Can Vet Heroes Get To Net Zeros? Sustainable Futures, with Dr. Jeremy Watson

About the Guest

Dr. Jeremy Watson completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours at the University of Melbourne in 1986. He established the Brimbank Vet Clinic in 1998, a small animal practice in suburban Melbourne. During 2011, the clinic was rebuilt incorporating the latest environmental design features, facilitating a pathway to make the practice carbon neutral.

In 2013, Dr. Watson achieved membership by examination to the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of small animal surgery.

Dr. Watson joined Vets for Climate Action in 2020 to help amplify the role that veterinary teams can play in motivating our community to take urgent action on climate change. Within this organisation, he has been working specifically on the Climate Care Program for Veterinary Practices.

Links

Brimbank Veterinary Practice: https://www.brimbankvet.com.au/ 

Connect on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-watson-29243151 

Sustainable Clinic AVA Article: https://www.ava.com.au/digest/from-around-the-ava/2021/november/2/jeremy-watson/ 

Episode Description

In this episode of Blunt Dissection, we dive deep into the quest for net zero carbon emissions in veterinary medicine, guided by Dr. Jeremy Watson, a pioneer in the field of veterinary sustainability. Dr. Watson brings to light the crucial role of integrating business culture and strategic planning in veterinary practices to foster a conducive environment for sustainability efforts. He underscores the necessity for management's commitment to spearhead this journey, through strategic fund allocation, visionary leadership, and setting a clear direction for the practice's future. The absence of such unified leadership and vision, he warns, could hamper efforts to curb carbon emissions, depriving them of the essential support needed for success.

Dr. Watson further explores the power of collective action, emphasizing the importance of engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders - from manufacturers and distributors to equipment makers, end-users, and disposal services. He illustrates how such collaborations can effectively tackle challenges and pave the way for adopting more sustainable practices across the board. For example, the adoption of sustainable anesthesia practices, such as low-flow anesthesia or total intravenous anesthesia, achieved through the concerted efforts of anesthesiologists, equipment manufacturers, and veterinary nurses.

Highlighting the difficult pathway to achieving net zero carbon emissions, Dr. Watson discusses the importance of setting clear, achievable targets. He references the science-based target initiative, advocating for the establishment of intermediate goals over the next 5 to 10 years, with the ultimate objective of reaching net zero by 2050. These targets, he argues, serve as critical milestones, guiding veterinary practices towards systematically reducing their carbon footprint.

In summary, this episode of Blunt Dissection underscores the indispensable role of strategic alignment among practice management, industry partners, and professional organizations in embedding sustainable practices within veterinary medicine. Through collective efforts and clear goal-setting, veterinary practices are well-positioned to make significant strides towards a sustainable, net zero future.

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of sustainability in veterinary practices, illuminated by Dr. Jeremy Watson's pioneering insights and strategic guidance.

Episode Outline

• [00:03:59] Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Vet Practice.
• [00:04:50] Australia on climate change impact.
• [00:10:18] Carbon Neutral Journey
• [00:14:14] Pet's cremation and alternatives.
• [00:15:46] Labeling and Climate Change Denial.
• [00:19:04] Climate change evidence over time.
• [00:23:37] Climate change implications discussed.
• [00:25:27] Impact on animal health.
• [00:34:50] The path to net zero.
• [00:38:33] Alignment of business culture.
• [00:42:12] Anesthesia and carbon emissions.
• [00:45:22] Setting sustainability targets.
• [00:50:46] Carbon neutral veterinary practice.
• [01:02:24] Changing paper to iPads.
• [01:08:41] Easy ways to reduce emissions.

Episode Description

In this episode of Blunt Dissection, we peel back the layers of veterinary medicine's current landscape, under the guidance of two of the industry's most influential figures, Dr. Matt Salois and Martin Traub-Werner. Matt, the president of VMG, a leading veterinary group purchasing organization, and former Chief Economist for the AVMA, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the economic facets of veterinary practice. His insights into financial trends and strategic planning are invaluable to understanding the broader economic environment in which veterinary practices operate. Martin Traub-Werner, the pioneering former CEO of Vet Success and the current CEO and founder of VetBooks, a cloud-based veterinary accounting software, is a titan of data analysis and entrepreneurial innovation in veterinary medicine. His expertise not only lies in harnessing the power of data to drive business success but also in creating tools that empower veterinary practices to navigate their financial landscapes more effectively.

