When your clinic goes through a veterinary practice sale, it can feel like the ground shifts overnight. Associates wonder what their future looks like, owners face the weight of transition, and teams question whether the culture they love will survive. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark talks with Dr. Gene Bauer of Blue River Pet Care about what really happens when a practice changes hands, how leaders can ease fear, and where hidden opportunities may be waiting. Curious about how to find stability and even growth in the middle of uncertainty? Let’s get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you by Blue River Pet Care

Step into the future of veterinary leadership at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026, taking place live at VMX on January 16th in Orlando. This one-day, high-energy event is designed for practice owners, managers, and leaders who want more than ideas, they want results. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies, renewed clarity about your next steps, and meaningful connections with innovators shaping the profession. Attendance is intentionally capped to keep conversations impactful and personal, so spots are limited. Secure your registration now to guarantee your place at this exclusive leadership experience. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Elevate your impact at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025, a one-day program built for veterinary team leads and supervisors ready to step confidently into leadership. This interactive summit blends RACE-approved CE with practical tools you can use right away, including strategies for redirecting team venting, AI resources that make daily tasks easier, and frameworks for leading with authenticity. With small-group workshops, hands-on practice, and the support of a like-minded veterinary community, you’ll strengthen your communication, grow your confidence, and design a leadership role that feels sustainable and effective. Seats are limited, so register today to reserve your place at the Team Leads Summit 2025. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Gene Bauer, DVM, is the Medical Director of Bay Country Veterinary, which has locations in Annapolis and Crownsville, Maryland. When not in clinic, he channels his passion for animal welfare through his Business Development Specialist role at Blue River PetCare, where he builds relationships with practice owners who are interested in furthering their practice by joining the Blue River network.

When your clinic hits chaos, nothing hurts morale faster than a disappearing team member who slips away from the treatment floor when they are needed most. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a real mailbag case about “Brenda,” a well-meaning but frustrating employee whose habit of vanishing during busy times leaves teammates overwhelmed and resentful. They dig into why this happens, how leaders can respond with compassion and accountability, and what veterinary managers can do to reset expectations and protect team culture. Let's get into this episode!

Set sail with us at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026, live at VMX on January 16 in Orlando. This exclusive one-day event is designed to help veterinary leaders turn ideas into action, build confidence in their next steps, and connect with a powerful community that believes in the future of vetmed. Spots are limited to keep the experience intentional and high-impact, so don’t wait, register today.

Step into leadership with the support and skills you need at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit. This one-day, interactive event is designed for veterinary supervisors and leads who want to strengthen communication, boost confidence, and guide their teams with purpose. You’ll learn how to handle team venting in healthy ways, explore practical AI tools, and shape your role so it works for you instead of the other way around. With small-group workshops, RACE-approved CE, and a community that understands the realities of leadership in vetmed, this summit is the perfect place to grow. Reserve your spot today: Team Leads Summit 2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.

When you’re the one constantly picking up the slack in your practice, frustration can quickly turn into resentment. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Saye Clement to tackle the all-too-common struggle of feeling overworked while others seem to move more slowly. Together, they dig into why resentment creeps in, how to recognize it early, and what leaders can do to shift their mindset and protect their wellbeing without sacrificing patient care or team culture.

Dr. Saye Clement brings more than 28 years of veterinary experience to the conversation, including her time as Co-Owner and Medical Director at Carling Animal Hospital in Ottawa and her current role as Manager of Clinical Learning and Mentorship with NVA Canada. With a career dedicated to mentoring, teaching, and building sustainable clinic culture, Dr. Clement offers grounded, practical advice that busy practice owners and medical leaders can put into action right away. Let's get into this episode!

