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. Dave’s perspective is rooted in his core belief that everyone in this industry deserves to thrive and he’s spent his career building systems, tools, and frameworks that make that possible for vets, nurses, practice owners, and even CEOs of multimillion-dollar businesses. 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.

In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a tough question from a practice leader: Can you coach a slow veterinary technician to keep up with the pace of the team, or is it time to part ways? Coaching slow veterinary technicians is a nuanced challenge. You want to support a valued team member while also ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining morale, and delivering excellent client care. This episode explores how veterinary leaders can thoughtfully approach this delicate situation with a balance of compassion and practicality.

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

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. Stephanie is currently the [Insert made up title here] for Uncharted Veterinary Conference.

Is AI in veterinary practice making your clinic smarter, or setting you up for trouble? Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita, CVPM, tackle an associate veterinarian’s concerns about how fast their clinic is adopting AI, from scribes to client emails to appointment scheduling, and what that means for quality, trust, and team culture. If you’ve ever felt torn between embracing innovation and maintaining control, this conversation offers clarity, insight, and actionable steps to strike the right balance.

Veterinary Team Leads: Confident Leadership Starts Here

When change hits your veterinary practice, your team looks to their leads for direction. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025 gives your leads the leadership skills, communication tools, and confidence to navigate uncertainty, whether it’s new technology, tough conversations, or shifting team dynamics. This one-day, live virtual event is built just for veterinary team leads to help them thrive in their unique role. They’ll connect with peers, learn practical strategies for managing change, and leave ready to lead with clarity and calm. Don’t let uncertainty hold your team back, set your leaders up for success! Details here: learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025

Veterinary Professionals: Turn Ideas Into Action

Tired of feeling stuck in the same old routines at your veterinary practice? The Uncharted Get Sh*t Done Conference 2025 is a one-day, live virtual event designed to help veterinary professionals finally move their big ideas forward. Whether you’re tackling practice improvements, personal growth, or team initiatives, this conference helps you break through roadblocks with step-by-step planning, peer support, and accountability. Stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress in your veterinary career. Get all the details here: learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025

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

Maria Pirita is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional and former hospital administrator. In her work with Uncharted Veterinary Conference and beyond, Maria has presented to veterinarians and teams across the US and Canada on topics including veterinary marketing, feedback, team building, and positive work culture. With over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine and over 20 years in leadership, she's passionate helping leaders develop their skills. Maria loves any activity that involves creativity or learning something new. This leads to an abundance of hobbies including crafting, traveling, cooking and aviation.

Starting a new veterinary practice is an exciting and rare opportunity to build something truly your own. In this Hall of Fame episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss take on a powerful listener question: How can you maximize efficiency and still provide high quality low stress veterinary care? The conversation quickly turns into a masterclass on designing practice culture, client experience, and team expectations from the ground up. This episode has become one of the most cited and shared episodes in Uncharted history. It’s packed with wisdom for practice owners, managers, and veterinary leaders seeking to create something meaningful, not just replicating what already exists.

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

When you're running a veterinary practice, especially a mobile or specialty service, one challenge is almost guaranteed to show up at your front desk: price shoppers. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita tackle the nuanced topic of how to train your client service representative (CSR) to handle pricing conversations with confidence, professionalism, and compassion. This episode is packed with practical coaching advice, actionable training steps, and a hearty reminder that your team shouldn't feel pressured to apologize for the cost of care. Whether you're a new practice owner or a seasoned leader, this episode breaks down what to say, what not to say, and how to support your CSR in delivering a clear, value-based message to every caller. Let’s explore the mindset and tools your team needs to turn awkward price questions into trust-building moments with potential clients.

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 workshop 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