The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast

Host Maria Pirita talks with Dr. Andy Roark about client financial conversations, debating his view that veterinarians should not be involved in pet owner finances. Roark clarifies that vets should still listen, educate, offer options, and share financing and payment options early, but should avoid judging clients or trying to “means test” them because it creates an unreasonable moral and logistical burden. They discuss setting clinic values, treating everyone consistently, and being comfortable referring clients to other practices when a different business model fits better. The episode also explores spectrum of care, stigma toward low-cost clinics, differences in service levels (not necessarily “quality”), and growing pressure for price transparency, including how practices can communicate value through messaging, reviews, and clear explanations of what clients are paying for.Maria 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 aviation.Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

When veterinary leaders build a culture centered around support, flexibility, and growth, it can feel deeply personal when the team still says, “I don’t feel supported.” In this episode, Maria Pirita and Dr. Andy Roark unpack the tension between caring for your people and protecting the operational health of the practice, especially when multiple team members go back to school at the same time. From expectations and accountability to emotional ownership and leadership boundaries, this conversation explores what happens when support without structure starts creating chaos instead of culture.Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

The veterinary clinic is fully staffed… so why does everyone still feel completely overwhelmed? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack the hidden systems, workflow bottlenecks, communication breakdowns, and leadership challenges that leave veterinary teams drowning despite having enough people on paper. If your practice struggles with burnout, operational chaos, client service pressure, or constant overbooking, this conversation is a must-listen for veterinary leaders, practice managers, and team leads.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Dr. Andy Roark marks the 400th episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast with a solo reflection on how Uncharted started in 2016 to go beyond entry-level practice management, grow a community, and balance practical strategy with the human side of leadership. He credits key contributors including Stephanie Goss, Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, Danielle Lambert, Ron Sosa, and Maria Pirita, and shares plans for the podcast to evolve with more team voices, more interviews with outside experts, slightly shorter episodes, and a refreshed approach to mailbag questions while keeping the mailbag open at [email protected]. He highlights new and upcoming training partnerships with NAVC and VetFolio, promotes an on-demand course called “Don’t Get Sued” focused on HR mistakes driving lawsuits, previews events in Orlando and a return to an Uncharted conference tied to VMX, and closes with career advice to do more of what you love and less of what you don’t, expressing optimism about the future of veterinary medicine.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your Calling

Thinking about selling your veterinary practice but worried about losing your culture, team, or control? Dr. Mary Sheridan shares her real experience navigating the sale process, what she got right, what she’d do differently, and how she protected what mattered most.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Blue River Pet Care!This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Uncharted Veterinary Conference. This content should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to their individual circumstances.Mary Sheridan is originally from New Jersey, and her first degree from Middlesex College was in Marketing Art and Design. She worked in advertising as an Art Director for two years before returning to school to pursue Biology. Following a stint at California State University, she received her B.S. from Portland State University in Oregon. In 1996, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. Following graduation, she moved to Maine and joined the staff at Winthrop Veterinary Hospital. She became an active member of Maine Veterinary Medical Association and served as its president in 2003. After seven years of practice, she left WVH to pursue an interest in emergency medicine and critical care and joined a 24-hour emergency hospital. She moved to North Carolina for two years and continued to gain extensive experience in internal medicine and surgery. In 2006 the allure of Maine pulled her back north and she rejoined her friends at WVH and become a partner with Bill Bryant. Mary is a member of the board of Kennebec Land Trust. Her husband, Matt Crane, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Their son, Finn, is a mechanical engineering major at RIT. When she gets spare time again she hopes to return to Community Theater.

