The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Andy Roark
  • 4.9 (173)
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The Cone of Shame Podcast is the podcast all about life in Veterinary Medicine. Dr Andy Roark covers medical related topics with help from experts in the veterinary industry.

  1. 6D AGO

    379 - Access to Vet Care

    Simon F. Haeder, PhD is an associate professor of public health at The Ohio State University, and jumps in with a question every clinic feels right now, how easy is it really for pet owners to get veterinary care? Using a massive secret shopper study, Simon shares what thousands of calls to clinics reveal about preventive care appointments, rural versus urban access, and what wait times actually look like across the country. Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Simon Haeder unpack what this means for practices, pet families, and the bigger picture of veterinary access to care, plus they explore how clinics are responding to rising vaccine hesitancy in pets. You will walk away thinking differently about supply, demand, client expectations, and where our profession might need to head next. If you like practical conversations that zoom out and help you see the whole field a little clearer, this one is pure brain food. Gang, let’s get into this episode! LINKS Simon Haeder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-haeder-4526bb10/ The Ohio State University Faculty Page: https://cph.osu.edu/people/haeder1 Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark ABOUT OUR GUEST Simon F. Haeder an Associate Professor in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on access to health and health-protective services for both humans and pets with a focus on administrative burden, provider networks, vaccinations, and school-based health services as well as the regulatory process. He is the recipient of the David Kline Jones Distinguished Scholar Award and has served as a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program.

    8 min

  2. JAN 29

    378 - Everything Is Gross and They're Doing It Wrong

    Dr. Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DACVS, boarded surgical oncologist, author, podcaster, and stand up comedian, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a candid, funny, and slightly unhinged conversation that started with a text message and turned into a full blown existential check on veterinary medicine. Ever feel like the system is just a little… off? From commission based pay and buried service fees to corporate pressures and the emotional tax of modern practice, Andy and Sarah dig into why so many vets feel icky about how medicine is monetized right now. You will hear honest reflections on compensation models, professional values, burnout, and what happens when productivity becomes the only thing that counts. Expect laughs, deep truth, and that comforting feeling of realizing you are not the only one thinking, “Wait… are we doing this wrong?” Gang, let’s get into this episode! Dr. Sarah Boston IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahboston/?hl=en Comedicine Podcast: https://www.drsarahboston.com/comedicine-podcast Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/ Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark Dr. Sarah Boston is a veterinary surgical oncologist who is an ACVS board certified small animal surgeon and an ACVS Founding Fellow of both Surgical Oncology and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. She practices with VCA Canada in the Toronto area. Up until recently, she has spent most of her career in academia as a tenured faculty member at both the University of Guelph and the University of Florida. Dr Boston is also a best-selling author of the book, Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved my Life and one of the creators of The Cageliner, a satirical online newspaper for veterinary professionals that she is currently woefully neglecting. She is also a stand up comedian and in spring 2023, she graduated from the Humber College Comedy Performance and Writing Program. She is the host of the podcast Comedicine, where she interview healthcare professionals who are also comedians. She is a nerd. She believes that we all need to laugh more.

    10 min

  3. JAN 22

    377 - What's Really Happening When We Use AI Scribes?

    Dr. Aaron Massecar, PhD, is back, and if you have ever wondered whether AI scribes are actually helping or quietly creating new problems, this episode is for you. Andy and Aaron dig into what the human medical literature really says about AI scribes, beyond the hype and sales pitches. They talk about reduced administrative burden, better medical records, improved client connection, and why burnout prevention may be the biggest win of all. This is a thoughtful, nerdy, big-idea conversation about how AI scribes could reshape veterinary medicine, for better or worse, and what veterinarians should be paying attention to right now. You will walk away feeling more informed, more grounded, and better prepared to use this technology wisely. Gang, let’s get into this episode! Dr. Aaron Massecar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-massecar/ Substack: https://drandyroark.substack.com/ Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark Dr. Aaron Mast, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Veterinary Innovation Council. He previously served as Vice President of Education at VEG, Assistant Director of Continuing Education at Colorado State University, and Adjunct Instructor at Texas A&M University. He helped build the Veterinary Innovation Summit and the Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy, and taught philosophy at the college level in Canada for five years. Outside of veterinary medicine, Aaron is an avid endurance cyclist who recently completed a 127-mile gravel race in Iceland and is preparing for a 200-mile gravel race from Moab, Utah to Fruita, Colorado.

    13 min

  4. JAN 19

    376 - Treating Feline Osteoarthritis (HDYTT)

    Dr. Michael Jaffe, DVM, DACVS, associate professor of small animal surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a problem hiding in plain sight, feline osteoarthritis. If you have ever thought cats just “slow down with age,” this episode will challenge that assumption fast. Andy gets candid about how often OA is missed in cats compared to dogs, and Michael breaks down why feline arthritis shows up as subtle behavior changes rather than obvious limping. They dig into what to ask cat owners, what to look for on physical exams, and how common arthritis truly is, even in middle-aged cats. Gang, let’s get into this episode! This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition! Hill's New Feline Metabolic + Mobility: https://assets.mediafly.com/wl/ccd258 Hill's Vet Hill's Veterinary Academy Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag All Links Dr. Michael Jaffe is an Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship in companion animal medicine and surgery, followed by a small animal surgical residency at Louisiana State University. He earned his Master’s degree and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Jaffe practiced in specialty hospitals in Bloomfield Hills, MI; Mesa, AZ; and Glendale, AZ. He joined academia as a founding faculty member at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on stem cells and exosomes in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries.