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026

Chart a new course for your career at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026, happening live at VMX on January 16 in Orlando. This immersive, one-day experience is crafted for veterinary leaders ready to move beyond theory and put real strategies into play. Expect bold conversations, practical takeaways, and a close-knit group of peers who share your drive to shape the future of veterinary medicine. Attendance is intentionally capped to keep it high-energy and high-impact, secure your place before it’s gone: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/digital_downloads/uncharted-vet-conference-2026

Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025

Lead with clarity, confidence, and connection at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit. This focused, one-day program is built for veterinary supervisors and leads who want to communicate more effectively, manage team stress constructively, and take charge of their role with purpose. Through interactive workshops, hands-on sessions with practical AI tools, and RACE-approved CE, you’ll walk away with actionable skills that make leadership feel less overwhelming and more rewarding. Space is limited to keep the learning personal, sign up now and step into the summit designed just for you. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Dr. Saye Clement is a veterinarian with over 28 years of clinical experience. Aside from stints as an emergency veterinarian and self-employed locum, she spent the majority of her career at Carling Animal Hospital (in Ottawa, Canada) as a Co-Owner, Medical Director and Clinician. In late 2021, she stepped down from her leadership role within the hospital and assumed a role as an associate veterinarian. Outside of practice, she was honored to serve as the Director for Learning for Vet Alliance (an organization which supports independent practices in Canada) and enjoys giving the occasional lecture or workshop. She is passionate about helping others to develop great clinic culture and operational processes, and strives to provide information that can be easily implemented by busy professionals. Her current position is with NVA Canada, as Manager of Clinical Learning and Mentorship, where she is pursuing her passion for the on-going education and development of clinic teams.

Are you struggling to bring doctors on board after a hospital acquisition? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle the challenges of onboarding an acquired hospital, from resistant associates to the cultural shift that comes with moving from independent practice to corporate structure.

They break down how leaders can build trust, create buy-in, and preserve a sense of autonomy while still implementing necessary systems. If you are navigating change in your practice group or considering how to support veterinarians through transitions, this conversation offers practical strategies and a new perspective on making onboarding successful. Let's get into this episode!

Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025

Step into leadership with confidence at the Uncharted Team Leads Summit. This one-day event was designed for veterinary supervisors and team leads who want to strengthen communication, tackle tough conversations, and guide their teams with purpose. You will practice how to handle venting in healthy ways, explore AI tools that actually save time, and clarify your leadership role so it works for you. With small-group workshops, RACE-approved CE, and a supportive network that understands the reality of veterinary leadership, this is your chance to grow without going it alone. Reserve your spot today: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition 2025

If managing money in your practice feels overwhelming, it does not have to stay that way. Join Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition on October 29, 2025, for a highly interactive virtual conference built for veterinary professionals who want clarity around their numbers. Learn how to streamline inventory, price your services with confidence, and set goals that drive your team forward. Through expert-led workshops, peer discussions, and CE credits, you will walk away with practical tools you can implement immediately. Spots are limited, so secure your seat now: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Stephanie's Bio:

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.

Veterinary medicine is evolving faster than ever, and many leaders are struggling with the same challenge: how do you guide your team, embrace technology, and still protect the heart of our profession? In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Dave Nicol, veterinarian, practice owner, and international thought leader on veterinary leadership. Over his 20-year career, Dave has led multi-doctor teams on different continents, owned and managed four practices, and built a reputation for helping veterinary professionals find success and happiness in their work. He is also the founder of the Vet Leadership Academy and host of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where he’s interviewed Olympians, cancer survivors, and some of the most transformative voices in and outside of veterinary medicine.

Andy and Dave dig into the realities of leadership in modern practice: the risks and rewards of technology like AI in veterinary medicine, the generational shift away from “vocation” as a driving force, and how leaders can create practice cultures that actually stick. If you’ve ever worried about your team disengaging, about overreliance on technology, or about how to keep veterinary medicine meaningful in a changing world, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Let’s get into this episode!

Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025

Step into leadership with confidence and clarity. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is designed for veterinary supervisors and team leads who want to improve communication, inspire their staff, and handle tough conversations without burning out. In this hands-on, one-day event, you’ll learn how to take control of your role instead of letting it control you, channel team frustrations productively, and even test out new AI tools for everyday practice challenges. With RACE-approved CE, interactive workshops, and a community of peers who get exactly what you’re going through, this summit will help you grow as a leader and build stronger connections. Secure your spot here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Uncharted Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition

Does your clinic’s money management need a reset? Join us on October 29, 2025, for Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition, a one-day online conference packed with practical strategies to get your practice numbers under control. From inventory management and pricing strategies to setting achievable financial targets, you’ll leave with tools you can put to work immediately. Expert facilitators, small-group discussions, CE credit, and actionable resources make this event the ultimate financial tune-up for busy veterinary leaders. Registration is limited, don’t wait to grab your seat: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