Maria Pirita hosts the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast with guest Ron Sosa to answer a mailbag from a practice manager who feels stuck after a visionary practice owner announces exciting upgrades and perks to the team before anything is approved, budgeted, or discussed, leaving the manager to backtrack and appear like the “bad guy.” They discuss assuming good intent, how visionary leaders often verbally process ideas that land as promises, and how this dynamic erodes trust and credibility over time. Using DISC concepts, they frame the issue as a coordination gap between visionary and implementer roles, emphasizing shared intention over blame. Practical steps include using calm I statements, building protected owner-manager meeting cadence with agendas, creating guardrails like “no surprise announcements,” asking filter questions about realism, timing, and communication, using exploratory language such as pilots, and coaching the team to respond with clarifying questions.Ron Sosa is the Executive Director of Uncharted Veterinary Conference, a published author, international speaker, and veterinary leader with more than 20 years of experience in operations, practice management, leadership development, and consulting. From client service representative to business partner to industry educator, Ron has built a career around helping veterinary professionals create healthier teams and more sustainable workplaces. As the founder of Syn APT Neuroinclusive Leadership, he is especially passionate about neuroinclusive leadership, workplace culture, burnout prevention, and helping people thrive at work.Maria 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 aviation.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita respond to a mailbag from a “soul tired” veterinary medical director who has spent a year writing SOPs, mentoring early-career vets, and trying to fix culture, only to feel ignored, unsupported by upper management, and financially penalized because leadership time pulls her out of the exam room. They unpack the resentment and burnout risk, emphasize acceptance of “what is” versus “what should be,” and warn that “your job will never love you back,” so boundaries and realistic success metrics matter. Action steps focus on solving the collective action problem by recruiting champions, connecting changes to purpose and team values, starting small to build momentum, and using habit-building principles to make protocols obvious, easy, attractive, and satisfying. Mentioned resources include prior episodes on awful leaders, training initiative, and resentment, plus the contact email [email protected] 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 aviation.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Veterinary practice owners often assume they’re doing well because revenue is up, but hidden inefficiencies and poor financial visibility can quietly drain profitability. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with David McCormick of Simmons Veterinary Practice Sales and Appraisals to break down how veterinary practice valuation reveals what’s really happening inside your business and how to use it as a strategic planning tool, not just a sale metric. If you’ve ever wondered whether your practice is truly healthy or just getting by, this conversation gives you the clarity you’ve been missing.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Simmons!This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Uncharted Veterinary Conference. This content should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to their individual circumstances.

If your CSRs are escalating everything, it’s not a people problem, it’s a training problem. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita, CPVM break down how to build confident, decision-making receptionists who reduce doctor interruptions, improve client experience, and keep your practice running efficiently. If you’re a veterinary leader tired of answering the same questions all day, this one’s for you.Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Ron Sosa joins Maria Pirita on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast to tackle how lack of confidence derails leadership in veterinary practice management, using a case study of Jessica, a practice manager whose hesitation and inconsistency after team pushback causes flexible enforcement, stalled progress, confused staff, and worsening results. They discuss why confidence struggles are common after promotions without leadership training, how avoidance and delays signal second-guessing, and how inconsistency erodes trust and fuels boundary testing. Ron frames the “inner critic” as a protective voice and encourages leaders to pause, identify what it is trying to protect them from, and respond diplomatically rather than trying to silence it, while also considering communication styles like DISC when interpreting pushback. They also preview Ron’s “confidence, not perfection” coaching cohort for Uncharted members focused on naming and reshaping the inner critic and building confidence over time.Ron is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a former practice owner and business director for multisite animal hospitals. He also hold certificates in Neurodiversity, compassion fatigue, veterinary business leadership, and the human animal bond. He currently serves as the Executive Director for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

How do you get your team excited for the mundane, downtime tasks? In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a question from a veterinary practice experiencing a slowdown in appointments. Together they discuss the challenges of managing a veterinary team when business is slow, including maintaining team morale and motivation. They emphasize the importance of accepting the reality of the situation, adapting to change, and focusing on the practice's mission and purpose. If your veterinary practice is experiencing a slowdown, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you navigate this challenge. Let's get into this episode!Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita tackle a challenge every veterinary leader knows too well: what do you do when your most technically skilled technician is quietly damaging your team with poor communication? In this episode, they break down the tension between clinical excellence and team culture, exploring how confidence can tip into condescension, why “I’m just being direct” is not a free pass, and how these behaviors impact morale, efficiency, and retention. They share practical strategies for addressing high-skill, low soft-skill team members, including reframing the conversation around impact, using communication frameworks like DISC, and creating clear expectations with accountability. If you have ever felt stuck between protecting your top performer and protecting your team, this episode will give you a path forward.Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

