The People of Animal Health Podcast

Country Vet CatalystDr. Terrence Ferguson shares his journey from small-town Georgia to co-founding Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital and starring on Critter Fixers: Country Vets. He discusses leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and expanding access to Veterinary medicine while building community and inspiring future generations everywhere.

Bet on Yourself Dr. Vernard Hodges is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, author, and co-star of "Critter Fixers: Country Vets." In this episode, he opens up about his path from small-town roots to national recognition. He shares insights on ownership, resilience, multiple income streams, and mentorship, offering powerful lessons on building impact, wealth, and opportunity within the Veterinary profession and beyond.

From Boardroom to StraysSilja Schiller-Moumtzidis joins The People of Animal Health Podcast to share her journey from global corporate leadership to ending pet homelessness. As Co-Founder and CEO of Zero Stray Pawject, she explains scalable prevention models, municipal change, police training, and purpose-driven leadership reshaping animal welfare worldwide today globally.

Ayers Beyond Adversity Jon Ayers shares his extraordinary journey from scaling IDEXX into Animal Health's most valuable company to redefining purpose after a life-altering accident. He unpacks AI's impact on Veterinary medicine, industry consolidation, and feline health and offers hard-won leadership lessons on resilience, innovation, and shaping the future of care across science and conservation.

Protecting Public Trust James T. Penrod discusses leadership and innovation in Veterinary regulation as Executive Director of the AAVSB. He shares insights from decades working with regulatory boards, advancing licensure standards, and modernizing association management, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how regulation protects public trust while supporting a stronger, future-focused Veterinary profession nationwide.

The Staten Standard Dr. Christine Staten shares her journey from solo ambulatory veterinarian to owner of a thriving, two-location mixed animal practice. She discusses leadership, mentoring future veterinarians, earning an MBA, and helping practice owners build sustainable businesses that deliver more time, freedom, and fulfillment inside and outside the clinic for modern professionals.

Science Meets Saddle Dr. Cristiano von Simson, Head of Marketing and Veterinary Services at Virbac US, shares insights from 30+ years in Animal Health. From equine practice to global leadership, he explores innovation, industry evolution, cross-functional teamwork, and the passion for animals and people that continues to drive his remarkable career.

Lester's Leadership Lessons Dr. Bob Lester shares his path from mixed animal practitioner to co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellHaven Pet Hospitals, offering insights on leadership, the double bottom line, innovation in Veterinary education, and the evolving human-animal bond that continues to shape the profession's future in meaningful and lasting ways.

The Royal Treatment Dr. Christine Royal, Vice President at Merck Animal Health, shares her journey from Veterinary practice to industry leadership, highlighting her passion for innovation in companion animal and equine care and her commitment to empowering Veterinary teams while advancing the future of Animal Health through mentorship, research, and compassionate leadership.

Moore Than Medicine Dr. Rustin M. Moore, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, shares his journey in Veterinary medicine, insights on equine health, the One Health approach, disaster response, and the power of the human-animal bond. A visionary leader, he continues to inspire innovation, compassion, and collaboration across the profession.