The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Andy Roark hosts Dr. Jules Benson, founder and principal of Titum Lucidum Consulting, to push the access-to-care conversation from advocacy into practical, feasible actions veterinary teams can take now. They frame access to care as a broad spectrum, noting growth in specialty access while affordability challenges are expanding even for middle-income households, and they stress veterinary medicine’s cash-based reality and the lack of a true safety net. Benson argues access solutions must be sustainable business models, citing data-driven opportunities and examples such as proactively normalizing financing options, focused care models like high-quality high-volume spay and neuter, dental and surgery centers, mobile specialists, and imaging centers. They discuss expectation-setting, community-of-care coordination, telemedicine uncertainty, and the competitive tensions between independent and corporate models.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Josh Rosen (known online as D-O-G-T-O-R Josh) joins host Dr. Andy Roark to debate a provocative question: should veterinary operations leaders who come from outside medicine be required to complete a clinic-based onboarding before leading teams? They explore the tension between “medicine people” focused on individual patients and “operations people” focused on scale, and how lack of day-to-day context can lead to decisions (like shorter appointments, pricing changes, wellness plans, or staffing shifts) that fuel burnout, harm client relationships, and hurt retention. Rosen argues leaders do not need technical skills like drawing blood, but they do need repeated, ongoing clinic exposure (such as weekly doctor shadowing) to understand real workflow and build sustainable, collaborative relationships between medical and operational leadership.Dr. Josh Rosen is a relief veterinarian and veterinary content creator based in the New York metro area, practicing across NYC, Long Island, and Northern New Jersey. A graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, his clinical interests span preventative care, urgent care, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and internal medicine. Working across many practices has given Dr. Rosen a rare, unfiltered view of what's actually happening on the ground in veterinary medicine today, including the growing gap between how organized medicine operates and what the people doing the work know it needs. He channels that perspective into his platform, @dogtorjosh on Instagram, where he covers clinical empathy, effective communication, team culture, and all the relatable laughs we share in this amazing profession. Today, he's advocating for a profession led by those with real, lived veterinary experience, rather than metrics alone.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Dr. Charli Dong, DACVD, joins the podcast to tackle one of the most frustrating and common cases in practice: the itchy dog that just will not get better. If you have ever had a client convinced it is “just a food allergy” while their dog continues to suffer, this episode is your playbook. Dr. Dong breaks down canine atopic dermatitis in a way that actually makes sense, from puppies presenting earlier than expected to the messy overlap between food allergies and environmental triggers. You will walk away with a clearer approach to multimodal management, including when to use diet trials, how to set realistic expectations, and why the skin barrier and nutrition matter more than ever. This is practical, real-world dermatology that helps you feel more confident the next time an allergic dog walks through your door.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Hill's Pet Nutrition! Hill's Therapeutic Derm: https://www.hillsvet.comxpet-nutrition/derm Hill's Veterinary Academy: https://na.hillsvna.com/en_US/dashboard Dr. Charli Dong is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with extensive experiencing diagnosing and managing canine allergic skin disease, including canine atopic dermatitis. Her clinical and research interests focus on improving the lives of itchy dogs through better long-term management strategies, skin barrier support and evidence-based therapeutics – a holistic approach. Education is central to Dr. Dong’s passion. She has served as Exam Chair for the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, is actively involved in training dermatology residents and teach veterinary students, and is a frequent national and international speaker. She has authored numerous scientific publications, with an emphasis on translating emerging research into practical, real-world guidance for both veterinarians and pet owners.

Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Caitlin Palmer (aka “the desk winch”), a veterinary receptionist at Southern Vet Clinic and a member of the President’s Advisory Board for the North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists (NAVR), to talk about the state of the front desk. They discuss how changing communication preferences and tools like AI may increase the importance of front-desk staff as key client communicators, and why reception should be viewed as a long-term career path with better pay, recognition, and continuing education. Caitlin shares common pain points like disrespectful clients, vaccination hesitancy conversations, lack of appreciation, and the rift between front and back teams, plus the hidden challenge of having to be “on” all the time. They cover solutions like cross-training, consistent messaging, and NAVR’s goals for CE and future certification, and share where to find NAVR and Caitlin online.Caitlin Palmer has spent 16 years in veterinary medicine with a passion for helping animals and the people who love them. She is widely recognized for her TikTok character the “DeskWench,” where she humorously portrays both a veterinary receptionist and “Karen Stevens,” everyone’s favorite disgruntled client, highlighting the real-life challenges of working at the veterinary front desk. Caitlin originally began her adult life as a theatre major studying acting and music, but ultimately chose a career in veterinary medicine because she couldn’t imagine being away from her dog. After overcoming her own battles with mental health, she became a strong advocate for supporting veterinary teams and fostering healthy clinic culture. Caitlin believes that while not everyone performs the hands-on medical aspects of veterinary care (something she jokes she certainly couldn’t do), pets don’t bring themselves to the veterinarian—making CSRs an essential part of patient care and the veterinary team. She proudly serves on the President's Advisory Board for NAAVR and is HONORED to share her passion with you all! Through education, storytelling, and humor, she encourages veterinary receptionists to take pride in their role and recognize the powerful impact they have every day.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Matthew Richardson, veterinary practice owner and director of the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance, joins Dr. Andy Roark to address a growing challenge in veterinary medicine: how clinics can reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing patient care or profitability. He breaks down healthcare’s carbon footprint and shares practical, real-world changes clinics can implement, from energy-efficient upgrades to reducing anesthetic gases. They also introduce the Green PAW Certification, a step-by-step program designed to help practices take measurable, sustainable action.Links: https://veterinarysustainabilityalliance.orgDr. Richardson holds a BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, a PhD in Zoology and a DVM degree. He is a small animal practitioner licensed in British Columbia and Ontario, owns The Animal Cinic in Toronto and has a special interest in environmentally sustainable practice. The Animal Clinic was the first clinic in North America to receive the Green Paw Certification for sustainability. He is the Past-President of the OVMA and The Farley Foundation, the co-founder and chair of the OVMA’s Sustainability Committee, Director of the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance and member of the CVMA Sustainability Advisory Group. A keen year-round cyclist and advocate for active transportation, Dr. Richardson can often be found on his bike or with a camera in his hand (or sometimes both).Mentioned in this episode:Uncharted Practice Owner Summit at NAVC SkillShopOwning a veterinary practice comes with challenges no one teaches you in school. The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit, hosted at NAVC SkillShop in Orlando, is a hands-on leadership workshop designed to help owners strengthen their teams, improve operations, and make confident business decisions. This small-group, working session focuses on real-world tools and honest conversations, not passive lectures. Spots are limited. Register now!Register for Uncharted Practice Owner Summit at NAVC SkillShop here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Kat Sutherland (PhD), assistant professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question every new grad wrestles with, how do you speak up and create change without feeling like you’re overstepping? In this episode, they dive into change management for early career veterinarians, unpacking the real barriers like confidence dips, imposter syndrome, and unclear communication skills. You’ll hear practical strategies for getting buy-in from your team, navigating resistance, and advocating for yourself without burning bridges. They also explore the reality that not every idea lands, not every change happens quickly, and sometimes success is simply doing your best within your control. If you’ve ever felt unheard, hesitant, or unsure how to lead as a new doctor, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded, capable, and ready to take thoughtful action. This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!AVMA Landing Page with info for registration: https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23627178955&gbraid=0AAAAAoVzcHYPsfiSRGJpEBl-1N6zrUTh1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp0NyVcJaJlNGK1w599SAxBZS9kWb2hroimNavrQQRgLOaZ7fxPhENBoCW1EQAvD_BwEhttps://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention/what-is-the-costKat is an educator and researcher in the area of veterinary professional-client-patient interactions, and an assistant professor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Kat's research with the Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the OVC team explores how communication and relationships in veterinary medicine can be enhanced to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them. She is passionate about teaching, and enjoys supporting student veterinarians and practicing veterinary professionals in developing their clinical communication and relationship-building skills.

