Episodes

  • 315 - The New Hire Hurricane Just Hit

    315 - The New Hire Hurricane Just Hit
    Nov 20 2024

    Uh-oh, that new hire that seemed like a dream on paper turned out to be a bit of a nightmare in person! This week on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive deep into a relatable leadership challenge: what to do when a new team member isn't working out. They explore the importance of setting clear expectations, involving the team in the onboarding process, and providing constructive feedback. It's all about finding that balance between compassion and accountability, ensuring everyone gets a fair chance while maintaining a safe and positive work environment. Let's get into this episode!
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    53 mins
  • 314 - Is Selling To Corporate My Only Option

    314 - Is Selling To Corporate My Only Option
    Nov 13 2024

    In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Stephanie Goss and guest Bret Halishak discuss the challenges solo veterinary practice owners face when considering their exit strategy, and how to position their practice for future success. Bret provides valuable insights on maximizing practice value, operational efficiency, and the importance of team development. He emphasizes the need for practice owners to understand their financials, leverage their team's skills, and build a strong practice brand that is not solely reliant on the owner. By implementing these strategies, practice owners can create a sustainable and attractive business, ensuring a successful transition and preserving the legacy of their independent practice. Bret Halishak is a practice broker with Total Practice Solutions Group, specializing in helping veterinary practice owners in the Great Lakes region navigate the complexities of selling their practice. With a background in practice management and a deep understanding of the veterinary industry, Bret is passionate about helping practice owners achieve their financial goals and find the right buyer for their practice.
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    56 mins
  • 313 - When Asking 'Do You Want To Go Home ' Hurts More Than It Helps

    313 - When Asking 'Do You Want To Go Home ' Hurts More Than It Helps
    Nov 6 2024
    When the clinic schedule looks light, should the practice owner send techs home to save costs—even if it means stretching the remaining team thin? In this episode of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive into a manager’s dilemma: balancing payroll concerns with patient care and staff morale. They share actionable steps for addressing these staffing challenges head-on, including how to communicate with leadership, gather input from the team, and propose solutions that keep the clinic running smoothly. This is a must-listen for veterinarians, practice managers, technicians, and the whole veterinary team looking to tackle real-world workflow issues and support their clinic’s success. Let’s get into this episode!
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    44 mins
  • 312 - My Practice Owner Spends Too Much Money

    312 - My Practice Owner Spends Too Much Money
    Oct 30 2024
    Ever felt caught in the middle when it comes to practice finances? A practice manager wrote in, sharing their frustration with an owner who regularly draws large amounts of money from the business—leaving the practice struggling to cover bills and payroll. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Practice Management Super Nerd, Stephanie Goss and guest Dr. Sue Sayles dive into the tricky dynamics of managing practice finances when the owner’s withdrawals disrupt cash flow and this practice manager's morale. With 23 years of practice ownership under her belt, Dr. Sue has seen it all. She started out as a mixed-animal practitioner, then built a thriving small animal practice, growing it from $300k in revenue to over $2 million. She knows firsthand the challenges of balancing financial needs with business growth, and today she’s passionate about helping other practice owners and managers navigate these waters. Stephanie and Sue share actionable insights on how to structure tough financial conversations, establish trust, and support the owner’s goals while keeping the practice afloat. They discuss ways to approach sensitive topics, build financial systems that work for both parties, and ultimately foster a practice environment that supports everyone’s success—even when priorities don’t always align. If you’re looking to navigate the rough seas of practice finances and improve team morale, this episode is for you. Let’s get into this episode!
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    50 mins
  • 311 - Do I Want To Know Why They Are Calling Out

    311 - Do I Want To Know Why They Are Calling Out
    Oct 23 2024
    A practice manager struggles with managing a PTO policy that leads to team members overusing their time off early in the year. In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and practice management super nerd, Stephanie Goss help a practice manager having a hard time balancing their team's use of paid time off (PTO). The manager explains that they simplified PTO, lumping sick days and vacation time together to give their staff more autonomy. However, it’s backfired, leaving them frustrated as team members are either taking too much time off or asking for guidance on whether they should come in sick. Andy and Stephanie offer practical advice on how to set clear guidelines while maintaining a positive culture, how to establish boundaries without micromanaging, and how to approach the situation without becoming the "PTO villain." Let’s get into this episode!
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    47 mins
  • 310 - Getting Team Buy - In To Change (A Pet HealthZone® Case Study)

    310 - Getting Team Buy - In To Change (A Pet HealthZone® Case Study)
    Oct 21 2024
    Change can be scary to vet teams and getting their buy-in takes great skill. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Jules Benson to discuss strategies for change management in veterinary practices. Dr. Benson brings over a decade of executive experience in the pet health insurance industry and a rich background in clinical practice and veterinary innovation. Together, they explore how veterinary teams can implement new tools to enhance communication with pet owners and improve the overall client experience. Dr. Benson shares his insights into using data and technology to transform veterinary practices, drawing from his expertise in strategic planning and leadership. The conversation focuses on gaining team buy-in, fostering trust, and motivating staff with purpose-driven initiatives. They emphasize the importance of patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement when leading change. Dr. Roark also reflects on his personal leadership evolution and the challenges of managing change in a way that resonates with veterinary teams. Throughout the discussion, they provide practical steps for setting clear expectations, tracking success, and creating a supportive culture. Let's get into this episode! This episode is brought to you ad-free by Nationwide Pet Insurance! LINKS
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    32 mins
  • 309 - Can RVTs And VPAs Coexist

    309 - Can RVTs And VPAs Coexist
    Oct 16 2024
    Should veterinary medicine introduce a mid-level practitioner role? With the landscape of veterinary care changing, there's a proposal in Colorado to create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role, sitting between licensed technicians and veterinarians. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss discuss the potential impact of expanding technician responsibilities and how this could redefine roles in general practice. What does this mean for access to veterinary care, the utilization of support staff, and the future of our profession? They explore the nuances of this issue, touching on staffing shortages, licensing, and the evolving structure of veterinary practices. Whether you're a veterinarian, practice manager, technician, or a passionate veterinary professional, this conversation is a must-listen as we navigate the possibilities and challenges ahead. Let’s get into this episode!
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    48 mins
  • 308 - Can They Do Homework On The Clock?

    308 - Can They Do Homework On The Clock?
    Oct 9 2024
    A medical director is having trouble navigating the balance between supporting paraprofessional staff in tech school and ensuring they have the necessary technical skills for their role. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Stephanie and Dr. Andy Roark discuss a specific scenario where a veterinary assistant, allowed to study on the clock, is struggling with skill development. The conversation turns into a thoughtful debate about trust, team expectations, and the challenges of leading a veterinary team with fairness and empathy. They explore how communication and adjusting expectations can prevent feeling like the "bad guy" while supporting staff in skill growth. Let's get into this episode!
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    50 mins