An associate veterinarian who always has an explanation, a reason, or someone else to point to when things go wrong can quietly erode team trust, frustrate leaders, and stall growth, especially when accountability never quite lands. In this episode, Uncharted Veterinary Podcast hosts Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack what’s really driving excuse-based behavior and how leaders can shift the conversation toward ownership and improvement without creating shame or defensiveness. They explore how fear, confidence, and clinic culture shape accountability, and share practical strategies to stop the excuse spiral, set clear expectations, use curiosity to redirect conversations, and coach simple “repair language” that helps team members take ownership and move forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck in repetitive, frustrating conversations that go nowhere, this episode will help you lead with clarity, compassion, and a stronger path toward accountability. Let’s get into this episode!Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Ron Sosa, CVPM and Executive Director of Uncharted Veterinary Conference, joins Maria Pirita to tackle the question every practice manager secretly wonders: Is getting your CVPM actually worth it? If you've heard mixed reviews about whether CVPM certification leads to better pay, opens career doors, or just adds letters after your name, this episode is your honest reality check. Maria and Ron dive into the compensation truth (spoiler: it depends on way more than you think), the actual learning value, the surprisingly emotional pinning ceremony, and why your why matters more than anything else. You'll walk away understanding the real commitment involved, how to have the money conversation with your boss, and whether this credential aligns with your career goals or if you're just climbing a ladder you never wanted to be on. Plus, Ron drops some wisdom about neurodivergent veterinary professionals that'll make you think differently about burnout. Gang, let's get into this episode.Links:VHMA (Veterinary Hospital Managers Association)VHMA Compensation StudyRon's LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Can you be an effective practice manager of a veterinary hospital if you never scrub in? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita, CVPM respond to a mailbag question from a new-ish practice manager whose team says she’s, “not helpful because she can’t draw blood or place IVs” even though she’s been fixing administrative problems that keep the hospital functioning. Andy and Maria frame the issue as a common tension between “medicine people” and “operations people,” and emphasize that the solution is not learning blood draws but getting clear on role expectations, success metrics, and KPIs with the person who evaluates the manager. They discuss resetting team expectations by narrating leadership, building transparency into weekly rhythms, tying administrative work to team pain points like schedules, supplies, breaks, and leaving on time, and seeking endorsement from medical leadership.Join us for an event at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Maria to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned 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 The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit Today!Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Veterinary leadership burnout can leave even the most dedicated practice managers wondering if life would be easier back at the front desk, free from the constant pressure of staffing decisions, client complaints, and carrying the emotional weight of the whole hospital. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss respond to a heartfelt mailbag question from a manager considering stepping down into a CSR role and unpack the realities of making that transition. They explore why these feelings are so common, the cultural and identity challenges of changing roles inside the same practice, and how to decide whether stepping down is truly the right move or simply a sign that boundaries and support need to change. Let's get into this episode!Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita, CVPM, tackle one of the most emotionally charged realities in veterinary medicine, when corporate leadership changes clinic schedules without local input and leaders are left to deliver the news to frustrated teams. In this episode, they respond to a multi-site medical director caught between upper management directives and the trust they have worked hard to build with their doctors. They explore the leadership trap of managing up and down, how to communicate schedule changes without losing credibility, and practical strategies for protecting team morale, retention, and engagement during corporate veterinary practice transitions. If you have ever felt stuck translating decisions you did not make, this episode offers clarity, validation, and actionable veterinary leadership tools to help you navigate change effectively.Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

A former associate leaves your veterinary practice, opens their own clinic, and now your team members are getting recruited, leaving you worried about staff loss and wondering whether to fight back legally or double down on fixing things internally. This week, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle the emotional and practical reality of veterinary staff poaching, walking through how practice owners and managers can move past anger, stabilize their teams, and focus on culture, communication, and retention strategies that actually keep employees loyal long term. If you’re struggling with staff retention, leadership stress, or fear of losing great team members to competitors, this episode delivers practical, level-headed guidance to help you protect your practice and lead confidently through the challenge. Let’s get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

What happens when the people meant to lead and support the team slowly become the emotional shock absorbers for the entire hospital? In clinics everywhere, practice managers and medical directors step in to help because they care. A team member is overwhelmed, conflict pops up, a client is upset, and leadership jumps in to fix it. At first, it feels supportive. But over time, every problem starts landing on the same shoulders. Team members stop solving issues themselves, accountability gets delayed, and leaders find themselves emotionally exhausted, constantly putting out fires instead of leading strategically. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Maria Pirita, CVPM sits down with Suzanne Thomas, LVTg, CVTg, regional leader and educator behind Leading Veterinary Teams, to unpack how good leaders unintentionally create systems where everything escalates to them, and how that cycle leads straight to burnout. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

The veterinary clinic winter blues are real, and many practice leaders quietly struggle when team morale dips even though nothing seems obviously wrong. In this Uncharted Veterinary Podcast mailbag episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle what happens when teams feel heavy, drained, and stuck in what one manager brilliantly called “wet sock energy.” No drama, no major conflict, just collective exhaustion. In this episode, they explore how leaders can support veterinary teams through seasonal burnout without becoming the overly cheerful camp counselor everyone secretly wants to avoid. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Office HoursInside 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.Join Dr. Andy Roark for Office Hours at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!Care is Your Calling

