The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Latest Episodes:

368 - Unleashing the Bond Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Rustin Moore, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about his new book, Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions. This episode dives into why our relationships with animals are so profound, from therapy dogs and service animals to stories of resilience like Molly the Pony and Fiona the therapy dog. Dr. Moore shares what inspired him to write the book, the paradox of loving animals while working in veterinary medicine, and how understanding the human-animal bond can shape better care for both pets and people. You’ll walk away feeling reconnected to your purpose in vet med and inspired by the healing power of our four-legged friends. Gang, let’s get into this episode.

Rustin Moore: https://rustinmooredvm.com/

Rustin Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustin-moore-85a024107

Unleashing the Bond Book on Amazon

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Course

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Rustin M. Moore is the Rita Jean Wolfe Endowed Dean in Veterinary Medicine and the 11th dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has served since 2015. A two-time graduate of Ohio State, Dr. Moore previously held leadership roles including department chair, executive director of the Veterinary Medical Center, and associate dean for Clinical and Outreach Programs. He has authored more than 125 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 20 book chapters, and has guided numerous interns, residents, and graduate students. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Moore earned his BS from West Virginia University and both his DVM and PhD from The Ohio State University. He is active on several professional and community boards and is the author of Unleashing the Bond and Unlocking the Bond, exploring the power and paradox of human-animal interactions.

367 - Do We Really Need More Veterinarians? Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Matthew MacLachlan, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Business and Economics at Cornell University, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a deep dive into one of the profession’s biggest debates: do we really need more veterinarians? With new vet schools popping up across the country, Andy and Matt unpack whether more graduates will actually solve the shortage in rural areas or simply flood urban markets. They dig into workforce economics, burnout, wages, and how retention may matter more than recruitment. Matt also shares what rising pet care costs, changing consumer behavior, and mid-level practitioner roles could mean for the future of veterinary medicine. This is a thoughtful, data-driven conversation that helps you see where the profession might be heading in the next decade. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Matthew MacLachlan: https://www.matthewmaclachlan.com/

Matthew MacLachlan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-maclachlan-67247320/

AVMA Industry Tracker: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/veterinary-economics/veterinary-industry-tracker

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Matthew J. MacLachlan is an economist specializing in agricultural and resource economics. He earned his PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis, where he also completed dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Biology and Management and in Economics. Before joining Cornell University, Dr. MacLachlan served at the USDA’s Economic Research Service from 2015 to 2023, advancing to Senior Economist and earning multiple awards, including the John E. Lee Award for Sustained Excellence in Group Economic Analysis and several ERS Extra Effort Awards for his work on food price forecasting and COVID-19 economic impact studies. His research bridges agriculture, economics, and veterinary business management, contributing to policy insights and industry understanding at the intersection of economics and animal health.

366 - A Center for Canine Victims of Abuse and Neglect Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Gail Hughes-Morey, Vice President of the ASPCA Recovery and Rehabilitation Center in Pauling, New York, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about a brand-new facility built just for canine victims of abuse and neglect. This place isn’t your average shelter; it’s designed from the ground up to heal both body and mind. Andy and Gail dive into how the team is tackling complex behavioral cases, creating safe and enriching environments, and blending high-quality veterinary care with compassion-driven rehabilitation. They also explore what it takes to support the people behind this emotionally demanding work and how this center fits into the ASPCA’s larger mission. If you’ve ever wondered what shelter medicine looks like when it’s done with heart, science, and a whole lot of hope, this episode will make you believe in the good again. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Careers at ASPCA

ASPCA Website

Dr. Gail Hughes-Morey on LinkedIn

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

365 - How to Know A Person Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Tina Neel joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about the hard but essential rule she has lived by in her career: never, ever lie. From leading a 20-doctor hospital to surviving cancer three times, Dr. Neel shares how honesty, even in the most painful situations, builds trust, protects your reputation, and helps you sleep at night. She reflects on the lessons learned from decades in practice, the importance of mentoring young veterinarians to think independently, and what she wishes would change in the profession today. If you’ve ever wrestled with mistakes, ethics, or finding your footing as a leader in veterinary medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage and truth. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Rockstar Vets: https://tinaneel.com/about/

