Michelle Moyal, DVM (Host): Welcome, everyone, to the Cornell Veterinary Podcast where we deep dive into the discovery, care and learning that happens at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. I'm your host, Dr. Michelle Moyal, visiting Assistant Clinical Professor at Cornell, and a Veterinary Communications manager with Purina, which I'm wearing my swag. I feel like I'm double branded today. Also, Cornell hockey fan, and even though this might be heard later, congratulations to the Cornell University Women's Hockey Team on their ECAC Championship. So, I was repping some hockey today.

But here we are. Let's get to our guest, because I'm very excited because this is not only a person who is in himself an institution at our institution, but I've known him for a long time and call him friend. Joining me today is Dr. Brian Collins, who is a senior lecturer in the section of the Community Practice-- and we're going to talk about that because I want our listeners to know what that means-- and an extension veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center-- she says a mouthful of words-- fellow Cornell Vet alum, the class of '94 and just kind of like awesome person in general. Thank you for joining us today.

Brian Collins, DVM: Thank you so much. I really appreciate the introduction.

Host: Yeah. He was like, "If she keeps talking, I don't actually have to say much. This is great."

Brian Collins, DVM: Keep going.

Host: Just keep going. I'll just smile. Well, we know each other through a teaching capacity. I wish I could say I knew you as a student, but I didn't. You're too young for that. Ooh, love that. Love that. I have met you when I was working at Cornell and you worked through the Community Practice. And for everyone listening, that's essentially like our general practice where we teach students how to be veterinarians in General Practice.

But the reason why you're here-- you're here for so many reasons, not just a pretty face. You are here because actually I was excited because you and I got to attend the Westminster Dog Show last month. So like, I'm really drawing you in to talk about that. And I was there as part of my Purina duties, because Pro Plan sponsors our show. The winner is a Pro Plan eater. Shout out to Purina. And you were there and you were serving this kind of really cool capacity. So, I want to focus-- we'll talk about Westminster, then we'll jump to other things. So, why were you there?

Brian Collins, DVM: Actually, I just crashed it.

Host: Just showed up? Yeah.

Brian Collins, DVM: No, but I was there for a couple different reasons. One of the reasons is that Cornell is responsible for providing the onsite emergency care for the Westminster Dog Show. So, I've been really fortunate in that I've been able to do that for several years in a row.

Host: That's so cool. So, you know, do you have a lot of emergencies in that setting?

Brian Collins, DVM: Well, actually, fortunately, this year we had none.

Host: I'm thankful for that. We want zero.

Brian Collins, DVM: Right, right. But over the years, there have been, you know, a few from time to time and rarely ever anything emergent. But we're there just in case. We have everything we need to tend to a dog in a crisis. But fortunately, we rarely have a problem. But we're there just in case, just for everyone's peace of mind.

Host: Oh my gosh, I love that. And to be quite honest, certainly, there are a lot of expensive breeds, dogs with expensive like heritage and lines. So, something emergent may not seem-- you know, from the outside, it may not seem very emergent to the person that's listening, but it is very emergent to the owner and the handler. Because they have to perform, these animals have to perform, right? So, oh, okay. So, I kind of want to dive deeper into that, but I'm going to control myself. And we're going to go the route of-- because I do want people to get to know you before we get to focus on these other things. So when you were a kid, did you just want to be a veterinarian? Because I know like a lot of us had different paths. So, what brought you here to this moment with me?

Brian Collins, DVM: Oh, fate.

Host: Fate! 

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. So, I was, you know, one of those kids that sounds kind of cliche, who always wanted to be a vet. You know, ever since I knew that such a thing existed, even though I really didn't know what it meant, I just thought it meant you got to work with animals.

Host: That's the way I was, and I was in college when I thought about that. So...

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. Well, I was probably before 10 when I made this decision that I was going to be a veterinarian someday.

Host: Wow.

Brian Collins, DVM: So, yeah, I grew up on a farm in upstate New York. We had cows and pigs and chickens. And occasionally, you know, the old farm vet would pull up in this old station wagon. And, you know, I'd get to see what he did.

