00:20] Dr. Moriah begins the episode with a brief introduction of Dr. Vernard Hodges and the topics covered in today's episode.[01:50] Dr. Vernard shares his journey to becoming a TV star and veterinarian.[06:35] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how his own mentor shaped him into a mentor.[07:50] Dr. Vernard discusses how his journey into veterinary medicine influenced other areas of his life.[09:50] Dr. Vernard shares his experiences as he went through vet school.[12:52] Dr. Moriah asked Dr. Vernard how he began practicing medicine after graduating.[18:15] A short ad break - Sign up for our career concierge service.19:35 Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard talk about Dr. Vernard's experience mentoring young graduates.[24:40] Dr. Vernard talks about his best-selling book.[27:30] Dr. Vernard shared how he ended up starring in a television show called “Critter Fixers”.[31:55] Dr. Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss his mentorship experience on the show.[36:40] Dr.Moriah and Dr. Vernard discuss how the platform helped him do so many amazing things for students and vet med.[40:51] Dr. Moriah wraps up the episode.