Together, Matt and Martin dissect the complexities facing today's veterinary professionals. They delve into the significant trends that are shaping the industry, from the challenges of navigating economic pressures to the opportunities presented by technological advancements and the shift towards independent practice ownership. Their conversation, while deeply informative, also offers a roadmap for vets to strategize and thrive in an ever-changing professional environment. They discuss the uncomfortable truths of our profession with the precision of seasoned experts, yet also highlight the reasons for optimism, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with a clarity that's both enlightening and actionable.

This episode is more than just a dialogue; it's a strategic session that draws on Matt's deep understanding of veterinary economics and Martin's groundbreaking work in veterinary data analytics and software development. Their combined expertise presents a compelling narrative on why now is a critical time for veterinary professionals to embrace change, leverage technology, and fortify the foundations of independent practice ownership. It's a call to action for the veterinary community to navigate the challenges of today with an eye towards a more resilient and thriving future.

Join us as we explore the insights of two absolute titans of knowledge and influence in veterinary medicine, offering a blend of practical advice, strategic foresight, and a vision for what the future of veterinary practice can look like.

About the Guests

Dr. Matthew Salois

• https://www.myvmg.com/

Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Management Groups (VMG),where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 2,000veterinary member practices. Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.

From 2014 to 2018, he served as senior director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health. Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Martin Traub-Werner

• https://vetbooks.com/

Martin dressed up as a businessman for Halloween when he was seven.  Since then, he’s spent more than 40 years refining his skills and honing his craft. He completed an undergraduate degree at York University in his hometown of Toronto, Canada and a subsequent Master of Industrial and Labo(u)r Relations (MILR) degree at Cornell University. His time at Cornell was spent learning and thinking about the complexity of people management in organizations. Martin spent a number of years working in Human Resources in large Fortune 500 companies. Ultimately, his entrepreneurial spirit won out.

 A builder and problem solver, Martin is happiest putting the pieces together to create value. He’s done this a number of times including with VetSuccess. In 2013 Martin started VetSuccess and created the veterinary industry’s first business intelligence and data analytics company. In 2018 VetSuccess was sold to Vetsource and Martin transitioned to an executive leadership role in the company. In 2022 Martin left Vetsource to pay attention to VetBooks which he founded with some industry friends in 2017. VetBooks is a leader in veterinary bookkeeping bringing financial control and discipline to independent veterinary practices.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Martin volunteers his time with RISE Asset Development serving on the organization’s loan review committee and mentoring entrepreneurs. Martin and his wife Tamara live in Nanaimo, British Columbia and have two teenagers and a lovable Texas street dog named Austin.

Episode Outline

• 00:00-05:00: Introduction to the episode and guests
• 05:01-15:00: Personal journeys of Martin and Matt in veterinary medicine and business
• 15:01-25:00: Impact of COVID-19 on veterinary practices and the shift in demand
• 25:01-35:00: Discussion on corporate versus independent practice ownership
• 35:01-45:00: The role of technology and innovation in modern veterinary practices
• 45:01-55:00: Strategies for success in veterinary business and practice ownership
• 55:01-1:05:00: Insights into financial management and overcoming challenges in practice ownership
• 1:05:01-1:15:00: The future of veterinary medicine and concluding thoughts

Tune in to the latest episode of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where we are honored to have the remarkable Dr. Chloe Buiting, an Australian wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, published author, and consultant for Fauna & Flora International, join us.

