Veterinary Innovation Podcast

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Alex Voda from The Cat Health Company to discuss how the startup became the first clinical-stage company focused on feline longevity. Alex explains why cats are better models than other species for pharmaceutical R&D and how repurposing existing drugs could accelerate new treatments. He shares insights into why longevity companies still move slowly, highlights common and unique feline aging mechanisms, and reflects on what these innovations could mean for veterinarians, pet owners, and the broader future of veterinary practice. Learn more about The Cat Health Company. Alex recommends Youtube - Alex Zhavoronkov at ARDD2024: Methylation Clocks and AI Life Models as Sources of Therapeutic Target.

Puppies have clear care protocols — but what about seniors?This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak dive into conversation with Dr. Lisa Lippman from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about how her team is closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. She explains how the Society is closing a critical gap in veterinary education by offering CE-certified training and a certification program for veterinarians and technicians. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to guide treatment and end-of-life decisions. Dr. Lippman also explores the emotional side of senior care, including anticipatory grief, and shares her vision for future standards and certification in geriatric veterinary medicine. Learn more about Senior Dog Veterinary Society. Dr. Lippman recommends TED Talks - “What veterinarians know that physicians don't” by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Joe Chickerillo from Chckvet to speak about the company’s evolution from an online booking tool into a five-in-one veterinary platform. Joe explains how Chckvet integrates booking, analytics, communications, reviews, loyalty programs, and client portals into one customizable solution. He shares how client feedback has guided product development and reflects on lessons learned from scaling SaaS in dentistry, highlighting parallels to veterinary medicine. The discussion also explores where AI belongs in practice workflows, where it risks being unnecessary, and how clinics can choose technology that truly solves their pain points. Learn more about Chckvet. Joe recommends Keynote on AI at a CE conference by Stuart Lacey.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Elianne Mimoun from The Veterkin Society, a virtual animal hospital created to address a challenge many veterinarians face after leaving clinical practice or never in clinical practice: access to affordable tools, medications, and diagnostics. Drawing on her 20+ years in veterinary medicine, Dr. Mimoun explains how her membership-based model helps veterinarians care for their own pets and those of loved ones without relying on brick-and-mortar clinics. You will learn how this innovative solution works, who use it, what is the future of The Veterkin Society and why it could change the way independent and non-practicing veterinarians stay connected to their profession. Discover more at The Veterkin Society Facebook. Dr. Mimoun recommends “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak meet with Dr. Eve Hanks, the founder of MI:RNA Diagnostics to chat about her remarkable journey from clinical veterinary practice to becoming the CEO of a pioneering diagnostics company. Eve shares how her background in immunology led to the creation of an AI-powered platform that uses microRNA to detect disease earlier than ever before. You`ll discover how predictive diagnostics can improve clinical decision-making, reduce uncertainty, and support personalized care for both pets and production animals. Learn more about MI:RNA Diagnostics. Dr. Hanks recommends “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

What if the most effective way to innovate in veterinary medicine isn't to start something new, but to take something that already works and make it work better? This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak explore insights from Luke Hedlund, the Founder of Tucannon Partners, about exactly that approach. Luke is looking for one business within vet med to manage and make a majority investment in. He is open to vet clinics, but he’s more focused on vendors to vet clinics. Luke shares his approach to fixing the issues that frustrate everyone - ineffective meetings, unclear communication, and poor decision-making processes. He also discusses the risks of chasing inflated valuations over product-market fit, and explains why imaging and workflow improvements hold untapped potential for better pet care and business performance. Learn more about Tucannon Partners. Luke Hedlund recommends “The Manager's Handbook: Five Simple Steps to Build a Team, Stay Focused, Make Better Decisions, and Crush Your Competition” by David Dodson for practical leadership frameworks.

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 community resources, One Health creates a holistic, family-centric approach that supports underserved families, mitigates the risks of zoonotic disease, and reduces long-term public health costs. The episode explores how AlignCare — a One Health initiative led by Dr. Blackwell — has the potential to reshape national veterinary service delivery and ensure no pet or family is left behind. Learn more about AlignCare Health Inc. Dr. Michael Blackwell recommends using all advances in AI for its transformative potential across sectors, including veterinary healthcare.

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, everyday problems — from pre- and post-appointment workflows to personalized education and smart intake. Learn more about ClinicWise. James Merchant recommends “Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage“ by Alfred Lansing.

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 recommends “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman.

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 why ignoring it isn’t an option anymore. Learn more about Germinder & Associates. Discover more about Goodnewsforpets.com. Lea-Ann Germinder recommends “AI Ethics“ by Mark Coeckelbergh.

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. You will gain insights into how automated wellness programs can stabilize revenue, improve client satisfaction, increase compliance with preventive care, and reduce burnout for veterinary professionals. Learn more about baxtr. Mark Hines recommends Youtube - What Being a Veterinarian Really Takes | Melanie Bowden, DVM | TEDxCoeurdalene.

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 Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.

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 BOLD Business Book: A strategy guide to start, run and love your BOLD business" by James Kademan. James Kademan recommends ”Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect Hardcover” by Will Guidara.

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 certificates and enhance team member utilization, freeing veterinarians to focus on patient care. Learn how practices can turn a traditionally frustrating service into a team-led revenue stream that improves client experience and practice profitability: Passpaw. Maria Morgan recommends Freakonomics podcast - "Should America be Run by Trader Joe's (Update)" and Adam Grant's TED talk - "How to stop languishing and start finding flow".

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 outcomes. Discover why DEI isn't just about who you hire — it's about saving animal lives and fulfilling the veterinary oath. Learn more about “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine“ by Kemba Marshall.

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 Inc. (the chocolate story): The Complete History & Strategy of Mars Inc.

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 clinics, and even other specialty hospitals — 24/7. Learn more about DVM STAT Consulting. Dr. Welch recommends “The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About“ by Mel Robbins, Sawyer Robbins.

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 about Serenity Vet. Dr. Andrew Ciccolini recommends “Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers (Collins Business Essentials)” by Geoffrey A. Moore.

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.

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.