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.

In this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon sits down with Heather Moore, founder of PetCentric Health, to discuss how subscription-based care plans are transforming the veterinary industry. As pet care costs continue to rise, veterinarians and pet owners alike are searching for solutions that ensure pets get the care they need—without financial stress.Heather shares how her company helps independent veterinarians design customized care plans that provide pet owners with predictable costs while increasing compliance and revenue for clinics. She explains why the traditional fee-for-service model creates financial and emotional stress for both vets and clients, and how a subscription approach offers a win-win for all. From budgeting for preventative care to handling unexpected health issues, these plans simplify financial conversations and improve patient outcomes.If you're a veterinarian looking to enhance client relationships, streamline operations, and boost profitability, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, PetCentric Health is offering a limited-time promotion—schedule a demo by April 1st to receive 50% off the implementation fee.Listen now: https://youtu.be/XGPZETA0BAA#VeterinaryPodcast #PetHealth #VetCare #SubscriptionCare #VetBusiness #IndependentVets #IVPA #PetParents #FinancialWellness

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Subscription Care02:22 Understanding the Relationship with Veterinarians04:35 Challenges in Veterinary Healthcare Costs08:27 Exploring Subscription-Based Care Models12:09 Workflow Benefits of Subscription Plans16:51 Addressing Misconceptions About Subscription Care21:53 Financial Flexibility and Catastrophic Coverage26:22 The Role of Data in Subscription Care Success30:43 Balancing Veterinary Needs and Pet Parent Expectations34:57 The Entrepreneurial Journey in Veterinary Care

The 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.

In this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon sits down with Dr. Mark Helfat, author of The Happy Veterinarian and founder of Veterinary Practice Transition. Dr. Helfat shares his journey into veterinary medicine, the value of independent practices, and how these businesses contribute to their communities. He also provides strategies for overcoming the challenges of selling practices, including NOLO practices, and debunks myths around ownership. The conversation addresses the corporatization of veterinary medicine and its impact on the profession. Dr. Helfat offers practical advice for valuing practices, securing financing, and ensuring smooth ownership transitions while maintaining the profession’s integrity. Dr. Helfat’s book, The Happy Veterinarian, is filled with actionable tips for thriving in veterinary careers. His website, Veterinary Practice Transition, connects buyers and sellers with tools for successful practice transitions. He also encourages listeners to explore his editorial, "Saving the Soul of Veterinary Medicine," on VIN for a deeper understanding of preserving independent practices. Tune in now! Listen on your favorite podcast platform or visit ivetinarians.org. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights, stories, and resources for veterinarians at every career stage! Full episode here: https://youtu.be/uSlruyhlfLA #VeterinaryMedicine #IndependentPractice #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryTransitions #VetCare #TheVeterinaryInsider #VetSuccess

00:00 - Navigating the Transition: Self-Care for Retiring Veterinarians 02:51 - The Journey to Veterinary Medicine: Passion and Purpose 06:12 - The Impact of Corporatization on Veterinary Practices 09:03 - Corporate vs. Independent Practices: What Can Be Learned? 11:48 - The Future of Veterinary Medicine: Trends and Predictions 15:08 - Facilitating Practice Transitions: A New Approach 18:12 - Understanding NOLO Practices: Opportunities and Challenges 21:06 - Advice for New Owners: Starting Strong 24:00 - Emotional Aspects of Selling a Practice 26:56 - Success Stories and Mentorship in Veterinary Medicine 30:08 - Finding Happiness in Veterinary Careers: Alternatives to Ownership The 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.