With an impressive background as an Official Advocate for Kensington Palace's Earthshot Prize and a member of the Science Advisory Committee at Zoos Victoria, the world's first carbon-neutral zoological facility, Dr. Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our conversation.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Chloe's deep-rooted love for our natural world, cultivated during her childhood on the breathtaking Lord Howe Island. In this episode, she generously shares her early influences, veterinary heroes, and the transformative path that led her to become a dedicated conservation vet. Prepare to be inspired as she opens up about her book, 'The Jungle Doctor,' revealing the motivations, challenges, and profound insights behind its creation. Together, we explore the impact of conservation work and embark on a thought-provoking discussion about the effects of COVID-19 on wildlife, navigating existential crises, and more.

In the end, we unravel Dr. Chloe's relationship with Instagram and dive into a rapid-fire round of questions, getting to know the real person behind the inspiring work she does. This engaging episode is brimming with invaluable lessons and advice for the next generation of veterinarians. Don't miss out!

Outline of this episode:

• [0:48] Meet Dr. Chloe Buiting: Discover the story behind the passionate wildlife veterinarian and conservationist.

• [06:30] Early Influences on Lord Howe Island: Explore the formative experiences that shaped Chloe's love for nature and wildlife.

• [09:00] Veterinary Heroes: Learn about the people who influenced and motivated Dr. Chloe along her veterinary journey.

• [13:05] Path to Conservation Vet Work: Dive into the pivotal moments and factors that led Dr. Chloe to dedicate her career to conservation veterinary work.

• [17:07] Navigating Existential Crisis: Discover how Dr. Chloe finds her way through a challenging phase in her life.

• [20:30] Breaking Stereotypes: Explore the truth behind whether Conservation Vets have a penchant for breaking things and the deeper meaning behind their work.

• [26:18] "The Jungle Doctor" by Chloe Buiting: Gain insights into Dr. Chloe's book, including its motivation, inspirations, and the challenges she faced during its creation.

• [31:08] Balancing Act: Explore how Dr. Chloe manages the mental challenges of her work and maintains her well-being in a demanding environment.

• [34:31] Motherhood and Purpose: Learn how becoming a mother has influenced Dr. Chloe's purpose and perspective in her conservation efforts.

• [36:25] The State of Affairs: Get an update on Dr. Chloe's current endeavors and how things are shaping up in her professional journey.

• [38:16] Stories, Learnings, and Highlights: Delve into the captivating anecdotes, valuable lessons, and standout moments from Dr. Chloe's career.

• [42:31] Impact of Conservation Work: Discover the significant impacts that conservation efforts have made so far, including achievements and ongoing challenges.

• [50:56] COVID's Wildlife Impact: Explore the effects of the global pandemic on wildlife populations, particularly primates, and the importance of addressing these challenges.

• [55:44] Advice for Future Vets: Listen to Dr. Chloe's insightful advice and words of wisdom for the next generation of veterinarians.

• [1:01:22] The Power of Networking and Mentoring: Understand the value of building connections and finding mentors within the veterinary profession.

• [1:08:06] Loop Abroad Engagements: Learn about Dr. Chloe's involvement and experiences with the Loop Abroad program, facilitating international study abroad programs for aspiring wildlife medicine and conservation professionals.

• [1:14:43] Instagram and Conservation: Gain insights into Dr. Chloe's relationship with Instagram and how she utilizes the platform to advance conservation efforts.

• [1:16:36] Rapid Fire with Dr. Chloe Buiting: Engage in a rapid-fire round of questions, offering a glimpse into Dr. Chloe's personality and perspectives.

Resources Mentioned:

The Jungle Doctor by Chloe Buiting

https://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Doctor-Adventures-International-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B08MVMKKDQ

Modern-day wildlife conservation TEDTalk by Nick Bubb

https://www.ted.com/talks/nick_bubb_modern_day_wildlife_conservation

Zoobiguity by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz & Kathryn Bowers

https://www.amazon.com/Zoobiquity-Astonishing-Connection-Between-Animal/dp/0307477436

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Library-Novel-Matt-Haig/dp/0525559477

Loop Abroad

https://www.loopabroad.com/

Fauna & Flora International

https://www.fauna-flora.org/

Connect with Dr. Chloe Buiting:

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Website

In this thought-provoking episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with veterinarians Matt Flann and Caroline Collins, the inspiring owners of Pennard Vet Group in the UK. They have challenged the status quo of selling their practice to corporations for large sums and instead forged an ethical path towards a brighter future for pets, their team, and the local community. By creating an employee-owned model and achieving B-Corporation certification, Matt and Caroline have become beacons of change in the veterinary industry.

