Dr. Tina Neel joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about the hard but essential rule she has lived by in her career: never, ever lie. From leading a 20-doctor hospital to surviving cancer three times, Dr. Neel shares how honesty, even in the most painful situations, builds trust, protects your reputation, and helps you sleep at night. She reflects on the lessons learned from decades in practice, the importance of mentoring young veterinarians to think independently, and what she wishes would change in the profession today. If you’ve ever wrestled with mistakes, ethics, or finding your footing as a leader in veterinary medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage and truth. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Rockstar Vets: https://tinaneel.com/about/

Dr. Tina Neel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-neel-dvm-ms-08297319/

Surviving Cancer Substack: https://substack.com/@drtinaneel

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Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Tina Neel is a nationally recognized veterinarian, entrepreneur, and mentor with over four decades of experience in clinical practice and veterinary business leadership. She has founded, owned, and sold 11 successful veterinary hospitals and currently coaches veterinarians on how to build profitable, sustainable practices without burning out.

Dr. Neel is also the co-founder and CEO of Angimal, Inc., a biotech startup advancing new cancer therapeutics for animals, and she serves on the board of Angiex, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing targeted therapies for human cancer.

Known for her honest, practical approach, Dr. Neel has helped countless veterinarians improve their business skills, communicate more effectively, and find joy in practice again. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation of veterinary professionals to think like owners and lead with heart.

When she’s not coaching or consulting, Dr. Neel publishes multiple newsletters on veterinary leadership, pet parent education, and cancer survival—drawing on her own journey as a two-time cancer survivor. She’s also a devoted grandmother, OSU fan, and herb-growing, quilt-making Oklahoma native.

Dr. Sandra Faeh, Chief Medical Officer for NVA General Practice and past president of the AVMA, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question many seasoned veterinarians face: what’s next after years in practice? When your clinical skills are sharp and your days are full, it can be hard to imagine what growth looks like. Dr. Faeh shares how NVA General Practice is helping doctors at every stage of their careers stay curious and engaged through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on programs at their new PetOne Veterinary Training Center. From orthopedic workshops and ultrasound support groups to bringing in-hospital training directly to teams, this episode is packed with ideas for keeping your spark alive in veterinary medicine. Whether you’re mentoring others, exploring leadership, or just want to fall back in love with learning, this conversation will remind you that growth never has to stop. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you ad free by NVA General Practice!

NVA General Practice Careers: careers.nva.com

NVA on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nva-general-practice/

Dr. Sandra Faeh on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-faeh-dvm-5baaabb2/

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Faeh serves as the first Chief Medical Officer at NVA General Practice as well as the Immediate Past President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

With over 25 years of experience as a small animal practitioner in the Chicagoland area, she has a passion for organized veterinary medicine, mentorship, and equipping others with the tools for success. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, she became the Managing Veterinarian and part-owner at Elmhurst Animal Care Center, along with three small animal hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. Dr. Faeh served as President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, and Vice President of the AVMA. In July 2023, she was elected by industry peers to serve as AVMA President-Elect for the 2023- 2024 term, followed by the AVMA President for the 2024-2025 term.

At NVA General Practice, she also serves as the co-creator of their Mentorship Program. This hybrid program offers mentorship to new NVA General Practice veterinarians, providing hands-on and in-person surgical and dental support, as well as virtual medical and surgical lectures and case rounds. The program has helped over 500 new DVMs navigate the complexities of veterinary medicine and the struggles of healthy work-life balance.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, spending time with her husband and three sons, walking her dogs, Tobe and Rigi, and riding her horse, Ace.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it really means to be a veterinarian. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marie opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine. Her new book, A Compassionate Calling, explores the emotional highs and lows of the profession, from the drive to help animals to the toll it can take on mental health. Andy and Marie dig into why so many veterinarians struggle to stay fulfilled, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why self-compassion might just be the most underused skill in vet med. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance purpose and peace in your veterinary career, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Reviving VetMed: https://revivingvetmed.com/

A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-compassionate-calling-marie-holowaychuk/1147036390?ean=9781032389035

Marie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/marieholowaychuk

Marie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieholowaychuk

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.