What happens when a team member’s side hustle starts spilling into your clinic? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a real scenario where a technician’s pet-sitting business blurs professional boundaries, leaving leaders stuck between being supportive and protecting the practice. You’ll learn how to respond without overreacting, how to set clear expectations when no policy exists, and how to create boundaries that protect your team, your clients, and your clinic moving forward.Do you have something that you would love to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Veterinary visits are dropping, the schedule has open slots, and yet your team still feels completely swamped. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita break down what to do when declining advance bookings signal long-term risk, but your team does not see a problem because walk-ins keep the day busy. They explore why this disconnect happens, how leaders can avoid panic without becoming passive, and the practical steps practice managers and owners can take to stabilize the schedule, rebuild team buy-in, and protect patient care before the problem grows. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Your team is showing up, doing the job, and following the rules, but the energy is gone, the spark is missing, and it feels like everyone is just clocking in and clocking out. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a mailbag question from a practice manager facing quiet quitting in their veterinary team, not through laziness or rule-breaking, but through disengagement that is harder to name and even harder to fix. They explore why quiet quitting is often a signal, not a failure, how compassion and accountability can exist at the same time, and why leaders cannot pep-talk or punish their way back to engagement. This conversation dives into purpose, connection, and what has quietly shifted in veterinary medicine, especially as practices grow or change ownership, and offers practical ways leaders can rebuild trust, meaning, and momentum without pushing people further away.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Feeling like practice ownership might have passed you by, even after years of hard work, paid-down debt, and careful planning? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Roy Jain, COO and Co-Founder of Blue River PetCare, to tackle one of the most common and painful questions associate veterinarians face today: is practice ownership still possible, or is the system stacked against you? Together, they unpack a real mailbag letter from a veterinarian ten years into their career who feels stuck between buying, starting, or staying put. Roy shares a refreshingly realistic framework for ownership, breaking down mindset traps, real estate constraints, financial guardrails, and step-by-step growth strategies that make ownership feel achievable again. Whether you dream of owning your own clinic, expanding gradually, or simply want clarity on your long-term career path, this episode delivers honest guidance, practical benchmarks, and hope grounded in experience. This episode is brought to you ad-free by Blue River PetCare!To reach out to Roy for more information, just click on his bio here: https://blueriverpetcare.com/our-team/Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

When your team won’t move unless someone tells them exactly what to do, leadership starts to feel exhausting fast. We’re wrapping up the year by revisiting the top UVP episode of 2025, a standout conversation that resonated with practice managers, medical directors, and leaders who are tired of babysitting capable adults and ready to build a culture where initiative is the norm. In this Hall of Fame episode, Stephanie Goss and Dr. Andy Roark break down why initiative stalls in veterinary teams, how leaders often unintentionally reinforce it, and what actually works to build confidence, ownership, and forward momentum without micromanaging. If you’ve ever wondered whether initiative can truly be trained, this episode delivers the clarity, mindset shifts, and practical steps that earned it a place in the UVP Hall of Fame.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Veterinary leadership can feel heavy during the holidays. Between emotional cases, personal transitions, and the pressure to finish the year strong, many leaders find themselves exhausted, reflective, and unsure how to carry both the joy and the weight of the season. This episode brings together honest holiday leadership reflections from Dr. Andy Roark, Tyler Grogan, CVT and Maria Pirita, CVPM offering guidance for anyone who feels stretched thin, unsure of their progress, or overwhelmed by the emotional complexity of veterinary life. If you are seeking emotional resilience, stronger team leadership, or a renewed sense of meaning in your work, this episode is the gift under the tree you did not know you needed!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

When a front desk team member escalates client tension instead of calming it, the entire clinic feels the ripple effect. In this episode, we tackle a tough and common challenge in veterinary medicine: a highly reliable receptionist who becomes defensive and reactive when clients become upset. We break down why this happens, how fear and past experiences amplify emotional responses, and what leaders can do to coach confidence, deescalation skills, and calm communication in the moment. If your team struggles with handling angry clients or turning venting into problem solving, this episode offers practical tools, real language you can use, and a roadmap to transform the front desk into a stronger, more resilient support system.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

A longtime veterinary technician feels trapped under an inexperienced new manager, and the entire team is slipping into frustration and burnout as leadership crumbles around them. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into the real challenges of working under a difficult boss in veterinary medicine. They explore why imperfect leaders are inevitable, how emotional overload can intensify conflict, and what practical steps veterinary professionals can take when their manager is unprepared or unwilling to lead. From root cause analysis and setting boundaries to protecting your purpose and choosing whether to stay, shift, or leave, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most common and painful issues in practice life. If you or your team are struggling with leadership strain or workplace tension, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate roadmap forward. Let’s get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

When your veterinary clinic starts growing faster than your systems can handle, it can feel like you’re constantly putting out fires instead of leading with confidence. In this episode of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive into the realities of veterinary clinic growth, sharing how to move from survival mode to sustainable leadership. They explain why rapid expansion often creates burnout, miscommunication, and reactive management, and how to rebuild structure, culture, and accountability that support your team as it scales. Whether you’re a practice owner opening a second location or a manager struggling to keep up with new demands, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to grow your hospital without losing your mind. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Veterinary professionals often pour time, money, and energy into certifications that don’t always deliver the results they expect. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita, CVPM break down how to decide if becoming a certified veterinary assistant, technician, or manager is truly worth it. They explore how to weigh the financial, emotional, and career impact of credentialing and share how to talk with your leaders before committing to any program. You’ll walk away with a realistic framework for evaluating your return on investment, setting clear goals, and understanding what professional growth really looks like in today’s veterinary field. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Office HoursInside 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.Join Dr. Andy Roark for Office Hours at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!Care is Your Calling

