This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Michael Blackwell from the University of Tennessee, and the Director of AlignCare Health Inc. , about the increasing challenges families face in accessing veterinary care and how the One Health model offers a transformative solution. Dr. Blackwell explains that many of the barriers to care stem from human social and financial realities, not just veterinary logistics. By integrating veterinary services with human healthcare, social work, and ...
Jun 19, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 296
Veterinary clinics are facing growing pressure from chaotic workflows, missed calls, scattered forms, and burned-out front-desk teams. This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with James Merchant , co-founder of ClinicWise , to explore how deeply integrated, AI-powered tools are helping practices streamline client communication, automate repetitive tasks, and reclaim hours of staff time each week. James shares how ClinicWise was co-designed with busy hospitals to ensure it solves real, ...
Jun 12, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 295
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak connect with Cory Pinegar from Teem about how veterinary clinics can reduce overhead and improve reliability by outsourcing administrative tasks to remote teams. Cory shares how Teem’s model uses structured training, real-time performance data, and an empathy-first approach to create scalable support without sacrificing service quality, even as staffing costs and turnover continue to rise. Learn more about Teem's Virtual Assistants . Cory Pinegar recommen...
Jun 05, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 294
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Lea-Ann Germinder , Founder and President of Germinder & Associates, Inc . They chat about the complex challenges and transformative potential of Responsible AI (RAI) in veterinary medicine. Drawing from her PhD research and presentation at Cornell’s SAVY Symposium, Germinder outlines the ethical gaps, legal gray areas, and educational challenges shaping AI adoption in vet med. She also breaks down what clinics must know before adopting AI and...
May 29, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 293
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak talk with Mark Hines from baxtr about how veterinary clinics can use technology to streamline their operations and improve access to care. Mark shares how baxtr’s software helps independent practices create custom subscription wellness plans with predictable monthly payments, automated communication, and less administrative burden. He also introduces their new Monthly Payment Guarantee feature, which ensures clinics are paid even if clients miss a payment...
May 22, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 292
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Steve Castillo from Profit Solver about how veterinary practices can uncover hidden profits through precise, evidence-based pricing strategies. Steve shares how his patented software — already implemented in over 3,700 clinics — uses real financial data and time-motion studies to optimize service fees, boost EBITDA, and create a sustainable path to practice growth. Learn more about Profit Solver . Steve Castillo recommends “The ONE Thing: The Su...
May 01, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 291
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome James Kademan from Veterinary Receptionists to discuss how his specialized virtual receptionist service is helping veterinary clinics overcome staffing shortages, reduce front desk burnout, and improve client communication. James also shares how AI tools like real-time transcription and chatbots are being used behind the scenes, and why bold, strategic decisions are essential in today’s fast-changing veterinary landscape. Discover more about "The ...
Apr 24, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 290
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Maria Morgan, co-founder of Passpaw , about how veterinary teams can turn international pet travel documentation from a time-consuming task into an efficient, team-led, and profitable service. As more clients travel with their pets post-pandemic, many practices either avoid these certificates entirely or undercharge for the work involved. Maria shares how her workflow management software aims to eliminate the administrative burden of health cert...
Apr 17, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 289
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with Dr. Kemba Marshall , veterinarian, DEI expert, and author of “ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine ”, to explore how psychological safety — the #1 trait of high-performing teams and the focus of the P chapter of her new book — drives innovation, improves patient care, and reduces burnout. Dr. Marshall shares real-life examples of how inclusive environments lead to smarter diagnostics, stronger teams, and better patient ou...
Apr 10, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 288
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Andy Bond from BestyBnB , a tech platform providing confidential, in-home pet care during crisis situations. Andy shares how they've created a "HIPAA-compliant Airbnb for pets" supporting pet owners facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, or housing issues by partnering with social service agencies and animal welfare organizations to keep people and pets safe and together. Learn more about BestyBnB . Andy recommends ACQUIRED - Mars I...