Dr. Peter Weinstein, veterinarian and independent ownership advocate, joins Dr. Andy Roark to explore why more veterinarians are choosing to own their practices and step away from corporate structures. They break down the resurgence of independent veterinary practice ownership, including the financial realities, student debt concerns, and the desire for autonomy and purpose driving this shift. If you’ve ever wondered whether owning a veterinary practice is still possible or worth it, this episode will challenge your assumptions. Gang, let’s get into this episode.Dr Peter Weinstein is a husband, father, pet parent, veterinarian and leader. He has been involved with virtually all aspects of veterinary practice from a 15-year-old kennel kid to a hospital owner. Organized veterinary medicine has been a passion as well with various roles and leadership and presidencies of Southern California VMA, California VMA, and Vet Partners. He is a published author, most notably of the E-Myth Veterinarian-Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It.Currently, he is teaching business and finance at the Veterinary College of Western University of Health Sciences. He likes to think of himself as a free-thinking change agent and disruptor who, because he has a daughter who is a recent graduate from veterinary school, is working for an even better veterinary profession in the future.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!On Demand Team Training BundleGreat medicine can still lead to tough conversations with clients. The Team Training Bundle gives your veterinary team practical tools to handle angry clients and communicate clearly in the exam room, so every interaction builds trust instead of tension. Flexible, on-demand training makes it easy to strengthen communication across your entire clinic.Learn more about the Team Training Bundle here!

Dr. Jules Benson, DVM, founder of Tapetum Lucidum Consulting and a data strategist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a frustrating truth in the access to care conversation, lots of well-meaning advice for vets is not practical in real clinics with limited time, fixed protocols, and real-world overhead. They dig into the “iron triangle” of cost, quality, and access (the good, fast, cheap problem), and why defining “quality” often gets tangled up with “most advanced care.” Along the way, they talk about client trust as a process issue, how most practice websites fail to differentiate who they are for, and why strategy means saying no, including being clear about what a clinic will not do. They explore stratified care models like nonprofit care, mobile practice, focused care centers, and urgent care, and the idea of a community of care that hands clients off appropriately. Gang, let’s get into this episode. Keywords: veterinary access to care, veterinary client communication, veterinary practice strategy, cost quality access Dr. Jules Benson is the Principal at Tapetum Lucidum Consulting and the 2025 Chair at the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC). With over two decades as a practitioner, industry executive, strategist, and data and technology leader, his focus lies in identifying and applying innovation that can improve the lives of pets, pet families, and veterinary healthcare teams.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Nathan Peterson, DVM, DACVECC, takes us straight into one of the most uncomfortable questions in veterinary medicine: are we sometimes prolonging suffering, and what does that do to our teams? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Peterson unpack medical futility, moral distress, and veterinary burnout in a way that feels both honest and actionable. They explore what happens when technicians feel stuck providing care that conflicts with their values, and why that tension matters more than we think. You’ll hear practical ideas like creating psychological safety, building a “pause button” for team concerns, and even introducing ethical rounds to navigate tough cases together. If you’ve ever wrestled with end-of-life decisions, team conflict, or the emotional weight of patient care, this conversation will leave you thinking differently and leading better. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Tasha McNerney, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), tackles one of the most common clinical dilemmas, how do you safely sedate dogs and cats for quick procedures without committing them to a full day of anesthesia or risking complications. If you have ever hesitated before radiographs, wound repair, or diagnostics because you wanted fear-free handling but also needed efficiency, this episode delivers practical answers. Tasha walks through reversible sedation protocols, multimodal analgesia, and how to combine opioids, dexmedetomidine, and local blocks to maximize comfort while protecting the airway. She also shares feline sedation strategies, when to add ketamine, and how local anesthesia can do the heavy lifting for painful procedures. You will walk away with confidence, safer sedation choices, and tools to deliver high-quality care even in spectrum-of-care situations. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds: https://www.veterinaryanesthesianerds.com/Tasha McNerney obtained her CVT in 2005 and has worked clinically in the areas of anesthesia and surgery ever since. Tasha obtained her CVPP (certified veterinary pain practitioner) designation in 2013 and became a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia in 2015. Tasha has been a featured speaker on various anesthesia and pain management topics at several international veterinary conferences. Tasha is the author of many articles and blogs on anesthesia and pain management related topics. In 2013 Tasha created the Facebook group Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, which has over 65,000 members taking part in education and exchange of ideas from all over the world!Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Maria Pirita, CVPM, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a frustrating reality many veterinary leaders are facing right now, your clinic feels slammed every day, yet the appointment book is quietly shrinking. In this Uncharted crossover episode, Maria and Andy unpack why declining veterinary visits can hide behind busy schedules filled with same day appointments, and why that pattern can create serious problems for clinic planning, revenue stability, and patient care. They explore practical leadership strategies for veterinary practice managers, including how to identify leading and lagging metrics, avoid “rollercoaster marketing,” reactivate existing clients, and build real team buy in when the staff does not see the problem yet. If your team thinks an empty morning schedule means an easy day, but you know something deeper is happening, this conversation will help you reset your mindset and take action before small trends become big problems. Gang, let’s get into this episode!ABOUT OUR GUESTMaria Pirita is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional and former hospital administrator. In her work with Uncharted Veterinary Conference and beyond, Maria has presented to veterinarians and teams across the US and Canada on topics including veterinary marketing, feedback, team building, and positive work culture. With over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine and over 20 years in leadership, she's passionate helping leaders develop their skills. Maria loves any activity that involves creativity or learning something new. This leads to an abundance of hobbies including crafting, traveling, cooking and gardening.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Peter Weinstein, DVM, is asking a question many veterinary professionals feel but rarely say out loud, is veterinary medicine slowly losing its soul? In this thought-provoking conversation, he breaks down the concept of the “enshittification cycle,” and how corporate pressures, rising costs, and unrealistic client expectations can pull focus away from patients, teams, and community. More importantly, he offers hope. From strengthening veterinary team utilization to improving veterinary client communication and exploring new practice models, Dr. Weinstein shares practical ways clinics can restore trust, affordability, and purpose. This episode will leave you thinking differently about leadership, affordability, and what it takes to protect the future of independent veterinary practice while still delivering excellent care. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Dr. Peter Weinstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr Dr. Andy Roark NewsletterDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr Peter Weinstein is a husband, father, pet parent, veterinarian and leader. He has been involved with virtually all aspects of veterinary practice from a 15-year-old kennel kid to a hospital owner. Organized veterinary medicine has been a passion as well with various roles and leadership and presidencies of Southern California VMA, California VMA, and Vet Partners. He is a published author, most notably of the E-Myth Veterinarian-Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It.Currently, he is teaching business and finance at the Veterinary College of Western University of Health Sciences. He likes to think of himself as a free-thinking change agent and disruptor who, because he has a daughter who is a recent graduate from veterinary school, is working for an even better veterinary profession in the future.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, MRCVS, founder of Tapetum Lucidum Consulting, tackles one of the biggest questions facing veterinary medicine right now, why trust in veterinarians feels more fragile than ever. Fresh off a conference, he and Dr. Andy Roark explore how corporate growth, changing client perceptions, and rising costs are reshaping veterinary client trust and the perceived value of care. They dig into relationship-centered care, the importance of authentic practice values, and how evidence-based veterinary medicine, including spectrum of care and real-world outcome data, can help teams communicate options clearly and confidently. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of how trust is built in the exam room, why transparency and authenticity matter more than ever, and how leveraging evidence can strengthen both client relationships and long-term veterinary sustainability. Gang, let’s get into this episode!https://illuminate.vet/Jules Benson on LinkedInDr. Andy Roark NewsletterDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Jules Benson is the Principal at Tapetum Lucidum Consulting and the 2025 Chair at the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC). With over two decades as a practitioner, industry executive, strategist, and data and technology leader, his focus lies in identifying and applying innovation that can improve the lives of pets, pet families, and veterinary healthcare teams. Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Emily King, DVM, founder of All Star Veterinary Clinic and veterinary social media educator, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a growing tension in veterinary medicine, the public narrative that vets, corporate groups, and private equity are driving up costs while telemedicine companies promise cheaper alternatives. After a high-profile interview featuring Dutch telehealth’s CEO stirred controversy, Dr. King shares what really happens inside veterinary clinics, how social media can build trust with pet owners before they ever walk through the door, and why transparency matters more than ever. They dig into veterinary telemedicine, private equity in veterinary medicine, and the myth that rising prices equal rising profits, while exploring how veterinarians balance affordability with advocacy for pets and fair wages for their teams. This episode will leave you thinking differently about trust, value, and your voice in the profession. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Dr. Emily King on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremilyking/All Star Veterinary Clinic: https://www.all-starvet.com/about-us/team/dr-emily-kingDr. Emily King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-king-06678337a/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Emily King, founder of All-Star Veterinary Clinic, is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee. A Carmel native and Carmel High School alumna, she’s passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her by providing top-tier veterinary care close to home. Beyond the clinic, Dr. King connects with pet lovers across Instagram and TikTok through fun, educational content—including current events, family-friendly skits, and interactive veterinary cases. Her mission goes beyond pet care: she’s dedicated to empowering fellow veterinary professionals to reach their full potential.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, jumps right in with a question every practice owner should be asking, are we truly supporting our people through pregnancy and parental leave, or just hoping it works out? In this episode, she and Dr. Andy Roark unpack how smart veterinary parental leave planning, thoughtful postpartum support, and clear communication help protect team morale, reduce resentment, and keep great people in veterinary medicine long term. You will walk away with practical ideas for accommodations, keeping in touch during leave, and making the return to work feel supportive for both new parents and the rest of the veterinary team. This conversation is really about building a healthier veterinary team culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and excited to stay in the profession. Gang, let’s get into this episode!https://www.emilysinglervmd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/emilysinglervmdPregnancy & Postpartum Considerations for Veterinary Teams on AmazonDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Emily Singler is a 2001 graduate of Penn State University and a 2005 graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Her career in veterinary medicine has included experience in shelter medicine, private practice, mobile practice, relief work, mentoring veterinary students, and veterinary writing. She is a mom of four kids and 1 dog. Dr. Singler is the author of Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team, published by CRC Press in 2023. Her book was written to provide information and insight for veterinary professionals as they navigate their transition into working parenthood and as a resource to guide veterinary leaders who support expectant and working parents. She is also Certified as a RETAIN Parental Leave Coach through the Center for Parental Leave Leadership. She uses the expertise gained from this certification to advocate for the needs of veterinary professionals who are expectant or working parents and to educate veterinary leaders on ways to better support parents in the workplace.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Bill Schroeder, owner of InTouch Practice Communications, jumps in to tackle a big question every clinic owner is starting to feel: if pet owners are asking AI instead of visiting websites, are veterinary clinic websites becoming obsolete? Dr. Andy Roark and Bill unpack how AI search and conversational search are changing veterinary website marketing, why strong veterinary SEO and original content still matter, and how clinics can position themselves so AI tools actually send clients their way. If you’ve been wondering whether your website is still pulling its weight, this episode gives practical reassurance and direction for the road ahead. Gang, let’s get into this episode!LINKSInTouch Practice Solutions: https://intouchvet.com/unchartedai/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTBill Schroeder is an entrepreneur, international speaker, veterinary thought leader, and digital marketing enthusiast who has, for the past 28 years, leveraged his love of people and pets to help veterinary practices grow and thrive. He has say on the Board of Directors for VetPartners, teaches within the MBA program at Purdue University, and can be found teaching from many of the veterinary conference stages around the world.Bill owns InTouch Practice Communications (www.InTouchVet.com), a full-service digital marketing agency built specifically for the veterinary community. His firm and more than 8,000 client success stories are the basis for his totally non-commercial talks. This unique view into the techniques and principles that are actually making the most impact drive his classes to be extremely relevant and empowering as the content is drawn from actual experience. It’s the stuff that works. Bill will teach you how to implement these things in your practice.As a former United States Marine, he is a forever patriot and eagerly supports manyveteran’s causes. Bill lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Katie, daughters Madison and Lilly, and their very jealous schnauzer, Olive.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!

Simon F. Haeder, PhD is an associate professor of public health at The Ohio State University, and jumps in with a question every clinic feels right now, how easy is it really for pet owners to get veterinary care? Using a massive secret shopper study, Simon shares what thousands of calls to clinics reveal about preventive care appointments, rural versus urban access, and what wait times actually look like across the country. Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Simon Haeder unpack what this means for practices, pet families, and the bigger picture of veterinary access to care, plus they explore how clinics are responding to rising vaccine hesitancy in pets. You will walk away thinking differently about supply, demand, client expectations, and where our profession might need to head next. If you like practical conversations that zoom out and help you see the whole field a little clearer, this one is pure brain food. Gang, let’s get into this episode!LINKSSimon Haeder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-haeder-4526bb10/The Ohio State University Faculty Page: https://cph.osu.edu/people/haeder1Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTSimon F. Haeder an Associate Professor in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on access to health and health-protective services for both humans and pets with a focus on administrative burden, provider networks, vaccinations, and school-based health services as well as the regulatory process. He is the recipient of the David Kline Jones Distinguished Scholar Award and has served as a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DACVS, boarded surgical oncologist, author, podcaster, and stand up comedian, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a candid, funny, and slightly unhinged conversation that started with a text message and turned into a full blown existential check on veterinary medicine. Ever feel like the system is just a little… off? From commission based pay and buried service fees to corporate pressures and the emotional tax of modern practice, Andy and Sarah dig into why so many vets feel icky about how medicine is monetized right now. You will hear honest reflections on compensation models, professional values, burnout, and what happens when productivity becomes the only thing that counts. Expect laughs, deep truth, and that comforting feeling of realizing you are not the only one thinking, “Wait… are we doing this wrong?” Gang, let’s get into this episode!Dr. Sarah Boston IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahboston/?hl=enComedicine Podcast: https://www.drsarahboston.com/comedicine-podcastDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Sarah Boston is a veterinary surgical oncologist who is an ACVS board certified small animal surgeon and an ACVS Founding Fellow of both Surgical Oncology and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. She practices with VCA Canada in the Toronto area. Up until recently, she has spent most of her career in academia as a tenured faculty member at both the University of Guelph and the University of Florida. Dr Boston is also a best-selling author of the book, Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved my Life and one of the creators of The Cageliner, a satirical online newspaper for veterinary professionals that she is currently woefully neglecting. She is also a stand up comedian and in spring 2023, she graduated from the Humber College Comedy Performance and Writing Program. She is the host of the podcast Comedicine, where she interview healthcare professionals who are also comedians. She is a nerd. She believes that we all need to laugh more.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Aaron Massecar, PhD, is back, and if you have ever wondered whether AI scribes are actually helping or quietly creating new problems, this episode is for you. Andy and Aaron dig into what the human medical literature really says about AI scribes, beyond the hype and sales pitches. They talk about reduced administrative burden, better medical records, improved client connection, and why burnout prevention may be the biggest win of all. This is a thoughtful, nerdy, big-idea conversation about how AI scribes could reshape veterinary medicine, for better or worse, and what veterinarians should be paying attention to right now. You will walk away feeling more informed, more grounded, and better prepared to use this technology wisely. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Dr. Aaron Massecar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-massecar/Substack: https://drandyroark.substack.com/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Aaron Mast, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Veterinary Innovation Council. He previously served as Vice President of Education at VEG, Assistant Director of Continuing Education at Colorado State University, and Adjunct Instructor at Texas A&M University. He helped build the Veterinary Innovation Summit and the Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy, and taught philosophy at the college level in Canada for five years. Outside of veterinary medicine, Aaron is an avid endurance cyclist who recently completed a 127-mile gravel race in Iceland and is preparing for a 200-mile gravel race from Moab, Utah to Fruita, Colorado.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Dr. Michael Jaffe, DVM, DACVS, associate professor of small animal surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a problem hiding in plain sight, feline osteoarthritis. If you have ever thought cats just “slow down with age,” this episode will challenge that assumption fast. Andy gets candid about how often OA is missed in cats compared to dogs, and Michael breaks down why feline arthritis shows up as subtle behavior changes rather than obvious limping. They dig into what to ask cat owners, what to look for on physical exams, and how common arthritis truly is, even in middle-aged cats. Gang, let’s get into this episode!This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!Hill's New Feline Metabolic + Mobility: https://assets.mediafly.com/wl/ccd258Hill's VetHill's Veterinary AcademyDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark SwagAll LinksDr. Michael Jaffe is an Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship in companion animal medicine and surgery, followed by a small animal surgical residency at Louisiana State University. He earned his Master’s degree and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Dr. Jaffe practiced in specialty hospitals in Bloomfield Hills, MI; Mesa, AZ; and Glendale, AZ. He joined academia as a founding faculty member at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on stem cells and exosomes in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries.

Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary member practices.Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies.Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Sheena Warman and Dr. Kristin Jankowski sit down with Dr. Andy Roark to confront a growing challenge in vet med. We are graduating veterinarians who can recite the gold standard, but many feel unprepared for the realities of practice where finances, time, and access shape what care is possible. If you have ever struggled to balance what the textbook recommends with what your client can actually do, this episode hits home. Andy digs into why Spectrum of Care is changing how vet schools teach clinical reasoning, how students can build confidence without leaning on specialists or high tech solutions, and why golden outcomes matter more than gold standards. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Spectrum of Care Initiative: AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative - AAVMCBristol Veterinary School IG: https://www.instagram.com/bristol_veterinary_school/?hl=enSheena Warman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-warman-36a47a34Open Door Veterinary Collective: https://opendoorconsults.orgRCVS Knowledge Contextualized Care Resources: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.ukDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkKristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP, is the Director of Veterinary Services at Open Door Veterinary Collective and an affiliate of the UC Davis One Health Institute. Passionate about veterinary education, she advocates for the Spectrum of Care (SOC) curriculum in institutions across North America, the UK, and Europe, aiming to inspire future veterinarians. From 2020 to 2023, she served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Small Animal Primary Care at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and was also an Access to Veterinary Care clinician. Additionally, she directed the Knights Landing One Health Clinic during this period. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, Dr. Jankowski has primarily dedicated her career to general practice, while also gaining experience in rehabilitation settings and founding One Health Delaware. She holds a certification in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee (2014) and completed Purdue University's Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine (2021). Since 2023, she has actively participated in the AAVMC’s Spectrum of Care Initiative. Her research focuses on developing SOC training for veterinary students and practitioners, enhancing educational experiences and professional readiness. Dr. Jankowski has presented internationally on the importance of SOC training, emphasizing compassionate and contextualized care for all pets and their families. Sheena is Professor of Veterinary Education and Deputy Head of School at Bristol Veterinary School in the UK. She has extensive clinical and educational experience across a range of primary care, referral and academic settings. Sheena co-leads the AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative, and is passionate about ensuring our veterinary students are effectively prepared for their future professional careers.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Ryan Leech, founder and host of The Bird Bath podcast and principal at First 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting, joins Dr. Andy Roark for their annual year end tradition, breaking down the biggest veterinary industry stories of 2025 and what they mean for 2026. Feeling whiplash from corporate consolidation, tightening budgets, AI everywhere, and practices wondering what comes next? You are not alone. Andy and Ryan unpack what they call “the great compression,” from private equity shifts and practice group shutdowns to leadership changes at major players, all while keeping it light, honest, and very real. They also dig into the rapid rise of AI scribes, why they are more than just note takers, and how artificial intelligence could fundamentally change how practices use data without blowing up day to day medicine. You will walk away with clarity, perspective, and a better sense of how to think strategically about the future of veterinary medicine, plus a few laughs along the way. Gang, let’s get into this episode!LINKSThe Bird Bath: https://www.thebirdbath.ioFirst 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting: https://www.first100.ioRyan Leech on TikTokDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTRyan Leech is a growth consultant and speaker who helps veterinary businesses navigate change and capture new opportunities. He hosts The Bird Bath, a weekly podcast exploring pet health trends, industry news, and insights. Previously, Ryan held key roles in business development and partnerships at leading veterinary organizations including Digitail, Galaxy Vets, and Veterinary Integration Solutions.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Andy Roark, DVM, MS tackles one of the trickiest leadership challenges out there, showing up strong when things do not go according to plan. Ever walked out of a meeting or presentation thinking, well that was rough? Kelsey Beth Carpenter joins us as Andy breaks down why those moments matter more than we think, how leaders build credibility through adaptability, and why owning ambiguity is a core leadership skill. This episode dives into executive presence, audience awareness, and the art of engaging people even when the format, timing, or tech falls apart. You will walk away feeling validated if leadership sometimes feels messy, more confident navigating high pressure situations, and equipped with practical ways to connect, influence, and lead with intention. If you care about leadership development, communication skills, and building trust in veterinary medicine, this one is for you. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Kelsey Beth Carpenter on IGDr. Andy Roark on LinkedInUncharted Veterinary PodcastUncharted Leadership Academy & CommunityDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkKelsey Beth Carpenter is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience working in emergency hospitals across California. She currently works as the Social Media Manager for DrAndyRoark.com and a Content Specialist for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Some of Kelsey’s passions include the open hospital concept, the power of creativity and humor, the overlap of science and art, and sharing lessons learned from living life with chronic illness. Kelsey is probably most known for two of her favorite hobbies: writing and performing comedic songs about veterinary medicine and acting as a full time stage mom for her Chihuahua mix, Birdie.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Beth Venit, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, joins Andy to dig into one of the most nerve-wracking topics in vet med: avoiding board complaints by mastering informed consent. If you have ever wondered where the real line is between gold standard care and the minimum standard of care, or how to protect yourself when clients decline your recommendations, this episode will make your shoulders drop a little. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Dr. Beth Venit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-venit-vmd-mph-dacvpm-7a840ab/AAVSB Website: https://aavsb.org/Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Beth Venit VMD is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2007. Throughout the area of Washington, DC, she practiced small animal medicine, both ER and GP, as both a full-time associate and a relief veterinarian for the next 12 years. In that time, she earned her Masters of Public Health from the University of Iowa and became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She then worked at the US Department of State, first as a fellow with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and then as a full-time project manager focused on training foreign partners on biorisk management and the prevention of bioterrorism. In 2022, she joined the American Association for Veterinary State Boards as their first Chief Veterinary Officer.In her free time, she enjoys hiking in various parts of the world with her husband (past trips include hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, several 14ers in Colorado, and a successful summit of Kilimanjaro), and being lazy on the couch with her pittie mix, Eleanor Woofsevelt and maine coon / tiger mix, The Chairman Meow.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Stacy Anderson, Dean at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and President of COWBEL, joins Andy to dig into the rise of the distributive model for veterinary education. If you have ever wondered how students can get high quality clinical training without a traditional teaching hospital, or you have questions about capacity, specialty exposure, and whether practices actually enjoy taking students, this episode is for you. They also talk about what makes a rotation site truly great, why hands-on experience matters so much, and how practices can benefit from becoming teaching partners. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Cowbel: https://cowbel.org/Stacy Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-anderson-885a8637/Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Stacy Anderson is the Executive Dean of the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with honors from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, then completed two equine and large animal internships, followed by a large animal surgical residency, a Master of Veterinary Science, and later a PhD at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Anderson joined LMU as founding faculty in 2015 and quickly rose through academic leadership roles, becoming Dean in 2020 and later Executive Dean in 2023. She has been a driving force behind LMU’s distributive clinical education model, shaping innovative clinical skills training, leading the development of new academic programs, and playing a key role in launching the new LMU DVM program in Orange Park, Florida. Outside LMU, she has twice served as President of the Consortium on Workplace-based Education and Learning and contributes widely to ACVS and AAEP initiatives. When she is not advancing veterinary education, Dr. Anderson enjoys dressage, serves as a National Examiner for the United States Pony Club, and spends time on her family’s horse farm with her husband, daughter, and many animals.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Kara Amstutz, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, CVA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a one-of-a-kind conversation about balancing a thriving veterinary career with raising a world-famous daughter, musician Chappell Roan. From starting her own practice to becoming boarded in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Kara shares how she rebuilt her love for vet med through pain management, teaching, and lifelong learning. Andy and Kara talk about burnout, resilience, and what it’s like when fame suddenly lands in your family’s lap. You’ll hear how her clinic team and clients reacted, how she juggled motherhood and management, and why she believes the best part of her daughter’s fame isn’t the spotlight at all. This is a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring episode about rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine and life. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Canine Rehabilitation Institute https://www.caninerehabinstitute.comMomentum Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation https://www.momentumvsmr.comDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Kara Amstutz earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2000 and founded Hometown Veterinary Hospital in 2002. In 2013, she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, followed by her certification as a Veterinary Pain Practitioner in 2014, and as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2019. These credentials enabled her to transition from general veterinary practice to focusin on rehabilitation and pain management. In 2022, she left full-time clinical practice to become the owner, CEO, and lead clinical instructor at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), which offers postgraduate certifications in rehabilitation and acupuncture, along with various continuing education opportunities. In 2023, Dr. Amstutz earned Diplomate status of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 2024, she returned to practice ownership and founded Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Amstutz lectures nationally and internationally on topics related to canine rehabilitation and is the immediate past president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Rustin Moore, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about his new book, Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions. This episode dives into why our relationships with animals are so profound, from therapy dogs and service animals to stories of resilience like Molly the Pony and Fiona the therapy dog. Dr. Moore shares what inspired him to write the book, the paradox of loving animals while working in veterinary medicine, and how understanding the human-animal bond can shape better care for both pets and people. You’ll walk away feeling reconnected to your purpose in vet med and inspired by the healing power of our four-legged friends. Gang, let’s get into this episode.Rustin Moore: https://rustinmooredvm.com/Rustin Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustin-moore-85a024107Unleashing the Bond Book on AmazonDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Rustin M. Moore is the Rita Jean Wolfe Endowed Dean in Veterinary Medicine and the 11th dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has served since 2015. A two-time graduate of Ohio State, Dr. Moore previously held leadership roles including department chair, executive director of the Veterinary Medical Center, and associate dean for Clinical and Outreach Programs. He has authored more than 125 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 20 book chapters, and has guided numerous interns, residents, and graduate students. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Moore earned his BS from West Virginia University and both his DVM and PhD from The Ohio State University. He is active on several professional and community boards and is the author of Unleashing the Bond and Unlocking the Bond, exploring the power and paradox of human-animal interactions.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Matthew MacLachlan, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Business and Economics at Cornell University, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a deep dive into one of the profession’s biggest debates: do we really need more veterinarians? With new vet schools popping up across the country, Andy and Matt unpack whether more graduates will actually solve the shortage in rural areas or simply flood urban markets. They dig into workforce economics, burnout, wages, and how retention may matter more than recruitment. Matt also shares what rising pet care costs, changing consumer behavior, and mid-level practitioner roles could mean for the future of veterinary medicine. This is a thoughtful, data-driven conversation that helps you see where the profession might be heading in the next decade. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Matthew MacLachlan: https://www.matthewmaclachlan.com/Matthew MacLachlan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-maclachlan-67247320/AVMA Industry Tracker: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/veterinary-economics/veterinary-industry-trackerDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Matthew J. MacLachlan is an economist specializing in agricultural and resource economics. He earned his PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis, where he also completed dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Biology and Management and in Economics. Before joining Cornell University, Dr. MacLachlan served at the USDA’s Economic Research Service from 2015 to 2023, advancing to Senior Economist and earning multiple awards, including the John E. Lee Award for Sustained Excellence in Group Economic Analysis and several ERS Extra Effort Awards for his work on food price forecasting and COVID-19 economic impact studies. His research bridges agriculture, economics, and veterinary business management, contributing to policy insights and industry understanding at the intersection of economics and animal health.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Gail Hughes-Morey, Vice President of the ASPCA Recovery and Rehabilitation Center in Pauling, New York, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about a brand-new facility built just for canine victims of abuse and neglect. This place isn’t your average shelter; it’s designed from the ground up to heal both body and mind. Andy and Gail dive into how the team is tackling complex behavioral cases, creating safe and enriching environments, and blending high-quality veterinary care with compassion-driven rehabilitation. They also explore what it takes to support the people behind this emotionally demanding work and how this center fits into the ASPCA’s larger mission. If you’ve ever wondered what shelter medicine looks like when it’s done with heart, science, and a whole lot of hope, this episode will make you believe in the good again. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Careers at ASPCAASPCA WebsiteDr. Gail Hughes-Morey on LinkedInDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkMentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Dr. Tina Neel joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about the hard but essential rule she has lived by in her career: never, ever lie. From leading a 20-doctor hospital to surviving cancer three times, Dr. Neel shares how honesty, even in the most painful situations, builds trust, protects your reputation, and helps you sleep at night. She reflects on the lessons learned from decades in practice, the importance of mentoring young veterinarians to think independently, and what she wishes would change in the profession today. If you’ve ever wrestled with mistakes, ethics, or finding your footing as a leader in veterinary medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage and truth. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Rockstar Vets: https://tinaneel.com/about/Dr. Tina Neel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-neel-dvm-ms-08297319/Surviving Cancer Substack: https://substack.com/@drtinaneelDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Tina Neel is a nationally recognized veterinarian, entrepreneur, and mentor with over four decades of experience in clinical practice and veterinary business leadership. She has founded, owned, and sold 11 successful veterinary hospitals and currently coaches veterinarians on how to build profitable, sustainable practices without burning out.Dr. Neel is also the co-founder and CEO of Angimal, Inc., a biotech startup advancing new cancer therapeutics for animals, and she serves on the board of Angiex, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing targeted therapies for human cancer.Known for her honest, practical approach, Dr. Neel has helped countless veterinarians improve their business skills, communicate more effectively, and find joy in practice again. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation of veterinary professionals to think like owners and lead with heart.When she’s not coaching or consulting, Dr. Neel publishes multiple newsletters on veterinary leadership, pet parent education, and cancer survival—drawing on her own journey as a two-time cancer survivor. She’s also a devoted grandmother, OSU fan, and herb-growing, quilt-making Oklahoma native.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!

Dr. Tina Neel joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about the hard but essential rule she has lived by in her career: never, ever lie. From leading a 20-doctor hospital to surviving cancer three times, Dr. Neel shares how honesty, even in the most painful situations, builds trust, protects your reputation, and helps you sleep at night. She reflects on the lessons learned from decades in practice, the importance of mentoring young veterinarians to think independently, and what she wishes would change in the profession today. If you’ve ever wrestled with mistakes, ethics, or finding your footing as a leader in veterinary medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage and truth. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Rockstar Vets: https://tinaneel.com/about/Dr. Tina Neel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-neel-dvm-ms-08297319/Surviving Cancer Substack: https://substack.com/@drtinaneelDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Tina Neel is a nationally recognized veterinarian, entrepreneur, and mentor with over four decades of experience in clinical practice and veterinary business leadership. She has founded, owned, and sold 11 successful veterinary hospitals and currently coaches veterinarians on how to build profitable, sustainable practices without burning out.Dr. Neel is also the co-founder and CEO of Angimal, Inc., a biotech startup advancing new cancer therapeutics for animals, and she serves on the board of Angiex, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing targeted therapies for human cancer.Known for her honest, practical approach, Dr. Neel has helped countless veterinarians improve their business skills, communicate more effectively, and find joy in practice again. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation of veterinary professionals to think like owners and lead with heart.When she’s not coaching or consulting, Dr. Neel publishes multiple newsletters on veterinary leadership, pet parent education, and cancer survival—drawing on her own journey as a two-time cancer survivor. She’s also a devoted grandmother, OSU fan, and herb-growing, quilt-making Oklahoma native.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Sandra Faeh, Chief Medical Officer for NVA General Practice and past president of the AVMA, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question many seasoned veterinarians face: what’s next after years in practice? When your clinical skills are sharp and your days are full, it can be hard to imagine what growth looks like. Dr. Faeh shares how NVA General Practice is helping doctors at every stage of their careers stay curious and engaged through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on programs at their new PetOne Veterinary Training Center. From orthopedic workshops and ultrasound support groups to bringing in-hospital training directly to teams, this episode is packed with ideas for keeping your spark alive in veterinary medicine. Whether you’re mentoring others, exploring leadership, or just want to fall back in love with learning, this conversation will remind you that growth never has to stop. Gang, let’s get into this episode!This episode is brought to you ad free by NVA General Practice!NVA General Practice Careers: careers.nva.comNVA on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nva-general-practice/Dr. Sandra Faeh on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-faeh-dvm-5baaabb2/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Faeh serves as the first Chief Medical Officer at NVA General Practice as well as the Immediate Past President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).With over 25 years of experience as a small animal practitioner in the Chicagoland area, she has a passion for organized veterinary medicine, mentorship, and equipping others with the tools for success. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, she became the Managing Veterinarian and part-owner at Elmhurst Animal Care Center, along with three small animal hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. Dr. Faeh served as President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, and Vice President of the AVMA. In July 2023, she was elected by industry peers to serve as AVMA President-Elect for the 2023- 2024 term, followed by the AVMA President for the 2024-2025 term.At NVA General Practice, she also serves as the co-creator of their Mentorship Program. This hybrid program offers mentorship to new NVA General Practice veterinarians, providing hands-on and in-person surgical and dental support, as well as virtual medical and surgical lectures and case rounds. The program has helped over 500 new DVMs navigate the complexities of veterinary medicine and the struggles of healthy work-life balance.In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, spending time with her husband and three sons, walking her dogs, Tobe and Rigi, and riding her horse, Ace.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it really means to be a veterinarian. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marie opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine. Her new book, A Compassionate Calling, explores the emotional highs and lows of the profession, from the drive to help animals to the toll it can take on mental health. Andy and Marie dig into why so many veterinarians struggle to stay fulfilled, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why self-compassion might just be the most underused skill in vet med. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance purpose and peace in your veterinary career, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Reviving VetMed: https://revivingvetmed.com/A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-compassionate-calling-marie-holowaychuk/1147036390?ean=9781032389035Marie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/marieholowaychukMarie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieholowaychukUncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.Fun facts: I have played the violin, standing bass, oboe, and ukulele; I have never missed a season of Survivor; I am a huge Edmonton Oilers fan; I am an avid swimmer but am terrified of open waterMentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Vicky Ograin, RVT, AVTS (Nutrition), MBA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a Vet Tech Week special that’s full of heart and inspiration. As a lifelong learner, educator, and champion for veterinary technicians, Vicky shares how the profession has evolved, why advocacy and utilization still matter, and how technicians can build fulfilling, sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Together, Andy and Vicky unpack everything from the return of Hill’s Veterinary Nutritional Advocate Program to the importance of lifelong learning, professional growth, and team collaboration. They also tackle common challenges like burnout and underutilization, reframing them with optimism and practical advice.Whether you’re a credentialed technician, an aspiring one, or a veterinarian who wants to better support your team, this conversation will leave you feeling proud, motivated, and ready to celebrate Vet Tech Week in style. Gang, let's get into this episode!This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!Veterinary Nutritional Advocate (VNA) Certificate ProgramHill's VetHill's Veterinary AcademyDr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark SwagAll LinksABOUT OUR GUESTVicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) received her technician degree from Los Angeles Pierce College. She served in private practice for many years in California, and then 22 years ago began a career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where she is a Scientific Communication Senior Specialist, in the US Professional Veterinary Affairs department. She focuses on education for technicians and the health care team as well as strategy for veterinary technicians in tech schools and graduates. In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters, both in Business Administration. Vicky obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition in June 2013. Vicky speaks nationally and internationally and is a published author.