What happens when friendships in your veterinary clinic start to blur the line between connection and cliques? In this episode of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into one of the most uncomfortable culture challenges in practice: favoritism. It often begins innocently, with a doctor and technician who click, who work smoothly together, and who spend time outside of work. Over time, that “we just work well together” energy can quietly turn into exclusion, frustration, and an uneven playing field that leaves the rest of the team feeling left out.Andy and Stephanie explore how favoritism shows up, why it erodes trust and collaboration, and what leaders can do when personal bonds begin to affect professional dynamics. They share practical strategies to coach your team, set boundaries without being the “fun police,” and rebuild fairness and inclusivity across your clinic. Whether you are a practice manager, medical director, or lead technician, this episode offers a clear path to strengthen your culture and support a healthier team. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Your team comes back from CE full of ideas, energy, and handouts. Two weeks later, it is as if none of it ever happened. Sound familiar? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita tackle one of the most frustrating challenges in veterinary leadership: how to actually implement what your team learns at continuing education events. CE should spark growth, no t fizzle into forgotten notes and half-finished protocols. Andy and Maria unpack why good intentions fall apart once everyone returns to the clinic and share how to set your team up for real success before, during, and after any conference. They dive into the leadership mindset that drives continuing education implementation and the systems that keep learning alive long after the plane ride home.Want to turn CE ideas into real results? Download our free CE Implementation Facilitation Guide and help your team bring their learning back to life.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Maria to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Veterinary client communication is at a crossroads. Teams everywhere are feeling the strain of constant calls, texts, and emails from clients who expect immediate answers. The pace of communication has accelerated faster than many veterinary practices can keep up with, creating a daily challenge: how do we stay personal and present while meeting growing digital demands?That question is at the center of a conversation between Dr. Andy Roark and Shawna Castillo on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, sponsored by Otto.Shawna is the Director of Care Membership Programs at Otto and co-owner of Cement Creek Veterinary Hospital in Colorado. With more than 20 years of experience in the veterinary and animal health space, she is a leader in people, process, and technology integration. Her background spans team leadership, retention strategy, client education, and process improvement.At Otto, Shawna helps veterinary hospitals implement tools that improve efficiency and strengthen client relationships through intentional automation. She is passionate about finding new ways to use technology to deepen the bond among pets, their people, and their veterinary teams.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Otto!Scribe smarter. Spend Less. When your team can focus on clients instead of keyboards, everything runs smoother: communication, continuity, compliance. Try Otto AI Scribe free for 21 days with no credit card required.Explore the latest insights in client behavior and new client communications benchmarks from the 2025 Otto Client Engagement Report.Ready to elevate operational efficiency and deliver a better experience for every pet owner who walks through the door? Book a demo with Otto to see the platform in action. Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

What do you do when the veterinary feedback you’re getting feels personal, unfair, or downright mean? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a real letter from a mother in veterinary medicine whose daughter, a new CSR, is struggling with harsh feedback and unkind coworkers in her first clinic job. From the painful moment she was told, “I don’t like your face,” to an unsettling “I don’t care” during an emergency, Andy and Stephanie explore how to tell the difference between helpful feedback and toxic communication. They dive into how leaders can model emotional intelligence, why not all feedback deserves equal weight, and how to coach young professionals to grow stronger without losing their confidence. If you’ve ever questioned how to handle criticism, balance empathy with accountability, or create a healthier feedback culture in your veterinary team, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

What happens when you mix Halloween, dice, and a veterinary leadership team? You get one of the most entertaining and insightful episodes of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast yet. In this special episode, host Dr. Andy Roark and the Uncharted team dive into veterinary gamified learning through an original role-playing game called Uncharted Adventures. The result? Laughter, chaos, and a fresh look at how games can teach powerful lessons in communication, accountability, and teamwork inside a veterinary practice.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

If your veterinary team is exhausted, overbooked, and asking why you are still taking on new clients, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack one of the most common leadership challenges in a busy veterinary practice: explaining the need for new clients without overwhelming your team. They explore what’s really behind staff resistance, how to separate perception from reality, and how to use data, empathy, and collaboration to strengthen trust. You will learn practical strategies to manage client growth, improve team communication, and maintain stability while supporting your people. Let’s get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Maria to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

