Unfiltered Vet Discussions

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the future of veterinary medicine with Jules Benson, chair of the Veterinary Innovation Council. They discuss the council’s focus on AI in radiology and scribing, improving practice efficiency, and the financial impact of pet care on pet acquisition. The conversation highlights the importance of client trust, high-touch care, and sus...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the transformative concept behind the book Let Them and how it can shift your perspective in both personal and professional settings. Drawing inspiration from author Mel Robbins, they reflect on what it means to release control, embrace emotional boundaries, and focus on what truly matters. Through honest discussion, the panel share...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the impact of adding a new team member to a veterinary practice. They discuss the importance of effective onboarding, with an emphasis on structured processes, training teams, and proficiency checklists. The panel shares different approaches, including shadowing and staged integration, to ensure a smooth transition. They also tackle...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel delves into operational efficiency in veterinary practices, focusing on improving appointment processes. They discuss the challenges of appointment flow, emphasizing the need for better team coordination and resource integration. The conversation highlights the importance of starting with the end goal in mind when creating efficient processe...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the rising costs of veterinary care and its impact on both pet owners and practices. They discuss the challenges of adjusting fees to reflect increasing costs, including employee raises and vendor markups, while also addressing the lack of insurance subsidies for pet care. The conversation emphasizes that pet owners are often focuse...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the economic shifts impacting veterinary medicine, focusing on VCA’s decision to close 17 urgent care facilities. They discuss the decline in transactions and revenue, signaling a potential tipping point for hospital sustainability. The conversation highlights how post-COVID capacity improvements have enabled general practices to ab...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts dive into the complexities of communication and emotional responses, both in everyday life and within the veterinary profession. They explore how personal stories and perceptions shape reactions, the importance of pausing before responding, and the psychological toll of handling difficult client interactions. The discussion highlights the ne...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the power of knowing your audience—whether you're Disney, LEGO, or a veterinary practice. They discuss how businesses that deeply understand their customers create lifelong loyalty and how veterinary hospitals can apply the same principles to attract and retain the right clients. From tailoring communication methods to identifyin...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores leadership, resilience, and teamwork through the incredible story of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. David shares why Shackleton’s survival journey resonates so deeply and the surprising parallels between managing a veterinary practice and leading a stranded crew through adversity. The discussion shifts to the power of pers...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Peter, David, and Jenni explore trends in veterinary practice ownership for 2025, examining the balance between corporate and private ownership. The conversation highlights a resurgence of interest in private practice ownership among veterinarians seeking autonomy, community connection, and innovative business models. They discuss the challenge...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, Peter, and David discuss predictions for the veterinary profession in 2025, focusing on key themes like economics, education, and public relations. They explore the increasing economic pressures on veterinary practices, the impact of digital advertising dominated by large corporations, and the need for the industry to better market its s...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Stacee, and Jenni discuss Stacee’s new book, Stop Acting Like a Girl, which empowers women to challenge societal norms that often hold them back. Written in a conversational style, the book draws on Stacee’s experiences managing women, navigating corporate spaces, and mentoring her nieces, addressing issues like imposter syndrome and over-apolo...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, and David tackle the complex dynamics between veterinary practice managers and doctor-owners. They explore common issues, such as miscommunication, lack of defined roles, and the challenges of collaboration. Jenni shares insights from her unique role as a practice manager and co-owner, emphasizing the importance of regular communication,...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, and David explore what drives value in veterinary practices, going beyond profitability to include culture, team stability, and client relationships. They discuss how intangible factors like long-term staff, exceptional patient care, and client trust contribute to a practice's financial health and long-term value. David emphasizes the im...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts shift from their usual format to a conversational deep dive into fundamental practice management and marketing principles. They emphasize the importance of establishing a budget, maintaining an up-to-date website, and seeking expert advice rather than attempting to handle everything solo. Both hosts share anecdotes highlighting outdated prac...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the focus is on staff retention and creating a thriving workplace culture in veterinary practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of viewing team members as individuals, recognizing their strengths, and fostering a supportive and empowering environment. Panelists share personal strategies, such as celebrating milestones, promoting autonomy...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , the conversation focuses on an innovative mental health initiative for veterinary professionals in Florida. The episode introduces Inspire by FVMA , a program designed to provide free access to veterinary-informed mental health professionals and equip veterinary workplaces with tools to foster well-being at individual, team, and organizational levels...

The podcast episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions delves into New Year's resolutions and goal-setting, exploring why resolutions often fail and how to make meaningful, achievable goals. The hosts highlight the importance of writing goals down, breaking them into smaller, actionable steps, and tying new habits to existing routines. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations, self-compassion...

In this rerun of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , Kelly, Jenni, and David tackle the critical topic of unity in the workplace and society. They share insights into creating safe, inclusive environments where team members feel valued, respected, and heard. Jenni recounts her approach to fostering open communication, including monthly culture-focused meetings and encouraging active listening. The hosts...

In a recent episode of the "Unfiltered Vet Discussions" podcast, host Kelly Baltzell introduced Kim Delaney, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), to discuss the emotional aftermath of selling a veterinary practice. Delaney, with decades of experience in the industry, shared her personal journey of working in her family’s practice from childhood through its eventual sale. The conversatio...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel revisits the topic of business transitions, diving deeper into the "after-afterlife" of a business sale, focusing on the impact on the remaining ecosystem—particularly the employees left behind. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting staff, who often feel abandoned after the sale, even though they played a c...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel delves into the final phase of a veterinary business's lifecycle: the transition from ownership to life after selling or stepping away from the practice. We discuss the emotional and mental challenges of letting go, including the loss of identity that often accompanies leaving a business. The conversation highlights the importance of prepari...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the idea of making a significant impact throughout one’s career and the internal drive that pushes veterinarians and entrepreneurs to constantly seek new challenges. We discuss the phases of a veterinary business, from startup to growth, and the desire for personal and professional fulfillment that often leads to continual reinventi...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, our panel of veterinary professionals discuss the various "life cycles" in their careers, including the journey from veterinary school to business ownership. The conversation focuses on how many veterinarians initially aim to simply survive the early years of practice but often shift towards ownership or leadership roles as they gain experience. Panel...

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, and David delve into the topic of unity within workplaces and society. They explore how creating a safe and inclusive environment allows team members to feel valued and heard, regardless of their backgrounds or opinions. Jenni shares her experiences of fostering open communication within her team, emphasizing monthly culture-focused meet...