Host: Kind of James Herriot style, right?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes, that's actually the other thing, is back in my day, I don't know how much people know about those books nowadays, but those James Herriot books were really pivotal to my development.

Host: Google those, kids. I swear they're still worth the read, just for kind of the joy that comes from veterinary medicine.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. And if you're a TV watcher, there was a PBS series of it in the '70s, I believe. The accents were so strong. It was hard to understand them at times. But I remember watching that with my grandparents in particular. Now, PBS has actually rebooted it, whole new series. It's awesome. And I definitely recommend it. It will probably spark another whole generation of veterinarians.

Host: Yeah. For those of you who are listening, probably won't be on Instagram reels that I know of. Even though I'm in a very good spot on like TikTok and Instagram, I haven't come across that, so you'll probably have to search out PBS. But I would do it because I think it sounds good.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes, it's really good.

Host: That's awesome. So, do you think it was just the environment and then the books? Was there a moment that you remember where you were like, "Hmm, I can help an animal"?

Brian Collins, DVM: Don't think I can remember a moment. I think it was just a long process. My parents had a farm, my grandparents had a farm. We grew up on the farm that my father grew up on. I was constantly surrounded by animals. You know, I have siblings. They didn't become veterinarians. So, there's just something quirky about me that just decided that it was the right thing to do.

Host: Well, I was in the middle of Queen's, New York City. And so, I think for me it didn't come as naturally as it came for other people, but that's so neat. And yet here, the both of us are, which is why I love Veterinary Medicine. So, I really love diversity of thought and backgrounds, right? And so then, you had this idea when you were young, you wanted to be a veterinarian. So, what was your path like into Veterinary Medicine and then to where you are now?

Brian Collins, DVM: Well, you know, I worked at my parents' farm all the time until I was in college, and then I lived at home. And I actually still lived on the farm in college. And at some point--

Host: I hear free labor. That's what I hear. I'm hearing free labor for your parents. Yeah. Yeah. You know what? That's valid. That's very valid. Yep. Yep.

Brian Collins, DVM: But then, at some point I found out about an externship at a wildlife rehabilitation center, actually down toward New York City. And for some reason, I just decided to do it even though I'd barely traveled in my life. I think that really kind of catapulted my interest. It was just like something so different and I just knew that I wanted to work even more with animals after that experience. I did that one summer in college and then I went back after college graduation and worked there for a year. And then, that led to a job as a manager of an animal shelter for two years.

Host: Wow.

Brian Collins, DVM: So, I was just trying to build up all these different animal experiences. And it just really confirmed that I wanted to pursue Veterinary Medicine.

Host: It's really cool because of kind of the breadth of that experience, right? So, I want to make sure everybody understands this. You grew up on a farm, you weren't working with wildlife, and you were like, "Let me just try." And then, they were like, "Yes, come here and we will teach you," right? So, there are many opportunities to learn. You don't just walk into Veterinary Medicine with this knowledge. You know, I didn't have that knowledge. I didn't have pets growing up. It's because my family wasn't from the U.S. so they didn't understand it. So, I love that about Veterinary Medicine. And so, you went to Cornell and definitely things have changed since then. So, did you stay at Cornell? Did you leave when you graduated and worked and then you came back?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. Because I wanted to be the American version of James Herriot, I went to work in a mixed practice in Central New York.

Host: Mixed meaning like cats, dogs, cows, horses, goats, pigs, right? Like

Brian Collins, DVM: Pigs, parakeets, snakes, everything that came through the door. Yeah. I was willing to give it a try, but yeah, I worked in that practice for three years. You know, driving in all kinds of weather, all kinds of animals, lots of fun adventures. Worked with a lot of fun people. And then, after that, I did come back to Ithaca and worked in a local small animal practice for 13 years.

Host: Wow. So, you had a lot under your belt before you came to Cornell. It's remarkably similar because I was in practice almost 14 years before I came back to Cornell. I guess like that thirteen is our version of a lucky number. Now, you worked in the community practice, which obviously I think you and I are very biased, but I think it's an incredibly important service because it's a General Practice service. So, we see mainly cats and dogs in that aspect, but we see everything. We check their teeth. We examine them when they're limping. We examine them when they're vomiting. We examine them when they're losing their hair. So, we are-- I like to think-- someone who is like a family practice doctor, right? Like your general doctor. Do you have a favorite part of practice or why general practice for you? I kind of know why I love it.