If your veterinary team is exhausted, overbooked, and asking why you are still taking on new clients, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack one of the most common leadership challenges in a busy veterinary practice: explaining the need for new clients without overwhelming your team. They explore what’s really behind staff resistance, how to separate perception from reality, and how to use data, empathy, and collaboration to strengthen trust. You will learn practical strategies to manage client growth, improve team communication, and maintain stability while supporting your people. Let’s get into this episode!2025 Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition (Monica Dixon Perry)Feeling overwhelmed by inventory chaos? Join us at the 2025 Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition, where you’ll learn how to use inventory management software strategically, negotiate better supplier agreements, and forecast future needs with confidence. Take the guesswork out of your inventory and register now for this hands-on, high-impact event:https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/speaker-monica-dixon-perryUncharted Veterinary Conference 2026 (Live at VMX)Get ready to chart your course for growth at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026, live at VMX in Orlando on January 16. This one-day, high-energy event brings together veterinary professionals who are ready to move from inspiration to implementation. Whether you’re refining your leadership skills, looking for clarity on your next professional step, or craving a community that challenges and uplifts you, Uncharted at VMX is your chance to connect, learn, and level up. Every detail of this event is designed for meaningful interaction, deep discussion, and practical takeaways you can put to work immediately. Seats are intentionally limited to keep the experience focused and impactful. Reserve yours now and join a movement that believes in the bright future of vetmed. Register Today: https://learn.unchartedvet.comUpcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagDr. Andy Roark is a practicing veterinarian, international speaker, author, and media personality. He is the founder of the Uncharte

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by negativity in Facebook groups or struggled with whether you should even engage on veterinary social media, this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast is for you. Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into the stress that comes from online reputation battles, why comment section arguments rarely work in your favor, and how to set healthy social media boundaries while still using platforms for client connection, practice marketing, and online reputation management. Whether you’re a veterinary practice manager, owner, or associate veterinarian, you’ll walk away with clarity on when to step back, when to lean in, and how to protect your energy while still reaping the benefits of social media for your clinic. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Office HoursInside 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.Join Dr. Andy Roark for Office Hours at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!Care is Your Calling

When your top-producing veterinarian starts squeezing in extra appointments, turning in higher invoices, and choosing more expensive medications, it can spark concerns about whether you have a “money hungry vet” on your team. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and veterinary management consultant Monica Dixon Perry unpack the challenges of production-based compensation, continuity of care, and staff perception. They share strategies practice owners and managers can use to protect trust, support their doctors, and keep teams aligned without sacrificing client confidence or financial stability.Monica brings nearly four decades of veterinary experience to the conversation, with a career spanning hospital leadership, consulting, and corporate partnership roles. Now a Senior Manager in BerryDunn’s Outsourced Accounting Practice Group, she guides practices in optimizing operations, improving financial health, and strengthening community impact. Monica is a trusted voice on the global veterinary speaking circuit, known for blending empathy and strategy to help teams thrive. She’ll also be speaking at the Uncharted Get Sh*t Done 2025: Financial Edition this October 29th, where she’ll dive even deeper into practical tools for veterinary leaders. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

When wealthy pet owners happily spend on designer collars and gourmet treats but refuse essential veterinary care, the frustration for veterinary teams runs deep. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack why affluent clients decline services, how this impacts team morale, and what strategies can help bridge the gap. From shifting your mindset to mastering client communication, they share practical ways to reduce judgment, build trust, and protect your clinic culture. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Ever had a case where the client was all in on helping their pet feel better, but regular in-clinic treatments just weren’t practical? Maybe it was a large dog with arthritis whose owner struggled to get them in the car. Or a client who cringes at the thought of daily medications. Dr. Andy Roark sits down with the brilliant Dr. Deb Torraca, veterinarian, rehab expert, and founder of Wizards of Paws Rehabilitation for Animals, to explore how at-home laser therapy is changing the way we manage pain, inflammation, and mobility issues in pets. This episode blends clinical insights with business innovation, making it a must-listen for veterinary professionals seeking to improve patient outcomes while also empowering clients at home. From managing osteoarthritis in French Bulldogs to implementing fleet-based lending models for rehab tools, this conversation is packed with actionable gems.This episode is brought to you ad-free by Multi Radiance!https://vet.multiradiance.com/vetPractitioner Experience: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kabvurst27bnh8ij105ct/MyRxLaser_PractitionerExperience_wMobile.mp4?rlkey=o1zx33mvhoh0fkh09fxkee53p&dl=0Pet Owner Experience: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1o5hj1cuxe3cz8mzooooy/MyRxLaser_PetOwnerExperience.mp4?rlkey=ejvb2sncs9po66usi6sdbcrlm&dl=0MyRxLaser Resources: https://info.multiradiance.com/vet/myrxlaser/resourceMRM’s product page dedicated to MyRxLaser Platform: https://vet.multiradiance.com/vet/products/my-rx-laserDebbie Torraca is a highly respected professional in the field of canine physical rehabilitation and conditioning, boasting over twenty-five years of experience. She is the founder and director of Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, where she provides specialized care to her patients. \n \n In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Torraca is an esteemed educator, teaching across the United States and contributing her expertise as a founding member of the Certified Companion Animal Therapy and Certified Canine Manual Therapy programs at North Carolina State University. \n \n Her commitment to advancing the field is evident through her active involvement in research focused on canine performance issues. Notably,

