Dr. Nathan Peterson, DVM, DACVECC, MA Bioethics joins Dr. Andy Roark to dive into one of the hardest questions in veterinary medicine: what happens when treatments feel futile? As an emergency and critical care specialist at Cornell with a master’s in bioethics from Harvard, Dr. Peterson has studied how veterinary teams wrestle with cases where the outcome may not change and the burden often falls on technicians carrying out the plan.

In this conversation, Andy and Nathan unpack how veterinarians and technicians define medical futility, why perspectives often differ, and how the lack of agency can increase moral distress among support staff. They explore practical strategies to reduce burnout, strengthen team communication, and involve technicians in client discussions to create shared understanding. Gang, let’s get into this episode.

Nathan Peterson on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-peterson-DVM-DACVECC

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Nathan Peterson, DVM, MBE, DACVECC is an Associate Clinical Professor at Cornell University. He received his DVM from The Ohio State University and completed his internship and residency training in Emergency and Critical Care medicine at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Following board certification, he spent 12 years as the head of the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at a tertiary referral hospital in Los Angeles before taking his current position at Cornell. He completed a Master of Bioethics through the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics in 2023 and has published works exploring the impact of providing futile treatments in veterinary medicine.

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking clinic moments: the lunging, growling dog that makes everyone’s heart rate spike. What do you do when a giant breed charges into the exam room, the owner refuses muzzle training or pre-visit meds, and you’re left feeling like your only option is to “just get it done”? In this lively and practical conversation, Tabitha breaks down how to approach fearful and aggressive dogs with empathy and skill. She shares strategies to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) through considerate handling, communication with pet owners, and team-wide planning. From lobby management to sedation protocols, she helps reframe these tough cases as opportunities to improve animal welfare, client trust, and staff safety. If you’ve ever struggled with patient handling, client education, or burnout tied to aggressive dogs, this episode is packed with insight you can use right away. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Chirrups and Chatter

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Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech. 

Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills.  Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work.

Matt Salois, PhD, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about why not every shiny new idea in veterinary medicine is a good idea. From the surge in new veterinary schools to the debate on mid-level practitioners and telemedicine, Matt raises the question: are we solving problems or just creating new ones? With his trademark humor and economist’s lens, he makes the case for smarter, not faster, change in vet med. In this episode, you’ll hear a fresh take on why retention may matter more than recruitment, how productivity really impacts our profession, and why veterinary medicine doesn’t have to copy the mistakes of human healthcare. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance innovation with caution, this conversation will get you thinking.

Article Referenced: https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/veterinary-lessons-viewpoint-0625/

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Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary member practices.

Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.

From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies.

Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Ginger Templeton, DVM, COO of HomewardVet and MOVES, joins Dr. Andy Roark to explore what the future of veterinary careers could look like and spoiler alert: it’s not one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Andy and Ginger dive into the concept of autonomy in veterinary medicine, especially as the profession continues to shift toward a more fragmented, customizable future. Ginger shares her journey from burnout in traditional general practice to launching a mobile house call business and eventually helping build two innovative companies that support both specialists and GPs in practicing on their terms. If you’ve ever daydreamed about setting your own schedule, working independently, or building a career that actually fits your life, this one’s for you. You’ll learn about the operational support structures behind mobile vet work, the different ways autonomy can show up across career stages, and how Ginger’s team is making house calls less lonely and more sustainable. Let’s get into this episode!

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Ginger Templeton is the Chief Operating Officer of MOVES Mobile Veterinary Specialists and HomewardVet. She has over 15 years clinical experience in general practice, including five as the owner of a busy concierge house call practice in Raleigh, NC. Ginger brings a unique approach to the executive role thanks to her training as an executive coach. She has worked with a wide-variety of veterinary clinicians and industry executives and leaders, which informs her approach with the team at MOVES and HomewardVet. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ginger is a proud and vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and DEI initiatives within the profession and outside and is a proud member of PrideVMC. She is also mom to two delightful young adults who are dedicated to making a positive impact in this world in their own ways. She became a mom during vet school and her experiences as a young mom early in her career and a mom of a child with a serious illness have also informed her approach to empathy, boundaries, and wellbeing in the veterinary profession.

Dr. Brian Bourquin, president of Not One More Vet (NOMV), joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack the current state of mental health and wellness in veterinary medicine. What started as a small Facebook group has grown into a powerhouse nonprofit providing grants, peer support, accreditation programs, and a safety net for veterinary professionals in crisis.