    12 min

  5. JAN 15

    375 - Is It Time to Let Your Relief Vet Go? The Veterinary Recession is Here

    Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary member practices. Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians. From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies. Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.

    12 min

  6. JAN 8

    374 - Training Veterinarians To Do More With Less

    Dr. Sheena Warman and Dr. Kristin Jankowski sit down with Dr. Andy Roark to confront a growing challenge in vet med. We are graduating veterinarians who can recite the gold standard, but many feel unprepared for the realities of practice where finances, time, and access shape what care is possible. If you have ever struggled to balance what the textbook recommends with what your client can actually do, this episode hits home. Andy digs into why Spectrum of Care is changing how vet schools teach clinical reasoning, how students can build confidence without leaning on specialists or high tech solutions, and why golden outcomes matter more than gold standards. Gang, let’s get into this episode! Spectrum of Care Initiative: AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative - AAVMC Bristol Veterinary School IG: https://www.instagram.com/bristol_veterinary_school/?hl=en Sheena Warman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-warman-36a47a34 Open Door Veterinary Collective: https://opendoorconsults.org RCVS Knowledge Contextualized Care Resources: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP, is the Director of Veterinary Services at Open Door Veterinary Collective and an affiliate of the UC Davis One Health Institute. Passionate about veterinary education, she advocates for the Spectrum of Care (SOC) curriculum in institutions across North America, the UK, and Europe, aiming to inspire future veterinarians. From 2020 to 2023, she served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Small Animal Primary Care at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and was also an Access to Veterinary Care clinician. Additionally, she directed the Knights Landing One Health Clinic during this period. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, Dr. Jankowski has primarily dedicated her career to general practice, while also gaining experience in rehabilitation settings and founding One Health Delaware. She holds a certification in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee (2014) and completed Purdue University's Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine (2021). Since 2023, she has actively participated in the AAVMC’s Spectrum of Care Initiative. Her research focuses on developing SOC training for veterinary students and practitioners, enhancing educational experiences and professional readiness. Dr. Jankowski has presented internationally on the importance of SOC training, emphasizing compassionate and contextualized care for all pets and their families.  Sheena is Professor of Veterinary Education and Deputy Head of School at Bristol Veterinary School in the UK. She has extensive clinical and educational experience across a range of primary care, referral and academic settings. Sheena co-leads the AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative, and is passionate about ensuring our veterinary students are effectively prepared for their future professional careers.

    15 min

  7. JAN 1

    373 - 2025 Post Mortem & Predicting 2026

    Ryan Leech, founder and host of The Bird Bath podcast and principal at First 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting, joins Dr. Andy Roark for their annual year end tradition, breaking down the biggest veterinary industry stories of 2025 and what they mean for 2026. Feeling whiplash from corporate consolidation, tightening budgets, AI everywhere, and practices wondering what comes next? You are not alone. Andy and Ryan unpack what they call “the great compression,” from private equity shifts and practice group shutdowns to leadership changes at major players, all while keeping it light, honest, and very real. They also dig into the rapid rise of AI scribes, why they are more than just note takers, and how artificial intelligence could fundamentally change how practices use data without blowing up day to day medicine. You will walk away with clarity, perspective, and a better sense of how to think strategically about the future of veterinary medicine, plus a few laughs along the way. Gang, let’s get into this episode! LINKS The Bird Bath: https://www.thebirdbath.io First 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting: https://www.first100.io Ryan Leech on TikTok Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/ Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark ABOUT OUR GUEST Ryan Leech is a growth consultant and speaker who helps veterinary businesses navigate change and capture new opportunities. He hosts The Bird Bath, a weekly podcast exploring pet health trends, industry news, and insights. Previously, Ryan held key roles in business development and partnerships at leading veterinary organizations including Digitail, Galaxy Vets, and Veterinary Integration Solutions.

    10 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    372 - Lessons Learned in 2025

    Dr. Andy Roark, DVM, MS tackles one of the trickiest leadership challenges out there, showing up strong when things do not go according to plan. Ever walked out of a meeting or presentation thinking, well that was rough? Kelsey Beth Carpenter joins us as Andy breaks down why those moments matter more than we think, how leaders build credibility through adaptability, and why owning ambiguity is a core leadership skill. This episode dives into executive presence, audience awareness, and the art of engaging people even when the format, timing, or tech falls apart. You will walk away feeling validated if leadership sometimes feels messy, more confident navigating high pressure situations, and equipped with practical ways to connect, influence, and lead with intention. If you care about leadership development, communication skills, and building trust in veterinary medicine, this one is for you. Gang, let’s get into this episode! Kelsey Beth Carpenter on IG Dr. Andy Roark on LinkedIn Uncharted Veterinary Podcast Uncharted Leadership Academy & Community Dr. Know-It-All Card Game Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Course Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark Kelsey Beth Carpenter is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience working in emergency hospitals across California. She currently works as the Social Media Manager for DrAndyRoark.com and a Content Specialist for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Some of Kelsey’s passions include the open hospital concept, the power of creativity and humor, the overlap of science and art, and sharing lessons learned from living life with chronic illness. Kelsey is probably most known for two of her favorite hobbies: writing and performing comedic songs about veterinary medicine and acting as a full time stage mom for her Chihuahua mix, Birdie.

    20 min
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4.9
out of 5
173 Ratings

About

The Cone of Shame Podcast is the podcast all about life in Veterinary Medicine. Dr Andy Roark covers medical related topics with help from experts in the veterinary industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Andy Roark
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

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