If you're curious about alternatives to selling out to private equity, passionate about leaving a positive impact on the planet, and interested in exploring new ways of engaging and caring for your people, this episode is for you. Matt and Caroline's leadership journey will open your mind to a different perspective on veterinary practice ownership and inspire you to consider the profound impact ethical choices can have on your team and local community.

Join us as we delve into the story of Matt and Caroline's bold decision to create an employee-owned model for Pennard Vet Group. We'll explore the challenges they faced, the values that drove them, and the positive outcomes they have witnessed as a result. Discover how their employee-owned model has fostered a culture of collaboration, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible care for their furry patients.

We'll explore how years of commitment to growing fantastic leaders, and a sense of stewardship rather than ownership steered their choices.

And we'll dive into Matt and Caroline's pursuit of B Corporation certification an standard that showcases their commitment not just to people, but to society. Lofty stuff indeed.

Don't miss this engaging and informative episode that will expand your horizons and challenge conventional notions of veterinary practice ownership. Be inspired to create change and build a future where ethics and compassion mean more than dollar signs. Because doing so might be the only way we stand any chance of making life better in veterinary medicine at all.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Robert Hilsenroth. Dr. Hilsenroth was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1971!

After a year in practice, he took the bold step of moving to Colorado and opening a small animal practice as a relatively inexperienced vet and businessman. Things clearly worked out, as he owned the practice for the next 19 years.

There were highs and lows, including frustration with how the media handled veterinary issues. As such, Dr Hilsenroth was drawn to develop his media skills to better contribute to and improve the quality of reporting on important local and national veterinary issues. This investment paid off, and for a decade, he was employed by the ABC television affiliate KUSA as their “pet health expert,” producing weekly reports on pet and animal issues.  In addition, he hosted radio talk shows and wrote weekly newspaper columns.

In 1991, his career changed course quite dramatically and sold his practice and began a 13-year tenure with the Morris Animal Foundation, an organisation funding health studies for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. 

Initially joining as the Staff Veterinary Communications Officer, Dr. Hilsenroth’s skills allowed him to be identified and successfully appointed as the Foundation’s Executive Director.

When he began this role, the Foundation was funding only two studies in the Zoo & Wildlife Division, while there were 10 or more studies in each of the other Divisions. When he got done more than a decade later, the same division was funding more than 30 studies.

Dr. Hilsenroth “retired” from Morris Animal Foundation in April 2004 and moved to northern Florida to enjoy fishing and the quiet life. Or so he thought… Talent, however does not often get the luxury of going quietly into the night… and it wasn’t long before the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, a group he had worked closely with while at the Morris Animal Foundation, came calling on his leadership experience. 

Those calls, while initially rebuffed, were, in the end, effective and in 2005, Dr Hilsenroth was appointed to the role of Executive Director of the Association. A position he still holds nearly 18 years later! Quite possibly a record in delaying retirement.

Aside from the enormous impact on zoo animals and conservation Dr Hilsenroth has made, he has made just as significant an impact on people -  amassing a wealth of learned and taught leadership experience during his career. Including completion of Harvard’s Executive Education program “Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management”.

But before we jump into today’s episode, here is a quick word from today’s show sponsor…

Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.

Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, and tell us about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.

Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices that are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy.

The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia.

To register visit vetxinternational.com/career-concierge. And all registrants will be entered into a prize draw where you could win an apple watch, a magnum of champagne or an amazon gift card.

Registration is free so head to vetxinternational.com/career-concierge to sign up today.

Now back to the show...

The only way to become a guest on this Blunt Dissection is to be someone I am really curious to learn more about. Sometimes guests appear on my radar due to listener recommendations; other times, I find them through publications. But in Robert’s case, it was an entirely random meeting at lunch while preparing for my sessions at VMX ‘23 that resulted in an almost instant connection.