Dr. Michael Wong, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question every vet has asked themselves at some point: is my neuro exam actually up to snuff? Together they dig into the art and science of the neurological examination, breaking down how to approach trauma cases, distinguish pain from neuro deficits, and avoid the most common mistakes veterinarians make when running through their checklists. Dr. Wong shares his systematic approach, why pattern recognition matters, and how practice makes all the difference in building confidence with neuro patients. You’ll walk away with practical pearls you can use in your next exam room, plus a fresh appreciation for the beauty of veterinary neurology.If neuro exams make you sweat or you just want a smarter way to structure them, this episode is your refresher course. Gang, let’s get into this episode!SEVneurology: https://www.sevneurology.comAdvanced Neurodiagnostics Conference: https://sevneurology.com/adv-neurodiag-confSEVN IG: https://www.instagram.com/southeastveterinaryneurology/Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Michael Wong is a board-certified veterinary neurologist based in southeast Florida and the founder of Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN), which now includes four neurology-dedicated hospitals. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, he also founded the UF Veterinary Business Management Association. He completed a medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a neurology residency at North Florida Neurology, becoming board-certified the same year. Dr. Wong was among the first to complete the Advanced Neurosurgical Certification and has lectured nationally, taught veterinary students at UF, and published on MRI and treatments for encephalitis and brain tumors. His professional interests include spinal surgery, seizure management, encephalitis, and MRI diagnostics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis. Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Dr. Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a topic that hits home for a lot of veterinary professionals: the fear of the unknown when it comes to career change. Have you ever thought, “I don’t know if I want to keep doing this forever, but I have no idea what else I would do”? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you. Natalie shares her own journey from practice ownership to angel investing and consulting, and together they dig into the spotlight effect, that nagging feeling that everyone is watching and judging your choices. They talk about why so many veterinarians struggle with identity outside of clinical work, how to know if you’re ready for a new chapter, and why your skills go far beyond the exam room. If you’ve been wrestling with burnout, self-doubt, or just curiosity about what comes next, this conversation will give you both comfort and courage to think bigger. Gang, let’s get into this episode!VANE: https://vane.vet/Natalie Marks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marks-dvm-cvj-54b0429a/Marks DVM Consulting: https://marksdvmconsulting.com/Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkGuest Bio:Dr. Natalie Marks obtained her bachelor's degree with High Honors in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1998, and then proceeded to obtain a Masters in Veterinary Medicine and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree with High Honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Certified Veterinary Journalist in 2018.She has been a veterinarian at Blum Animal Hospital since 2006, co-owner until 2018 and current associate. Prior to 2006, Dr. Marks worked at Allatoona Animal Hospital just north of Atlanta, GA. Her media experience began in print when she created several monthly veterinary columns in multiple community magazines and was a frequent guest speaker for the German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog clubs of Atlanta.Upon her return to Chicago, Dr. Marks became very active in the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, serving on the executive board. She was also a past board member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and an active volunteer to the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association.Dr. Marks has received many prestigious awards in her career. She was awarded the Dr. Erwin Small First Decade Award, presented to a veterinarian that has contributed the most to organized veterinary medicine in his or her first decade of practice. In 2012, Dr. Marks was awarded Petplan's nationally-recognized Veterinarian of the Year. In 2015, she was awarded America’s Favorite Veterinarian by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. And, most recently in 2017, she was awarded Nobivac’s Veterinarian of the Year for her work on canine Influenza.Dr. Marks is also very passionate about educating in all aspects of media, both locally and nationally. She has appeared on Good Day Chicago, WGN-Pet Central, NBC Morning News, ABC, CBS, NPR, WBBM, Northwestern University media channel and many local websites. Dr. Marks was featured nationally on the Today Show and CBS Nightly News during the canine influenza epidemic of 2015 and in multiple issues of JAVMA. She is a guest contributor in multiple media campaigns for Merck, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer), Boerhinger-Ingelheim, Ceva, Trupanion, Aratana, ScopioVet, and Royal Canin.Dr. Marks is a regular columnist in Today’s Veterinary Business, Healthy Pet magazine, and Pet Vet, and has been published in Veterinary Medicine magazine, DVM magazine, Dogster, and Vetted. She is on the Advisory Board for Health Magazine and also was the host of numerous veterinary broadcasts for the Viticus Group (formerly WVC).She is a desired national and international lecturer for many of the same companies at VMX, WVC, AVMA and regional conferences, and most recently was a featured speaker at Ceva Sweden’s Derm Day and the Royal Canin Global Symposium.Dr. Marks finds the ideal combination of teaching/mentoring and improving the emotional health of pets in the Fear Free movement. She sat on the Fear Free Executive Council and is a national educator helping other private practitioners develop these techniques. She also led her practice to become the 7th nationally and first practice in Illinois to become a Fear Free Certified Hospital. She is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional.Finally, Dr. Marks is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and consultant, and one of the newer members of VANE, the Veterinary Angel Network.When Dr, Marks is not working, she treasures her time with her family and her three wonderful children: Sophia, Evan and Madeline. Dr. Marks loves traveling, scuba diving, cooking and spending time outdoors, especially anywhere there is a beach!https://marksdvmconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marks-dvm-cvj-54b0429a/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!

Dr. Josh Gehrke, head of Veterinary Services at the AVMA Trust, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a conversation that might make every veterinarian sit up a little straighter. A recent New York court case awarded emotional damages after a dog was struck by a car, declaring the pet an immediate family member. If this precedent stands, what could it mean for veterinary liability insurance, client lawsuits, and the future of our profession? Andy and Josh unpack the case, explore how proximity and emotional distress factored into the ruling, and consider what ripple effects could land in veterinary medicine. From rising insurance costs to changes in how we deliver care, this episode tackles both the what-ifs and the practical pearls that vets need to keep in mind. If you’ve ever wondered how the evolving legal view of pets as family might impact your career, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Joshua Gehrke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gehrke-400211218AVMALife: https://avmalife.org/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Joshua E. Gehrke serves as Head of Veterinary Services for the AVMA Trust, where he works alongside the CEO, Lead Trust Veterinarian, and the Trust Team to provide support and resources for veterinary professionals. A graduate of Michigan State University with both his BS and DVM, he went on to complete a small animal internship in Los Angeles, followed by a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York.His career includes roles with BluePearl and MedVet, as well as serving as an award-winning Assistant Professor and leader of the Neurology Service at Michigan State University. Later, as Chief Veterinary Officer for Veterinary United, Dr. Gehrke combined leadership, clinical practice, mentorship, and coaching to guide veterinary teams and strengthen medical care in the community. Today, he continues to champion the profession and support colleagues through his work with the AVMA Trust.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. James Oldeschulte joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about a topic you probably didn’t think you’d hear on your commute today: fecal transplants. Yep, we’re diving into poop and how it is changing the way we treat veterinary patients. If you’ve always thought fecal microbiota transplants were only for chronic diarrhea or parvo puppies, think again. Dr. Oldschulte breaks down why acute diarrhea cases are now a prime place to reach for this tool, how screening donor dogs works, and why capsules are making this treatment easier and more accessible than ever. You’ll learn how fecal transplants can help restore the gut microbiome quickly, why pet owners are often more open to it than you’d expect, and how this approach fits into the larger movement toward antibiotic stewardship in veterinary medicine.This episode is brought to you by Amend Pet. Poop donor to dose: FMT made easy.Consortium guidelines on FMT (Open Access): https://www.advancesinsmallanimalcare.com/article/S2666-450X(24)00006-3/fulltextENOVAT guidelines on the efficacy of antimicrobial and nutraceutical treatment for canine acute diarrhoea (Open Access):https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323001053?via%3Dihubhttps://www.amendpet.com/ Amend Pet has helped make fecal transplant easy and accessible for my patients.Dr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkI'm an emergency veterinarian in Austin, Texas, and one of the directors of new ER doctor education at Veterinary Emergency Group. I'm passionate about evidence-based medicine, technology, and empowering others through education. I have a background in healthcare technology and have spent the first 5 years of my career collecting and sharing knowledge by creating web-based applications for veterinary professionals—such as DogsCatsMedicine.com. In my free time, I enjoy exploring my cross-industry interest in resilience engineering, mountain biking, and playing music.