Dr. Tina Neel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-neel-dvm-ms-08297319/

Surviving Cancer Substack: https://substack.com/@drtinaneel

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Tina Neel is a nationally recognized veterinarian, entrepreneur, and mentor with over four decades of experience in clinical practice and veterinary business leadership. She has founded, owned, and sold 11 successful veterinary hospitals and currently coaches veterinarians on how to build profitable, sustainable practices without burning out.

Dr. Neel is also the co-founder and CEO of Angimal, Inc., a biotech startup advancing new cancer therapeutics for animals, and she serves on the board of Angiex, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing targeted therapies for human cancer.

Known for her honest, practical approach, Dr. Neel has helped countless veterinarians improve their business skills, communicate more effectively, and find joy in practice again. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation of veterinary professionals to think like owners and lead with heart.

When she’s not coaching or consulting, Dr. Neel publishes multiple newsletters on veterinary leadership, pet parent education, and cancer survival—drawing on her own journey as a two-time cancer survivor. She’s also a devoted grandmother, OSU fan, and herb-growing, quilt-making Oklahoma native.

364 - Fear and Honesty in Vet Medicine Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Rockstar Vets: https://tinaneel.com/about/

Dr. Tina Neel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-neel-dvm-ms-08297319/

Surviving Cancer Substack: https://substack.com/@drtinaneel

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

363 - What’s Next After Years in Practice? Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Sandra Faeh, Chief Medical Officer for NVA General Practice and past president of the AVMA, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question many seasoned veterinarians face: what’s next after years in practice? When your clinical skills are sharp and your days are full, it can be hard to imagine what growth looks like. Dr. Faeh shares how NVA General Practice is helping doctors at every stage of their careers stay curious and engaged through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on programs at their new PetOne Veterinary Training Center. From orthopedic workshops and ultrasound support groups to bringing in-hospital training directly to teams, this episode is packed with ideas for keeping your spark alive in veterinary medicine. Whether you’re mentoring others, exploring leadership, or just want to fall back in love with learning, this conversation will remind you that growth never has to stop. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you ad free by NVA General Practice!

NVA General Practice Careers: careers.nva.com

NVA on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nva-general-practice/

Dr. Sandra Faeh on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-faeh-dvm-5baaabb2/

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Faeh serves as the first Chief Medical Officer at NVA General Practice as well as the Immediate Past President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

With over 25 years of experience as a small animal practitioner in the Chicagoland area, she has a passion for organized veterinary medicine, mentorship, and equipping others with the tools for success. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, she became the Managing Veterinarian and part-owner at Elmhurst Animal Care Center, along with three small animal hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. Dr. Faeh served as President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, and Vice President of the AVMA. In July 2023, she was elected by industry peers to serve as AVMA President-Elect for the 2023- 2024 term, followed by the AVMA President for the 2024-2025 term.

At NVA General Practice, she also serves as the co-creator of their Mentorship Program. This hybrid program offers mentorship to new NVA General Practice veterinarians, providing hands-on and in-person surgical and dental support, as well as virtual medical and surgical lectures and case rounds. The program has helped over 500 new DVMs navigate the complexities of veterinary medicine and the struggles of healthy work-life balance.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, spending time with her husband and three sons, walking her dogs, Tobe and Rigi, and riding her horse, Ace.

362 - What it Really Means to be a Veterinarian Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it really means to be a veterinarian. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marie opens up about her own journey through burnout, perfectionism, and rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine. Her new book, A Compassionate Calling, explores the emotional highs and lows of the profession, from the drive to help animals to the toll it can take on mental health. Andy and Marie dig into why so many veterinarians struggle to stay fulfilled, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why self-compassion might just be the most underused skill in vet med. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance purpose and peace in your veterinary career, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Reviving VetMed: https://revivingvetmed.com/

A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-compassionate-calling-marie-holowaychuk/1147036390?ean=9781032389035

Marie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/marieholowaychuk

Marie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marieholowaychuk

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.