Within a few seconds of listening to Dr Hilsenroth, my ears were wide open. Within five minutes, I cursed myself for not having my recording equipment rolling! His career is fascinating, but his story-telling ability and life experiences are up there with the best. I hope very much you have a similar reaction as we dive into his story, both human and animal. 

So without further ado, I invite you to sit back and enjoy my conversation with the fantastic Dr Robert Hilsenroth.

On today’s show, we have the pleasure of being in the company of Dr Ben Howitt.

Ben is the Founder & Managing Director of Pan Animalia Galápagos and is an International Veterinary Manager with Worldwide Veterinary Service.

He was brought up in Singapore and studied at the University of Bristol Vet School in the UK. Following graduation, Ben spent three years of mixed clinical practice on the Channel Island of Guernsey before moving to the Galápagos Islands to manage a volunteer and charitable veterinary clinic run by a US charity.

He completed this work in 2019, returning to the UK to start his own foundation called Pan Animalia and subsequently teamed up with Worldwide Vet Services as one of their project managers.

Pan Animalia’s mission is to conserve endemic wildlife populations in the Galapagos islands by preventing competition, predation, and infectious disease transmission from the domestic animal population.

This, in part, means working to educate local communities but also setting up local population control systems and preventive vaccination programs.

The foundation is doing terrific work and in the past year since opening has completed more than 700 surgeries, attended more than 1300 animals, hosted 32 students and volunteers, visited 8 local schools and created one awesome team!

In 2020 his efforts and ambition were recognised as he was nominated for the British Veterinary Association’s Young Vet of the Year award.

Now, before we jump into today’s episode, here is a quick word from today’s show sponsor…

Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.

Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, and tell us about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.

Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices that are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy.

The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia.

To register visit vetxinternational.com/career-concierge. And all registrants will be entered into a prize draw where you could win an apple watch, a magnum of champagne or an amazon gift card.

Registration is free so head to vetxinternational.com/career-concierge to sign up today.

Now, back to the show…

Ben has been on my Instagram radar for ages as we both share a passion for animals and the ocean, but due to both of our seemingly outstanding efforts at not being timezones, it literally took about two years to get this interview arranged. I’ve not had a lot of guests from the world of conservation so it was great to hear about Ben’s passion for conserving utterly essential ecosystems, and the work he’s doing to help protect an area made most famous by Charles Darwin himself.

So without further ado, sit back and enjoy this conversation with vet conservationist and lover of oceans, Dr Ben Howitt!

On today's episode of Blunt Dissection, we are doing something a little bit different. For the last six years, I have been interviewing people who are doing remarkable things in veterinary medicine. But this year I feel like getting curious about what different models and thinking is out there. 

Why?  - The reason is pretty simple. We are in what seems like an unsustainable moment where we are haemorrhaging talent of all kinds out of the veterinary profession. This comes at a time when there is increased demand in terms of quantity and availability of service but also in terms of quality of service. 

We are haemorrhaging talent in the face of increased stress, which starts at university, driven by the soaring costs of education. A stress that previous generations did not have.

And yet acting as a counter-balance  we see huge improvements to the quality of life. Working hours per week have never been lower. And we now speak openly, freely and widely about the mental health issues that have confronted this profession for generations. 

This of course is all playing as we observe the sweeping changes to the ownership structure of veterinary practices. Gone, it seems, are the days of independent practice as we move into the days of market consolidation and multinational corporate medicine. 

The chief decision makers are now shareholders or financiers whose commitment is primarily to the ongoing financial viability and profit of those businesses generate for distant shareholders. That's quite different to the commitments made in the boardroom of smaller independent clinics practices owned outright by vets - where animal welfare is the primary driving factor. 

So it’s against this backdrop we explore what's going on in veterinary medicine and we look to the future, not the past. We’ll look to salve the pain of today by looking at the balm of tomorrow’s innovation.