Beckie Mossor, RVT, joins Dr. Andy Roark to dig into the surprising results of NAVTA’s 2024 demographic survey of veterinary technicians. Salaries are climbing, yet job satisfaction is dropping fast. How do we make sense of this? Beckie unpacks the data, from the overwhelming push for title protection and standardized credentialing, to the growing frustrations around underutilization in practice. This episode takes on tough but essential questions: Why do so many techs still need multiple jobs to get by, even with pay increases? What role does proper utilization play in career satisfaction? And how can practices do better at recognizing the full scope of a credentialed technician’s skills? If you’ve ever wondered what the future looks like for veterinary technicians, or how to keep your team engaged and fulfilled, this conversation is full of insights you can take back to your clinic. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Article Referenced: https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/personal-professional-development/navta-2024-demographic-survey-results/Beckie Mossor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-mossor-bis-mpa-rvt-37a55527/NAVTA: https://navta.net/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkBeckie is the current President of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, where she has contributed to national conversations on technician utilization, representation on veterinary medical boards, and equity in veterinary organizational structures. Her work has been published in professional outlets, and she regularly presents on the intersections of veterinary medicine, leadership, and advocacy.She is the founder of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterinary professionals in need during the winter holidays. She is a co-host of the Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast, where she has demonstrated nearly a decade of bringing controversial conversations and fierce advocacy to the profession.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Chelsie Estey, Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack the brand-new 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report. If you think shelter trends are all about “too many pets, not enough adopters,” think again. This massive study digs into the real barriers behind pet adoption and relinquishment, from the rising costs of care and housing challenges to surprising generational differences in how people make adoption decisions.In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Chelsie Estey talk through what keeps pets in shelters longer, why affordability is shaping adoption choices, and how shelters are innovating with foster programs and community support. You’ll hear success stories from shelters tackling adoption hurdles in creative ways and learn how veterinary teams can play a critical role in keeping pets and families together. If you work in shelter medicine, general practice, or just want to understand where pet adoption trends are headed, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right away.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Hill's Pet Nutrition!Hill's Pet Nutrition: https://www.hillspet.com/Hill's Food, Shelter and Love Program: https://www.hillspet.com/food-shelter-love/my-shelter2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report: https://www.hillspet.com/shelter-report?lightboxfired=trueShelter Animals Count National Database: https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark SwagAll LinksChelsie Estey, MSc, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) was appointed U.S. chief veterinary officer of Hill’s Pet Nutrition in March 2025. Dr. Estey, a veterinary neurologist, has contributed to the field through scientific publications and book chapters. She holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College and completed a neurology and neurosurgery residency at Cornell University. She also has a master of science degree from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor of science degree from the University of New Brunswick.

Dr. Nathan Peterson, DVM, DACVECC, MA Bioethics joins Dr. Andy Roark to dive into one of the hardest questions in veterinary medicine: what happens when treatments feel futile? As an emergency and critical care specialist at Cornell with a master’s in bioethics from Harvard, Dr. Peterson has studied how veterinary teams wrestle with cases where the outcome may not change and the burden often falls on technicians carrying out the plan.In this conversation, Andy and Nathan unpack how veterinarians and technicians define medical futility, why perspectives often differ, and how the lack of agency can increase moral distress among support staff. They explore practical strategies to reduce burnout, strengthen team communication, and involve technicians in client discussions to create shared understanding. Gang, let’s get into this episode.Nathan Peterson on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-peterson-DVM-DACVECCDr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkNathan Peterson, DVM, MBE, DACVECC is an Associate Clinical Professor at Cornell University. He received his DVM from The Ohio State University and completed his internship and residency training in Emergency and Critical Care medicine at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Following board certification, he spent 12 years as the head of the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at a tertiary referral hospital in Los Angeles before taking his current position at Cornell. He completed a Master of Bioethics through the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics in 2023 and has published works exploring the impact of providing futile treatments in veterinary medicine.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking clinic moments: the lunging, growling dog that makes everyone’s heart rate spike. What do you do when a giant breed charges into the exam room, the owner refuses muzzle training or pre-visit meds, and you’re left feeling like your only option is to “just get it done”? In this lively and practical conversation, Tabitha breaks down how to approach fearful and aggressive dogs with empathy and skill. She shares strategies to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) through considerate handling, communication with pet owners, and team-wide planning. From lobby management to sedation protocols, she helps reframe these tough cases as opportunities to improve animal welfare, client trust, and staff safety. If you’ve ever struggled with patient handling, client education, or burnout tied to aggressive dogs, this episode is packed with insight you can use right away. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Chirrups and ChatterTabitha Kucera on InstagramTails From A Vet Tech PodcastDr. Know-It-All Card GameDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkTabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech. Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills. Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Matt Salois, PhD, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about why not every shiny new idea in veterinary medicine is a good idea. From the surge in new veterinary schools to the debate on mid-level practitioners and telemedicine, Matt raises the question: are we solving problems or just creating new ones? With his trademark humor and economist’s lens, he makes the case for smarter, not faster, change in vet med. In this episode, you’ll hear a fresh take on why retention may matter more than recruitment, how productivity really impacts our profession, and why veterinary medicine doesn’t have to copy the mistakes of human healthcare. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance innovation with caution, this conversation will get you thinking.Article Referenced: https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/veterinary-lessons-viewpoint-0625/Dr. Andy Roark Resources Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark SwagMatthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary member practices.Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies.Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.Mentioned in this episode:Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Ginger Templeton, DVM, COO of HomewardVet and MOVES, joins Dr. Andy Roark to explore what the future of veterinary careers could look like and spoiler alert: it’s not one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Andy and Ginger dive into the concept of autonomy in veterinary medicine, especially as the profession continues to shift toward a more fragmented, customizable future. Ginger shares her journey from burnout in traditional general practice to launching a mobile house call business and eventually helping build two innovative companies that support both specialists and GPs in practicing on their terms. If you’ve ever daydreamed about setting your own schedule, working independently, or building a career that actually fits your life, this one’s for you. You’ll learn about the operational support structures behind mobile vet work, the different ways autonomy can show up across career stages, and how Ginger’s team is making house calls less lonely and more sustainable. Let’s get into this episode!This episode is brought to you ad-free by HomewardVet!LINKShttps://www.homewardvet.com/https://www.vetmoves.com/leadership/HomewardVet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homewardvetWebsite: https://drandyroark.comHighlighted Links: https://linktr.ee/drandyroarkUncharted Vet: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/homeFacebook: http://facebook.com/DrAndyRoarkInstagram: http://instagram.com/drandyroarkABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Ginger Templeton is the Chief Operating Officer of MOVES Mobile Veterinary Specialists and HomewardVet. She has over 15 years clinical experience in general practice, including five as the owner of a busy concierge house call practice in Raleigh, NC. Ginger brings a unique approach to the executive role thanks to her training as an executive coach. She has worked with a wide-variety of veterinary clinicians and industry executives and leaders, which informs her approach with the team at MOVES and HomewardVet. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ginger is a proud and vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and DEI initiatives within the profession and outside and is a proud member of PrideVMC. She is also mom to two delightful young adults who are dedicated to making a positive impact in this world in their own ways. She became a mom during vet school and her experiences as a young mom early in her career and a mom of a child with a serious illness have also informed her approach to empathy, boundaries, and wellbeing in the veterinary profession.