Brian Collins, DVM: I just liked the variety. I just wanted to do everything. Not only did I want to do all the different like areas, Dermatology, Cardiology, all those things to the best of my ability, but I wanted to do them with all the species as well. I found out that's somewhat challenging at times. Not a reason to not do it, but it certainly can be a challenge. I try to be proficient at all those different species. But yeah, I just like the breadth of all the different conditions and the species. And particularly for me, just developing those relationships with clients for so many years, you know, I've spayed a puppy and then I've seen them live, you know, their whole lives. And it's just really very fulfilling for me.

Host: I love that. And I want to make sure everyone understands Veterinary Medicine. Like a kidney in a horse is not the same as feeling a kidney in a cat. And the same thing with eyes, right? So if we look at eyes in goats, they're not the same as eyes in rabbits, not the same in cats. So, the breadth of your knowledge is really quite incredible. And so, I just wanted to make sure everybody understood that because I think that there's a lot that goes into it. And that doesn't mean we know everything on the spot. We do a lot of research and we're doing this for years, but I think that that's pretty awesome.

Brian Collins, DVM: What we teach the students is how to find the answers to things. How to answer, who to ask. You know, tell your clients you're going to, you know, do some digging around for their pets' behalf, they're very appreciative of that.

Host: Yeah. So, I love that you mentioned that because, one, I want anybody who's thinking about a future in Veterinary Medicine to understand that just like human doctors, we can't possibly know everything about everything in any given moment. And I also want people who are listening who own animals to understand that sometimes it's so much, right? But as long as we're willing to have an educated conversation and we know where to start, we have a plan, we can map it out, and then we do this right together. And that really is the most important thing. And I think we build great relationships in General Practice, just like you said. So, I think that that's part of it. They're willing to work with you and help because we're on this journey to help their pet together.

I could talk about this all day, but we have to talk about-- actually, we're going to get to Westminster, but one more thing. So, I mentioned that you are an extension veterinarian for the Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Can you tell us a little bit more about what the health center does, what you do for the health center?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, the health center sort of another way for us to help the public, particularly dog-owning public. So, one of our functions is to help raise money for research for the benefit of dogs. So, not necessarily research on dogs, but clinical trials and studies to help improve the health of dogs.

And the other is to help provide health information for people so that, say, they're researching a particular disease, they can put kidney disease into their web browser and hopefully the canine health center will pop up at the top. And then, they can go to our website and find information about kidney disease. They can also email us with specific questions and we would provide them with, you know, resources about the hospital, a lot of the times what Cornell offers, and just sort of trying to give them some kind of moral support and, you know, somebody to bounce ideas off of.

Host: I love that. And I think what's really important is in this day and age-- and this is no jab to social media, right? Social media is what it is-- but a lot of people can produce a lot of things and can provide a lot of information. And my concern is always, are they getting the right information that will allow them to take good care of their pet or know when to bring their pet in, or learn more about their pet when they hear something, you know, that could be really sad or emotion-inducing in an exam room. And so, what I'm hearing is Riney is like allowing for like really reliable information to be available. And that's really important to me as a general practitioner and I'm sure to you.

Brian Collins, DVM: Right. Right. Absolutely.

Host: Yeah, that's really key.

Brian Collins, DVM: To provide that general information to the public and also to try to give a personal touch when people reach out to us with questions.

Host: That's so awesome because it is hard to read and then email and, you know, we get our canned responses like, "Go talk to your veterinarian," or, you know... So, it is really nice to kind of get-- it's like getting a human operator when you call customer service. I'm shocked now when that happens. Like, "You're alive?" Yes. That's really awesome. And the Canine Health Center does a lot of events or there's going to be like-- and part of that was being a presence at Westminster also because some representatives there, and there's going to be an event at the end of the month, right? I believe in Central Park, there's going to be a 5K run.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes, a 5K run to raise money, and we're going to have a lot of dogs and a lot of people running and having a good time.

