The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Andy Roark
The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

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. 3D AGO

    321 - How To Build a Behavior Practice when You're a Technician

    Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about how veterinary technicians can build a career in behavior. She shares her journey from general practice to launching Chirrups and Chatter, the challenges she faced, and the steps she took to advocate for herself and establish a successful behavior consulting business. They discuss imposter syndrome, career growth, and why behavior is an essential part of veterinary medicine. Gang, let’s get into this episode.Chirrups and Chatter (https://chirrupsandchatter.com/)Tabitha Kucera on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chirrupsandchatter/?hl=en)Tails From A Vet Tech Podcast (https://tailsfromrvt.buzzsprout.com/)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech. Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills.  Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work. \n 3 fun facts:Im an ultra trail runner Im vegan Im a tattoo and hair color euthusiast

    13 min
  2. MAR 20

    320 - Mentoring Spectrum of Care

    Dr. Kate Boatright joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to discuss how new veterinary graduates can sometimes be perceived as money-hungry, not because they are, but because they lack confidence in case management and lean heavily on full diagnostic workups. She and Dr. Andy Roark explore how vet school training, imposter syndrome, and communication challenges contribute to this perception. They dive into the importance of spectrum of care, mentorship strategies for guiding young doctors, and how clinicians can balance thorough medicine with client trust. Whether you're a new grad, a mentor, or someone passionate about communication in veterinary practice, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Blog: https://writetheboat.com/ (https://writetheboat.com/)Kate Boatright on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboatrightvmd)Medical Director Summit (https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/medical-director-summit)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)Guest Bio: Dr. Kate Boatright has been in small animal practice since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. After nearly 8 years of full time practice in both general practice and emergency clinics, she moved to part-time clinical work to pursue her passion for educating veterinary professionals as a freelance speaker and author. Dr. Boatright enjoys discussing mentorship, the unique challenges facing recent graduates, wellness, and the spectrum of care. She believes deeply in the role of organized veterinary medicine and holds leadership positions in the AVMA and her local and state VMAs. She is a former national officer of the VBMA and was a founding member of the VBMA Alumni. In her remaining time, she stays busy chasing her toddler, running, reading, and watching movies with her husband and cats.Fun facts: 1. Pizza is my favorite food. I prefer pineapple pizza which i know is a polarizing choice! 2. I love Disney movies and have run half marathons at Disney 3 times, plus a 10-miler in April 2025. 3. I love learning and am considered a "CE junkie" by my colleagues

    10 min
  3. MAR 13

    319 - Why Do You Want to be AVMA President?

    Dr. Jen Quammen joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to discuss her candidacy for AVMA President-Elect and why she’s stepping up to lead the profession. In this episode, she and Dr. Andy Roark explore what it takes to run for AVMA leadership, the changes she hopes to bring—like expanding membership to include credentialed veterinary technicians—and the challenges of guiding a large, public-facing organization. They dive into the AVMA’s evolution, the importance of diverse representation, and how veterinary professionals can get involved without overwhelming commitments. If you’ve ever wondered what the AVMA does, where it’s headed, or how leadership decisions are made, this conversation is a must-listen.Jen Quammen: https://jenquammen.com/ (https://jenquammen.com/)Jen Quammen on LinkedIn (https://jenquammen.com/)Volunteer at AVMA (https://www.avma.org/membership/volunteering-avma)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)Guest Bio:I am a practicing veterinarian and influencer of Digital Transformation within the Veterinary Medical Profession. I have extensive experience in small animal medicine, surgery and telehealth. harnessing and creating team harmony using emotional intelligence (EQ), change management and kickstarting new projects. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking and traveling.