In this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Bonnie Bragdon is joined by Ashlee Moore, Loan Officer at First Financial Bank, to demystify the world of veterinary lending. If you've ever wondered about the intricacies of SBA loans, how to evaluate a practice for purchase, or how interest rates impact your borrowing potential—this conversation is for you! Ashlee shares her insights into financing veterinary practices, from understanding cash flow to spotting red flags in business valuations. They also explore expansion opportunities, pet resort investments, and how First Financial Bank supports independent veterinary practices. Whether you're considering ownership, expanding your clinic, or seeking financing tips, this episode provides expert advice and actionable steps to help you make informed decisions. Ready to learn the vital signs of a healthy veterinary practice and how to secure funding? Click here for the full episode: https://youtu.be/OB8IeMz5GWA #VeterinaryCare #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryLending #PetHealth #VeterinaryPodcast #SBAloans #IndependentVeterinaryPractice #PetResorts #VeterinaryGrowth #FinancialPlanning

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:20 – Introduction of Guest Ashlee Moore 2:28 – Inspiration to Become a Loan Officer 4:26 – Understanding Key Financial Metrics for Veterinarians 6:39 – Incident of Running a Personal Expense in the Business 7:46 - The Importance of Financial Documentation 9:40 – Checking and Verifying Numbers 10:44 – Reaching Out for Financial Leader 13:11 - Evaluating Practice Value and Seller Financing 16:00 – Navigating the Loan Process for Practice Acquisition 21:35 – Expanding Business Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine 23:56 – Exploring SBA Loans vs. Conventional Loans 26:12 – Current Trends in Veterinary Financing 28:36 – Right Time to Pay the Licensed Appraiser 31:47 – Advice for New Practice Owners 34:29 – Advice for Current Practice Owners 37:03 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts The 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.

Dr. Bonnie Bragdon is back with another insightful discussion on The Veterinary Insider Podcast, the go-to podcast for every veterinarian passionate about keeping veterinary medicine independent and thriving. In this episode, Dr. Bragdon sits down with Aaron Oaks, CEO of United Pet Care, and Heidi Sirota, Strategic Growth Advisor and Pet Insurance expert, to discuss transformative strategies for improving access to veterinary care. The conversation dives deep into critical topics like: Breaking down barriers to pet care access, The power of strategic discounting for veterinarians, Marketing segmentation and pricing transparency, and Solutions to help pet parents plan financially for their pets’ health This episode sheds light on the growing challenges of pet care affordability and offers practical, innovative solutions to help veterinarians build stronger relationships with pet parents while driving business success. Listen to the full episode now! https://youtu.be/OSm7_p5IpGs Don’t miss this enlightening conversation, brought to you by United Pet Care and the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. Check out IVPA’s amazing benefits at iVeterinarians.org. #VeterinaryPodcast #PetCareAccess #IndependentVeterinary #PetParenting #UnitedPetCare #VetPracticeGrowth #PetInsurance #SpectrumOfCare #PetHealth 0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:24 – Introduction of Guests Aaron oaks and Heidi Sirota 1:20 – Strategic Discounting in Veterinary Services 3:03 – Understanding Customer Segmentation in Veterinary Care 6:10 – Consumer Perspectives on Veterinary Pricing 10:10 – The Impact of COVID on Pet Ownership and Care 12:11 – Barriers to Pet Care and the Shelter Crisis 13:54 – Incentivizing Pet Care Through Strategic Discounting 16:07 – United Pet Care's Role in Veterinary Practices 19:40 – Proactive Planning for Pet Care Costs 23:11 – Data-Driven Insights for Veterinary Practices 25:33 – Understanding Customer Lifetime Value in Veterinary Care 27:13 – Differentiating Insurance, Discounts, and Membership Programs 30:37 – The Role of Subscription and Wellness Plans 32:51 – Financing Options and Their Impact on Pet Care 36:22 – Navigating Digital Marketing for Veterinary Practices 38:41 – Improving Price Conversations with Clients 43:27 – Building Relationships Through Veterinary Care 45:41 – Streamlining Operations for Veterinary Practices 48:25 – Closing and Guests Contact Details The 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.

