Veterinary Innovation Podcast

The Veterinary Innovation Podcast covers the most interesting, exciting, and controversial topics in the industry today. Veterinary technology entrepreneurs Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zakharenkov chat with industry leaders and innovators about the biggest challenges they’re facing - and how they’re overcoming them.

307 - Dr. Nathan Mitchell | SIMON Education Systems 10/23/2025

307 - Dr. Nathan Mitchell | SIMON Education Systems This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , co-founder of , a company designing and distributing realistic and affordable veterinary diagnostic simulations. Dr. Mitchell, who started the company with his brother and mentor based on his own struggles learning diagnostics, shares how SIMON's ultrasound and ophthalmic simulators allow students and doctors to practice skills for unlimited amounts of time without the stress, risk, or ethical concerns of a live patient. They discuss how customizable, tag-based probes for ultrasound — which can display both normal and pathological findings — are reshaping veterinary education and continuous training. Learn more about . Dr. Mitchell recommends finding inspiration from the mentorship and expertise of people around you, specifically those who offer guidance and support. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38753475

306 - Yale Zhang | Seismi Inc 10/16/2025

306 - Yale Zhang | Seismi Inc High-end monitoring tech for pets is often too expensive and complicated for the average practice, creating a major barrier to reliable care. This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by hardware entrepreneur , founder of , to discuss how his company is disrupting the space with affordable, non-invasive monitoring. Yale shares how Seismi makes continuous monitoring accessible to any clinic through accurate, affordable, subscription-free technology designed for real-world use. They also discuss what it takes to bring good hardware to life and how this innovation could make home monitoring for senior and feline patients a reality. Learn more about . Yale recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38603835

305 - Kimball Carr | Inspire Veterinary Partners 10/09/2025

305 - Kimball Carr | Inspire Veterinary Partners This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , CEO and President of , to discuss how his company is challenging the consolidation status quo in veterinary medicine. Kimball shares his vision for a long-term growth model built on an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), designed to fight burnout and create wealth for doctors, technicians, and clinic staff — not just top-level executives. Learn why IVP pursued a fast IPO to ensure long-term stability and funding leverage, and how this unique structure aims to keep the future of veterinary ownership and leadership in the hands of the professionals who drive care every day. This episode offers a compelling look at a new wealth model for the entire veterinary team. Learn more about . Kimball recommends for its timely lessons on leadership and avoiding arrogance. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38514595

304 - David Teaster | SATELLAI 09/25/2025

304 - David Teaster | SATELLAI This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with , Product Marketing Director at , about how smart wearables are moving way past “just GPS.”. David explains how their AI-powered collars use advanced GPS and motion tracking to spot changes in your pet’s activity, give you early clues about their health, and create customizable virtual fences. The discussion highlights the importance of innovation in creating closer, longer-lasting relationships between pets and their people. Learn more about . David recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38350645

303 - Dr. Sonya Gordon | Cardiac Education Group 09/18/2025

303 - Dr. Sonya Gordon | Cardiac Education Group This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with , a professor of cardiology at and member of the . She shares a unique perspective on how AI is transforming veterinary education and clinical practice. Dr. Gordon explains that rather than replacing veterinarians, AI is a tool that enhances efficiency and improves patient care by streamlining medical records and adding precision to diagnostic imaging. She also discusses her work with CEG, the not-for-profit group of board-certified veterinary cardiologists that provides independent clinical recommendations for canine and feline heart disease. The conversation explores how these innovations are making complex tasks more manageable for students and empowering clinicians to work with greater confidence. Dr. Gordon recommends the movie for a laugh, as sometimes you just need to be silly and laugh at the end of the day. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38264405

302 - Alex Voda | Pharma R&D and Longevity 09/11/2025

302 - Alex Voda | Pharma R&D and Longevity This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome from to discuss how the startup became the first clinical-stage company focused on feline longevity. Alex explains why cats are better models than other species for pharmaceutical R&D and how repurposing existing drugs could accelerate new treatments. He shares insights into why longevity companies still move slowly, highlights common and unique feline aging mechanisms, and reflects on what these innovations could mean for veterinarians, pet owners, and the broader future of veterinary practice. Learn more about . Alex recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38177675

