Veterinary Innovation Podcast

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.

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.

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 for Life” by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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 Show.

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?

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: Mastering the Key Metrics for Startup Growth by Ash Maurya.

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 recommends "The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable" by Patrick Lencioni.