New Episode Alert! On the next Veterinary Insider Podcast, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon dives into the world of finance and feline adoration with special guest Michelle Musacchio from Fit Money CPA. If you hate accounting but love cats, you won’t want to miss this enlightening discussion. Michelle shares her expertise on how independent veterinary practices can thrive financially, covering topics like forecasting, cash flow, budgeting, and taking the fear out of managing your practice’s finances. She also delves into why understanding accounting isn’t just for practice owners—it’s vital for associates, too! With plenty of cat-centric banter and real-world advice, this episode is equal parts fun and informative. Learn how Fit Money CPA’s tools and strategies, like Hindsight, Insight, and Foresight, can help you manage your practice, plan for growth, and achieve your financial dreams—all while staying true to the independent veterinary spirit. Tune in this week to gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/GtaViNuELBM Check it out on your favorite podcast platform or visit iVeterinarians.org. #VeterinaryPodcast #IndependentVet #AccountingMadeEasy #VetFinance #VeterinaryLeadership #CatsRule 0:00 – Preview of the Episode 0:42 – Introduction of Guest Michelle Musacchio 1:55 – Inspiration to become Accountant and Tax Expert 3:19 – The Importance of Understanding Taxes 3:48 – Talking about Political Candidates about Taxes 06:17 – Inflation and Its Impact on Veterinary Practices 09:15 – The Role of Accounting in Decision Making 10:54 – Understanding Financial Statements 14:51 – Cash Flow and Its Significance 15:51 – The Importance of Financial Planning 17:35 – Hindsight and Foresight Programs 20:40 – Consequences of Poor Accounting Practices 22:11 – Working with Client that doesn’t Pay Attention to Bookkeeping 24:31 – Integrating QuickBooks with Practice Management Software 25:15 – Moving from Hindsight to Insight 27:49 – Foresight: Planning for the Future 31:51 – Managing the Life Cycle of a Practice 36:31 – Setting Financial Goals 40:23 – The Value of Ownership in Veterinary Practices 43:15 – The Importance of Financial Literacy for Associates 45:27 – The Benefits of Independent Practices 47:56 – Conclusion and Resources The 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.

"If I allowed someone who barely knew me to define my potential, I’d be stuck in a role someone else thought was best for me." In this thought-provoking episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon sits down with Dr. Christie Cornelius, DVM, MBA, to discuss pivotal career decisions, the challenges of selling her veterinary practice, and the importance of independent veterinary medicine. Dr. Cornelius shares insights on maintaining resilience and boldly moving into new chapters, all while empowering her team. Hear Dr. Cornelius’s thoughts on self-trust, mentorship, and the future of independent veterinary practices as they navigate a landscape of increasing corporate consolidation. An episode packed with wisdom for independent veterinarians and anyone passionate about leadership in animal healthcare. Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gTHyWE4Gzzw #VeterinaryInsider #LeadershipInVetMed #IndependentVeterinary #VeterinaryPodcast #VeterinarianOwned #IVPA #VeterinaryLeadership #BoldLeadership #PracticeOwnership #ChiefVetX

0:00 – Preview of Episode 0:22 – Introduction of Guest Dr. Christie Cornelius 1:19 – Selling your Practice 2:09 – Emotions 2:53 – Selling Practice to a Corporation 3:42 – Approached Personal Lawyer 4:31 – Trusting Instincts 5:54 – Planning Exit 7:52 – Expanding the Ideas of Emotions 8:46 – The Value of an MBA in Veterinary Leadership 11:55 – Empowering Veterinary Leaders through Chief VetX 14:09 – Having Good Consultant 15:26 – The Practices in a Corporate World 16:27 – Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA) 17:15 – Building a Legacy in Veterinary Medicine 19:15 – Hope of the Future Veterinary 20:27 – American Veterinary Medical Association 21:57 – New Uses of Technology 23:43 – The Importance of Community and Customer Focus 25:15 – Value Proposition 27:20 – Breaking the Habit of Seeking Permission and Validation 28:44 – Mindfulness and Leadership Development 29:48 – Steps of Mindfulness Practices 31:35 – Proudest Moment 33:37 – Leadership 34:39 – Finding Right Mentorship 36:27 – Starting Hospice Practice 38:04 – Connecting with People 39:38 – The Path to Executive Leadership in Veterinary Medicine 42:11 – Closing The 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.