The heartbeat of the veterinary profession. Join us as we talk with veterinary colleagues about critical topics from student debt to mental health. And share stories, stories connect us… as humans, as animals, as a veterinary community.
Episodes
Oct 27, 2025
Oct 27, 2025
27 min
Listen in with student debt expert Dr. Tony Bartels in this next installment of our Student Debt Series covering the latest news and information on student loans.
In this episode we have six major topics we’re addressing:
- Quick review of student loan grace periods
- Consolidation Caution
- Application Ataxia
- Start with PAYE, when possible
- Important dates to add to your calendar
- How to get help
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim
VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:
- Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
- Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/
- Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/
- Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/
Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857
Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/
One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Sep 10, 2025
Sep 10, 2025
22 min
Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship awardee Walter Baker. Walter shares insights and advice from his first year in veterinary school, and what he is looking forward to as he starts his second year.
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
GUEST BIO:
Walter Baker
Walter has been devoted to becoming a veterinarian since seventh grade, and took all of the animal science courses that were available to him throughout my grade school education. He attended the University of Kentucky for his undergraduate education, and received a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences. As a current second year at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, he was fortunate to secure the Kentucky residents’ in-state institution. Walter was one of two recipients of the inaugural Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux. Walter’s goal is to return to rural Kentucky to practice general mixed-animal medicine.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN) 3D Anatomy: https://www.vin.com/3danatomy
- Cornell Merlin App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Do you like this podcast and want to hear additional stories? The VIN Foundation needs your help supporting this program: https://vinfoundation.org/give
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Jul 21, 2025
Jul 21, 2025
43 min
Listen in with student debt experts and Board Member Drs. Tony Bartels and Rebecca Mears in this next installment of our Student Debt Series covering the One Big Beautiful Bill impact on student loans.
In this episode we have seven major topics we’re addressing:
- SAVE forbearance zero-interest ending
- Updates for current veterinary students those starting and returning to vet school
- Pre-veterinary students applying for 2026/2027 year
- 2025 veterinary graduates whose grace period is ending
- RAP (Repayment Assistance Program)
- Phase out of existing programs
- Where things stand with PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
GUEST BIOS:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
Dr. Rebecca Mears
Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim
VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
Vet School Bound Future Veterinary Student Loan Changes: https://vetschoolbound.org/future-veterinary-student-loan-changes/
VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:
- Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/
- Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/
- Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/
- Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/
Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857
Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/
One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
30 min
Listen in with student debt experts and Board Member Drs. Tony Bartels and Rebecca Mears in this next installment of our Student Debt Series. In this episode we have three major topics we’re addressing: 1) a new challenge for the almost new grads 2) New Grad Playbook webinar and 3) the latest student loan updates.
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
GUEST BIOS:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
Dr. Rebecca Mears
Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim
VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/
VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
Debt Repayment Prep Challenge: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/debt-repayment-prep-challenge/
May 7th webinar - New Graduate Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/
VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:
- Application for Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans Reactivated: https://vinfoundation.org/application-for-income-driven-repayment-plans-reactivated/
Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857
New Grad Student Loan Repayment Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/
Borrow Better: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/
Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/
One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment
Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Mar 12, 2025
Mar 12, 2025
30 min
Listen in with VIN Foundation board member and Student Debt Education lead Dr. Tony Bartels in this next installment of our Student Debt Series. In this episode we’re covering the latest news on income-driven repayment application changes
Topics covered included:
- What happened to the Income-Driven Repayment application?
- If borrowers are using an income-driven payment plan right now, what should they do?
- How do these changes impact monthly payments for borrowers?
- How about borrowers who are hoping for PSLF? How do the recent changes impact them?
- What’s the best approach for borrowers when dealing with loan servicers?
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
Time for your student loan physical exam? VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
VIN Foundation Download My IDR Progress Google Chrome extension to help you grab a copy of your IDR forgiveness progress
VIN Foundation Blog, most recent:
- All IDR applications for student loans are paused – Now what?
- February 2025 Q&A from Climbing Mt. Debt Webinar: What’s Next for your Student Loans?
VIN Foundation Navigating Uncertainty Checklist, what you can do now: https://vinfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/VIN-Foundation-What-You-Can-Do-Now-Navigating-Student-Loan-Uncertainty.pdf
Climbing Mt. Debt webinar: What’s Next for Your Student Loans? by VIN and VIN Foundation, February 5th, 2025: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/repay-wiser-veterinary-school-debt-loan-repayment/#MostRecentWebinar
VIN Foundation Relevant WikiDebt Resources:
- IDR Profiles: What is your IDR profile?
- IDR Discretionary income calculations
Personalized student loan help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan):
- https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions
- https://www.ed.gov/save
- https://studentaid.gov/
VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support programs these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024
29 min
Listen in with student debt expert and Board Member Dr. Tony Bartels in this next installment of our Student Debt Series. In this episode we’re covering the latest news on student loans as we close out 2024 and start 2025.
