When veterinary clinics run on a sink or swim culture, new hires are tossed into the job after just a few days of shadowing and expected to keep pace in a high-pressure environment without the tools or confidence to succeed. In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into why this outdated approach persists and how it fuels turnover, burnout, and inconsistent client service. They share practical strategies for building smarter, more supportive onboarding programs that work even when the clinic is short-staffed. From defining what “success” looks like in the first weeks to role-playing real client scenarios, you’ll learn how to create a culture of continuous development that keeps great team members for the long haul.

Lead the Future of AI in Your Veterinary Practice

Artificial intelligence is already part of daily life in veterinary medicine, and team leads are guiding how it is used. At the Team Leads Summit, Maria Pirita will present “Smarter, Safer AI,” an interactive workshop designed to help you use AI effectively and responsibly. Learn how to identify risks, write better prompts, choose reliable tools, and create a clinic culture that embraces innovation while protecting your team and clients. The session is Zoom-friendly and full of real-world veterinary examples you can apply immediately. Register now for the Team Leads Summit at unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events.

Join the Uncharted Community

The Uncharted Veterinary Community is where veterinary professionals come together to learn, connect, and grow. As a member, you gain access to live workshops, on-demand training, discussion groups, and resources designed to help you lead with confidence. Whether you want to strengthen your team, improve client communication, or plan for long-term success, you will find practical tools and a supportive network ready to help. Membership means you are never leading alone. Join today and start exploring at unchartedvet.com/community.

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.

When veterinary professionals can’t afford to work because childcare costs rival their paycheck, the entire clinic feels the impact. This episode tackles one of the most under-discussed yet critical challenges in veterinary medicine: how the lack of childcare support is pushing talented team members out of the field. The result is burnout, high turnover, and lost potential in an industry that already struggles to retain staff. Enter Jenni George, CVPM, co-owner and practice manager of Deerfield Veterinary Clinic in rural New Hampshire. With a passion for leadership and team development, Jenni didn’t just notice the problem, she addressed it head-on by opening a daycare for her team’s children. In this episode, Jenni shares how her clinic created an in-house childcare solution, from licensing questions to liability coverage to tax strategy. She walks us through the real costs, what’s worked, and what other practices can learn from her experience. Whether or not you’re ready to build a daycare, this conversation offers practical ways to better support working parents, reduce turnover, and strengthen your clinic’s culture.

The Future Is Now (and It Needs a Vet Team Lead Like You)

AI isn't coming. It's here. And team leads are on the front lines of deciding how it's used in practice. In her brand-new workshop at the Team Leads Summit, Maria Pirita is peeling back the mystery around artificial intelligence in “Smarter, Safer AI.” If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could actually help with training, communication, or client service, but worried about crossing a line, this session is for you. You’ll learn how to spot red flags, write better prompts, evaluate safe tools, and shape a clinic culture that’s forward-thinking without being reckless. Maria’s goal isn’t to turn you into a tech expert. It’s to help you become a confident, cautious, and creative leader in a rapidly changing world. And yes, it’s Zoom-friendly, interactive, and full of real-world examples that actually make sense for vet med. You’ve already got the leadership instincts. Let’s add the AI strategy. Register now for the Team Leads Summit → unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events

For Uncharted Members: A Workshop That’s All About Appreciation

Not every reward needs to cost a fortune but it does need to matter. In her free Uncharted Community workshop, Rewards for All, Jenni George, CVPM, shares how to build recognition systems that feel personal, practical, and powerful. From spontaneous perks to team-driven challenges, this session is packed with fresh ideas that go beyond pizza parties and gift cards. You'll learn how to make team members feel seen, supported, and excited to show up, even in the hardest seasons. Whether you’re trying to fix burnout, build loyalty, or just boost morale, Jenni will show you how to do it in a way that sticks. Log in to the Community to watch it now → learn.unchartedvet.com

When it comes to animal neglect in veterinary practice, there are rarely black-and-white answers. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a real-world scenario from a practice owner struggling with an ethical disagreement: how to handle a case where an associate vet reported a client for animal neglect, but the owner worried the action could harm the clinic’s relationship with an underserved community. This episode explores how to approach similar situations with intentionality, fostering trust among clients, supporting your veterinary team, and staying true to your practice’s mission.

Find Your VetMed Community

Feeling like you're carrying the weight of the practice on your shoulders? You’re not the only one. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is your go-to space to connect with smart, supportive professionals who understand the pressure. From real talk to practical tools, we’re here to help you build your skills and keep your spark. Ready to stop doing this solo? Start here: learn.unchartedvet.com

This One’s for the Doers

If your to-do list is never-ending and your brain is juggling 12 tabs at once, Get Sht Done* was made for you. This high-energy virtual event is all about taking action. You’ll get expert-led strategies, practical tools, and support from a community that gets what it’s like to lead from the trenches. Whether you're a manager, lead, or just someone who makes things happen, this session is your permission slip to refocus, reset, and move forward. Get the details: learn.unchartedvet.com

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

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

Co-Host Bio:

Stephanie is a former practice manager who lives on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. With over 20 years of experience both on the floor and in the office, Stephanie is passionate about staff education, team culture, management and training. Stephanie loves to geek out about technology, especially Practice Management Software. She has experience as a practice manager in both private and corporate practices, ranging in size from one to seven doctors. She has experience as a consultant and trainer with AVImark software, paperlite/paperless transitions, practice management and staff training.