I’ll be exploring business models from around the world where people are challenging the status quo. So let's dive into the ideas from today, that may be niche but one day might just change veterinary medicine for the better.

My first guest is Dr. Sara Pizano. She works at Team Shelter USA, an organization that has transformed the way humane societies operate in the United States. Now, she’s teamed up with the Open Door Veterinary Collective, and has turned her attention to making veterinary care accessible to as many people as possible, while remaining profitable.

The Open Door Veterinary Collective operates two practices, doing things very differently, and challenging the myth that people who can’t afford veterinary care aren’t worthy of veterinary care. The results they have generated so far are very impressive and call into question both the ethics and economics of “Gold Standard Care”. 

There’s a lot to dig into here so let's jump right into the episode with the awesome Dr. Sara Pizano.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] - Dr. Dave Nicol begins the episode with a short precap.
• [03:05] - Can we rely on traditional methods in the veterinary business in current economic conditions?  
• [3:30] - How is the increase in pet ownership that occurred during the Covid-19 outbreak now contributing to overcrowding in animal shelters due to high inflation?
• [11:10] - Dr. Sara Pizano talks about Open Door Veterinary Collective Business model, explaining how practices can have sustainable business models while making enhanced veterinary care accessible to as many individuals as possible.
• [19:30] - Dr. Sara Pizano talks about the spectrum of care, the client-centered, evidence-based treatment that achieves positive results for animals with minimal resources. 
• [21:45] - Dr. Sara and Dr. Dave list the primary reasons driving pet owners' decision to forego premium standard care.
• [28:15] - Does the Open Door Business model impact the cash flow?
• [31:50] - Dr. Sara explains how to operate an efficient practice.
• [37: 50] - Dr. Sara and Dave talk about compassion fatigue, explaining its effect on the veterinary profession.
• [46:40] - Dr. Sara and Dave discuss the trust issue among pet owners regarding veterinary care.
• [50:30] - Dr. Sara talks about the management aspect of the model, explaining how technology and automation underpin Open Door Business model.
• [56:26] - Dr. Sara gives insights into the research based on six years of billing records of 397 veterinary clinics. The research is the base of the credit outsourcing model.
• [01:06:00] - Dr. Sara gives final thoughts on the business model.
• [01:08:15] - Dr. Dave wraps the episode.

On today’s show I’m joined by Martin Traub-Werner. 

Martin is the founder and former CEO of Vet Success, a business helping practice owners improve their decisions by taking objective data, sucked from their practice management software, and turning it into meaningful insight.

He holds a BA in Economics and Spanish from York, and a Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations from Cornell. His early career was spent cutting his teeth in the HR department of a global manufacturing organization. He then took a “tour of duty” through the various business departments of both fortune 500 companies and small businesses - gradually learning his craft.

Having served a very handy apprenticeship, Martin began his entrepreneurial journey for real setting up a marketing automation business. A complete fluke conversation caused a pivot into data intelligence and Vet Success was born.

The business grew to a market leading position in data analytics for practices and in January 2021, was acquired by Vetsource. After a year working as the head of Data & Platform Technologies for the company, he moved on to start up his latest venture called VetBooks. 

VetBooks is a book-keeping service looking to democratize timely access and understanding of practice financials.

Martin’s other notable career contributions are as a co-author of Veterinary Practice Management Essentials and he sat as chair of  VetPartners Practice Management Special Interest Group for two years.

Now, before we jump into today’s episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor…

Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.

Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, tell us all about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.

Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices who are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy.

The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia.

To register visit vetxinternational.com/jobs. And all registrants will be entered into a prize draw where you could win an apple watch, magnum of champagne or amazon gift card.

Registration is free so head to vetxinternational.com/jobs to sign up today.

Now, back to the show…

Martin is that most rare of things, a data nerd who also speaks fluent human. He’s not an easy guy to put in a box, indeed it may well be that no-one puts Martin in a box. He’s an entrepreneur for sure and loves solving puzzles. But he’s just as likely to view his team as a puzzle to solve as the problem his business actually exists to solve. And it’s that quality I think that makes him such a stand out as both a leader and human. Well, it’s that or his ability to rock a bow-tie and flat cap combo! 