Fun facts: I have played the violin, standing bass, oboe, and ukulele; I have never missed a season of Survivor; I am a huge Edmonton Oilers fan; I am an avid swimmer but am terrified of open water

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack one of the most stressful situations for cat owners: a new kitten wreaking havoc on the household harmony. When a lively young Bengal starts chasing the older Maine Coon around the house, Dr. Roark calls in the behavior expert to help navigate the chaos. They talk through the science and strategy behind proper cat introductions, why common advice like “let them work it out” often backfires, and how to use behavior modification, enrichment, and empathy to create a peaceful multi-cat home. This episode is packed with practical veterinary behavior tips, relatable analogies, and plenty of lightbulb moments around feline body language and environmental needs. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Chirrups and Chatter

Tabitha Kucera on Instagram

Tails From A Vet Tech Podcast

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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.

Vicky Ograin, RVT, AVTS (Nutrition), MBA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a Vet Tech Week special that’s full of heart and inspiration. As a lifelong learner, educator, and champion for veterinary technicians, Vicky shares how the profession has evolved, why advocacy and utilization still matter, and how technicians can build fulfilling, sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Together, Andy and Vicky unpack everything from the return of Hill’s Veterinary Nutritional Advocate Program to the importance of lifelong learning, professional growth, and team collaboration. They also tackle common challenges like burnout and underutilization, reframing them with optimism and practical advice.

Whether you’re a credentialed technician, an aspiring one, or a veterinarian who wants to better support your team, this conversation will leave you feeling proud, motivated, and ready to celebrate Vet Tech Week in style. Gang, let's get into this episode!

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

Veterinary Nutritional Advocate (VNA) Certificate Program

Hill's Vet

Hill's Veterinary Academy

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) received her technician degree from Los Angeles Pierce College. She served in private practice for many years in California, and then 22 years ago began a career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where she is a Scientific Communication Senior Specialist, in the US Professional Veterinary Affairs department. She focuses on education for technicians and the health care team as well as strategy for veterinary technicians in tech schools and graduates. 

In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters, both in Business Administration. Vicky obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition in June 2013. Vicky speaks nationally and internationally and is a published author.

Dr. Michael Wong, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question every vet has asked themselves at some point: is my neuro exam actually up to snuff? Together they dig into the art and science of the neurological examination, breaking down how to approach trauma cases, distinguish pain from neuro deficits, and avoid the most common mistakes veterinarians make when running through their checklists. Dr. Wong shares his systematic approach, why pattern recognition matters, and how practice makes all the difference in building confidence with neuro patients. You’ll walk away with practical pearls you can use in your next exam room, plus a fresh appreciation for the beauty of veterinary neurology.

If neuro exams make you sweat or you just want a smarter way to structure them, this episode is your refresher course. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

SEVneurology: https://www.sevneurology.com

Advanced Neurodiagnostics Conference: https://sevneurology.com/adv-neurodiag-conf

SEVN IG: https://www.instagram.com/southeastveterinaryneurology/

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Michael Wong is a board-certified veterinary neurologist based in southeast Florida and the founder of Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN), which now includes four neurology-dedicated hospitals. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, he also founded the UF Veterinary Business Management Association. He completed a medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a neurology residency at North Florida Neurology, becoming board-certified the same year. Dr. Wong was among the first to complete the Advanced Neurosurgical Certification and has lectured nationally, taught veterinary students at UF, and published on MRI and treatments for encephalitis and brain tumors. His professional interests include spinal surgery, seizure management, encephalitis, and MRI diagnostics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis.  

