Dr. Derek Fox, DVM, PhD, DACVS joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk all things angular limb deformities and why they’re about so much more than crooked-legged Bassets. In this episode, Dr. Fox shares how limb malalignment is often the root of conditions like patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia, what general practitioners should be watching for in growing puppies, and how to set realistic expectations with pet owners when surgery might be needed. From practical recheck tips to why simple photos can make all the difference, this one’s packed with orthopedic gems. Gang, let’s get into this episode.

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Derek B. Fox, DVM, PhD, DACVS

Dr. Fox is a Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of the Small Animal Surgery Service at the University of Missouri’s Veterinary Health Center. He graduated veterinary school from Michigan State University in 1998, after which he completed an internship, surgical residency and PhD at the University of Missouri, eventually becoming faculty in 2004.  He teaches courses and lectures on a variety of topics regarding small animal orthopedic surgery both nationally and internationally.  Dr. Fox’s special research interest is in limb alignment and deformity correction.  He has authored or co-authored 50 peer reviewed papers, 8 text book chapters and numerous abstracts.  He pioneered the adaptation and use of the Center of Rotation of Angulation methodology for the quantification and pre-surgical planning of angular limb deformities in dogs.  He is a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Orthopedic Society and AO. 

In this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide Pet Insurance, to explore the concept of the "pet family perspective" in veterinary care. They discuss the importance of understanding the unique dynamics and needs of both pets and their families to provide more personalized and effective care. Dr. Tincher shares insights from her work on contextualized care, emphasizing the need to consider factors such as the pet's behavior, family resources, and overall lifestyle. Through engaging stories and practical tips, this episode highlights how veterinarians can better support pet families and improve the accessibility and quality of care. Tune in to learn how to ask the right questions, build stronger relationships with pet families, and navigate the challenges of modern veterinary practice.

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Guest Bio: Dr. Emily Tincher is a collaborative leader who uses data-informed approaches to create sustainable systems that meet the needs of pet families, veterinary healthcare teams, and businesses. Continuing her family’s legacy in animal care, she graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as a second-generation veterinarian. 

As Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Tincher manages strategy and operations for pet health programs, develops partnerships within the animal health industry, and directs engagement with veterinary students and teams. She has practiced in small animal emergency and general practice. 

Dr. Tincher is President of the Board of Directors for the Veterinary Leadership Institute and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Veterinary Innovation Council. She co-authored a chapter in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, "Cost of Care, Access to Care, and Payment Options in Veterinary Practice,” and has become a sought-after speaker, most recently on cost of care and spectrum of care topics, presenting at major veterinary conferences across North America.  

Gene O’Neill, CEO of NAVC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about something most of us never thought we’d live through, guiding one of the largest veterinary conferences in the world through a global pandemic. What happens when your flagship event relies on thousands of people flying into one place… and the world shuts down? Gene shares a behind-the-scenes look at the massive decisions NAVC had to make in the early, uncertain days of COVID. From survey results and postponed plans to sacred cows and cutting-edge pivots, Gene walks Andy through the hard choices, team dynamics, and the surprising wins that came out of the chaos.

Whether you’ve led a team through crisis or just wondered how big vet orgs stayed afloat, this conversation is packed with real talk on leadership, transparency, and making peace with imperfect decisions. Gang, let's get into this episode!

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Gene O’Neill joined the NAVC in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. He was promoted to Deputy CEO and CFO in 2018 and was named CEO in 2019. O’Neill has led the transformation of the NAVC, expanding its portfolio from one which had consisted primarily of its annual veterinary conference, the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX), to a diverse and growing international portfolio that includes: a media division that has become the veterinary industry’s largest trade publisher; a robust online learning platform and virtual portfolio which takes the events and continued education opportunities through which the NAVC built its global reputation and makes them available to more veterinary professionals worldwide; certification programs; an advocacy arm; and an innovative, new style of in-person local events designed to help the veterinary industry get ahead of issues impacting veterinary professionals. Under O’Neill’s leadership and vision, the NAVC has more than doubled its revenue. 



