Student debt is just one piece of the financial puzzle for new DVMs. Drawing from extensive work with early-career veterinarians, this webinar offers a behind-the-scenes look at the financial realities faced by new DVMs. Through mentorship, we’ll explore how one veterinarian gained confidence, clarity, and control of her personal finances. Whether you are currently serving as a mentor or considering taking on this role, this session provides valuable insights into supporting early-career financial wellbeing.
Key Topics:
Participants will emerge from this session with:
Mike Sabatino, CFP®, CSLP®
Mike Sabatino is the founder of Sabadoodle, an innovative financial wellbeing service dedicated to helping early-career veterinarians build thriving careers. Launched in 2024, Sabadoodle’s 90-Day Money Mentorship program empowers young vets to confidently navigate the financial challenges of clinical practice.
A recognized leader in veterinary financial wellbeing, Mike has received multiple industry awards, including the 2024 NYSVMS Outstanding Service to Veterinary Industry Award and the 2023 VMAE Best in Business Award. He regularly speaks at veterinary conferences and schools, advocating for greater financial competency within the profession. Mike is also an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
Based in Princeton, NJ, where he lives with his wife and two teenage children, Mike enjoys hiking, cooking, and pursuing his namesake enthusiasm for doodling.
Communication is an essential skill in the workplace. It can promote collegiality, consensus, and connection. It can also cause chaos, crisis, and contempt. While we all communicate something, how to communicate the right thought/emotion in the right way is something that most of us are not taught. Each person has their own style of communication created from their personality, experiences, and other factors. Here are some simple ways to identify your preferred way to communicate and how to recognize and adapt your conversation successfully with others.
Participants will emerge from this session with knowledge of the different communication styles and to successfully and confidently have conversations with others, regardless of differing styles or generational preferences.
Heidi Hulon, DVM, CCFP, CPPP, MHFA
A native of Alabama, Dr. Hulon graduated from Auburn University with both her undergraduate
degree and D.V.M. She has practiced in a variety of areas during her career: small animal practice (associate and owner), Shelter Medicine, Department Chair for a Veterinary Technology Program, and Technical Veterinarian for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. When possible, she still does relief work.
Since 2011, Dr. Hulon has been a Regional Consulting Veterinarian for Elanco Animal Health. Her current role is the Wellbeing Consulting Veterinarian, where her personal experiences and professional passion focus on subjects related to wellbeing within the veterinary profession.
Dr. Hulon has Certifications in Insights Discovery, Compassion Fatigue, Positive Psychology, Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Training, Fear Free, and the Human Animal Bond. She is also trained in FRANK Communication and Canine Colors.
Involvement in organized veterinary medicine is very important to her. She is a Past-President of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and currently serves on the Alabama VMA Wellbeing Committee.
Heidi is the proud mom of 2 grown sons. She lives in Auburn, Alabama. When not working, she can be found on the tennis court or attending an Auburn event. War Eagle!
Washington State
Veterinary Medical Association
23515 NE Novelty Hill Rd.
STE B221-337
Redmond, WA 98053
Toll Free: (800) 399-7862
Phone: (425) 396-3191
Fax: (425) 396-3192
Ⓒ 2025 Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
