Business of Practice Podcast

In this episode, Barb Crabbe, DVM, MA, joined us to discuss the ethics of emergency care in equine veterinary practice. Veterinarians have an ethical duty to provide care to animals, but they must also prioritize their personal health and wellness. Finding that balance is “one of the most difficult things in equine veterinary medicine,” Dr. Crabbe explained, and individuals must make decisions bas...

In this episode, Barb Crabbe, DVM, MA, joined us to discuss how equine veterinarians can use a basic ethical construct to evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas and minimize moral distress. She defined ethical decisions versus ethical dilemmas, shared the work done to upgrade the ethics of veterinary medicine, and more. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This informat...

In this episode, Julie Squires, a certified compassion fatigue specialist and master certified life coach, joined us again to offer advice on silencing your inner critic. Everyone has a voice in their head that is sometimes unkind. Squires said when we take that negative talk to heart, “it becomes what we believe.” Negative thoughts can create feelings that lead to stress and nervous system deregu...

In this episode, Julie Squires, a certified compassion fatigue specialist and master certified life coach, joined us to discuss ways equine veterinarians can build confidence in themselves and others. Self-doubt can lead to stress, decreased adaptability, and anxiety. Squires explained some deliberate steps veterinarians can take to overcome imposter syndrome. She also discussed how mentors can he...

In this episode, Cara Wright, DVM, MS, IVCA, shared the results from four veterinary well-being studies released by Merck Animal Health. These studies have tracked mental health, burnout, and well-being trends among U.S. veterinarians and their teams. Wright reported that 74% of veterinarian respondents are satisfied with their careers. She also shared three factors that are statistically tied to...

In this episode, Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD, owner of Veterinary Business Advisors, Inc., discussed minority equity share offers for equine practice associates. These offers are becoming increasingly common as signing or retention bonuses, often from large corporate practices, but associates usually have very little ability to negotiate the terms. She explained the important questions associates s...

In this episode, Chris Doherty, DVM, MBA, CBV, assistant director of strategic business research and outreach for the AVMA, discussed the current state of the equine veterinary industry. He reviewed data collected from the 2026 AVMA Economic State of the Veterinary Profession report and discussed topics including early-career compensation, veterinary educational debt, average equine associate sala...

In this episode, Kate Hayes, Vice President of Equine Expansion at CareCredit, discussed strategies to help clients afford care during challenging economic times. According to the recent Equine Lifetime of Care Study, 85% of horse owners experience financial stress, especially when faced with unexpected veterinary bills. Hayes said practices that provide clear estimates and payment options to help...

In this episode, Katelyn McCullock, Chief Economist and Director of AVMA’s Economic Division, discussed current economic indicators and what they mean for veterinarians. She talked about trends in consumer spending, credit card delinquencies, mortgage rates, and artificial intelligence. She also discussed the top three things veterinarians need to pay attention to in this economic client. McCulloc...

In this episode, Rebecca (Gimenez) Husted, PhD, discussed what veterinarians can expect when responding to a horse trailer accident. She described common situations and injuries, safe approach methods, necessary equipment, and more. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your convenience. You are urged to consult with your individual...

In this episode, Hailey Mueller, DVM, and Katelyn Jaqueway, DVM, joined us to discuss their experiences with the USDA Rural Veterinary Services Grant Program. The purpose of the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) is to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services. Rural Practice Enhancement (RPE) grants are for establishing or expanding veterinary practices by equ...

In this episode, Zach Loppnow, DVM, shared the results from a recent survey of early-career equine veterinarians conducted by the AAEP Early Career Committee in June 2025. Respondents were AAEP members who graduated from 2015-2024. Loppnow discussed some common pain points the survey revealed and other relevant insights. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This inform...

In this episode, 2026 AAEP President Sarah Reuss, VMD, DACVIM, joined us to discuss her goals for her term and what she believes are the biggest challenges facing the profession. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your convenience. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. B...

In this episode, Dr. Amy Grice discusses some highlights from the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in Denver, Colorado. As always, the meeting had many interesting presentations, from the opening session to the Business News Hour to important panel discussions. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your c...

In this episode, Ann Dwyer, DVM, and Brad Dygert, DVM, joined us to discuss their lives after retirement from equine practice. After long and successful careers in veterinary medicine, they have both explored new passions in retirement. Dr. Dwyer has continued writing and speaking, educating doctors both regionally and nationally. She also does clinical research at UC Davis. Dr. Dygert is passiona...

In this episode, practice owner Hailey Mueller, DVM, talked about her experiences utilizing licensed technicians to their fullest potential. She recommended increasing trust, providing supportive training, and empowering staff to grow. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your convenience. You are urged to consult with your individ...

In this episode, 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners president Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, joined us to discuss what the organization has been working on this year and how his priorities have shaped the progress.   The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your convenience. You are urged to consult with yo...

In this episode, Laura Javsicas, VMD, DACVIM, and Anna Hood, DVM, CVMMP, joined us to discuss maternity leave policies in equine practice. Both guests are practice owners who have taken maternity leave and managed employees who have taken maternity leave. They shared their thoughts about the importance of paid leave, offering flexibility for associates after giving birth, and optimizing communicat...

In this episode, Rachel Liepman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (LAIM), talked about her experience creating a brand identity for her practice, EquIMed Equine Veterinary Services, in Carefree, Arizona. She described the process of creating a logo and tagline, shared how having a strong brand identity allowed her to attract the right clients to her practice, and explained how she navigated starting a solo practic...

In this episode, Drs. Kim Allshouse, DVM, and Kyle Clark, VMD, joined us to discuss alternative track residencies. Both guests gained experience in general practice before deciding to specialize. After being out of academia for years, they each decided to pursue an alternative track residency while continuing to practice. In the episode, both veterinarians describe their biggest challenges with pu...

In this episode, Jeff Blea, DVM, joined us to discuss the dangers of medical records that don’t measure up to state regulations. He emphasized the need for complete, factual, accurate, and contemporaneous medical records, as well as the importance of being familiar with your state’s Veterinary Practice Act. He also said that technology, technicians, and templates can increase efficiency when creat...

In this episode, Fred Nostrant, DVM, shared his experience serving as a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Team Veterinarian. In this role, Nostrant has had the opportunity to travel around the world and care for top sport horses. He talked about his typical competition routine, travel arrangements for horses and humans, challenges he has encountered on the job, and his favorite memories....

In this episode, Dr. Martha Mallicote discusses educational loan planning in light of recent changes to federal loan policies. The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit. This information is shared solely for your convenience. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. Business of Practice Podcast Hosts, Guests, and Links...

In this episode, Jesse Tyma, DVM, DACVS, shared her perspectives on people-pleasing as an equine veterinarian. She explained that people-pleasing is often rooted in fear and is a learned behavior. She offered suggestions for overcoming your people-pleasing tendencies and reflected on how she manages conflicts and difficult conversations as a people-pleaser. The Business of Practice podcast is brou...

In this episode, Dr. Jim Zeliff, DVM, MBA, joined us to discuss the emergence of mid-level veterinary practitioners. In November 2024, Colorado voters passed Proposition 129, creating a “veterinary professional associate” position. After two years of training and certification, these associates would be able to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The AVMA...