Host: Yes. I think it's the Bark in the Park is it's called. And it's going to be a New York City Central Park. I will be there on behalf of Purina, because Purina really wants to support healthy mobility and running, walking, whatever they choose to do in our pets. We know it's one of our big passions, right? And I will be there, but I just won't be running like at all. I will look at people running, but I won't be running, because I am not a runner. Yeah, yeah. But if anybody's listening, come see me. I'll be at the Purina area with--

Brian Collins, DVM: I will be there with my dog, Speck.

Host: I love this. So, Cornell and Purina have a lovely relationship. And I think I love it even more because I get to work with doctors like you who are really passionate about the care we give to pets. And so, in this setting, it's even more neat. I think that that's a great leeway. So, we're running, right? And then, I'm actually going to use that as my jaunt into Westminster because I had never seen, says girl from Queens, New York, flyball.

Brian Collins, DVM: That was intense.

Host: Flyball is this amazing-- for those of you who are listening, Google flyball. But flyball and agility and things like that. So, I'd seen some agility, right? Dogs are, you know, doing these courses where they have to jump over things and they weave through these poles, which are incredible. It's like a slalom skier. And they're on like these teeterboards kind of things. But like flyball, they're like racing and jumping over barriers and they race to like an angled small wall and grab a ball and race back and they're timed.

Brian Collins, DVM: Just kind of rebound off this, yeah, it's amazing. So motivated and they're just having the best time.

Host: Much like the runners who will be running the 5K who are motivated, these dogs are motivated and I have motivation to do neither of these things, but it's really incredible and fun to watch. I agree, they're like, "Ball, ball, ball, ball, right?" Like it was incredible. I was worried about them getting hurt, but these dogs are like--

Brian Collins, DVM: They were so athletic. They're so fit.

Host: Yes, they are so fit. Is that what happens when people are fit, they don't get hurt? You wait until you get older, puppies. It happened.

Yeah. Thank you for that. Thank you for that. I spoke to Dr. Fry, who does, you know, Sports Medicine. And we talked about the similarities and like the aging process and stuff, and I'm sure you come across that. And we also have Westminster, right? So, we have these like beautiful breeding dogs who are like the standard of their breeds. When you look them up in a textbook and you're like, "Let me look up skipper key," which is a real breed, people. I just like to say the word. And you would see a picture of these pets. So, they're pretty extraordinary.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah.

Host: That's incredible. So, your role at the show was obviously If anything happened emergently. Is your role there solely as like doctor? Like you're on standby as like lead doctor. Do you have hands in anything else that's happening there? If you don't like, that's totally okay. I think it's enough.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. Well, I was also there as a representative of the Canine Health Center. So, I always loved that because I just love people just walking by and people just love to talk about theirs and I love to ask about them. And it's just a great way to connect with people. In fact, a couple people that I hadn't seen in years that used to be clients came by, in New York City of all places.

So, I thought that was really cool. And I'd seen their pets for many years. But yeah, I just love connecting with people and talking about their experiences and their beloved dogs. We get on our phones, share pictures, and talk about what the Canine Health Center does and all that. So yeah, that's what I really like to do.

Host: I really love that you brought that up because I think that was an unexpected surprise for me working with the Purina team. I've been at conferences and I've run into people I used to work with like 20 years ago and we're catching up. But just talking to people, like I don't know, all over the US. And I got into a lovely conversation with someone at Westminster who was selling, by the way, the best socks ever. And I got some socks with a soft-coated wheaten on them, because I had just lost my wheaten. But we were like crying. We were crying over my wheaten who I lost this past year. And so, just the connection you can make with people, exactly like you said, even though you don't know them, I think animals have that magical way of bringing people together.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yup, especially dogs.

Host: Well, hey, now. Well, I'm equal. Don't say that to my cats. But yes, you're right, you're right. I do love my dog. Chester, if you're listening, I'm sorry. I really like cats too. But I digress. We're back. We're back. And so, I think what the general population might not know is, yes, there's a veterinary team that are at Westminster, but you bring veterinary students with you. And that's, in and of itself, a very unique, well, first fun thing for them to get to see. Because unlike me, again, I wasn't exposed to that kind of thing. So, they get exposure to a very unique setting. And two, because it's a learning experience. So, what do they get to do while they're there? Like, it's a really neat thing that Cornell allows these students to do.

