The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast
The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast is a show dedicated to life in veterinary medicine. Host Dr. Andy Roark discusses medical topics with experts from the veterinary industry. The podcast aims to provide insights and advice for veterinary professionals.
Episodes
414 - What if the whole vet team got production pay?
Dr. Ivan Zak, DVM, entrepreneur and former CEO of SmartFlow and Galaxy Vets, joins Dr. Andy Roark to dig into one of the spiciest topics in vet med, whether production pay is actually “bad,” and what happens when salary-only pay gets weaponized as burnout prevention. They unpack Ivan’s experience switching Galaxy Vets to straight salary, watching productivity and hours drop, and realizing the busi
413 - Post-Op Pain and Enrichment: Are We Sedating Instead of Treating?
Tabitha Kucera, VTS (Behavior) and founder of Chirrups and Chatter, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack what "keep them quiet" actually means after surgery. Using real cases like a beagle mix post-abdominal surgery and a cat post-PU, Tabitha shares low-mobility enrichment options such as snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, and scent work that support recovery without heavy sedation or strict confinement. The r
412 - High Quality, High Volume Surgery & the Future of Shelter Medicine
Dr. Roberta Westbrook, DVM, takes us inside the world of shelter medicine and challenges what many of us think we know about high quality, high volume surgery, access to care, and animal welfare. From the evolution of modern shelters to the realities of pet homelessness, community responsibility, and the future of keeping pets with the families who love them, this conversation will leave you with
411 - New Guidelines on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, joins Dr. Andy Roark on the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to discuss canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and how to tell normal aging from something treatable. Radosta emphasizes screening all dogs starting at age seven, tracking mentation and behavior changes against each dog’s baseline, and watching for signs such as disorientation, interaction changes, s
410 - How to Build Confident, Competent Early Career Vets
Building Confident New Grad Vets: Mentorship, Psychological Safety, and Onboarding That Works Dr. Jason Szumski, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a problem every hospital feels, new grads want to do great medicine, but they are often scared of mistakes, lawsuits, and being “on their own” before they are ready. They dig into why mentorship is the top priority for vet students, what strong onboar
409 - A Cry For Help From the Pathology Department
A Cry for Help in Veterinary Pathology, Burnout, Economics, Digitization, and AI with Dr. Eric Fish Dr. Eric Fish, DVM, DACVP, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a tough question: Why does being a veterinary clinical pathologist feel darker right now, and what happens if AI turns “nice to have” diagnostics into “don’t need to have”? They unpack burnout and pay compression (including pathologists earni
408 - Beyond Trazodone: When the "Chill Protocol" Isn’t Chilling
Beyond Gabapentin and Trazodone, Smarter Pre-Visit Anxiety Meds with Dr. Chris Pachel Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a problem every clinic knows too well, stressed pets, stressed owners, and appointments that start going sideways before the car even leaves the driveway. They dig into pre-visit pharmaceuticals beyond the usual gabapentin and trazodone, including when
407 - The Dangers of Dutch
Dr. Andy Roark hosts Dr. Matt Salois, an economist, VMG president, and adjunct faculty at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to discuss his Today’s Veterinary Business article on the “dangers of Dutch Pets veterinary telemedicine,” using a Trojan horse metaphor. They argue that when a “no strings attached” solution promises cheaper, easier access by reducing restrictions, vets should be ske
406 - HoF - Fireworks Phobia Over the Phone
Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a timely Hall of Fame episode that every veterinary professional should revisit before fireworks season kicks into high gear. If you've ever had a client call in a panic hours before the fireworks start, this episode breaks down what you can do, what realistically helps, and how to set pets up for success when noise phobias strike. Gang, let's
405 - Redefining the DVM Career Path
Dr. Matt Silvius, DVM, shares a career journey that challenges the idea that veterinarians only have one path to leadership. Matt shares his journey from kennel technician to practice owner and multi-site leader, exploring entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the many ways veterinarians can build fulfilling careers. If you've ever wondered what career growth, ownership, or leadership opportunities ca
404 - HDYTT: The Critical Feline Patient
Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), tackles one of the most stressful situations in veterinary medicine: the critical feline patient crashing through the door after severe trauma. If you've ever felt the urge to rush a painful cat straight into anesthesia, this episode will help you slow down, stabilize first, and make smarter decisions about oxygen delivery, shock managem
403 - Improving Animal Welfare at Commercial Dog Breeding Kennels
Dr. Tess House, DVM, MPH, dives into a topic that can spark strong opinions: commercial dog breeding kennels. If you've ever wondered what veterinarians can do to improve animal welfare in these facilities, or what standards, oversight, and welfare programs actually look like behind the scenes, this episode breaks it all down in a thoughtful and practical way. You'll learn about USDA licensing, pr
402 - A New Vet Guide to Working with Senior Paraprofessionals
Vicky Ograin, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), MBA tackles a challenge every new veterinarian faces: how do you earn trust, build confidence, and collaborate effectively when the technicians around you have far more real-world experience than you do? Dr. Andy Roark and Vicky share practical advice for creating strong doctor-technician partnerships, giving and receiving feedback, and building a team culture t
401 - Three Super-Judgy Things Vets Should Stop Saying (Maybe)
Dr. Kate Boatwright, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a thoughtful (and surprisingly spicy) conversation about three phrases veterinarians say all the time: "If you can't afford the vet, don't get the pet," "You can't care more than the client does," and "That's below the standard of care." Together, they unpack the nuance behind these statements, explore judgment in veterinary medicine, discuss spec
400 - That's Bad Advice
Dr. Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DACVS-SA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a hilarious and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about the worst advice they've heard in veterinary medicine. From "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life" to "just let them simmer" when clients are upset, they unpack the well-intentioned wisdom that can sometimes lead us astray, while exploring career devel
399 - ARE PIMS Still the Center of Your Practice?