Dr. Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a topic that hits home for a lot of veterinary professionals: the fear of the unknown when it comes to career change. Have you ever thought, “I don’t know if I want to keep doing this forever, but I have no idea what else I would do”? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you. Natalie shares her own journey from practice ownership to angel investing and consulting, and together they dig into the spotlight effect, that nagging feeling that everyone is watching and judging your choices. They talk about why so many veterinarians struggle with identity outside of clinical work, how to know if you’re ready for a new chapter, and why your skills go far beyond the exam room. If you’ve been wrestling with burnout, self-doubt, or just curiosity about what comes next, this conversation will give you both comfort and courage to think bigger. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

VANE: https://vane.vet/

Natalie Marks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marks-dvm-cvj-54b0429a/

Marks DVM Consulting: https://marksdvmconsulting.com/

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Guest Bio:



Dr. Natalie Marks obtained her bachelor's degree with High Honors in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1998, and then proceeded to obtain a Masters in Veterinary Medicine and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree with High Honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Certified Veterinary Journalist in 2018.

She has been a veterinarian at Blum Animal Hospital since 2006, co-owner until 2018 and current associate. Prior to 2006, Dr. Marks worked at Allatoona Animal Hospital just north of Atlanta, GA. Her media experience began in print when she created several monthly veterinary columns in multiple community magazines and was a frequent guest speaker for the German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog clubs of Atlanta.

Upon her return to Chicago, Dr. Marks became very active in the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, serving on the executive board. She was also a past board member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and an active volunteer to the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association.

Dr. Marks has received many prestigious awards in her career. She was awarded the Dr. Erwin Small First Decade Award, presented to a veterinarian that has contributed the most to organized veterinary medicine in his or her first decade of practice. In 2012, Dr. Marks was awarded Petplan's nationally-recognized Veterinarian of the Year. In 2015, she was awarded America’s Favorite Veterinarian by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. And, most recently in 2017, she was awarded Nobivac’s Veterinarian of the Year for her work on canine Influenza.

Dr. Marks is also very passionate about educating in all aspects of media, both locally and nationally. She has appeared on Good Day Chicago, WGN-Pet Central, NBC Morning News, ABC, CBS, NPR, WBBM, Northwestern University media channel and many local websites. Dr. Marks was featured nationally on the Today Show and CBS Nightly News during the canine influenza epidemic of 2015 and in multiple issues of JAVMA. She is a guest contributor in multiple media campaigns for Merck, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer), Boerhinger-Ingelheim, Ceva, Trupanion, Aratana, ScopioVet, and Royal Canin.

Dr. Marks is a regular columnist in Today’s Veterinary Business, Healthy Pet magazine, and Pet Vet, and has been published in Veterinary Medicine magazine, DVM magazine, Dogster, and Vetted. She is on the Advisory Board for Health Magazine and also was the host of numerous veterinary broadcasts for the Viticus Group (formerly WVC).

She is a desired national and international lecturer for many of the same companies at VMX, WVC, AVMA and regional conferences, and most recently was a featured speaker at Ceva Sweden’s Derm Day and the Royal Canin Global Symposium.

Dr. Marks finds the ideal combination of teaching/mentoring and improving the emotional health of pets in the Fear Free movement. She sat on the Fear Free Executive Council and is a national educator helping other private practitioners develop these techniques. She also led her practice to become the 7th nationally and first practice in Illinois to become a Fear Free Certified Hospital. She is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional.

Finally, Dr. Marks is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and consultant, and one of the newer members of VANE, the Veterinary Angel Network.

When Dr, Marks is not working, she treasures her time with her family and her three wonderful children: Sophia, Evan and Madeline. Dr. Marks loves traveling, scuba diving, cooking and spending time outdoors, especially anywhere there is a beach!

https://marksdvmconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marks-dvm-cvj-54b0429a/

Dr. Josh Gehrke, head of Veterinary Services at the AVMA Trust, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a conversation that might make every veterinarian sit up a little straighter. A recent New York court case awarded emotional damages after a dog was struck by a car, declaring the pet an immediate family member. If this precedent stands, what could it mean for veterinary liability insurance, client lawsuits, and the future of our profession? Andy and Josh unpack the case, explore how proximity and emotional distress factored into the ruling, and consider what ripple effects could land in veterinary medicine. From rising insurance costs to changes in how we deliver care, this episode tackles both the what-ifs and the practical pearls that vets need to keep in mind. If you’ve ever wondered how the evolving legal view of pets as family might impact your career, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Joshua Gehrke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gehrke-400211218

