Join us on the newest episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, hosted by Christie Cornelius, as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Peter Weinstein—veterinary leader, author, and founder of Veterinary Ownership Advocates and Simple Solutions for Vets. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Weinstein discusses the vital importance of building lifelong relationships with pet owners through transparent communication about costs, proactive conversations, and financial solutions like Care Credit. Discover how practices can foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and create a more accessible, compassionate client experience from puppyhood to end-of-life care.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Weinstein shares practical strategies for veterinary teams to address the common misconception that pet ownership costs are underestimated, emphasizing the value of a pet owner’s manual and early financial planning. He highlights the critical role of team training in handling difficult conversations about finances and how integrating solutions such as flexible payment options can lead to better compliance and long-term client retention. Plus, learn about the trends shaping pet owner expectations in today's economic climate and how to prepare your practice to meet these evolving needs.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in veterinary leadership. Whether you're a practice owner, associate, or support staff, Dr. Weinstein offers actionable advice on enhancing trust, communication, and financial transparency to ensure your clients feel confident and cared for at every stage of their pet’s life.

Watch the full episode on YouTube here https://youtu.be/eGQyBjHBlqQ ,

listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and connect with Dr. Weinstein on LinkedIn for more expert insights. #VeterinaryLeadership #ClientCommunication #VetBusiness #LifetimeCare #PetFinance #CareCredit

00:00 Understanding Lifetime Pet Care

03:02 Financial Responsibilities of Pet Ownership

05:55 Communicating Costs and Financial Policies

08:49 Creating a User's Manual for Pet Owners

12:08 Bridging the Gap Between Care and Costs

14:59 Integrating Care Credit into Veterinary Practices

17:46 Normalizing Financial Conversations in Veterinary Care

21:05 Building Trust and Relationships with Clients

24:02 Future Trends in Veterinary Financial Solutions

26:52 Missed Opportunities in Veterinary Practices

Tune in to The Veterinary Insider Podcast hosted by Christie Cornelius for an insightful conversation with Rhys Giannarelli, co-founder of Founders.vet and founder of Innovative Veterinary Management Solutions. In this episode, Rhys shares his unique journey from hospitality in Australia to veterinary practice owner in Vancouver, highlighting the challenges of competing in a dense market and the importance of leadership, trust, and strategic delegation. Discover practical tips on building resilient teams, implementing effective incentives, and creating systems that allow your practice to operate seamlessly without your constant oversight.

Watch the full episode on YouTube here https://youtu.be/-HUijF0rmBg and gain invaluable insights to elevate your veterinary business today!

In this episode, Rhys delves into key leadership traits shaping the future of veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for asking questions, fostering collaboration, and embracing rapid change. He discusses innovative approaches to staff incentives, retention strategies, and the importance of developing a business that can succeed independently of its owner. Whether you're looking to improve your practice culture, streamline operations, or grow as a leader, Rhys’s advice offers actionable strategies rooted in real-world experience. Don’t miss this hour of expert insights—available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and learn more about Rhys and his resources at ivmsolutions.org and founders.vet.

Join us for this engaging episode packed with practical leadership techniques, tools for effective delegation, and tips on creating sustainable systems for your veterinary practice. Rhys’s perspective on normalizing production, setting clear parameters, and leveraging bonuses for motivation will inspire you to rethink how you lead and grow your team.

#VeterinaryLeadership #VetBusiness #PracticeManagement #FoundersVet #Vet

Success and stay connected for more expert advice to thrive in today’s ever-changing veterinary landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Leadership

02:37 Reese's Journey into Veterinary Medicine

06:30 Founding Innovative Veterinary Management Solutions

09:49 Transitioning from Operator to Business Owner

17:21 Modern Leadership Techniques in Veterinary Practice

24:23 Hiring for Core Values and Team Culture

26:55 Delegation and Reducing Burnout

32:10 Incentives, Bonuses, and Retention Strategies

37:57 Budgeting Essentials for Practice Owners41:16 Nurturing Future Veterinary Leaders

What does it take to lead, own, and influence the future of veterinary medicine? In this powerful episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Christie Cornelius welcomes Dr. Peter Weinstein—veterinarian, educator, author, and founder of Veterinary Ownership Advocates (VOA). With over 40 years in the industry, Dr. Weinstein shares his journey from new graduate to visionary leader, and how economic shifts, leadership lessons, and a changing profession shaped his purpose.

From the evolution of practice ownership to the realities of post-pandemic veterinary business, Dr. Weinstein offers tactical wisdom for the next generation of entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of transparent leadership, succession planning, and why empathy is an essential skill in practice management today. You’ll also hear about his work with VOA, its unique micro-MBA program, and why collaboration—not competition—is the future of veterinary medicine.