In this candid conversation, Brian shares NOMV’s evolution, the impact of programs like Clear Blueprint and Lifeboat, and what he really thinks about the progress we’ve made in tackling veterinary burnout and mental health challenges. He also opens up about his own journey as a practice owner at Boston Veterinary Clinic, including the hard lessons he learned about leading with compassion and protecting his team. If you’ve ever wondered where veterinary wellness truly stands today, or how leaders can put real change into practice, this episode offers both hope and honest perspective.

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www.bostonveterinaryclinic.com

Brian Bourquin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brian-bourquin-3356a6

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Fueled by childhood dreams of being a keeper at his own zoo, Dr. Bourquin realized from a young age his path – a career in veterinary work. His journey began with graduation from Cornell University, the No. 1 school in the U.S. for veterinary medicine. After 13 years as a Boston veterinarian, he founded Boston Veterinary Clinic in 2012, placing an emphasis on trust, compassion, and top-level patient care. Embraced by the pet-loving community and with the aid of like-minded veterinary professionals, the practice has grown to 5 locations, each focusing on the best medicine possible with accreditations from AAHA, Fear Free, and Cat-Friendly Practices.

Dr. Simon Haeder joins Dr. Andy Roark to dig into a surprising question: if a parent is hesitant to vaccinate their child, are they also likely to be hesitant about vaccinating their pet? The answer is more complex than you might expect. Drawing from his research published in JAVMA, Dr. Haeder shares insights on the correlation between human and pet vaccine hesitancy, what drives those concerns, and how trust in a veterinarian can be a powerful factor in pet owners’ decisions. The conversation covers everything from social media misinformation to the shifting role of veterinarians in a changing industry, plus what the future of veterinary care could look like in a post-truth world. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on how building long-term relationships with clients can influence public health, patient safety, and the human–animal bond. Let’s get into this episode!

Article Referenced: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/86/2/ajvr.24.06.0163.xml

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Dr. Simon F. Haeder is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health, where he also serves as Health Policy Cognate Chair in the Department of Health Policy and Management. A nationally recognized scholar on health policy, access to care, and vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Haeder’s work bridges human and veterinary medicine, exploring how public perceptions and trust influence healthcare decisions. His research has been published in leading journals such as Health Affairs, Vaccine, and JAVMA, and he is a frequent contributor to national conversations on public health through outlets like The Washington Post, The Conversation, and Health Affairs Blog. With a career spanning academia, policy advising, and interdisciplinary research leadership, Dr. Haeder brings a unique perspective on how trust, science, and policy intersect in shaping the future of healthcare.

Cone of Shame 347 - When Care Can't Wait: Being Prepared for Critical Cases

Julia Sosa, Chief Experience Officer at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a must-hear conversation on what happens when care can't wait. Ever had that moment in clinic when a pet’s situation is critical and the client is staring at an estimate, panicked and unsure what to do? This episode dives headfirst into the chaos of urgent cases and how we, as veterinary professionals, can better support clients in the middle of that emotional storm. Julia shares how Pumpkin’s new urgent-pay service, Pumpkin Now, is transforming how pet insurance works in those high-stakes moments, giving owners financial clarity within minutes and helping vet teams stay focused on care, not claims.

Dr. Andy and Julia unpack why pet insurance is often misunderstood, what it really means to be “hospital-centric,” and how to streamline workflows without overburdening teams. Whether you’re skeptical of insurance or already a fan, this episode brings new insight into making emergency care more accessible. Gang, let’s get into this episode.

PumpkinNow Expedited Payment Terms: Qualified customers with eligible claims for treatments $1k or more could be paid in 15 minutes after submitting a request if their bank accepts real-time payments. For full terms & conditions, visit www.pumpkin.care/pn-terms. For pet insurance terms and conditions, visit: https://www.pumpkin.care/sample-plan/. Products are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113), and produced by Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749; CA License #6001617).

Pumpkin Care for Veterinarians: https://www.pumpkin.care/for-veterinarians/

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Julia Sosa is a Design Leader whose lifelong love of animals led to her passion and focus in the pet care and veterinary industries. As a founding member and Chief Experience Officer of Pumpkin, one of the fastest-growing pet insurance companies in the United States, Julia leads UX research, strategy, and product design for their member and veterinary experiences. In January 2024, she started coursework to become a Veterinary Technician and explore her dream of becoming a late-in-life veterinarian.

Julia is an active member of the rescue and shelter community and a devoted foster and adoption counselor for the ACC. She is the proud pet mom to two small dogs, two large cats, three chickens, and over 112+ foster kittens (and counting).