Fun facts: I have played the violin, standing bass, oboe, and ukulele; I have never missed a season of Survivor; I am a huge Edmonton Oilers fan; I am an avid swimmer but am terrified of open water

361 - New Cat is Stressing the Old Cat (HDYTT) Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack one of the most stressful situations for cat owners: a new kitten wreaking havoc on the household harmony. When a lively young Bengal starts chasing the older Maine Coon around the house, Dr. Roark calls in the behavior expert to help navigate the chaos. They talk through the science and strategy behind proper cat introductions, why common advice like “let them work it out” often backfires, and how to use behavior modification, enrichment, and empathy to create a peaceful multi-cat home. This episode is packed with practical veterinary behavior tips, relatable analogies, and plenty of lightbulb moments around feline body language and environmental needs. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Chirrups and Chatter

Tabitha Kucera on Instagram

Tails From A Vet Tech Podcast

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech.

Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills. Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work.

360 - The Evolving Vet Tech Profession Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

Vicky Ograin, RVT, AVTS (Nutrition), MBA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a Vet Tech Week special that’s full of heart and inspiration. As a lifelong learner, educator, and champion for veterinary technicians, Vicky shares how the profession has evolved, why advocacy and utilization still matter, and how technicians can build fulfilling, sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Together, Andy and Vicky unpack everything from the return of Hill’s Veterinary Nutritional Advocate Program to the importance of lifelong learning, professional growth, and team collaboration. They also tackle common challenges like burnout and underutilization, reframing them with optimism and practical advice.

Whether you’re a credentialed technician, an aspiring one, or a veterinarian who wants to better support your team, this conversation will leave you feeling proud, motivated, and ready to celebrate Vet Tech Week in style. Gang, let's get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!

Veterinary Nutritional Advocate (VNA) Certificate Program

Hill's Vet

Hill's Veterinary Academy

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) received her technician degree from Los Angeles Pierce College. She served in private practice for many years in California, and then 22 years ago began a career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where she is a Scientific Communication Senior Specialist, in the US Professional Veterinary Affairs department. She focuses on education for technicians and the health care team as well as strategy for veterinary technicians in tech schools and graduates.

In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters, both in Business Administration. Vicky obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition in June 2013. Vicky speaks nationally and internationally and is a published author.

359 - The Neuro Examination (HDYTT) Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Michael Wong, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a question every vet has asked themselves at some point: is my neuro exam actually up to snuff? Together they dig into the art and science of the neurological examination, breaking down how to approach trauma cases, distinguish pain from neuro deficits, and avoid the most common mistakes veterinarians make when running through their checklists. Dr. Wong shares his systematic approach, why pattern recognition matters, and how practice makes all the difference in building confidence with neuro patients. You’ll walk away with practical pearls you can use in your next exam room, plus a fresh appreciation for the beauty of veterinary neurology.

If neuro exams make you sweat or you just want a smarter way to structure them, this episode is your refresher course. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

SEVneurology: https://www.sevneurology.com

Advanced Neurodiagnostics Conference: https://sevneurology.com/adv-neurodiag-conf

SEVN IG: https://www.instagram.com/southeastveterinaryneurology/

Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Michael Wong is a board-certified veterinary neurologist based in southeast Florida and the founder of Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN), which now includes four neurology-dedicated hospitals. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, he also founded the UF Veterinary Business Management Association. He completed a medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a neurology residency at North Florida Neurology, becoming board-certified the same year. Dr. Wong was among the first to complete the Advanced Neurosurgical Certification and has lectured nationally, taught veterinary students at UF, and published on MRI and treatments for encephalitis and brain tumors. His professional interests include spinal surgery, seizure management, encephalitis, and MRI diagnostics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis.

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