Brian Collins, DVM: Well, they were there to help us, if there were any emergencies. Well, they got to hang out with us. That was a really fun thing.

Host: You seem pretty fun. You know...

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. So, they were there to help us. Of course, they help us, you know, set up and break down and we had a couple different locations. I think that was a perk. They got to be there. And like I said, fortunately, we didn't have any emergencies this year, but they did get to experience the show. They got to kind of see what it's like. You know, there's a big sports medicine component to dog shows. So, students who have interest in that are especially drawn to it. So, I always love hanging out with vet students. I learn from them. I learn what they're doing in school. I learn about what their goals are. I learn what they're doing with their lives. And, you know, I can share what I've done and it's just a good time.

Host: Sharing that wisdom, right? And you know, if listeners haven't listened to that episode with Dr. Fry, I highly recommend you go back to it. But Sports Medicine encompasses a lot of things, right? But we're focused on mobility and movement and whether or not these are hunting dogs or agility dogs or anything like that. There's a lot involved, or a dog just with-- not just, but a dog that has arthritis and just wants to move better at home. Sports Medicine is all-encompassing, right? And so, okay, this was my first time at Westminster, but for those of us who have never attended, can you describe what it's like? Like what is it? It's not chaotic, I have to say. I mean, there's a lot going on.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, there's a lot going on. Yeah. It's like a big party.

Host: It's kind of like a big party.

Brian Collins, DVM: And what is better than a big party with a lot of dogs?

Host: My God, I actually dream about this.

Brian Collins, DVM: Dogs, dogs of every breed and shape and color, and people from all over the world, and people dressed in these sequined clothing and bright-colored suits.

Host: I was just in Vegas for a conference. I love me some sequins.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah.

Host: Yeah.

Brian Collins, DVM: So, yeah, it's just a big get together of dog lovers

Host: That's awesome, right? So, not everybody there owns a pet that's in the show. Like a lot of us are there just to watch. So, I was sitting on the bleachers. I think from what I remember, and I didn't get to stay for the whole thing, which is a little bit of a bummer, to see everything in the ring, but there are bleachers there. So, you could watch events and like there are these runs at agility and then runs at flyball. And then, as the competition gets stiffer, the top seeds kind of keep going to compete, right? And just like In these show dogs, same thing. They kind of are shown amongst-- like a pug will be shown amongst pugs, right? And then, they win their category and they're like best in their category. And then, they get to go to like the big show. And that's what we see on tv.

Brian Collins, DVM: And the other fun part is you, I mean, you just get to walk around. You see a lot of blow dryers. There's a lot of grooming going on, so you get to just walk around and watch everybody getting their dogs ready, they're getting all coughed, and you get to see how all the different breeds are groomed and combed. And so, you know, that's fun as well. So, you get kind of like a behind the scenes look as well. And people often, you know, they're interested in questions and you can take pictures. And, yeah, it's really fun.

Host: And you are not kidding because I feel like on some days I'm lucky to shower. You're welcome, everyone. Right? But, you know, you see like a borzoi walking by and you're like or like some of these bichons, their coat is beautiful and it's like blown out and like silky. It's like shampoo commercial quality.

Brian Collins, DVM: Right. Right.

Host: Yeah. Totally. Totally, totally. I do, I love that you brought that up. That's amazing. Did you have a favorite part of the event this year?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. I guess, it's Best in Show usually. It's just like that, it's like being at a sports event. You know, it is a sports event. Essentially, it is being at a hockey game and rooting for your favorite team, except you're sort of almost rooting for everybody. It's hard to have a favorite.

Host: I know.

Brian Collins, DVM: But, you know, we were trying to guess who would win ahead of time. So, I think it's probably the Best in Show because it's sort of just the culmination of the whole event and it's just really exciting. And just to see, you know, who that final top dog is going to be.

Host: Yeah. Did you guys get close in your guesses?

Brian Collins, DVM: I think we're all over the place.

Host: The answer to that was no, they weren't close. But that's okay.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, those judges, the judges are very experienced. They know what they're looking for, and I'm just looking-- I don't know. I'm just looking, "I think that one's the cutest," you know, and that's probably not how they pick them.

Host: Yes. I mean, I think that my theory on the back end of the dog, like, dog butt, like Corgi butt-- this is a Cornell podcast guys, and I'm here talking to you about Corgi butts-- but they're just so poofy and cute. Like if I had to say something... All right everyone listening, you heard it here first, Corgi butt. Did you have or do you have a favorite breed that you just love or think is interesting.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes, and I would have to say it usually is the Pomeranian.

Host: Oh.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, there's just something about them. I've had three rescues from shelters and they just steal my heart every time. Just the little poofy coats and just the way, you know, they stand up on their back legs and, you know, try to get your attention and stuff. It's just, it's too much.

Host: And when they like kind of trot, no one can see this, but I have like T-Rex hands and I'm like trotting quickly. Like bing, bing, right? Like it's so amazing. It's just kind of fun to watch, know? And so, I love that. I know, there are so many breeds to pick from. I don't know if I could pick a favorite. I think Dobermans are so regal, like just kind of stunning. Like the Malinois too, like really beautiful. And I had worked with some  Malinois in practice, right? But, you're right. I couldn't pick and, but shout out to the soft-coated wheaten because I did have a rescue as well.

Brian Collins, DVM: Sure.

Host: I love that. Okay.

Brian Collins, DVM: One of the coolest things about the show is really how kind of quiet it is. Like you expect to see lots of, you hear lots of dogs barking. Except for , you know, some of the agility or the flyball, it's really surprisingly quiet. These dogs are just, you know, so used to being handled and traveling and in shows and stuff. That sort of makes the whole experience a little bit more enjoyable, I think.

Host: I do agree with that. I hadn't thought about that, but it's true. When you're watching like flyball, some of the dogs get excited, so they're barking. But the rest of the time it's like a hush that really resonates. I love that. And so, you know, I would say that that's definitely something really surprising about like the dog show in and of itself. Do you think that there's anything else that's surprising that you want to let people know about these dog shows? It's a tough one. 

Brian Collins, DVM: I guess nothing surprising. I'm just always so impressed by, you know, how dedicated people are to these dogs. They're so spoiled essentially, but in a good way. I mean, they're just so well cared for. And just seeing people carrying around all their dog supplies and their grooming supplies and their crates and all that stuff in and out of the hotels. And it's very heartwarming to see that they just love these dogs so much and how it brings them closer to other dog owners. And, you know, it's just a really positive activity, I think, in their lives just to spend time with these dogs and to be so proud of them.

Host: Agreed. If there's a hobby, I would love for it to always include animals. I really appreciate that you said that because I think what people may not understand is they think like, "Yeah, it's a pretty dog. They're groomed nicely," but this is not like a couple of days process. I mean, these pets are being shown throughout the year. They're going to different shows. They're being handled by a ton of different people. It starts with good nutrition, good breeding, right? Again, there's care, there's keeping them, they have to keep them at a nice, healthy weight, right? Because they literally represent their breed. So, yeah, it's all-encompassing love. I think everybody spoils their pets, but this is definitely a different level of like dedication because they're traveling with these animals all the time. And so, yeah, it's definitely a lot. Shout out to any type of pet owner everywhere, because we all love our pets. I think this is just a totally different experience for those who don't know.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, absolutely.

Host: Okay. So, we talked about, because again, you wear many, many hats. So, we talked about Riney a little, which I'm really happy about because I'm so glad people now have a resource that they can go to if they're listening, if they're just curious. And by the way, just check it out. Even if you don't have a question, just go look. Sometimes there's a bunch of information that's really helpful. You could pass it on to friends or family who might be having a time with their pet, right? And then, we spoke about what you do at Cornell, which, you know, we love the fact that you're a lecturer and you're meeting with students and teaching them about that kind of multitasking that it takes to be a general practitioner.

I did want to highlight something because it's really important for me. I've spoken on this podcast about access to veterinary care. And that's a really important topic for me, understanding that sometimes we have pet lovers who love their pets, but maybe are limited on finances. And that's tough because we all want to take really good care of our pets.