    10 min
  4. MAR 6

    318 - Lessons Learned Teaching Vets Dentistry

    Dr. Donnell Hanson joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to share her passion for helping veterinarians overcome their fear of dentistry through her unique training center, The Four Legged Tooth Fairy. In this episode, Dr. Hanson and Dr. Andy Roark explore why dentistry can be such a source of stress for veterinarians, the most common roadblocks that hold doctors back, and how a hands-on, supportive approach can transform anxiety into confidence. They discuss the role of mentorship, repetition, and small group learning in making dentistry feel more like "arts and crafts" than a high-stakes procedure. Whether you're a seasoned vet looking to refine your skills or someone who dreads dental cases, this episode offers insights into the power of training, mindset, and learning in a judgment-free environment. Tune in for a refreshing take on veterinary education and personal growth!Four Legged Tooth Fairyhttps://fourleggedtoothfairy.com/Dr. Know-It-All Card Gamehttps://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Coursehttps://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shophttp://drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Donnell Hansen, a Minnesota native, and a small group of friends joined together to form the Moxie Center (which was the first hospital to be now known as BluePearl) in Minnesota’s twin cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Although her daily life is spent in specialty care, in 2011, her and her husband, also a veterinarian, opened Rice Creek Animal Hospital which provides a little balance and perspective about life in family practice. In 2019, Donnell developed Four Legged Tooth Fairy, an interactive small group conference center for the veterinary community to enhance their patient health, practice health, and mental health through veterinary dentistry. Dr. Hansen’s special interest in maxillofacial surgery, however the truth is, she loves the whole darn gig… especially when she gets to share the fun of veterinary dentistry with others!

    14 min
  5. FEB 27

    317 - Resilience and Recovery from Patient Safety Events

    Dr. Rochelle Low joins us to discuss resilience and recovery from patient safety events. On this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Rochelle Low explore what patient safety events are and how they impact veterinary professionals. They discuss the critical role of psychological safety, strong leadership, and a culture of trust in helping teams learn, adapt, and heal when things go wrong. Dr. Low shares insights from her recent JAVMA study, breaking down the emotional and professional toll of medical errors, the importance of peer and leadership support, and how veterinary teams can create a safer, more open environment for learning from mistakes. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for veterinarians, technicians, and hospital leaders alike. Let’s get into it!Links:Article: Personal resilience, good leadership, and a psychologically safe culture play a mitigating role on the impact of patient safety events (https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.24.09.0620/javma.24.09.0620.xml)Dr. Rochelle Low on Instagram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-low-53ab0091)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)Guest Bio:Dr. Rochelle Low, DVM, MaS, MHL, is the Global VP of Quality and Patient Safety for Mars Veterinary Health. Originally from Victoria, Canada, she earned her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and completed a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angel Memorial in Boston. She later pursued a Master’s of Applied Science in Quality and Patient Safety at Johns Hopkins and a Master’s of Healthcare Leadership at Brown University.Dr. Low spent 14 years as a medical leader for VCA Inc., focusing on quality, patient safety, and patient care, where she recognized the critical impact of hospital culture and nursing empowerment on patient outcomes. Currently, she is dedicated to building a culture of safety across MVH hospitals by implementing a global patient safety event reporting system and collaborating with Johns Hopkins to integrate team training and safety programs like TeamStepps.She now lives on a small farm in Bend, Oregon, where she enjoys hiking, surfing, and skiing with her four pitties, two horses, two alpacas, four sheep, five mini-donkeys, and plenty of chickens.

    24 min
  6. FEB 20

    316 - Should You Still Have Torb On Your Shelf?

    Veterinary anesthesia expert Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) joins The Cone of Shame Podcast with Dr. Andy Roark to break down the role of butorphanol (Torb) in veterinary practice today. They dive into its sedative vs. analgesic properties, when it shines, and when it falls short, especially in pain management. Tasha explains opioid receptor interactions, how to think critically about using butorphanol in different cases, and why it might still deserve a spot on your clinic’s shelf. Plus, they discuss Tasha’s new book, "Pain Management for Vet Techs and Nurses," and the upcoming Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Symposium. If you’ve ever wondered, "Do I still need Torb?" This episode is for you! Let’s get into it.LINKSVeterinary Anesthesia Nerds (https://www.veterinaryanesthesianerds.com/)Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses (https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Management-Veterinary-Technicians-Nurses/dp/1119892384)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)ABOUT OUR GUESTTasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) has been dedicated to the field of veterinary anesthesia and surgery since earning her CVT in 2005. She became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2013 and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia & Analgesia in 2015, solidifying her expertise in pain management and perioperative care.Tasha is a respected speaker on anesthesia and pain management, presenting at veterinary conferences around the world. She has authored numerous articles and blogs, sharing her knowledge to improve patient comfort and safety. In 2013, she founded Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, a thriving online community with over 65,000 members committed to advancing anesthesia and pain management practices.When she’s not in the clinic or on stage, Tasha enjoys tackling home renovation projects on her 1920s fixer-upper, inspired by an ever-growing collection of YouTube tutorials. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, one exceptionally well-behaved cat, and one... less cooperative feline.