Watch the full episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ybAnRla0P8A

#VeterinaryLeadership #IndependentVets #VetMedBusiness #IVPA #VOA #PracticeOwnership #EmpathyInLeadership #VetPodcast #VeterinaryEntrepreneurship #FutureOfVetMed

00:00 The Importance of Colleague Support in Veterinary Medicine

00:45 A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine: 1980s to Pandemic

07:54 Navigating Change: Lessons from the Pandemic

14:10 Fostering the Next Generation of Veterinary Entrepreneurs

18:05 Veterinary Ownership Advocacy: Bridging the Gap

23:59 Collaboration Among Veterinary Organizations

30:10 Succession Planning in Veterinary Practices

36:01 The Role of Mentorship in Veterinary Careers

41:47 Balancing Life and Veterinary Advocacy

In this special episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Christie Cornelius sits down with Dr. Bonnie Bragdon, founder and past president of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA). Bonnie opens up about her inspiring journey—from single mom in vet school to influential leader in the veterinary field—and how resilience, curiosity, and bold leadership shaped her path.

Dr. Bragdon reflects on the challenges she overcame early in her career, the creation and impact of the IVPA, and her evolving vision for independent veterinary medicine. She shares practical advice on building networks, navigating ambiguity, and embracing leadership—especially for those starting out or pivoting into new ventures. Her candid stories offer encouragement and insight for anyone navigating the complexities of veterinary practice today.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube and hear more from Dr. Bonnie Bragdon and host Dr. Christie Cornelius: https://youtu.be/417OoD8yRIE

#VeterinaryLeadership #VetMed #VeterinaryInsider #IVPA #VeterinaryPodcast #WomenInVetMed #VeterinaryBusiness #ChristieCornelius #BonnieBragdon #IndependentVet

00:00 Introduction to the Journey03:12 Overcoming Early Challenges

06:07 Evolving Career Vision08:51 Mentorship and Networking

12:00 Founding the IVPA

14:47 Core Values and Leadership18:07 Focus and Dealing with Uncertainty

30:23 Navigating Ambiguity and Uncertainty

32:18 The Role of IVPA in Veterinary Advocacy

34:40 Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Veterinary Medicine

37:22 The Vision Behind the Veterinary Insider Podcast

41:06 Audience Insights and Podcast Impact

43:53 Embracing Authenticity and Conflict in Conversations

46:10 The Importance of Ownership in Veterinary Practice

49:44 Future of Independent Practice and IVPA's Role

51:34 Career Transitions and Networking in Veterinary Field

54:49 Supporting Colleagues in the Commercial Field

56:16 Competition and the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary school is tough—but what comes next can be truly rewarding. On this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Bragdon talks with Dr. Bre Demaline, an emergency vet and rising leader in the profession. Dr. Bre reflects on her journey from vet student to practicing DVM, offering encouragement for current students and eye-opening insights for practice owners who want to better support new grads.

From surviving imposter syndrome to finding joy in surgery, Dr. Bre shares what helped her thrive early in her career—strong mentorship, collaborative teams, and saying yes to hands-on learning. She also discusses the role of the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) in shaping her leadership path and why independent practices play a key role in the future of vet med.

If you're navigating the leap from school to practice—or trying to guide someone who is—this episode is packed with real talk, honest advice, and a hopeful outlook. https://youtu.be/qJzvYkJcr7c

#VeterinaryInsider #VeterinaryPodcast #NewGradVet #VetStudents #EmergencyVet #VetMed #MentorshipMatters #VBMA #IndependentPractice #DVMlife #IVPA #WomenInVetMed