And so, you do something with Community medicine in the Ithaca area, and I wanted to give you a couple minutes to like, share it with the world because I think it's a really great, great thing.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. Well, thank you so much. Yeah. I've been very fortunate, since I returned to Cornell in 2011 to work with what's known as the South Side Healthy Pet Clinic. In downtown Ithaca. There's a community center called South Side Community Center. for about 30 years, Cornell has sponsored a very reasonably priced wellness clinic for cat and dog owners in the Ithaca area. So, twice a month for people who need help accessing preventive care for their pets. We have clinics that are run by veterinary students. And again, like I said, for a very nominal fee, we provide vaccines and physical exams, blood testing, products to help with fleas and ticks and parasites and all of that. So, that really makes it possible for people to help keep their pets healthy. And then, when medical problems arise, then, you know, they may be able to have funds to devote to that. So, we try to help provide them with that wellness care to keep them healthy. And it's a win-win for everybody. The community center, it's one of their most popular programs. The pets get care. The owners have part of the burden taken off their shoulders. The veterinary students get to learn and they also get to interact with these people, and everybody benefits. It's really a good time.

Host: I 100% agree.

Brian Collins, DVM: The students sometimes refer to it as the South Side High, like they just really enjoy the experience that much.

Host: That's, first of all, very catchy and amazing. And of course, they came up with that.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah.

Host: As someone who participated in the South Side Community Health clinic as a student, I can truly attest to how much it gave to me. So, that's how long it's been running, I was even there as a student, but it was fantastic. And I have core learning experiences that I still talk about. Learning them there before I was even a doctor. And then, I've had the pleasure to help you there on some occasions. And I just love getting to help the students with physical exams, because oftentimes these are young students, maybe first or second year students, like young students in the program. And here they are working on their physical exam skills and they're really excited.

And then, you know, we get to provide all of these things. So, they get to practice pulling blood and talk about flea and tick prevention, which may not sound like a lot to some people, but it's incredibly important, especially in Ithaca where we have a lot of wildlife. Also in New York City, people, don't sleep on the flea and tick prevention. It doesn't matter where you live.

And then, I get to also talk to people in the community and talk to them about their pets. So, going back to our conversations, even at Westminster, it's similar there. So, I have been thankful to sharing those experiences, but I agree with you. I think it's lovely that you're even thinking about well, one, the cost of what we're providing there, but maybe, just maybe, it'll allow them to save a little bit in case of an emergency or maybe that preventative care, it'll prevent them from getting Lyme disease that could turn into something or something else, right?

Brian Collins, DVM: And many times, and you know, because you were very generous with your time. We are able to help some of these animals with medical and surgical problems at the vet school through grant programs that we have and donations.

Host: Yes.

Brian Collins, DVM: So, medicals, all kinds of things really. Many life-changing for these animals who might not otherwise have access to it.

Host: I consider myself very lucky to have helped with some of that. And you were a big part of that and the connection was amazing. Oh, I'm so thrilled we got to talk about that. That's just so important to me. And I'm really proud, and there are vet schools with community programs like this, I get to be very proud of Cornell. You and I, again, both having graduated, that we get to provide this service, like we have an opportunity to provide this both for the community and for our students. And hopefully, our students see the value.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. And I'd say it's very inspiring. I think many of them want to go on and be sure to incorporate that as part of their, you know, practice going forward. Whether it's a full-time thing or part-time, or just volunteering wherever they happen to end up living.

Host: I love it. Ah, this has been so fabulous. Okay. So, if there are more than two listeners that listen to this podcast that they are listening and they know that I get to this serious stuff, because I'm so excited that I get to talk to people, but then I get to ask like a few questions, just kind of off the cuff. Don't get nervous. Just some fun things. We already know your favorite dog breed, but I just like to get to know people. Okay. So, my question to you is sweet or salty snack?

Brian Collins, DVM: Oh, salty all the way

Host: Okay. Salty snack of choice.

Brian Collins, DVM: Tortilla chip.

Host: Tortilla chips. Would you eat them plain?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, I do.

Host: No salsa?