When a new graduate veterinarian joins your team, they bring fresh energy, curiosity, and hope for the future. But what happens when an experienced associate begins to undermine that confidence? Veterinary workplace bullying isn’t always loud or obvious, yet its impact can be devastating. Toxic behavior drives away bright new grads, damages team morale, and creates long-term retention challenges for practice leaders. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into a tough mailbag question: “Help! My associate vet is bullying the new grads.” They unpack how leaders can recognize patterns of toxic workplace behavior, the importance of documenting incidents, and strategies for protecting new graduate veterinarians while addressing associate veterinarian conflict head-on.Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

When your clinic goes through a veterinary practice sale, it can feel like the ground shifts overnight. Associates wonder what their future looks like, owners face the weight of transition, and teams question whether the culture they love will survive. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark talks with Dr. Gene Bauer of Blue River Pet Care about what really happens when a practice changes hands, how leaders can ease fear, and where hidden opportunities may be waiting. Curious about how to find stability and even growth in the middle of uncertainty? Let’s get into this episode!This episode is brought to you by Blue River Pet CareStep into the future of veterinary leadership at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026, taking place live at VMX on January 16th in Orlando. This one-day, high-energy event is designed for practice owners, managers, and leaders who want more than ideas, they want results. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies, renewed clarity about your next steps, and meaningful connections with innovators shaping the profession. Attendance is intentionally capped to keep conversations impactful and personal, so spots are limited. Secure your registration now to guarantee your place at this exclusive leadership experience. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026Elevate your impact at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025, a one-day program built for veterinary team leads and supervisors ready to step confidently into leadership. This interactive summit blends RACE-approved CE with practical tools you can use right away, including strategies for redirecting team venting, AI resources that make daily tasks easier, and frameworks for leading with authenticity. With small-group workshops, hands-on practice, and the support of a like-minded veterinary community, you’ll strengthen your communication, grow your confidence, and design a leadership role that feels sustainable and effective. Seats are limited, so register today to reserve your place at the Team Leads Summit 2025. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag<span s

When your clinic hits chaos, nothing hurts morale faster than a disappearing team member who slips away from the treatment floor when they are needed most. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a real mailbag case about “Brenda,” a well-meaning but frustrating employee whose habit of vanishing during busy times leaves teammates overwhelmed and resentful. They dig into why this happens, how leaders can respond with compassion and accountability, and what veterinary managers can do to reset expectations and protect team culture. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

When you’re the one constantly picking up the slack in your practice, frustration can quickly turn into resentment. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Saye Clement to tackle the all-too-common struggle of feeling overworked while others seem to move more slowly. Together, they dig into why resentment creeps in, how to recognize it early, and what leaders can do to shift their mindset and protect their wellbeing without sacrificing patient care or team culture.Dr. Saye Clement brings more than 28 years of veterinary experience to the conversation, including her time as Co-Owner and Medical Director at Carling Animal Hospital in Ottawa and her current role as Manager of Clinical Learning and Mentorship with NVA Canada. With a career dedicated to mentoring, teaching, and building sustainable clinic culture, Dr. Clement offers grounded, practical advice that busy practice owners and medical leaders can put into action right away. Let's get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagDr. Saye Clement is a veterinarian with over 28 years of clinical experience. Aside from stints as an emergency veterinarian and self-employed locum, she spent the majority of her career at Carling Animal Hospital (in Ottawa, Canada) as a Co-Owner, Medical Director and Clinician. In late 2021, she stepped down from her leadership role within the hospital and assumed a role as an associate veterinarian. Outside of practice, she was honored to serve as the Director for Learning for Vet Alliance (an organization which supports independent practices in Canada) and enjoys giving the occasional lecture or workshop. She is passionate about helping others to develop great clinic culture and operational processes, and strives to provide information that can be easily implemented by busy professionals. Her current position is with NVA Canada, as Manager of Clinical Learning and Mentorship, where she is pursuing her passion for the on-going education and development of clinic teams. Mentioned in this episode:Disc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!Care is Your Calling