    21 min
  7. FEB 13

    315 - Oral Tumors: Aspirate, Biopsy or Just Take It Off? (HDYTT)

    Dr. Donnell Hansen joins The Cone of Shame Podcast with Dr. Andy Roark to discuss oral tumors in dog. Together they discuss how to recognize them, when to biopsy, and how to talk to pet owners about what comes next. Dr. Hansen breaks down the diagnostic process, explains when a fine needle aspirate won’t cut it, and shares best practices for pain management and treatment options. She also dives into the importance of setting client expectations and how to approach these cases with both confidence and compassion. Let’s get into this episode.LINKSFour Legged Tooth Fairy:https://fourleggedtoothfairy.com/Dr. Know-It-All Card Game:https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course:http://drandyroark.com/shopDr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shophttp://drandyroark.com/shopAll Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoarkDr. Donnell Hansen, a Minnesota native, and a small group of friends joined together to form the Moxie Center (which was the first hospital to be now known as BluePearl) in Minnesota’s twin cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Although her daily life is spent in specialty care, in 2011, her and her husband, also a veterinarian, opened Rice Creek Animal Hospital which provides a little balance and perspective about life in family practice. In 2019, Donnell developed Four Legged Tooth Fairy, an interactive small group conference center for the veterinary community to enhance their patient health, practice health, and mental health through veterinary dentistry. Dr. Hansen’s special interest in maxillofacial surgery, however the truth is, she loves the whole darn gig… especially when she gets to share the fun of veterinary dentistry with others!

    19 min
  8. FEB 6

    314 - HOF: Causes and Treatments for Hypoglycemia in Dogs (HDYTT)

    Dr. Andrew Woolcock, internist at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, returns to the Cone of Shame podcast to discuss the metabolic phenomenon of hypoglycemia in dogs. In this insightful Hall of Fame episode, Dr. Woolcock and Dr. Andy Roark break down the common causes of hypoglycemia, diagnostic approaches, and effective treatment strategies for both young and older dogs. This episode also highlights emergency stabilization protocols, including when and how to administer dextrose supplementation effectively, as well as the role of nutritional management in preventing recurrent episodes. Dr. Woolcock’s expertise offers actionable insights to help veterinary teams confidently manage hypoglycemia in canine patients. Let’s get into this episode! LINKS: Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitor (https://www.freestylelibre.us/)Critical Care Textbooks for Veterinarians (https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Critical+Care+Veterinary+Books)Nutritional Management Resources (https://www.acvn.org/)Dr. Know-It-All Card Game (https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/)Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course (https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/)Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop (http://drandyroark.com/shop)All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark (http://linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark)ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Woolcock is a veterinary internist. He’s from the Midwest and did his schooling at Michigan State University, where he graduated with his DVM. After an internship at North Carolina State University, Dr. Woolcock completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Georgia. He joined the faculty at Purdue University in 2015, and is currently an Associate Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Woolcock loves the complex puzzles that internal medicine patients present, and loves working with students as they put the pieces together. He loves all-things-medicine, because physiology is so fascinating, but he especially gravitates toward immune-mediated diseases and endocrinology. Dr. Woolcock enjoys his clinical practice, but also his research in oxidative stress, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. When he’s not at work, Dr. Woolcock is likely watching old movies with his husband and their dog, Auggie (not sure of what breed he is, so they invented one for him – a Miniature Fluftoffee).

    16 min
    4.9
    out of 5
    170 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.

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