Apr 03, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 287
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Kristin Welch , the founder of DVM STAT Consulting , for a deep dive into how teleconsultation is transforming access to specialty care in veterinary medicine. They explore the unique benefits of doctor-to-doctor virtual consultations, how AI is being used to streamline the review of complex medical records, and how her team of board-certified specialists is providing real-time, high-touch clinical support to general practitioners, emergency c...
Mar 27, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 286
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini from Serenity Vet , a new relief platform that uniquely combines a marketplace connecting veterinarians with employers and a business suite featuring financial planning tools for both. They discuss why relief work is growing, how Serenity Vet differentiates itself with features like the clinic profitability calculator and scheduling tools to prevent burnout, and AI-driven predictability for shift fulfillment. Learn more abou...
Feb 13, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 285
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Chuck Rich from Greysteel to discuss current trends in veterinary real estate, including the sale-leaseback model, navigating corporate acquisitions, and strategies for practice owners to unlock equity and plan for retirement or expansion. Learn more about GreySteel . Chuck Rich recommends “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin ....
Jan 23, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 284
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Ryan Salvino , the co-founder of VetTalk Software , about their automated client education system that integrates with veterinary practice management systems. Ryan shares how VetTalk improves compliance, reduces staff workload, and ensures better pet care through pre and post-appointment educational care plans. Learn more about VetTalk . Ryan Salvino recommends "Attack the Day: Kirby Smart and Georgia's Return to Glory" by Seth Emerson ....
Jan 02, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 283
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Emily Hubbard , the Chief Medical Officer at Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), to talk about fostering healthy communication, conflict resolution, and leadership in veterinary practices. Dr. Hubbard shares how VIP supports autonomy, empowers hospital teams, and advances the veterinary field through innovation. Learn more about Veterinary Innovative Partners . Dr. Emily Hubbard recommends focusing on one’s own mental health....
Dec 26, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 282
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Dr. Rory Lubold , Founder of Affordable Pet Labs , a company dedicated to making diagnostic testing more accessible and affordable for pet owners nationwide. They discuss breaking barriers to veterinary care — both in terms of cost and accessibility — and how their in-home blood collection and at-home testing kits benefit pet owners and veterinarians alike. Learn more about Affordable Pet Labs . Dr. Rory Lubold recommends “Be Useful: Seven Tools...
Dec 19, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 281
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Aoife Caulfield , Partnerships and Acquisitions Lead at Village Vets Ireland, to talk about building partnerships, challenges of consolidating practices, innovative practice ownership models, and the future of veterinary in Ireland. She also shared insights on the importance of leadership, networking, and aligning with like-minded partners for sustainable growth. Learn more about Village Vets . Aoife Caulfield recommends events like London Vet Sho...
Dec 12, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 280
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak are joined by Suvi Irvine , Clinical Development Manager at Blue River PetCare , to discuss how AI innovations provide a path forward to increasing efficiency, reducing burnout, and improving care access without compromising staff well-being. Learn more about Blue River PetCare . Suvi Irvine recommends YouTube - AI Creativity: Genius or Gimmick?...
Dec 05, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 279
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Price Fallin , Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Otto (formerly TeleVet) , where he shares the journey of Otto, a leading workflow automation platform. He discusses the challenges of rapid growth, the impact of COVID-19, and how automation can unlock new opportunities for veterinary practice efficiency. Learn more about Otto . Discover more about The First Principles Method Explained by Elon Musk . Price Fallin recommends Scaling Lean: Ma...
Nov 28, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 278
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak are joined by Joseph Faiella , Chief Commercial Officer at Moichor , to discuss advancements in veterinary diagnostics using AI technology. Joe explains how Moichor provides fast, reliable cytology and pathology results, offering a flexible, affordable, and accessible diagnostic option for practices of all sizes. Learn more about Moichor . Discover more about Ted Talk "An ER doctor on triaging your "crazy busy" life" by Dr. Darria Long . Joe Faiella recom...
