Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary? 

A: My parents are veterinarians, and they bought their practice right before I was born. I practically grew up in their clinic and quickly realized that becoming a vet wasn’t for me—it seemed like too much work. However, I loved animals, math, and science, and I was interested in healthcare. I decided pharmacy sounded like a good career, so I went to pharmacy school with the intention of working in a community pharmacy. 

Midway through pharmacy school, I discovered veterinary pharmacy and realized it was a perfect fit for me. After that, I completed my residency at Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital and worked as a clinical veterinary pharmacist at UC Davis and the University of Illinois. Now, I run a consulting business helping veterinarians manage pharmacy tasks, controlled substances, and compounding, while also teaching veterinary pharmacy to pharmacy students in Ohio. 

Q: Reflecting on your career thus far, what achievements or milestones are you most proud of and why? 

A: There are a few accomplishments I’m particularly proud of, each for different reasons. One of them is the impact I've had on both veterinary and pharmacy students. I love being able to help them grasp something they previously didn’t understand and witnessing that ‘light bulb’ moment. Being able to do that as part of my full-time job is incredibly rewarding. Another highlight is getting my first book on veterinary compounding published—that was a significant achievement, and I’m very proud of it. 

Q: How can veterinarians and their teams stay current with the latest developments in pharmacology? 

A: One of the key things I’d recommend doing, especially regarding legal matters related to controlled substances and pharmacy regulations is connecting with your state organizations and the state DEA. It's important to know whether your state pharmacy organization oversees veterinarians, and if they do, they can provide valuable resources. 

Your state DEA field agents prefer to answer questions proactively rather than only showing up to conduct inspections. It’s better to ask questions in advance than to find yourself unprepared during an inspection. Sign up for any mailing lists your state organization offers to stay informed about relevant legal changes, and ensure you meet your state’s continuing education requirements for controlled substances. Even if it’s not your favorite topic, aim to learn a little each year. 

While legal topics may not be as exciting as new clinical approaches or treatment options, attending various continuing education talks and engaging with different presenters can enhance your understanding. Many regulations can be ambiguous, leading to different interpretations. It’s essential to remain curious; if something doesn’t make sense, ask questions to understand the reasoning behind the rules. 

Q: Could you provide an overview of the topics you will be discussing during your lectures at the Wild West Vet Show? 

A: I’ll be uncovering the top three topics related to controlled substances. I promise to keep it as engaging as possible, even though this material can be a bit dry. My focus is on the "why" behind the regulations. From my experience with veterinary and pharmacy students, I’ve learned that explaining the rationale behind actions is far more impactful than simply stating what must be done. 

In my first session, I’ll explore the historical context of controlled substances, particularly the opioid epidemic, which has roots dating back to the 1800s. This historical perspective will help explain the complexity of current regulations and why simply regulating the opioid crisis is not straightforward. 

In my second session, I’ll tackle record keeping, emphasizing its importance and the types of records needed. I’ll provide templates and strategies for effective tracking and discuss how regular audits can help you stay compliant with the DEA. 

In my third session, I’ll address preventing and identifying drug diversion within your practice. We’ll discuss recognizing red flags in clients who may be drug-seeking and strategies for managing these situations when they arise. 

Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you like to give to individuals who are at the start of their veterinary career? 

A: Ask plenty of questions! It’s important to understand the reasoning behind your actions. Knowing the 'why' can help you navigate new situations more effectively. When you understand the rationale, it becomes easier to determine what applies and what doesn’t in different contexts. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification. Often, those teaching you may not realize that certain concepts aren’t clear or that you lack understanding of the underlying reasons. They might simply instruct you to 'do this' and move on. If you pause and ask for clarification, many instructors will appreciate the opportunity to explain. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to speak up when you don’t know something! 

If you want to hear more from Dr. Lauren Forsythe, make sure to register for Wild West Vet today so you can experience her sessions and so much more!