301 - Dr. Lisa Lippman | Senior Dog Veterinary Society 09/04/2025

301 - Dr. Lisa Lippman | Senior Dog Veterinary Society Puppies have clear care protocols — but what about seniors?This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak dive into conversation with from the about how her team is closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. She explains how the Society is closing a critical gap in veterinary education by offering CE-certified training and a certification program for veterinarians and technicians. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to guide treatment and end-of-life decisions. Dr. Lippman also explores the emotional side of senior care, including anticipatory grief, and shares her vision for future standards and certification in geriatric veterinary medicine. Learn more about . Dr. Lippman recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/38090520

300 - Joe Chickerillo | Chckvet 08/28/2025

300 - Joe Chickerillo | Chckvet This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome from to speak about the company’s evolution from an online booking tool into a five-in-one veterinary platform. Joe explains how Chckvet integrates booking, analytics, communications, reviews, loyalty programs, and client portals into one customizable solution. He shares how client feedback has guided product development and reflects on lessons learned from scaling SaaS in dentistry, highlighting parallels to veterinary medicine. The discussion also explores where AI belongs in practice workflows, where it risks being unnecessary, and how clinics can choose technology that truly solves their pain points. Learn more about . Joe recommends Keynote on AI at a CE conference by . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/37999740

299 - Dr. Elianne Mimoun | The Veterkin Society 08/21/2025

299 - Dr. Elianne Mimoun | The Veterkin Society This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with from , a virtual animal hospital created to address a challenge many veterinarians face after leaving clinical practice or never in clinical practice: access to affordable tools, medications, and diagnostics. Drawing on her 20+ years in veterinary medicine, Dr. Mimoun explains how her membership-based model helps veterinarians care for their own pets and those of loved ones without relying on brick-and-mortar clinics. You will learn how this innovative solution works, who use it, what is the future of The Veterkin Society and why it could change the way independent and non-practicing veterinarians stay connected to their profession. Discover more at . Dr. Mimoun recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/37906365

298 - Dr. Eve Hanks | MI:RNA Diagnostics 08/07/2025

298 - Dr. Eve Hanks | MI:RNA Diagnostics This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak meet with , the founder of to chat about her remarkable journey from clinical veterinary practice to becoming the CEO of a pioneering diagnostics company. Eve shares how her background in immunology led to the creation of an AI-powered platform that uses microRNA to detect disease earlier than ever before. You`ll discover how predictive diagnostics can improve clinical decision-making, reduce uncertainty, and support personalized care for both pets and production animals. Learn more about . Dr. Hanks recommends /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/37722520

297 - Luke Hedlund | Tucannon Partners 07/17/2025

297 - Luke Hedlund | Tucannon Partners What if the most effective way to innovate in veterinary medicine isn't to start something new, but to take something that already works and make it work better? This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak explore insights from , the Founder of , about exactly that approach. Luke is looking for one business within vet med to manage and make a majority investment in. He is open to vet clinics, but he’s more focused on vendors to vet clinics. Luke shares his approach to fixing the issues that frustrate everyone - ineffective meetings, unclear communication, and poor decision-making processes. He also discusses the risks of chasing inflated valuations over product-market fit, and explains why imaging and workflow improvements hold untapped potential for better pet care and business performance. Learn more about . Luke Hedlund recommends for practical leadership frameworks. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/37415615

296 - Dr. Michael Blackwell | AlignCare Health Inc. 06/19/2025

296 - Dr. Michael Blackwell | AlignCare Health Inc. This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with from the University of Tennessee, and the Director of , about the increasing challenges families face in accessing veterinary care and how the One Health model offers a transformative solution. Dr. Blackwell explains that many of the barriers to care stem from human social and financial realities, not just veterinary logistics. By integrating veterinary services with human healthcare, social work, and community resources, One Health creates a holistic, family-centric approach that supports underserved families, mitigates the risks of zoonotic disease, and reduces long-term public health costs. The episode explores how AlignCare — a One Health initiative led by Dr. Blackwell — has the potential to reshape national veterinary service delivery and ensure no pet or family is left behind. Learn more about Dr. Michael Blackwell recommends using all advances in AI for its transformative potential across sectors, including veterinary healthcare. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/37075830