Brian Collins, DVM: I'll eat them plain, but depends on how much of a hurry I am, of course.

Host: Okay.

Brian Collins, DVM: We usually don't do salsa in the car. It's happened.

Host: I would do salsa in the car. I literally have something in my car called car chips.

Brian Collins, DVM: Oh, yeah.

Host: I literally keep a bag of chips. Don't tell my gym.

Brian Collins, DVM: I knew I liked you, for many reasons, just another one. But yes, guacamole and salsa mixed together is fabulous.

Host: Ooh, I love that. I love guacamole. Okay. if you have to do surgery or studying of any kind, music? Yes or no?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes, especially the '70s. And if it's the Bee Gees, even better.

Host: Hey, now, I like it. I'm here for that. Now, the other thing is I try to talk to students all the time, and I'm sure you do as well about wellbeing, right? We're not just vets. Even though when I graduated I was like, "I'm a veterinarian and nothing else." Michelle doesn't exist. It's Michelle, the veterinarian, right? What do you do in your off time to take care of yourself? I just gave him a look, everyone. Like, you better have an answer to this to take care of yourself.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, I was going t say, I should do a better job at that, but...

Host: We all could. We all could.

Brian Collins, DVM: I'm with my animals.

Host: Yes. Oh, that's good.

Brian Collins, DVM: Walking the dogs, playing with the cats. I am a beekeeper.

Host: Wait a sec. Pause. First of all, I knew he had chickens and his chickens are amazing. And that sounds like a really weird statement. But he has chickens that are like pretty chickens, okay? That's what I mean, people, okay? But you're a beekeeper?

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. My family has a tradition of be my grandfather, my grandfather's father, and my uncle. I have an uncle who's his mid-nineties, and we get on the phone and talk bees. So, that's a really cool way to connect and have an excuse to talk to him. But yeah.

Host: Wow.

Brian Collins, DVM: I have a few beehives and it's really fun. Brought me closer to nature. I just noticed what flowers are blooming. I noticed you know, I pay more attention to the weather and all those kinds of things. And just watching the bees, learning about their natural history has just been fascinating.

Host: Oh my gosh. I love that. I put it in a pollinator garden last year. I say like, like I did it. I didn't do it. Someone else put in a pollinator garden in front of my house. But I enjoy it and I just love watching those like fluffy bees do their thing. Have you ever been stung really badly?

Brian Collins, DVM: Many times. Many, many times.

Host: And beekeeping, just like running is out, people.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yes. Well, if you ever had to experience several bees under your bee veil, you haven't lived. You have never seen me run so fast through the woods, is when I have several bees under my bee veil.

Host: I think I'm speechless there for a second. You're welcome, audience. Oh my gosh. Okay. See, you learn something new when you do these interviews. I love that. Okay. Wow. I don't think I have any more related to beekeeping. Do you have a favorite movie?

Brian Collins, DVM: Oh gosh. I probably have seen fewer movies than anybody you know.

Host: I gotcha.

Brian Collins, DVM: I don't think I have a favorite movie, actually. I'd have to--

Host: I get that. It's not for everybody. Sometimes you like really have to sit and kind of like think.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah, yeah. But the Walt Disney movies, when I was growing up were pivotal again. 

Host: One hundred percent.

Brian Collins, DVM: Yeah. Those have kind of really stayed with me.

Host: I watch Encanto-- I watch that probably once a month. So, recommendation to everybody from your curly-haired veterinarian, Purina, Cornell veterinarian, Dr. Moyal, watch it.

I really appreciate you being here with me. Thank you for spending the time talking to us. I really love hearing all the pots you have your hands in, right? Like all the things you do. And I think you're just critical to the Cornell program. And I'm just so happy you're doing what you're doing now, and I appreciate it.

Brian Collins, DVM: Thank you so much and it's really been great working with you and get to know you more. I look to many, many more opportunities.

Host: Oh yeah. You're stuck with me. It's fine. Thanks again for joining me, Dr. Brian Collins. Thank you for listening. And hopefully, you'll tune in for our next episode. And like and rate us on your favorite platform. Hit subscribe, people. Hit subscribe. And we will talk to you soon from the Cornell University Veterinary Podcast.