Are you struggling to bring doctors on board after a hospital acquisition? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle the challenges of onboarding an acquired hospital, from resistant associates to the cultural shift that comes with moving from independent practice to corporate structure.They break down how leaders can build trust, create buy-in, and preserve a sense of autonomy while still implementing necessary systems. If you are navigating change in your practice group or considering how to support veterinarians through transitions, this conversation offers practical strategies and a new perspective on making onboarding successful. Let's get into this episode!Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025Step into leadership with confidence at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit. This one-day event was designed for veterinary supervisors and team leads who want to strengthen communication, tackle tough conversations, and guide their teams with purpose. You will practice how to handle venting in healthy ways, explore AI tools that actually save time, and clarify your leadership role so it works for you. With small-group workshops, RACE-approved CE, and a supportive network that understands the reality of veterinary leadership, this is your chance to grow without going it alone. Reserve your spot today: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition 2025If managing money in your practice feels overwhelming, it does not have to stay that way. Join Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition on October 29, 2025, for a highly interactive virtual conference built for veterinary professionals who want clarity around their numbers. Learn how to streamline inventory, price your services with confidence, and set goals that drive your team forward. Through expert-led workshops, peer discussions, and CE credits, you will walk away with practical tools you can implement immediately. Spots are limited, so secure your seat now: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: <a href="http://u

Veterinary medicine is evolving faster than ever, and many leaders are struggling with the same challenge: how do you guide your team, embrace technology, and still protect the heart of our profession? In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Dave Nicol, veterinarian, practice owner, and international thought leader on veterinary leadership. Over his 20-year career, Dave has led multi-doctor teams on different continents, owned and managed four practices, and built a reputation for helping veterinary professionals find success and happiness in their work. He is also the founder of the Vet Leadership Academy and host of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where he’s interviewed Olympians, cancer survivors, and some of the most transformative voices in and outside of veterinary medicine. Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

Veterinary medicine is evolving faster than ever, and many leaders are struggling with the same challenge: how do you guide your team, embrace technology, and still protect the heart of our profession? In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Dave Nicol, veterinarian, practice owner, and international thought leader on veterinary leadership. Over his 20-year career, Dave has led multi-doctor teams on different continents, owned and managed four practices, and built a reputation for helping veterinary professionals find success and happiness in their work. He is also the founder of the Vet Leadership Academy and host of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where he’s interviewed Olympians, cancer survivors, and some of the most transformative voices in and outside of veterinary medicine. Andy and Dave dig into the realities of leadership in modern practice: the risks and rewards of technology like AI in veterinary medicine, the generational shift away from “vocation” as a driving force, and how leaders can create practice cultures that actually stick. If you’ve ever worried about your team disengaging, about overreliance on technology, or about how to keep veterinary medicine meaningful in a changing world, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Let’s get into this episode!Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025Step into leadership with confidence and clarity. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is designed for veterinary supervisors and team leads who want to improve communication, inspire their staff, and handle tough conversations without burning out. In this hands-on, one-day event, you’ll learn how to take control of your role instead of letting it control you, channel team frustrations productively, and even test out new AI tools for everyday practice challenges. With RACE-approved CE, interactive workshops, and a community of peers who get exactly what you’re going through, this summit will help you grow as a leader and build stronger connections. Secure your spot here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025Uncharted Get Sh*t Done: Financial EditionDoes your clinic’s money management need a reset? Join us on October 29, 2025, for Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition, a one-day online conference packed with practical strategies to get your practice numbers under control. From inventory management and pricing strategies to setting achievable financial targets, you’ll leave with tools you can put to work immediately. Expert facilitators, small-group discussions, CE credit, and actionable resources make this event the ultimate financial tune-up for busy veterinary le

When hospitalized patients don’t have clear veterinary handoffs, treatments get delayed, communication breaks down, and teams end up frustrated. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle one of the most common workflow headaches in veterinary hospitals: who takes ownership of hospitalized cases after day one? They dig into why confusion happens, how it impacts both patient care and client trust, and what leadership can do to put better systems in place. From separating doctor and nursing responsibilities to building buy-in and using rounds effectively, Andy and Stephanie share practical strategies that any hospital can adapt. If you’ve ever felt like your patients were getting “lost in the shuffle,” this conversation will give you clarity and tools to create consistency. Let’s get into this episode!Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbagMentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!

When you’re stuck working under a difficult veterinary leader, it can feel like the practice culture is unraveling and your team’s future is on the line. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Jenn Galvin dive into a mailbag letter from an office manager grappling with the fallout of a destructive practice owner. Together, they explore the reality of managing up, setting boundaries, deciding when to push for change, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. This conversation brings practical strategies and headspace resets for anyone facing leadership challenges in veterinary medicine. If you’ve ever questioned how to protect your team, your sanity, and your career in a difficult workplace, you won’t want to miss this one. Let’s get into this episode!ABOUT OUR GUESTJenn Galvin is a spreadsheet-loving Veterinary Practice Manager with over 25 years of experience in the field. Growing the hospital and helping the team succeed through hard work, positive leadership, and humor is what gets her up in the morning. She's an introverted inventory nerd that loves bratty beagles, dungeons and dragons, and the outdoors. She loves sharing the mistakes she's made, and the things she's learned, with other hospital owners and managers so they can grow their hospitals, teams, and themselves!Mentioned in this episode:Care is Your CallingDisc DecodedRegister for DISC Decoded today!