Veterinary Innovation Podcast

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with Dr. Kemba Marshall, veterinarian, DEI expert, and author of "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine", to explore how psychological safety — the #1 trait of high-performing teams and the focus of the P chapter of her new book — drives innovation, improves patient care, and reduces burnout.

Dr. Marshall shares real-life examples of how inclusive environments lead to smarter diagnostics, stronger teams, and better patient outcomes. Discover why DEI isn't just about who you hire — it's about saving animal lives and fulfilling the veterinary oath.

Learn more about "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine" by Kemba Marshall.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Andy Bond from BestyBnB, a tech platform providing confidential, in-home pet care during crisis situations. Andy shares how they've created a "HIPAA-compliant Airbnb for pets" supporting pet owners facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, or housing issues by partnering with social service agencies and animal welfare organizations to keep people and pets safe and together.

Learn more about BestyBnB.

Andy recommends ACQUIRED - Mars Inc. (the chocolate story): The Complete History & Strategy of Mars Inc.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Kristin Welch, the founder of DVM STAT Consulting, for a deep dive into how teleconsultation is transforming access to specialty care in veterinary medicine.

They explore the unique benefits of doctor-to-doctor virtual consultations, how AI is being used to streamline the review of complex medical records, and how her team of board-certified specialists is providing real-time, high-touch clinical support to general practitioners, emergency clinics, and even other specialty hospitals — 24/7.

Learn more about DVM STAT Consulting.

Dr. Welch recommends "The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About" by Mel Robbins, Sawyer Robbins.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini from Serenity Vet, a new relief platform that uniquely combines a marketplace connecting veterinarians with employers and a business suite featuring financial planning tools for both. They discuss why relief work is growing, how Serenity Vet differentiates itself with features like the clinic profitability calculator and scheduling tools to prevent burnout, and AI-driven predictability for shift fulfillment.

Learn more about Serenity Vet.

Dr. Andrew Ciccolini recommends "Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers (Collins Business Essentials)" by Geoffrey A. Moore.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Chuck Rich from Greysteel to discuss current trends in veterinary real estate, including the sale-leaseback model, navigating corporate acquisitions, and strategies for practice owners to unlock equity and plan for retirement or expansion.

Learn more about GreySteel.

Chuck Rich recommends "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Ryan Salvino, the co-founder of VetTalk Software, about their automated client education system that integrates with veterinary practice management systems. Ryan shares how VetTalk improves compliance, reduces staff workload, and ensures better pet care through pre and post-appointment educational care plans.

Learn more about VetTalk.

Ryan Salvino recommends "Attack the Day: Kirby Smart and Georgia's Return to Glory" by Seth Emerson.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Emily Hubbard, the Chief Medical Officer at Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), to talk about fostering healthy communication, conflict resolution, and leadership in veterinary practices. Dr. Hubbard shares how VIP supports autonomy, empowers hospital teams, and advances the veterinary field through innovation.

Learn more about Veterinary Innovative Partners.

Dr. Emily Hubbard recommends focusing on one's own mental health.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by Dr. Rory Lubold, Founder of Affordable Pet Labs, a company dedicated to making diagnostic testing more accessible and affordable for pet owners nationwide. They discuss breaking barriers to veterinary care — both in terms of cost and accessibility — and how their in-home blood collection and at-home testing kits benefit pet owners and veterinarians alike.

Learn more about Affordable Pet Labs.

Dr. Rory Lubold recommends "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life" by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Aoife Caulfield, Partnerships and Acquisitions Lead at Village Vets Ireland, to talk about building partnerships, challenges of consolidating practices, innovative practice ownership models, and the future of veterinary in Ireland. She also shared insights on the importance of leadership, networking, and aligning with like-minded partners for sustainable growth.

Learn more about Village Vets.

Aoife Caulfield recommends events like London Vet Show.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak are joined by Suvi Irvine, Clinical Development Manager at Blue River PetCare, to discuss how AI innovations provide a path forward to increasing efficiency, reducing burnout, and improving care access without compromising staff well-being.

Learn more about Blue River PetCare.

Suvi Irvine recommends YouTube - AI Creativity: Genius or Gimmick?