AVMALife: https://avmalife.org/

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Joshua E. Gehrke serves as Head of Veterinary Services for the AVMA Trust, where he works alongside the CEO, Lead Trust Veterinarian, and the Trust Team to provide support and resources for veterinary professionals. A graduate of Michigan State University with both his BS and DVM, he went on to complete a small animal internship in Los Angeles, followed by a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York.

His career includes roles with BluePearl and MedVet, as well as serving as an award-winning Assistant Professor and leader of the Neurology Service at Michigan State University. Later, as Chief Veterinary Officer for Veterinary United, Dr. Gehrke combined leadership, clinical practice, mentorship, and coaching to guide veterinary teams and strengthen medical care in the community. Today, he continues to champion the profession and support colleagues through his work with the AVMA Trust.

Dr. James Oldeschulte joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about a topic you probably didn’t think you’d hear on your commute today: fecal transplants. Yep, we’re diving into poop and how it is changing the way we treat veterinary patients. If you’ve always thought fecal microbiota transplants were only for chronic diarrhea or parvo puppies, think again. Dr. Oldschulte breaks down why acute diarrhea cases are now a prime place to reach for this tool, how screening donor dogs works, and why capsules are making this treatment easier and more accessible than ever. You’ll learn how fecal transplants can help restore the gut microbiome quickly, why pet owners are often more open to it than you’d expect, and how this approach fits into the larger movement toward antibiotic stewardship in veterinary medicine.

This episode is brought to you by Amend Pet. Poop donor to dose: FMT made easy.

Consortium guidelines on FMT (Open Access): https://www.advancesinsmallanimalcare.com/article/S2666-450X(24)00006-3/fulltext

ENOVAT guidelines on the efficacy of antimicrobial and nutraceutical treatment for canine acute diarrhoea (Open Access):

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323001053?via%3Dihub

https://www.amendpet.com/ Amend Pet has helped make fecal transplant easy and accessible for my patients.

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I'm an emergency veterinarian in Austin, Texas, and one of the directors of new ER doctor education at Veterinary Emergency Group. I'm passionate about evidence-based medicine, technology, and empowering others through education. I have a background in healthcare technology and have spent the first 5 years of my career collecting and sharing knowledge by creating web-based applications for veterinary professionals—such as DogsCatsMedicine.com. In my free time, I enjoy exploring my cross-industry interest in resilience engineering, mountain biking, and playing music.

Beckie Mossor, RVT, joins Dr. Andy Roark to dig into the surprising results of NAVTA’s 2024 demographic survey of veterinary technicians. Salaries are climbing, yet job satisfaction is dropping fast. How do we make sense of this? Beckie unpacks the data, from the overwhelming push for title protection and standardized credentialing, to the growing frustrations around underutilization in practice. This episode takes on tough but essential questions: Why do so many techs still need multiple jobs to get by, even with pay increases? What role does proper utilization play in career satisfaction? And how can practices do better at recognizing the full scope of a credentialed technician’s skills? If you’ve ever wondered what the future looks like for veterinary technicians, or how to keep your team engaged and fulfilled, this conversation is full of insights you can take back to your clinic. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Article Referenced: https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/personal-professional-development/navta-2024-demographic-survey-results/

Beckie Mossor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-mossor-bis-mpa-rvt-37a55527/

NAVTA: https://navta.net/

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Beckie is the current President of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, where she has contributed to national conversations on technician utilization, representation on veterinary medical boards, and equity in veterinary organizational structures. Her work has been published in professional outlets, and she regularly presents on the intersections of veterinary medicine, leadership, and advocacy.

She is the founder of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterinary professionals in need during the winter holidays. She is a co-host of the Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast, where she has demonstrated nearly a decade of bringing controversial conversations and fierce advocacy to the profession.