The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this episode was how short a time we had to record. But what we lacked in time, I'm quite certain we made up for in value. 

So without further ado, sit back and enjoy this conversation with the effervescent Martin Traub-Werner.

On today’s show, I’m joined by David McCormick.

David is a veterinary valuation appraiser and transaction specialist, working with veterinarians throughout their ownership journey to help evaluate financial health so owners can make better decisions. 

To give that a better outline David, in the same way, that veterinarians look at lab tests and x-rays to diagnose disease in animals, uses financial reporting tools to diagnose and treat unhealthy practices, or helps new owners understand their numbers from the beginning. In short, he’s a veterinary business health wizard who can read the tea leaves of your accounts and accurately predict much about your practice without ever walking in the door. A skill that every practice owner or manager would do very well to master too.

His career pathway to veterinary medicine was not direct and frankly is worth an interview on its own merits,  with animal encounters in exciting, remote places and a near miss as a musician featuring highly.  But it was his father, Larry, an MBA-holding Veterinarian that was the magnetic draw back into a world he was immersed in as a child. More on that in the interview.

David holds degrees in Science, Environmental Resource Management, and a Masters in Agricultural Education. He’s a regular and hugely popular speaker on the veterinary world speaking circuit, a charter member of Vet Partners, and serving as president in 2006. And was the Practice Management Education Manager for Western States Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas for seven years.

Money management is massively important for business and by extension physical and mental health. Well-managed businesses which return good profit margins allow for better staff salaries, more investment in new things to help standards of care, and a fair return for owners.

Having seen him keep the attention of the PSI vet symposium attendees the day before, on a subject more prone to glazing the eyes of veterinary professionals I knew I’d found my guy to talk about a subject that is taboo in the world of veterinary business - Profit is not a dirty word!

Regardless of your age or stage in vet med, this might be one of the most important conversations you hear because, in the end, economics determines just about everything.

So enjoy this, my conversation with the financial wizard and frisbee chasing David McCormick. 

Today's show was made possible through the generous sponsorship of VetX Thrive - the course where vets like you go to learn the professional skills needed to have a happy and financially successful career as a vet. Learn more and sign up at www.vetxinternational.com today.

When I sat down for this episode of Blunt Dissection I thought it would be like any normal interview. Very quickly however I found myself in the Blunt Dissection hot seat! Being interviewed by the returning Dr Peter Weinstein. Peter takes to the mic to ask me some of veterinary medicines' most burning questions and I must say I’m a bit worried he’s trying to take over as the host of Blunt Dissection as a whole! 

Peter and I have a fantastic discussion on a range of subjects from avoiding mentoring meltdowns, to the importance of culture, to reimagining the whole veterinary model around new technology. There's a lot to cover in this one so we’ll jump right on in but first a short message from our show sponsor...

We all know that imposter syndrome, angry clients, and burnout are real and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. 

But what you might not know is that there is a place where you can learn and master the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. 

That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, The RACE accredited Thrive Professional Skills course, hundreds of articles, podcasts, live mentor Q&A sessions, swag and more.

To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today to register for free!

Now back to the show...

Before we get into the interview, a quick reminder of just how much Peter has accomplished in his varied and successful career. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University and, after graduation, Peter worked as an associate for three years before fully engaging with his entrepreneurial seizure and opening his practice.

Whilst running his practice Peter learned the hard way that it takes way more than just a love of animals to run a successful hospital and so while managing and practising full time, he completed an MBA. This had a massive positive impact on his trajectory and helped his practice ‘take off’. 

Following the success of his practice, Dr Peter "segway-ed" out of clinical practice and into the land of vet politics and business consulting serving as the President and Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, President of the California Veterinary Medical Association and is a Past-President of VetPartners in the US.

He also co-wrote the book the E-myth veterinarian with Michael Gerber, which I highly recommend you read (and I harbour huge author-envy over).

So without further ado let's jump into the interview where the never-conventional Dr Peter Weinstein dissects yours truly.