Nov 14, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 277
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Ryan Leech from First 100 Consulting , a veterinary industry consultant and host of The Bird Bath podcast. Ryan shares insights from his consulting experience, discusses the intricacies of veterinary industry trends, technological advancements, and the effects of AI on the field. He also explores future expectations for market consolidations and strategic moves by large firms, as well as potential challenges posed by advanced AI tools and their us...
Nov 07, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 276
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak are joined by Julia Loew , the Senior Vice President of Commercialization Services at MWI Animal Health , a division of AmerisourceBergen. Together, they discuss MWI’s shift toward technology-driven solutions and its innovative sustainability initiatives, including the sustainable tote delivery program. Julia addresses key challenges like staffing shortages in veterinary clinics and highlights the importance of expanding access to care through technologic...
Oct 24, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 275
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Aaron Pugh , the CEO of Vet Together , about the vision for transforming veterinary conferences by creating a business-focused event tailored to independent hospitals and vendors. He shares the unique challenges smaller practices face, the innovative conference format, how it’s disrupting traditional trade shows, and what the future holds for Vet Together. Learn more about Vet Together. Aaron Pugh recommends “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Busines...
Oct 17, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 274
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Elizabeth Green from VetMedux , a part of Instinct Science , to chat about the evolution of Clinician’s Brief and Plumb’s from a traditional print resource to a continuously updated digital platform, improving access to the latest drug information. Elizabeth also delves into the role of AI in addressing current challenges within veterinary practice and innovations aimed at improving efficiency and education for veterinarians. Learn more about Plum...
Oct 10, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 273
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Anna Foster , Chief of Staff at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). They discuss how the company prioritizes both employee and customer experiences in emergency care. Dr. Foster discusses their open-concept hospital design, allowing pets and owners to stay together during treatment, and explains how they track employee and customer experiences with innovative metrics. Learn more about the Veterinary Emergency Group . Dr. Foster recommends “Unr...
Oct 03, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 272
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston , Founder of Life Boost with Amelia , to discuss her personal experience with burnout in the veterinary field and how it led her to create programs that help veterinary professionals overcome it. She shares practical strategies for addressing burnout on both individual and clinic levels. Free (RACE-approved) resource for Beating Burnout in Vet Med . Discover more about The Vet Med Unicorn Movement . Join the Beat The B...
Sep 26, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 271
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Seth Wallack , Founder and CEO of Vetology , about how Vetology combines artificial intelligence (AI) with teleradiology to streamline workflows and enhance diagnostic efficiency for veterinarians. Dr. Wallack explains the role of AI in providing preliminary radiograph reports while preserving veterinarians’ clinical decision-making. He also highlights upcoming innovations, including faster report turnaround times and the release of feline a...
Sep 19, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 270
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Dr. Oliver Viner , co-founder of Hello Vet , to discuss balancing technological innovation technology with practical application in veterinary clinics. Dr. Viner shares insights on creating a more transparent and open veterinary practice model, seamlessly integrating technology into veterinary workflows, and leveraging tools to enhance patient care and client communication. Learn more about Hello Vet ....
Sep 12, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 269
This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Christian Leutenegger , Vice President of R&D Assay Development at Antech Diagnostics , about molecular diagnostics in veterinary medicine. He shares insights on the future of diagnostics and the potential of AI in advancing veterinary care. Learn more about Predictive Diagnostics and KeyScreen . Dr. Christian Leutenegger recommends “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves ....
Sep 05, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 268
In this episode of the Veterinary Innovation Podcast, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Derek Cummins , CEO and Co-founder of PetExpert , to discuss the evolution of pet insurance, its challenges, the impact of inflation, and the importance of integrating technology. Learn how Pet Expert's innovative approach led to its acquisition by Trupanion and what it takes to succeed in the global pet insurance industry. Learn more about PetExpert . Discover more about Pet insurance superpowered . Dere...
Aug 29, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 267