Jon Ayers, former Chair and CEO of IDEXX, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a conversation that might completely change the way you think about veterinary PIMS, AI scribes, and the future of practice workflows. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by clunky software, disconnected systems, or the endless admin burden slowing your team down, this episode digs into why AI could dramatically reshape how veterinary t
398 - What We Get Wrong In Anesthesia
Dr. Gianluca Bini, DVM, DACVAA, is here to talk about one of the scariest parts of veterinary medicine: anesthesia, and why so many of us may be overcomplicating the wrong things while underestimating the stuff that actually keeps patients safe. Dr. Andy Roark and Luca dive into veterinary anesthesia safety, monitoring, equipment, technician training, and the myth of the “perfect protocol,” all wh
397 - Life Stages and Large Breeds in Canine Nutrition
Dr. Flavia Vedova, DVM, MBA, DACVIM (Nutrition), jumps into one of the most confusing parts of pet nutrition, figuring out when to switch diets, what “all life stages” actually means, and whether your large breed dog really needs a large breed formula. If you’ve ever stared at a pet food bag wondering if you’re helping your patient thrive or just falling for clever marketing, this episode breaks d
396 - HDYTT: Fecal Transfer for Chronic Diarrhea
Dr. Lily Chen, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle one of the most frustrating cases in veterinary medicine: the chronic diarrhea dog that just keeps coming back for more metronidazole. From microbiome testing and dysbiosis to fecal transplants and the surprising behavioral changes pets can show after treatment, this episode dives into the growing world of microbiome therapy and what it might mean
395 - Where Are the Greatest Opportunities for Access to Care?
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 medi
394 - Should Business Leaders Have Mandatory Clinic Time?
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
393 - HDYTT: The Atopic Dog - From Puppy to Senior
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 ear
392 - State of the Veterinary Front Desk
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 cl
391 - Making Vet Clinics Greener
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 ene
390 - Introducing Change as a Recent Grad
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 comm
389 - Independent Practice Owners Strike Back!
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
388 - We Can't All Be "High Quality Medicine"
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), an
386 - HDYTT: Quick Sedation in Dogs and Cats
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 de
385 - My Clinic's Visits Are Dropping...But We're Still Swamped (Uncharted Cross-Over)
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
384 - The Enshittification of Vet Medicine
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 impor
383 - Why Veterinary Client Trust Feels Different in 2026
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
382 - Tucker, Dutch, and Private Equity
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 controver
381 - New Mother, Same Tech? How to Support Pregnancy and Parental Leave
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 gr
380 - Is AI Making Vet Clinic Websites Obsolete?
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
379 - Access to Vet Care
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 l
378 - Everything Is Gross and They're Doing It Wrong
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
377 - What's Really Happening When We Use AI Scribes?
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
376 - Treating Feline Osteoarthritis (HDYTT)
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 d
375 - Is It Time to Let Your Relief Vet Go? The Veterinary Recession is Here
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 communica
374 - Training Veterinarians To Do More With Less
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 actuall
373 - 2025 Post Mortem & Predicting 2026
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
372 - Lessons Learned in 2025
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 c
371 - Avoiding Board Complaints with Informed Consent
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 recommend
370 - The Rise of the Distributive Model for Veterinary Education
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 actua
369 - Building a Veterinary Career That Truly Fits You
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 lifelo
368 - Unleashing the Bond
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
367 - Do We Really Need More Veterinarians?
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.
366 - A Center for Canine Victims of Abuse and Neglect
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
365 - How to Know A Person
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 impor
364 - Fear and Honesty in Vet Medicine
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 impor
363 - What’s Next After Years in Practice?
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 the
362 - What it Really Means to be a Veterinarian
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 p
361 - New Cat is Stressing the Old Cat (HDYTT)
Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack one of the most stressful situations for cat owners: a new kitten wreaking havoc on the household harmony. When a lively young Bengal starts chasing the older Maine Coon around the house, Dr. Roark calls in the behavior expert to help navigate the chaos. They talk through the science and strategy behind proper cat introducti
360 - The Evolving Vet Tech Profession
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 Vick
359 - The Neuro Examination (HDYTT)
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 throug
358 - Fear of the Unknown
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 a
357 - Judge Awards Emotional Damages for Dog Death
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, a
356 - Poop Transplants: Going Beyond Parvo and Chronic Diarrheas (HDYTT)
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
355 - Falling Job Satisfaction and Rising Salaries in Vet Techs
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.