295 - James Merchant | ClinicWise 06/12/2025

295 - James Merchant | ClinicWise Veterinary clinics are facing growing pressure from chaotic workflows, missed calls, scattered forms, and burned-out front-desk teams. This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with , co-founder of , to explore how deeply integrated, AI-powered tools are helping practices streamline client communication, automate repetitive tasks, and reclaim hours of staff time each week. James shares how ClinicWise was co-designed with busy hospitals to ensure it solves real, everyday problems — from pre- and post-appointment workflows to personalized education and smart intake. Learn more about . James Merchant recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36968280

294 - Cory Pinegar | Teem 06/05/2025

294 - Cory Pinegar | Teem This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak connect with from about how veterinary clinics can reduce overhead and improve reliability by outsourcing administrative tasks to remote teams. Cory shares how Teem’s model uses structured training, real-time performance data, and an empathy-first approach to create scalable support without sacrificing service quality, even as staffing costs and turnover continue to rise. Learn more about . Cory Pinegar recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36852550

293 - Lea-Ann Germinder | Germinder & Associates 05/29/2025

293 - Lea-Ann Germinder | Germinder & Associates This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , Founder and President of . They chat about the complex challenges and transformative potential of Responsible AI (RAI) in veterinary medicine. Drawing from her PhD research and presentation at Cornell’s SAVY Symposium, Germinder outlines the ethical gaps, legal gray areas, and educational challenges shaping AI adoption in vet med. She also breaks down what clinics must know before adopting AI and why ignoring it isn’t an option anymore. Learn more about . Discover more about . Lea-Ann Germinder recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36766900

292 - Mark Hines | baxtr 05/22/2025

292 - Mark Hines | baxtr This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak talk with from about how veterinary clinics can use technology to streamline their operations and improve access to care. Mark shares how baxtr’s software helps independent practices create custom subscription wellness plans with predictable monthly payments, automated communication, and less administrative burden. He also introduces their new Monthly Payment Guarantee feature, which ensures clinics are paid even if clients miss a payment. You will gain insights into how automated wellness programs can stabilize revenue, improve client satisfaction, increase compliance with preventive care, and reduce burnout for veterinary professionals. Learn more about . Mark Hines recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36668125

291 - Steve Castillo | Profit Solver LLC 05/01/2025

291 - Steve Castillo | Profit Solver LLC This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with from about how veterinary practices can uncover hidden profits through precise, evidence-based pricing strategies. Steve shares how his patented software — already implemented in over 3,700 clinics — uses real financial data and time-motion studies to optimize service fees, boost EBITDA, and create a sustainable path to practice growth. Learn more about . Steve Castillo recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36386115

290 - James Kademan | Vet Receptionists 04/24/2025

290 - James Kademan | Vet Receptionists This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome from to discuss how his specialized virtual receptionist service is helping veterinary clinics overcome staffing shortages, reduce front desk burnout, and improve client communication. James also shares how AI tools like real-time transcription and chatbots are being used behind the scenes, and why bold, strategic decisions are essential in today’s fast-changing veterinary landscape. Discover more about . James Kademan recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36291730

289 - Maria Morgan | Passpaw 04/17/2025

289 - Maria Morgan | Passpaw This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with of , about how veterinary teams can turn international pet travel documentation from a time-consuming task into an efficient, team-led, and profitable service. As more clients travel with their pets post-pandemic, many practices either avoid these certificates entirely or undercharge for the work involved. Maria shares how her workflow management software aims to eliminate the administrative burden of health certificates and enhance team member utilization, freeing veterinarians to focus on patient care. Learn how practices can turn a traditionally frustrating service into a team-led revenue stream that improves client experience and practice profitability: . Maria Morgan recommends and . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36203735

288 - Dr. Kemba Marshall | KLMDVM Consulting LLC 04/10/2025

288 - Dr. Kemba Marshall | KLMDVM Consulting LLC This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with , veterinarian, DEI expert, and author of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine”, to explore how psychological safety — the #1 trait of high-performing teams and the focus of the P chapter of her new book — drives innovation, improves patient care, and reduces burnout. Dr. Marshall shares real-life examples of how inclusive environments lead to smarter diagnostics, stronger teams, and better patient outcomes. Discover why DEI isn't just about who you hire — it's about saving animal lives and fulfilling the veterinary oath. Learn more about . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/36054445