Dr. Brian Bourquin, president of Not One More Vet (NOMV), joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack the current state of mental health and wellness in veterinary medicine. What started as a small Facebook group has grown into a powerhouse nonprofit providing grants, peer support, accreditation programs, and a safety net for veterinary professionals in crisis.In this candid conversation, Brian shares NOMV’s evolution, the impact of programs like Clear Blueprint and Lifeboat, and what he really thinks about the progress we’ve made in tackling veterinary burnout and mental health challenges. He also opens up about his own journey as a practice owner at Boston Veterinary Clinic, including the hard lessons he learned about leading with compassion and protecting his team. If you’ve ever wondered where veterinary wellness truly stands today, or how leaders can put real change into practice, this episode offers both hope and honest perspective.NOMV.orgRace Around the WorldNOMV CLEAR BlueprintNOMV Advocates Programwww.bostonveterinaryclinic.comBrian Bourquin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brian-bourquin-3356a6Dr. Andy Roark Resources Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training CourseDr. Andy Roark SwagFueled by childhood dreams of being a keeper at his own zoo, Dr. Bourquin realized from a young age his path – a career in veterinary work. His journey began with graduation from Cornell University, the No. 1 school in the U.S. for veterinary medicine. After 13 years as a Boston veterinarian, he founded Boston Veterinary Clinic in 2012, placing an emphasis on trust, compassion, and top-level patient care. Embraced by the pet-loving community and with the aid of like-minded veterinary professionals, the practice has grown to 5 locations, each focusing on the best medicine possible with accreditations from AAHA, Fear Free, and Cat-Friendly Practices.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Dr. Simon Haeder joins Dr. Andy Roark to dig into a surprising question: if a parent is hesitant to vaccinate their child, are they also likely to be hesitant about vaccinating their pet? The answer is more complex than you might expect. Drawing from his research published in JAVMA, Dr. Haeder shares insights on the correlation between human and pet vaccine hesitancy, what drives those concerns, and how trust in a veterinarian can be a powerful factor in pet owners’ decisions. The conversation covers everything from social media misinformation to the shifting role of veterinarians in a changing industry, plus what the future of veterinary care could look like in a post-truth world. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on how building long-term relationships with clients can influence public health, patient safety, and the human–animal bond. Let’s get into this episode!Article Referenced: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/86/2/ajvr.24.06.0163.xmlDr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Simon F. Haeder is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health, where he also serves as Health Policy Cognate Chair in the Department of Health Policy and Management. A nationally recognized scholar on health policy, access to care, and vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Haeder’s work bridges human and veterinary medicine, exploring how public perceptions and trust influence healthcare decisions. His research has been published in leading journals such as Health Affairs, Vaccine, and JAVMA, and he is a frequent contributor to national conversations on public health through outlets like The Washington Post, The Conversation, and Health Affairs Blog. With a career spanning academia, policy advising, and interdisciplinary research leadership, Dr. Haeder brings a unique perspective on how trust, science, and policy intersect in shaping the future of healthcare.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!

Cone of Shame 347 - When Care Can't Wait: Being Prepared for Critical CasesJulia Sosa, Chief Experience Officer at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a must-hear conversation on what happens when care can't wait. Ever had that moment in clinic when a pet’s situation is critical and the client is staring at an estimate, panicked and unsure what to do? This episode dives headfirst into the chaos of urgent cases and how we, as veterinary professionals, can better support clients in the middle of that emotional storm. Julia shares how Pumpkin’s new urgent-pay service, Pumpkin Now, is transforming how pet insurance works in those high-stakes moments, giving owners financial clarity within minutes and helping vet teams stay focused on care, not claims. Dr. Andy and Julia unpack why pet insurance is often misunderstood, what it really means to be “hospital-centric,” and how to streamline workflows without overburdening teams. Whether you’re skeptical of insurance or already a fan, this episode brings new insight into making emergency care more accessible. Gang, let’s get into this episode.PumpkinNow Expedited Payment Terms: Qualified customers with eligible claims for treatments $1k or more could be paid in 15 minutes after submitting a request if their bank accepts real-time payments. For full terms & conditions, visit www.pumpkin.care/pn-terms. For pet insurance terms and conditions, visit: https://www.pumpkin.care/sample-plan/. Products are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113), and produced by Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749; CA License #6001617).Pumpkin Care for Veterinarians: https://www.pumpkin.care/for-veterinarians/Charming the Angry Client Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: https://drandyroark.com/store/All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkJulia Sosa is a Design Leader whose lifelong love of animals led to her passion and focus in the pet care and veterinary industries. As a founding member and Chief Experience Officer of Pumpkin, one of the fastest-growing pet insurance companies in the United States, Julia leads UX research, strategy, and product design for their member and veterinary experiences. In January 2024, she started coursework to become a Veterinary Technician and explore her dream of becoming a late-in-life veterinarian.Julia is an active member of the rescue and shelter community and a devoted foster and adoption counselor for the ACC. She is the proud pet mom to two small dogs, two large cats, three chickens, and over 112+ foster kittens (and counting).

Dr. Cory Woliver, DVM, emergency and critical care lecturer at the University of Florida, joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss venomous snake bite management in veterinary practice. Ever wondered how many vials of anti-venom to give when a copperhead or rattlesnake strikes? This episode cuts through the guesswork on coagulation testing, anti-venom dosing strategies, pain control options, and when to hospitalize versus treat as an outpatient. Dr. Woliver explains why steroids, NSAIDs, and routine antibiotics often miss the mark and how early, aggressive anti-venom is your best defense against tissue necrosis. You’ll learn practical tips on evaluating bite severity, setting client expectations, and choosing between strong opioids like methadone or hydromorphone for pain relief. Whether you see one snake bite a season or dozens, this one-stop shop equips you with the science and experience to act confidently under pressure. Let’s get into this episode.National Snake Bite Support Website: https://www.nationalsnakebitesupport.org/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/national.snakebite.support/Snake Bite Foundation Website: https://www.snakebitefoundation.org/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkCory Woliver is a veterinarian practicing as a Clinical Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his BS in biology at SUNY Stony Brook and his DVM at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. During his 18-month emergency and critical care-focused internship at Colorado State University, he treated a large number of snake envenomations. He has also earned a certificate in hemodialysis through the University of California – Davis.After his postgraduate training, Dr. Woliver spent several years in private practice in New York before coming to the University of Florida in 2019. His clinical interests include snakebites (especially coral snake envenomations), acute kidney injuries, and extracorporeal therapies. He is currently the PI for the clinical trial using Varespladib in coral snake envenomated patients.Mentioned in this episode:Care Is Your Calling!Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!

What if improving your clinic’s communication could reduce turnover, boost job satisfaction, and enhance medical quality? Dr. Jason Coe is back on the podcast with brand-new research that shows how “relational coordination” (aka how roles within your team communicate and collaborate) impacts everything from psychological safety to employee retention. In this episode, Dr. Coe and Dr. Andy Roark dive into the findings from a cross-industry communication model now being applied to veterinary teams. They explore what high vs. low relational coordination looks like in real life, how communication systems like impactful rounds and EMR notes can move the needle, and why this data matters for improving not just morale but also patient outcomes. Whether you're a practice owner, a manager, or just someone who wants your team to function better, this episode offers both inspiration and real takeaways. Gang, let’s get into this episode!Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationship-centred-veterinary-medicine-at-the-ontario-veterinary-collegeUniversity of Guelph: https://rcvm.uoguelph.ca/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Jason Coe is a Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. After graduating from the College in 2001, he returned from mixed-animal practice to complete a PhD in the area of veterinary communications in 2008. In the same year, Jason joined the Ontario Veterinary College in the Department of Population Medicine where he has established an active research program examining the human-animal bond as well as the role of interpersonal communications on the outcomes of veterinary care. In his current role at the College, he coordinates the clinical-communication curriculum across all 4 years of the veterinary program and is involved in teaching students about the relationships that exist between people and animals.Over the past two decades, Jason has established an international reputation for his leadership in veterinary communications, primary-care veterinary education and understanding the human-animal bond. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to several book chapters, and is regularly invited to speak nationally and internationally at scientific and continuing-education conferences. Jason currently holds the VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine (2021-2026), at the Ontario Veterinary College, dedicated to research and education in communication and relationship-building to improve the outcomes of veterinary care. In 2021, Jason was honoured with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award for his notable contributions to the veterinary profession and in 2022, he founded the research program Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (https://rcvm.uoguelph.ca/). Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy RoarkInside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.Register for Office Hours here!Care Is Your Calling!Register for the Dont Get Sued course!