Topics covered included:
- December 18, 2024 US Department of Education announcement on Pay As Your Earn (PAYE) and Income Contingent Repayment (ICR)
- Timeframes/features and additional information about PAYE and ICR
- Income Driven Repayment (IDR) profiles
- What this latest news means for the Save On Valuable Education (SAVE) plan
- Where things stand on the One-time Forgiveness Adjustment
- Additional helpful information for borrowers
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
VIN Foundation IDR Profiles: WikiDebt - IDR Eligibility
Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim
VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
VIN Foundation get updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support programs these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:
- PAYE and ICR income-driven repayment plans temporarily reactivated https://vinfoundation.org/paye-and-icr-income-driven-repayment-plans-temporarily-reactivated/
- The election is over. Change is on the horizon. What is next for your student loans? https://vinfoundation.org/the-election-is-over-change-is-on-the-horizon-what-is-next-for-your-student-loans/
- Student Loan FAQs and What’s Next?
https://vinfoundation.org/september-2024-student-loan-update-faqs-and-whats-next/ - SAVE is blocked. What does that mean for your student loans?: https://vinfoundation.org/save-recent-court-rulings/
- Choosing between PAYE and SAVE income-driven plans: Are you in The Pickle? https://vinfoundation.org/choosing-between-paye-and-save-income-driven-plans-are-you-in-the-pickle/
- A ‘new’ income-driven repayment plan? https://vinfoundation.org/a-new-income-driven-repayment-plan/
Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Discretionary income calculations, WikiDebt: https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&catId=74141&id=7249857
Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/
Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): https://www.ed.gov/save
SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions
Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
34 min
Listen in as we talk with VIN Foundation board member, Dr. Jan Bellows as he shares the story of his veterinary journey. From lessons learned in practice ownership, to a passion for improving his veterinary skills, this episode is full of relatable stories and great takeaways.
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
GUEST BIO:
Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP
Dr. Jan Bellows is a distinguished veterinary dentist with a remarkable career spanning several decades. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and earned his DVM from Auburn University in 1975. After an internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Bellows established ALL PETS DENTAL in Weston, Florida, specializing in companion animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry. Bellows is board-certified in Canine and Feline Medicine (ABVP) and Veterinary Dentistry (AVDC). His leadership roles include serving as president of the American Veterinary Dental College and the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. He has authored five dental textbooks and frequently contributed to veterinary publications. As a respected expert, Dr. Bellows was instrumental in developing AAHA's Small Animal Dental Guidelines. He has been a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network's dental board since 1993. DVM360 announced Dr. Bellows as the national 2024 Dental Hero by DVM360 magazine. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Bellows is an avid marathon runner and enjoys spending time with his family and dogs in Florida and Colorado.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN): https://www.vin.com
- Paul Pion, DVM, DipACVIM: https://vinfoundation.org/team
- VIN Foundation 2024 Year-End Giving, after a huge effort the $100k match was made, but we still need your help! https://vinfoundation.org/give
Have a story you want to share with our podcast audience? Reach out to share your interest: https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Nov 8, 2024
Nov 8, 2024
18 min
Listen in with student debt experts and Board Member Drs. Tony Bartels and Rebecca Mears in this next installment of our Student Debt Series. In this episode we’re covering the latest news on the student loans as it relates to the outcome of the recent presidential election.
As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.
NOTE: This is an ongoing situation, for continued updates visit the VIN Foundation Blog and student debt message board areas.
GUEST BIOS:
Dr. Tony Bartels
Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he’s not staring holes into his colleagues’ student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie.
Dr. Rebecca Mears
Rebecca Mears, DVM is from Lexington, KY, and a graduate of University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Rebecca started her career as an equine general practitioner and is an active AAEP member, currently serving as a member of the AAEP DEI Committee. Her interest in student debt education began with keeping her own education costs lower and grew from there. This was supported by her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), which she now gives back to as a National Advisor. In her time away from veterinary medicine, she can be found obsessing over plants and hosting impromptu dance parties. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and improving the lives of veterinarians, pre-vet and vet students.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
VIN Foundation Student Debt Center: https://vinfoundation.org/studentdebtcenter
It’s time for a good student loan “physical exam” using the VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans
Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim
VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt
VIN Foundation GIVE page to support these programs & tools: https://vinfoundation.org/give
VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:
- Veterinarians in Repayment:
- SAVE is blocked. What does that mean for your student loans?: https://vinfoundation.org/save-recent-court-rulings/
- September 2024 Student Loan Update: FAQs and What’s Next?: https://vinfoundation.org/september-2024-student-loan-update-faqs-and-whats-next/
- Veterinarians in Repayment:
- Veterinary Students Borrowing:
- Student Loan Interest Rates: New high for 2024-2025 Academic Year: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-interest-rates-for-veterinary-school/
- Borrow Better resources: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/borrow-better-veterinary-school-loan-debt/
- Student Loan Borrow Better Challenge Message Board: https://www.vin.com/doc/?Id=9385101&DocumentID=12266931&SAId=1
Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/
Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/
Department of Education Updates on Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan): https://www.ed.gov/save
SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions
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Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/
Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org
Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.
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