287 - Andy Bond | BestyBnB 04/03/2025

287 - Andy Bond | BestyBnB This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with from , a tech platform providing confidential, in-home pet care during crisis situations. Andy shares how they've created a "HIPAA-compliant Airbnb for pets" supporting pet owners facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, or housing issues by partnering with social service agencies and animal welfare organizations to keep people and pets safe and together. Learn more about . Andy recommends /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/35988600

286 - Dr. Kristin Welch | DVM STAT Consulting 03/27/2025

286 - Dr. Kristin Welch | DVM STAT Consulting This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , the founder of , for a deep dive into how teleconsultation is transforming access to specialty care in veterinary medicine. They explore the unique benefits of doctor-to-doctor virtual consultations, how AI is being used to streamline the review of complex medical records, and how her team of board-certified specialists is providing real-time, high-touch clinical support to general practitioners, emergency clinics, and even other specialty hospitals — 24/7. Learn more about . Dr. Welch recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/35855575

285 - Dr. Andrew Ciccolini | Serenity Vet 02/13/2025

285 - Dr. Andrew Ciccolini | Serenity Vet This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with from , a new relief platform that uniquely combines a marketplace connecting veterinarians with employers and a business suite featuring financial planning tools for both. They discuss why relief work is growing, how Serenity Vet differentiates itself with features like the clinic profitability calculator and scheduling tools to prevent burnout, and AI-driven predictability for shift fulfillment. Learn more about . Dr. Andrew Ciccolini recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/35271405

284 - Chuck Rich | Greysteel 01/23/2025

284 - Chuck Rich | Greysteel This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by from to discuss current trends in veterinary real estate, including the sale-leaseback model, navigating corporate acquisitions, and strategies for practice owners to unlock equity and plan for retirement or expansion. Learn more about . Chuck Rich recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34983455

283 - Ryan Salvino | VetTalk 01/02/2025

283 - Ryan Salvino | VetTalk This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with , the co-founder of , about their automated client education system that integrates with veterinary practice management systems. Ryan shares how VetTalk improves compliance, reduces staff workload, and ensures better pet care through pre and post-appointment educational care plans. Learn more about . Ryan Salvino recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34653825

282 - Dr. Emily Hubbard | Veterinary Innovative Partners 12/26/2024

282 - Dr. Emily Hubbard | Veterinary Innovative Partners This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , the Chief Medical Officer at (VIP), to talk about fostering healthy communication, conflict resolution, and leadership in veterinary practices. Dr. Hubbard shares how VIP supports autonomy, empowers hospital teams, and advances the veterinary field through innovation. Learn more about . Dr. Emily Hubbard recommends focusing on one’s own mental health. /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34618355

281 - Dr. Rory Lubold | Affordable Pet Labs 12/19/2024

281 - Dr. Rory Lubold | Affordable Pet Labs This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak joined by , Founder of , a company dedicated to making diagnostic testing more accessible and affordable for pet owners nationwide. They discuss breaking barriers to veterinary care — both in terms of cost and accessibility — and how their in-home blood collection and at-home testing kits benefit pet owners and veterinarians alike. Learn more about . Dr. Rory Lubold recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34529710

280 - Aoife Caulfield | Village Vets 12/12/2024

280 - Aoife Caulfield | Village Vets This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , Partnerships and Acquisitions Lead at Ireland, to talk about building partnerships, challenges of consolidating practices, innovative practice ownership models, and the future of veterinary in Ireland. She also shared insights on the importance of leadership, networking, and aligning with like-minded partners for sustainable growth. Learn more about . Aoife Caulfield recommends events like . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34415435

279 - Suvi Irvine | Blue River PetCare 12/05/2024

279 - Suvi Irvine | Blue River PetCare This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak are joined by , Clinical Development Manager at , to discuss how AI innovations provide a path forward to increasing efficiency, reducing burnout, and improving care access without compromising staff well-being. Learn more about . Suvi Irvine recommends /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34305215

278 - Price Fallin | Otto (formerly TeleVet) 11/28/2024

278 - Price Fallin | Otto (formerly TeleVet) This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome , Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at , where he shares the journey of Otto, a leading workflow automation platform. He discusses the challenges of rapid growth, the impact of COVID-19, and how automation can unlock new opportunities for veterinary practice efficiency. Learn more about . Discover more about . Price Fallin recommends . /episode/index/show/veterinary-innovation-podcast/id/34191325

Veterinary Innovation Podcast

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