Prior to joining the NAVC, O’Neill held executive and financial leadership roles at the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA-Australia and SeaWorld of Florida. He has held CPA and CIA designations throughout his career. O’Neill served as the Interim CEO for The Institute of Internal Auditors-Australia, based in Sydney. During his four month term there, he was able to implement new programs and benefits that turned around a declining membership base, develop an operating business plan for the organization that matched the changing dynamics of the structure of The Institute and produce a world-class conference for members in Australia and SE Asia. A New Jersey native, he lives in Ormond Beach, FL with his wife Pam. They enjoy spending time with their four children and two grandchildren. He loves to spend time on the water and is an avid golfer and a music enthusiast.

Dr. Jules Benson joins Dr. Andy Roark for a deep dive into the economics of veterinary care, where it’s headed, and what it means for your practice. Using data trends from the last few years, Dr. Benson breaks down the troubling pattern of rising veterinary service costs and declining client visits, projecting what that could look like by 2030. But this isn’t a doom-and-gloom forecast. Together, they explore practical, optimistic strategies for keeping care accessible, building client trust, and thinking entrepreneurially about pricing, transparency, and innovation in independent practice. If you’re a veterinary professional looking to understand where the industry is going and how to stay ahead of it. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

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Guest Bio:

Dr. Jules Benson is the Principal at Tapetum Lucidum Consulting and the 2025 Chair at the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC). With over two decades as a practitioner, industry executive, strategist, and data and technology leader, his focus lies in identifying and applying innovation that can improve the lives of pets, pet families, and veterinary healthcare teams. 

Dr. Alex Sigmund joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a common but tricky case, a 9-year-old shih tzu with persistent red eyes. In this "How Do You Treat That?" episode, Dr. Sigmund walks through his diagnostic approach to chronic canine eye redness, including Schirmer tear tests, fluorescein staining, tonometry, and the critical red flags for glaucoma, dry eye, and autoimmune conditions. They also cover practical tips for intraocular pressure measurements, antibiotic stewardship, and how to guide pet owners through managing long-term eye care. If you want to sharpen your skills diagnosing and treating red-eye cases in dogs, especially in brachycephalic breeds, this episode is a must-listen!

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Guest Bio:

Alex is a dedicated veterinary ophthalmologist with a passion for educating pet owners and veterinarians about animal eye health. With a background from UGA and the University of Tennessee, Alex shares insights from a diverse career treating various species, including dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Based in Atlanta, Alex offers teleconsultations and engages with a growing community of animal lovers.

In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Camille Torres, a boarded veterinary nutritionist and associate professor at Colorado State University, to tackle one of the most common concerns with young pets: puppy and kitten gastrointestinal issues. They walk through a real-life case involving a nine-week-old kitten with diarrhea and discuss how to manage soft stools, dehydration risks, nutritional transitions, and client communication during these early, critical weeks. Dr. Torres shares her practical approach to handling GI upsets in young patients, how to choose highly digestible diets that support growth, and ways to engage pet owners in nutritional care without derailing treatment plans. If you're a veterinary professional looking for guidance on puppy and kitten diarrhea, feeding recommendations, highly digestible diets, and client communication strategies, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use in the clinic today.

This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!

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About the Guest:

Dr. Camille Torres is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist dedicated to optimizing pet health through nutrition. She earned her DVM from Colorado State University in 2001, later achieving diplomate status with both the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine & Feline) and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Nutrition). Her passion for preventive care led her to focus on obesity management and the impact of nutrition on disease prevention.

Outside of work, Dr. Torres enjoys the great outdoors in Colorado with her husband, two sons, and their furry family—two cats, a Yorkiepoo, and a French Bulldog.

Sheri Gilmartin, CVT and VP of Sales at Vetsource, joins Dr. Andy Roark to share data-driven insights on the current state of veterinary practices in 2025. With access to anonymized data from over 8,000 clinics, Sheri discusses key trends—including declining client visits, slowing revenue growth, and how independent practices are performing compared to corporate groups. They also explore rising interest in feline care, the impact of pricing strategies, and how practices that prioritize client communication and a spectrum of care approach may be better positioned in today’s economic landscape. This conversation is a helpful check-in for anyone wondering where the profession stands right now and what to consider when planning for the future.