In a very, very sad and bizarre twist of timing, the day we published this episode about 4 hours before it was announced that Her Majesty The Queen passed away. She was an incredible woman who was one of the most dignified leaders of her time. RIP Queen Elizabeth II. You will be missed.

Outline of this episode

• [9:34] After some light-hearted conversation, Dr. Peter asks Dr. Dave whether there is a common thread about the veterinary profession that gets talked about everywhere irrespective of the audience.
• [19:28] Dr. Dave Nicol talks about “burnout and wellness,” going into detail about his trigger words and how they may not mean what we think they mean.
• [24:14] Dr. Dave and Dr. Peter discuss extrinsic and intrinsic influencers of decision-making and why we need to focus on intrinsic influencers to make better decisions for all stakeholders.
• [27:52] Dr. Dave talks about how he incorporates proactive decision-making in his business and how it leads to a happy team and sustainable business.
• [38:05] Dr. Dave recalls his entrepreneurial phase and how coronavirus forced him to strategically plan things proactively and differently.
• [49:12] How do we, as a global profession, move from reactive decision-making to proactive planning without an easy button? 
• [51:03] Dr. Dave Nicol’s advice: “Three jobs every practice owner has to do above all else”.
• [51:45] Dr. Dave and Dr. Peter discuss “firing clients”.
• [61:30] Dr. Dave explains mentorship as a bridge from the past to the future. He also answers how we can get leadership to have a new vision (at every level of the profession) for the future of the veterinary profession.
• [01:15:42] Dr. Dave and Dr. Peter discuss how to reimagine the veterinary business model in the age of technology.
• [01:19:05] Dr. Peter recounts two real-life instances when technology failed
• [01:27:47] The discussion comes to a close, Dr. Peter provides a summary of the conversation and Dr. Dave shares his final words with the listeners.  

Resources Mentioned

• The E-Myth Veterinarian by Dr Peter Weinstein & Michael Gerber: https://amzn.to/3AXx2by 
• Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing by Derek Sivers: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Yeah-No-whats-worth-ebook/dp/B09YY9W9B3
• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Principles-TM-Where-Want/dp/0060594896

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr/

Connect with Dr Dave

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

In today's show, we visit rural Michigan and find ourselves on a horse farm… Home to none other than veterinary pain management guru Dr. Mike Petty.

Mike is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. He has been the owner of Arbor Pointe Veterinary Hospital since 1985. And it was here that he dedicated himself to becoming a pet pain management specialist, developing his practice to include the Animal Pain Center, a hugely popular service drawing pet owners from far and wide. 

Within this particular niche, Dr Petty expanded his knowledge and skills to encompass the most up-to-date and compassionate treatments available. He is certified as … and wait for it… a Veterinary Pain Practitioner, a Medical Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, and he’s a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.

In 2016 he published his first book Dr. Petty's Pain Relief for Dogs: The Complete Medical and Integrative Guide to Treating Pain. 

Mike is the past president of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and the co-author of the AAHA/AAFP 2015 Pain Guidelines. 

He is an international speaker, highly published author with articles in several veterinary journals and serves in an advisory capacity to several pharmaceutical companies on topics of pain management. 

Now before we jump into the show, a quick word from today’s show sponsor…The VetX community.

We all know that imposter syndrome, burnout, angry clients, and burnout are real and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. 

But what you might not know is that there is a place where you can learn and master the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. 

That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, The RACE accredited Thrive Professional Skills course, hundreds of articles, podcasts,  live mentor Q&A sessions, swag and more.

To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today to register for free!

Now back to the show..

Chatting with Dr Petty was a real privilege, he’s one of the people others frequently recommend to be a guest on the show - for his knowledge of pain management, but also his contribution to veterinary medicine and affable personality.

We explore the background and career of Dr Petty covering everything from Vespas to Lasers (and much in between). So if you need some pain management advice or even some career inspiration, this is going to be a show you don’t want to miss.

So, sit back, get comfy and enjoy this, my conversation with Veterinary Medicine’s pain management maestro, Dr. Mike Petty.