When hospitalized patients don’t have clear veterinary handoffs, treatments get delayed, communication breaks down, and teams end up frustrated. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle one of the most common workflow headaches in veterinary hospitals: who takes ownership of hospitalized cases after day one? They dig into why confusion happens, how it impacts both patient care and client trust, and what leadership can do to put better systems in place. From separating doctor and nursing responsibilities to building buy-in and using rounds effectively, Andy and Stephanie share practical strategies that any hospital can adapt. If you’ve ever felt like your patients were getting “lost in the shuffle,” this conversation will give you clarity and tools to create consistency. Let’s get into this episode!

Are you ready to grow as a leader without feeling like you’re doing it alone? The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is built just for veterinary supervisors and leads who want to build confidence, strengthen communication, and inspire their teams. This one-day interactive event helps you define your role without letting it define you, manage team venting constructively, and explore practical AI tools. Join small-group workshops, earn RACE CE credits, and connect with peers who understand the challenges exactly where you’re at. Register today: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Tired of letting your practice’s financials slip through the cracks? Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition is a one-day, highly interactive virtual conference on October 29, 2025. Learn how to manage inventory efficiently, set pricing that reflects your value, and build financial goals your whole team can rally behind. Featuring expert-led workshops, small group discussions, CE credits, and plenty of real-world tools. This event is your shortcut to putting financial clarity into action. Seats are limited so register now: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.

When you’re stuck working under a difficult veterinary leader, it can feel like the practice culture is unraveling and your team’s future is on the line. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Jenn Galvin dive into a mailbag letter from an office manager grappling with the fallout of a destructive practice owner. Together, they explore the reality of managing up, setting boundaries, deciding when to push for change, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. This conversation brings practical strategies and headspace resets for anyone facing leadership challenges in veterinary medicine. If you’ve ever questioned how to protect your team, your sanity, and your career in a difficult workplace, you won’t want to miss this one. Let’s get into this episode!

Looking for leadership training that actually speaks to veterinary team leads? The Uncharted Team Leads Summit was designed to help supervisors and emerging leaders gain confidence, communicate clearly, and motivate their teams. In this immersive one-day event, you’ll learn how to guide tough conversations, handle staff frustrations in a productive way, and discover how AI can simplify your daily work. Expect hands-on workshops, RACE-approved CE, and peer connections that make leadership feel less lonely. Save your spot today: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Is your clinic ready to get serious about money management? Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition, happening virtually on October 29, 2025, is a one-day conference built to transform how veterinary practices approach financial health. You’ll dive into inventory control, pricing strategies, and goal-setting methods that engage your entire team. With expert presenters, breakout groups, CE opportunities, and practical tools you can use immediately, this event delivers financial confidence you can act on right away. Spots are limited so sign up now: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025

Guest Bio:

I'm a spreadsheet-loving Veterinary Practice Manager with over 25 years of experience in the field. Growing my hospital and helping my team succeed through hard work, positive leadership, and humor is what gets me up in the morning. I'm an introverted inventory nerd that loves bratty beagles, dungeons and dragons, and the outdoors. I love sharing the mistakes I've made, and the things I've learned, with other hospital owners and managers so they can grow their hospitals, teams, and themselves!

When veterinary clinics run on a sink or swim culture, new hires are tossed into the job after just a few days of shadowing and expected to keep pace in a high-pressure environment without the tools or confidence to succeed. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into why this outdated approach persists and how it fuels turnover, burnout, and inconsistent client service. They share practical strategies for building smarter, more supportive onboarding programs that work even when the clinic is short-staffed. From defining what “success” looks like in the first weeks to role-playing real client scenarios, you’ll learn how to create a culture of continuous development that keeps great team members for the long haul.

Lead the Future of AI in Your Veterinary Practice

Artificial intelligence is already part of daily life in veterinary medicine, and team leads are guiding how it is used. At the Team Leads Summit, Maria Pirita will present “Smarter, Safer AI,” an interactive workshop designed to help you use AI effectively and responsibly. Learn how to identify risks, write better prompts, choose reliable tools, and create a clinic culture that embraces innovation while protecting your team and clients. The session is Zoom-friendly and full of real-world veterinary examples you can apply immediately. Register now for the Team Leads Summit at unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events.