354 - The State of Shelter Pet Adoption
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 genera
353 - The Impacts of Medical Futility
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
352 - Managing the Lunging Dog in the Clinic
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 conv
351 - Avoiding Reckless Change In Vet Med
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 ve
350 - The Future of Vet Work: Autonomy
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 journe
349 - Vet Med Mental Health Status Report
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 e
348 - Vaccine Hesitancy in Pet Parents
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, a
347 - When Care Can't Wait: Being Prepared for Critical Cases
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
346 - Venomous Snake Bites! (HDYTT)
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 ho
345 - NEW RESEARCH: Relational Coordination in Vet Clinics
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 div
344 - Obese Diabetic Cat Now Has Renal Disease! (HDYTT)
What do you do when your big, lovable diabetic cat suddenly develops renal disease? You call in the nutritionist cavalry! In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by boarded veterinary nutritionist Dr. Caitlyn Getty to tackle a real-world “hot mess express” case: Claudia, an obese diabetic cat who’s now showing signs of kidney issues. Together, they dig into the complexities of nutritional manage
343 - Lawsuits! Interns, LMU, the AVMA, and more!
Dr. Lance Roasa, a veterinarian and practicing lawyer, who is the founder of Roasa Law Group joins Dr. Andy Roark. They dive into two key lawsuits shaking up the veterinary world: LMU Lincoln Memorial University suing the AVMA for anti-competitive practices and veterinary interns launching a class action lawsuit against the Match program and some vet schools. Dr. Roasa breaks down both cases, disc
342 - Quality Control and Ethical Use in Veterinary AI
Dr. Petra Harms, veterinarian and founder of VetMaite, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle one of the most overlooked questions in veterinary AI: how do we know these tools actually work? AI scribes, chatbots and diagnostic aids are flooding into veterinary clinics, but who is testing their accuracy, safeguarding client data, or setting ethical standards? Petra is a big fan of AI (she’s not calling for
341 - IBD Dog Now has Renal Disease (HDYTT)
Dr. Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), is back on the Cone of Shame to tackle a classic hot mess express: the IBD dog who now has early kidney disease. In this “How Do You Treat That?” episode, Dr. Andy Roark presents Murph, a finicky Yorkie with a sensitive gut, a history of GI explosions, and renal values on the rise. The kicker? His current food is working, and his owners are terrifie
340 - Women In Business
Dr. Stacee Santi, veterinarian, tech founder, and author of Stop Acting Like a Girl, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a conversation that challenges the norms women are handed and how those expectations shape careers in veterinary medicine and beyond. From the ER to the boardroom, Stacee has walked the walk, founding Vet2Pet, navigating startup negotiations, and now stepping into authorship and podcasting
339 - Personalizing Pet Healthcare: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
In this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide Pet Insurance, to explore how veterinarians can personalize care for individual pets, their families and to the disease. They discuss new research, tools like The Pet HealthZone®, and the power of clinical empathy. According to recent PetSmart Charities res
338 - Building a Vet School from the Ground Up
Dr. Steve Marks is building a vet school from scratch, and he’s not afraid to do things differently. In this episode, Dr. Marks, founding dean of Clemson University's College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it’s really like to start a vet school in 2025. From juggling seven buildings under construction to planning clinical clerkships and raising funds for student ho
337 - Helping Pet Owners Process End-of-Life Decisions
Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM, co-founder of Lap of Love, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about one of the most emotional parts of veterinary medicine—helping pet owners process end-of-life decisions. Before you brace for a downer, take a breath. This episode is anything but heavy. With laughter, warmth, and a whole lot of heart, Mary brings her signature optimism to a conversation that every vet team will r
336 - How Terrible is a Board Complaint, Really?
Dr. Dana Varble, DVM, CAE, takes the mic to bust a myth that haunts way too many vets: that a board complaint is career-ending doom. (Spoiler: it’s not.) In this honest, eye-opening conversation, Dana, Chief Veterinary Officer at NAVC and exotic animal surgeon extraordinaire shares her personal experience with a board complaint, how it impacted her emotionally, and what she learned from it. Andy a
335 - The Ignored Art of Animal Handling
In this jam-packed episode, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Tabitha Kucera to talk about why animal handling deserves way more respect in the veterinary world. We’re not just talking about holding techniques here. This is about understanding body language, reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), and elevating handling to an art form. You’ll hear Tabitha’s take on why our old-school training method
334 - HDYTT: Limb Malalignment in Growing Dogs
Dr. Derek Fox, DVM, PhD, DACVS joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk all things angular limb deformities and why they’re about so much more than crooked-legged Bassets. In this episode, Dr. Fox shares how limb malalignment is often the root of conditions like patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia, what general practitioners should be watching for in growing puppies, and how to set realistic expectations wi
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