00:00 The Journey Begins: A Veterinarian's Hopeful Message

00:53 Veterinary School Experience: Challenges and Triumphs

04:02 Finding Your Path: Job Search and Networking in Vet School

07:09 Mentorship Matters: Building Supportive Relationships

09:48 Navigating Anxiety: First Year as a Veterinarian

13:05 Resources for Success: Tools and Communities

15:59 Job Interview Strategies: Finding the Right Fit

19:03 The Role of Independent Practices: A Personal Perspective

22:12 Staying Informed: The Importance of Industry News

23:06 The Future of Veterinary Medicine: Trends and Predictions

25:26 The Future of Independent Veterinary Practices

26:27 Navigating Early Career Challenges

30:02 Building Leadership Skills in Veterinary Medicine

32:46 Overcoming Workplace Challenges

35:31 Finding Joy Outside of Work

37:56 Embracing Surgical Opportunities

40:18 Learning and Growing in Veterinary Practice

42:11 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

44:00 Evolving Career Goals in Veterinary Medicine

47:30 Hope for the Future of Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Bragdon welcomes Dr. Lee Pope, a veterinarian who has experienced the full spectrum of practice ownership—from building and managing a clinic to selling it and working in corporate veterinary medicine. Dr. Pope shares his journey, offering candid insights into the challenges of practice ownership, staffing struggles, and the tough decisions that come with transitioning to corporate practice.Dr. Pope discusses the reality of independent practice, from the rewarding moments of client relationships to the difficulties of HR management and financial planning. He also sheds light on his experience selling to a corporate group, the pros and cons of corporate practice, and what veterinarians should consider before making a similar move. Whether you're an aspiring practice owner, a current owner considering your next steps, or a veterinarian weighing corporate vs. independent practice, this episode is packed with valuable advice.Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/TKGnLFxYyoo#VeterinaryMedicine #VetOwnership #VetBusiness #CorporateVeterinaryMedicine #VetSuccess #PracticeManagement #VetPodcast #TheVeterinaryInsider 00:00 The Pros and Cons of Corporate Practice00:50 Journey to Becoming a Veterinarian03:07 The Challenges of Veterinary Education05:02 Transitioning to Practice Ownership08:49 Navigating Employee Management13:01 Conflict Resolution in Veterinary Practice15:49 Building and Selling a Practice17:48 The Impact of Corporate Practices on Veterinary Careers25:12 The Landscape of Veterinary Mentorship27:12 Corporate vs. Independent Practice: Pros and Cons30:41 Navigating Corporate Challenges34:29 Lessons Learned from Selling a Practice37:44 Advice for Surviving Corporate Practice39:57 Transitioning to Industry: Opportunities and Networking48:28 Owning a Practice: Rewards and Responsibilities

How does owning a practice impact the future of veterinary medicine? What does it take to build, sell, and even start over again? In this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Bragdon sits down with Dr. Beth Davidow, an emergency and critical care specialist, veterinary practice owner, and advocate for independent veterinary medicine.Key Takeaways from This Episode:🔹 The Value of Ownership: Why independent veterinarians should be at the center of the profession.🔹 Profitability & Purpose: Understanding why profit isn't a bad word and how financial success fuels better care and career longevity.🔹 Challenges in Selling a Practice: The lessons Dr. Davidow learned about selling her first practice and how she’s approaching ownership differently this time.🔹 Corporate vs. Independent: The real impact of private equity on veterinary medicine and how new ownership models—like ESOPs—are changing the landscape.🔹 Advice for Future Practice Owners: What young veterinarians need to know about ownership, finances, and planning for the future.Don't miss this insightful conversation on the realities of veterinary practice ownership and how to shape a career on your terms.Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/1XW87UG4gqc#VetPodcast #VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeOwnership #VetLife #IndependentPractice #VetCareer #Leadership #VeterinarySuccess #IVPA 00:00 The Importance of Profit Margins in Veterinary Practices00:51 Dr. Beth Davidow's Journey to Veterinary Medicine02:47 Transitioning to Emergency and Critical Care05:52 The Evolution of 24-Hour Veterinary Care08:58 Challenges in Starting a Veterinary Practice10:50 Financing and Support for Women in Veterinary Practices11:43 Specialists: Corporate vs. Independent Practices15:55 Navigating Practice Ownership and Exit Strategies26:19 Exploring Alternative Exit Strategies for Veterinarians27:36 Navigating Life After Selling a Practice30:48 Surviving Corporate Commitments Post-Sale33:30 The Importance of Multiple Selves in Veterinary Careers34:55 Gender Dynamics in Veterinary Business37:14 Encouraging Women in Veterinary Leadership40:30 Profitability and Gender Disparities in Veterinary Medicine43:48 Owning the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Join Dr. Bonnie Bragdon as she sits down with Dr. Arnold Goldman, President of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA), to discuss the future of independent veterinary medicine, the challenges of corporatization, and why ownership still matters for veterinarians today.You'll Discover the Heart Behind Veterinary Ownership: Dr. Goldman shares his lifelong passion for animals and the impact of owning his own practice; Corporatization vs. Independence: The effects of large corporate practices on care quality and client relationships;The IVPA's Mission: How the IVPA is advocating for independent practitioners and pushing for a voice in the AVMA House of Delegates; Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners: Practical insights for associates considering ownership and the incredible freedom that comes with it; The Boston Terrier Connection: A heartwarming glimpse into Dr. Goldman’s lifelong love for Boston Terriers.Listen Now: https://youtu.be/qdLlsoubNXcJoin the Movement! Whether you're an experienced vet or an associate exploring practice ownership, the IVPA offers resources, networking opportunities, and practical support to help you succeed.What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments or DM us!#VeterinaryMedicine #VetPodcast #VetPractice #VeterinaryProfession #IndependentVeterinaryPractice #VetLife #PetCare #VeterinarianOwners #IVPA #AVMA #VetCareInnovation #AnimalCare

00:00 Introduction to the Veterinary Insider Podcast01:12 Dr. Arnie Goldman's Journey to Veterinary Medicine02:50 The Impact of Corporatization on Veterinary Practices08:36 The Role of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA)11:01 Personal Journey to Practice Ownership16:46 Travel Experiences and Professional Involvement20:38 Future Plans for the IVPA24:43 Benefits of Joining the IVPA28:32 Understanding the AVMA House of Delegates38:03 The Future of Veterinary Profession: Shortage or Surplus?43:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe podcast for veterinarians who own their medicine, their profession, and their success. The Veterinary Insider podcast is powered by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association and hosted by co-founder and immediate past president, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon. The IVPA is the only association exclusively dedicated to keeping veterinary practice ownership a sustainable lifestyle and career option. Member benefits include discounts on products and services that drive practice profit, as well as opportunities to change the course of the veterinary profession.