Unfiltered Vet Discussions

In this video originally captured from a livestream seminar, David McCormick discusses practice ownership, how to manage and build your practice value, and how to plan for the future of your veterinary practice.

In this long-form conversation with Dr. Ken Gorczyca, we discuss his practice A Beloved Farewell, pet end-of-life care, the healing power of art, and the connections between animals, grief, care-giving, community, and healing.

In this episode we take a look at the current state of the industry, including client perceptions, the use of tech and education to communicate effectively, marketing strategies to carry you through a downturn, and strategies to grow revenue.

This episode takes a look at different usages and capabilities of A.I. In a world with so many choices of different A.I. agents to use, how do you evaluate which one is the best for your practice?

This April Fool’s episode takes a real-time look at the veterinary industry after Q1 2026. The group discusses steady but plateauing financial performance, growing capacity limits due to doctor shortages, and the ongoing challenge of workforce distribution—especially in rural and mixed animal practices. While demand for care remains strong, practices are feeling the strain of staffing gaps, rising...

A real conversation about suicide, awareness, and why asking the hard questions can save lives. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Listen/watch: unfilteredvetdiscussions.com

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the idea that everything in life and business is hard—you just have to choose your hard. From leadership and communication to personal growth, they highlight why the most challenging skills often matter most, while also taking a moment to honor Phil and his mother.

In ASSUME, the Unfiltered Vet Discussions panel talks about how assumptions shape communication, teamwork, and client interactions in veterinary medicine. Using funny stories and real examples, they unpack how easy it is to misread people, situations, and intentions—and why clearer communication, vulnerability, and asking questions matter more than jumping to conclusions.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly and Phil talk about what it means to navigate heavy seasons in life. From personal challenges and loss to the everyday weight many people carry, they discuss the importance of self-compassion, asking for help, and focusing on what truly matters. The conversation is a reminder that difficult moments are part of the human experience—and giving you...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel discusses why “less is not more” when it comes to consolidation in the veterinary industry. They explore the potential impact of major distributor mergers, including how fewer options for supplies and services could affect pricing, inventory management, and independent veterinary practices. The conversation also highlights concerns around da...

In this episode, Kelly, Beth, and Peter dig into what “client experience” really means in veterinary medicine—and why it’s become a major differentiator as pet owners pay closer attention to value, communication, and trust. They frame vet med as a service industry delivering healthcare (not the other way around), emphasizing that clients are part of the team and that leadership sets the tone for c...

In this kickoff episode of the Boss Bitch mini-series under Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the conversation centers on what it really means for women to take the first step—especially in male-dominated industries. The panel shares candid stories about being underestimated, dismissed, or softened into first-name familiarity when male counterparts are afforded titles and authority. Through personal exp...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts reflect on a simple but powerful truth: what you do matters, even when you can’t see the impact right away. Through personal stories, leadership experiences, and moments from everyday life, they explore the ripple effect of kindness, presence, and intentional connection. The conversation touches on imposter syndrome, burnout, and feeling inv...

Nearly six years after COVID first disrupted the world, its effects are still shaping veterinary medicine in lasting ways. In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores “long COVID” in the profession—how rapid demand shifts, workforce shortages, rising costs, burnout, and productivity changes continue to impact practices today. From staffing and retention challenges to mentorsh...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how misinterpretation, emotional regulation, and presence can dramatically change outcomes in high-stress situations. Through a powerful real-life case, the conversation highlights how slowing down, questioning assumptions, and leading with empathy can de-escalate fear, support mental health, and create meaningful human connection d...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel dives into the very real impact of “little” behaviors—microaggressions, gossip, and passive-aggressive comments—on veterinary teams and clinic culture. They walk through a real-world situation where venting about coworkers spiraled into a bad mood and a toxic atmosphere, and unpack why so many people are unaware that they’re “being a dick” i...

In “Managing Business Expenses,” the Unfiltered Vet Discussions panel digs into what it really takes to run a veterinary hospital like a business, not a hobby. David breaks down why cost of goods sold and inventory management are still the “number one financial disease,” while Peter challenges owners to stop running blind and start measuring key metrics like the 20/20/20 rule (staff, doctors, COGS...

Beth and David close out the year with a practical, numbers-forward conversation on what veterinary practices should review at year-end and carry into 2026. They break down a simple “effective doctor compensation” check (W-2 vs. production) to validate pay math, spot inequities, and reduce associate turnover risk. They also highlight how routine, short 1:1 check-ins can uncover issues early and st...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel digs into what it really means to “not pour from an empty cup,” especially during high-stress seasons like the holidays. They unpack how extra clinic demands, family expectations, financial pressure, and comparison on social media quietly drain energy—and why many people don’t realize how empty their cup is until they hit a wall. The convers...

This heartfelt episode explores what gratitude looks like in veterinary medicine — from appreciating clients and teammates to honoring the passion that keeps the profession moving forward. The panel reflects on how the field has evolved, highlighting the growing focus on mental health, community support, and shared learning. They discuss the impact of mentorship, the importance of not feeling alon...

This episode dives into addiction—whether it’s alcohol, substances, work, or emotional avoidance. The panel shares real stories of trauma, shame, and recovery, especially within veterinary medicine. They emphasize that hard conversations matter and that support can be offered without judgment. Key resources to help professionals in the veterinary field include: Veterinary Hope Foundation (https://...

Opportunity During a Slow Time,” Kelly, Beth, Jenni, and David unpack why many clinics see a late-year slowdown and how to use it to your advantage. They compare market chatter across the U.S., then share tactics that keep schedules healthy: forecasting seasonal patterns, opening limited, referral-based new-client windows, running lookalike ads, and offering gift certificates to pull demand into Q...

In “The Next Most Important Thing,” Kelly, Beth, and Peter dig into real-world prioritization for veterinarians and small business owners. Beth shares her father’s mantra—“do the next most important thing”—and how it guided her through start-up overwhelm. The trio connects this to triage thinking, resisting “shiny object” distractions, and the “Eat That Frog” idea of tackling the hard task first....

The hosts unpack the line between appreciation and entitlement in vet med, using real stories from Vet Tech Appreciation Week. They discuss why year-round recognition, livable wages, and clear communication about benefits/finances matter more than one-off gifts. The team shares practical tactics—breakdown sheets of total comp, simple cost pie charts, and transparent goals—to build trust and reduce...

From runaway dachshunds to heart-dogs and chaos crews, the team swaps real-life tales that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. Jenni shares sprinting through the woods after a mischievous mini dachshund (and her rescue backstory). Kelly opens up about navigating allergies, behavior, and healing with her doodle, Noah. You’ll also hear about a Yorkie PDA surgery who chose “dad,” Harley the fence-...