Join the Uncharted Community

The Uncharted Veterinary Community is where veterinary professionals come together to learn, connect, and grow. As a member, you gain access to live workshops, on-demand training, discussion groups, and resources designed to help you lead with confidence. Whether you want to strengthen your team, improve client communication, or plan for long-term success, you will find practical tools and a supportive network ready to help. Membership means you are never leading alone. Join today and start exploring at unchartedvet.com/community.

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.

When veterinary professionals can’t afford to work because childcare costs rival their paycheck, the entire clinic feels the impact. This episode tackles one of the most under-discussed yet critical challenges in veterinary medicine: how the lack of childcare support is pushing talented team members out of the field. The result is burnout, high turnover, and lost potential in an industry that already struggles to retain staff. Enter Jenni George, CVPM, co-owner and practice manager of Deerfield Veterinary Clinic in rural New Hampshire. With a passion for leadership and team development, Jenni didn’t just notice the problem, she addressed it head-on by opening a daycare for her team’s children. In this episode, Jenni shares how her clinic created an in-house childcare solution, from licensing questions to liability coverage to tax strategy. She walks us through the real costs, what’s worked, and what other practices can learn from her experience. Whether or not you’re ready to build a daycare, this conversation offers practical ways to better support working parents, reduce turnover, and strengthen your clinic’s culture.

The Future Is Now (and It Needs a Vet Team Lead Like You)

AI isn't coming. It's here. And team leads are on the front lines of deciding how it's used in practice. In her brand-new workshop at the Team Leads Summit, Maria Pirita is peeling back the mystery around artificial intelligence in “Smarter, Safer AI.” If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could actually help with training, communication, or client service, but worried about crossing a line, this session is for you. You’ll learn how to spot red flags, write better prompts, evaluate safe tools, and shape a clinic culture that’s forward-thinking without being reckless. Maria’s goal isn’t to turn you into a tech expert. It’s to help you become a confident, cautious, and creative leader in a rapidly changing world. And yes, it’s Zoom-friendly, interactive, and full of real-world examples that actually make sense for vet med. You’ve already got the leadership instincts. Let’s add the AI strategy. Register now for the Team Leads Summit → unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events

For Uncharted Members: A Workshop That’s All About Appreciation

Not every reward needs to cost a fortune but it does need to matter. In her free Uncharted Community workshop, Rewards for All, Jenni George, CVPM, shares how to build recognition systems that feel personal, practical, and powerful. From spontaneous perks to team-driven challenges, this session is packed with fresh ideas that go beyond pizza parties and gift cards. You'll learn how to make team members feel seen, supported, and excited to show up, even in the hardest seasons. Whether you’re trying to fix burnout, build loyalty, or just boost morale, Jenni will show you how to do it in a way that sticks. Log in to the Community to watch it now → learn.unchartedvet.com

When it comes to animal neglect in veterinary practice, there are rarely black-and-white answers. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a real-world scenario from a practice owner struggling with an ethical disagreement: how to handle a case where an associate vet reported a client for animal neglect, but the owner worried the action could harm the clinic’s relationship with an underserved community. This episode explores how to approach similar situations with intentionality, fostering trust among clients, supporting your veterinary team, and staying true to your practice’s mission.

Find Your VetMed Community

Feeling like you're carrying the weight of the practice on your shoulders? You’re not the only one. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is your go-to space to connect with smart, supportive professionals who understand the pressure. From real talk to practical tools, we’re here to help you build your skills and keep your spark. Ready to stop doing this solo? Start here: learn.unchartedvet.com

This One’s for the Doers

If your to-do list is never-ending and your brain is juggling 12 tabs at once, Get Sht Done* was made for you. This high-energy virtual event is all about taking action. You’ll get expert-led strategies, practical tools, and support from a community that gets what it’s like to lead from the trenches. Whether you're a manager, lead, or just someone who makes things happen, this session is your permission slip to refocus, reset, and move forward. Get the details: learn.unchartedvet.com

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Co-Host Bio:

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.