Dr. Cory Woliver, DVM, emergency and critical care lecturer at the University of Florida, joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss venomous snake bite management in veterinary practice. Ever wondered how many vials of anti-venom to give when a copperhead or rattlesnake strikes? This episode cuts through the guesswork on coagulation testing, anti-venom dosing strategies, pain control options, and when to hospitalize versus treat as an outpatient. Dr. Woliver explains why steroids, NSAIDs, and routine antibiotics often miss the mark and how early, aggressive anti-venom is your best defense against tissue necrosis. You’ll learn practical tips on evaluating bite severity, setting client expectations, and choosing between strong opioids like methadone or hydromorphone for pain relief. Whether you see one snake bite a season or dozens, this one-stop shop equips you with the science and experience to act confidently under pressure. Let’s get into this episode.

National Snake Bite Support Website: https://www.nationalsnakebitesupport.org/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/national.snakebite.support/

Snake Bite Foundation Website: https://www.snakebitefoundation.org/

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Cory Woliver is a veterinarian practicing as a Clinical Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his BS in biology at SUNY Stony Brook and his DVM at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. During his 18-month emergency and critical care-focused internship at Colorado State University, he treated a large number of snake envenomations. He has also earned a certificate in hemodialysis through the University of California – Davis.

After his postgraduate training, Dr. Woliver spent several years in private practice in New York before coming to the University of Florida in 2019. His clinical interests include snakebites (especially coral snake envenomations), acute kidney injuries, and extracorporeal therapies. He is currently the PI for the clinical trial using Varespladib in coral snake envenomated patients.

What if improving your clinic’s communication could reduce turnover, boost job satisfaction, and enhance medical quality? Dr. Jason Coe is back on the podcast with brand-new research that shows how “relational coordination” (aka how roles within your team communicate and collaborate) impacts everything from psychological safety to employee retention. In this episode, Dr. Coe and Dr. Andy Roark dive into the findings from a cross-industry communication model now being applied to veterinary teams. They explore what high vs. low relational coordination looks like in real life, how communication systems like impactful rounds and EMR notes can move the needle, and why this data matters for improving not just morale but also patient outcomes. Whether you're a practice owner, a manager, or just someone who wants your team to function better, this episode offers both inspiration and real takeaways. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationship-centred-veterinary-medicine-at-the-ontario-veterinary-college

University of Guelph: https://rcvm.uoguelph.ca/

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Dr. Jason Coe is a Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. After graduating from the College in 2001, he returned from mixed-animal practice to complete a PhD in the area of veterinary communications in 2008. In the same year, Jason joined the Ontario Veterinary College in the Department of Population Medicine where he has established an active research program examining the human-animal bond as well as the role of interpersonal communications on the outcomes of veterinary care.  In his current role at the College, he coordinates the clinical-communication curriculum across all 4 years of the veterinary program and is involved in teaching students about the relationships that exist between people and animals.

Over the past two decades, Jason has established an international reputation for his leadership in veterinary communications, primary-care veterinary education and understanding the human-animal bond. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to several book chapters, and is regularly invited to speak nationally and internationally at scientific and continuing-education conferences. Jason currently holds the VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine (2021-2026), at the Ontario Veterinary College, dedicated to research and education in communication and relationship-building to improve the outcomes of veterinary care. In 2021, Jason was honoured with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award for his notable contributions to the veterinary profession and in 2022, he founded the research program Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (https://rcvm.uoguelph.ca/).  

What do you do when your big, lovable diabetic cat suddenly develops renal disease? You call in the nutritionist cavalry! In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by boarded veterinary nutritionist Dr. Caitlyn Getty to tackle a real-world “hot mess express” case: Claudia, an obese diabetic cat who’s now showing signs of kidney issues. Together, they dig into the complexities of nutritional management for cats with multiple chronic conditions. Dr. Getty breaks down why common diets can conflict with one another in cases like this, and how Hill’s Prescription Diet Multi-Organ Feline can help bridge the gap. They cover protein and phosphorus challenges, insulin dosing concerns, fiber benefits, and the power of a slow and steady transition when switching foods. Whether you’ve got cats with combo problems like diabetes and kidney disease or just love nerding out over nutrition, this episode is full of practical takeaways and clinical insight. Let’s get into this episode.

Check out the downloadable team training worksheet and follow along together! Empower your team to educate clients using the notes and discussion questions.

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Caitlyn is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® and Scientific Communications Senior Specialist on the US Professional Veterinary Affairs Team at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. She spent 13 years at the University of Illinois completing her BS, DVM, and PhD in Nutritional Sciences. During veterinary school and her PhD, she became very interested in nutrition education of veterinary students and the power of nutrition in health and disease. She completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship on the north side of Chicago and then moved to Raleigh, NC to complete her Small Animal Clinical Nutrition residency at North Carolina State University. She currently lives outside Indianapolis with 4 cats, 2 dogs, and her fiancé!