In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack a tricky, heartfelt mailbag letter from a practice manager stuck between supporting her aspiring technicians and honoring the clinic’s limitations. The episode offers practical leadership strategies to communicate a “no” with empathy, inspire continued growth, and thoughtfully advocate for veterinary technician school support—even when funding isn’t possible right now. If you’ve ever felt caught between advocating for your team’s development and managing budget constraints, this episode hits home. And if you’re a veterinary leader wondering how to retain ambitious talent while navigating tough conversations, this one’s a must-listen. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Master the Many Hats of Leadership

Being a medical director means balancing medicine, mentorship, and management—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. The Uncharted Medical Director Summit is your one-stop virtual event for expert-led learning, practical tools, and real connection with fellow veterinary leaders. Grow your skills, build your network, and say “yes we can!” with confidence. Register now: unchartedvet.com/events/medical-director-summit

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

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Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag