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In this conversation, Dr. Kerl interviews VCA's former Vice President of People and Organization, Paola Perez Loaiza. Listen in as she shares her unique journey from engineering to HR leadership in the veterinary field. She discusses the vital role of overseeing People and Organization at VCA Animal Hospitals, emphasizing the importance of culture, associate well-being, and professional development. Paola highlights the significant investments made in associate support, including health resources and internship programs. She also reflects on the Mars Associate Survey's findings and its impact on employee engagement and client experience. As she transitions to a new role at Royal Canin, Paola expresses her excitement for the future of veterinary medicine and the ongoing commitment to world-class care.

Paola has held several leadership roles within the Mars Petcare ecosystem, including AniCura P&O head, Vice President for Mars Vet Health International and Diagnostics, and various P&O leadership roles with Mars Global Pet Nutrition and U.S. Pet Nutrition. Before joining Mars, Paola was at Procter & Gamble for 17 years, where she held multiple roles in supply and procurement in Latin America, Europe and North America.

Eighteen months ago, Paola’s family adopted Zula, a mixed-breed dog from a shelter. She has brought much joy to Paola and her family. This adoption was one of the first success stories of VCA Charities' "Dog Day Out" program. Paola is passionate about finding and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. She believes that every person needs to find their own definition of happiness and, from there, work hard and persevere in pursuing their dreams. She loves traveling, learning about different cultures and experiencing their gastronomy. Paola, her husband and two children have lived in different countries and cities across Latin America, the US and Europe. She loves spending time with family and friends and doing CrossFit.

Paola has accepted the position of Vice President, P&O, Royal Canin European Region and joined the Royal Canin team on June 1, 2025. In this enhanced role, Paola will serve as the P&O Business Partner for the Regional President and the leadership team supporting a multi-year transformation of Royal Canin Europe, the home of 2,700 talented Royal Canin Associates across 28 countries and 10
business units. She will also own the strategic direction for global Royal Canin Talent, Leadership and OE agenda.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Jose Carvajal shares his journey in veterinary medicine, detailing his experiences from veterinary school to becoming a surgical specialist. Dr. Kerl and Dr. Carvajal discuss the rigorous training involved in surgical residency, the importance of mentorship, and his specialization in joint replacement surgery. Dr. Carvajal also highlights the challenges and rewards of being a surgeon, the innovations in veterinary surgery, particularly the role of 3D printing in orthopedic procedures, and the collaborative efforts to improve surgical outcomes for pets. He highlights the advancements in joint replacement surgeries, especially hip replacements, and contrasts them with the challenges faced in other joint surgeries. Jose also shares his journey towards specialization in joint replacement surgery and emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation and curiosity in veterinary medicine to improve patient care.

After receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Florida in 2017, Dr. Carvajal completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA NWVS. He then returned to his alma mater for a small animal surgical residency. Following completion of the surgical residency, he stayed at UF as a Clinical Professor of Small Animal Orthopedics and became the first fellowship trained ACVS Joint Replacement Surgery Fellow prior to moving back to the Pacific Northwest to join the team at VCA NWVS.

Dr. Carvajal enjoys all aspects of orthopedic surgery, with special interest and expertise in total joint replacement surgery, custom 3-D printed angular limb deformity correction surgery, and minimally invasive fracture repair and arthroscopic surgery.

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In this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Roy Wilson. Listen in as he shares his diverse journey in veterinary medicine, highlighting his experiences from practicing in Germany to his current role as a Regional Medical Director at VCA. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and technicians, the pivotal role of primary care veterinarians in educating clients, and the significance of building long-term relationships with pet owners. Dr. Wilson also discusses preventive healthcare and the role of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) in promoting pet health. In their conversation, they explore the dynamic collaboration among veterinary professionals, the resources provided by CAPC, and the various parasite-associated diseases that pet owners should be aware of. The discussion also highlights the risks parasites pose to both pets and their owners, the significance of preventive measures, and the evolving perspectives on parasite prevention in veterinary practice.

For more information on Companion Animal Parasite Control, please visit the CAPC Page.

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