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Sheri is a Credentialed Veterinary Technician and has been working in the veterinary industry for 30 years. She started her career in a small animal hospital outside of Boston MA where she worked as a technician for 8 years. In 2000, she made the move to Industry and has held various positions in sales and marketing at Hill's Pet Nutrition, Vetsource, Patterson, and VetSuccess. In 2018, Vetsource acquired VetSuccess, where Sheri leads sales of Data Services today.

Dr. Tannetje’ Crocker, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about one of the most powerful (and often underused) tools in veterinary practice: social media. From Instagram posts to TikToks, Tannetje’ shares how she uses positive, relatable content to connect with pet owners, educate her community, and grow her practice in meaningful ways. In this episode, they dive into what kind of messaging actually works online, how to reach the right audience without fear tactics, and why being authentic matters more than ever. Whether you're trying to hire new team members, bring in more clients, or just wondering if you should finally hit “post,” this conversation will give you practical tips and inspiration to use social media with purpose.

Dr. Tannetje' Crocker

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Dr. Tannetje’ Crocker is a 2009 graduate from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is passionate about mentorship and empowering veterinary professionals to embrace the profession and find joy and success. Growing up Dr. Crocker competed on horses and was inspired to become a veterinarian. Since graduation she has worked as an equine ambulatory vet, small animal general practitioner, and emergency veterinarian. She currently lives in Texas with her spirited 10 year old daughter, funny 6 year old son, and supportive husband of 16 years.

She works as an ER Veterinarian for Veterinary Emergency Group in Dallas, TX. Recently she was excited to purchase Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. She plans to continue her support of fellow veterinary professionals, both virtually and in person through her various endeavors.

Follow her veterinary journey @dr.tannetje.crocker or www.drcrockerpetvet.com

Clair Sauer, CVT, joins Dr. Andy Roark to explore how we’re teaching (and could be teaching better) in vet med. In this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, they dig into Clair’s unique path from science teacher to veterinary technician educator at the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion for learning theory and hands-on training, Clair shares her thoughts on competency-based education, the strengths and challenges of the distributive model for vet schools, and why clear learning outcomes should drive everything from curriculum design to in-clinic staff training. If you're curious about the future of veterinary education, technician training, or how to build a stronger teaching culture in your hospital, this conversation will light you up. Let’s get into it!

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Clair Sauer started her career as a High School Science teacher. After teaching in the USA and Japan over the span of a decade, she earned her MSEd from West Chester University in 2004 . Since then, she has been involved in developing and spreading awareness of inclusive science programs for urban youth and under represented communities. Upon leaving formal teaching, she worked extensively in shelter medicine, animal welfare and public resource management. Working in shelter med led her to pursue her CVT, which she received in 2018 from Harcum College. She is currently enrolled in a Medical Education Masters program to get another MSEd. She loves being a CVT while integrating her education background into her current role in academia. As well as still growing as a tech and becoming more aware of her own neurodivergence, she makes time to stay active in improving education and access to veterinary medicine for all. She has been nominated and recognized for her achievements and leadership, most recently in 2022, receiving the VECCS Steven Haskins Scholarship. She lives in Philadelphia with her 2 Doberman Pinschers and 2 kitties. When she isn’t nerding out about education and vet med, she likes going dancing with other nerds in vet med and riding bikes in the woods.

Dr. Alex Sigmund, DACVO, joins Dr. Andy Roark to share his journey from uncertain pre-vet student to rising ophthalmology star and social media sensation, better known as The Vet Eye Guy. In this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, Alex opens up about falling in love with ophthalmology during vet school, navigating the competitive world of residencies, and building a wildly popular educational Instagram presence. From his passion for teaching to the moment he realized his bite-sized videos were making a global impact, Alex talks candidly about the heart behind his content—and why he’s determined to make eye care more approachable for veterinarians everywhere. If you're curious about becoming a specialist, growing your online voice, or just love a good origin story, this one's for you. Let’s get into it!

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Alex is a dedicated veterinary ophthalmologist with a passion for educating pet owners and veterinarians about animal eye health. With a background from UGA and the University of Tennessee, Alex shares insights from a diverse career treating various species, including dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Based in Atlanta, Alex offers teleconsultations and engages with a growing community of animal lovers.