Join Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, and Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, as they chat about how crucail purpose, people, passion, and processes are in veterinary medicine to help retain and recruit new veterinary professionals.

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This podcast episode is sponsored by Nationwide.

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 that was recorded live at the 2025 Fetch Long Beach conference, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes special guest Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, back to the show to talk about the importance of purpose, people, passion, and process in the veterinary industry. 

Throughout the episode, Christman and Weinstein share more about the need for leadership, community, and teamwork in the veterinary industry to help drive motivation and retention, especially for newer veterinarians entering the industry, and more. 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

You stress the importance of getting the right people on the bus and in the right seats. What practical steps can practice owners take to hire, retain and reposition team members for long-term success?

We have a huge problem with retention and acquisition right now. Even though there is really not a bad unemployment situation, we can't seem to fill our practices with good people, and retaining people means we don't have to fill it, but we're always going to have turnover from that standpoint. So good people who can do the job and are committed to the job, those are the right people in the right seats. Now, every once in a while, we get the right people in the wrong seat that need to be coached, trained or moved into a different seat. And then sometimes you let people on the bus that really shouldn't even be on the bus, and those are the people that you write a letter of recommendation to, and you send them down the street to some colleague that you don't really like. But hiring should be done all the time. 

We have such turnover that if you're not constantly looking for great people, you never know who's going to walk through the door. I mean, many, many years ago, when I did some hiring in my practice, some of the best people that I found had never worked in the veterinary profession before, and you give them a chance, you get them to buy into the passion, and you train them, and you teach them, and you coax them, and you make them part of this family that we've created, and you get them in the right seats. 

Now, sometimes you got to twist the seat a little bit so that they fit, and sometimes we hav square pegs and round holes. But honestly, everybody working in the veterinary profession does it because they want to make a difference, and that's part of what you have to do at the beginning is go through and understand their value system, make sure that you have an understanding of how you can get them trained, and then continue training. Part of veterinary practices should be focusing on is staff retention through respect, responsibility and recognition. Give them jobs, let them grow, give them recognition for the work that they've done, and show them respect. Because this is not an easy job. There is no component of small animal or companion animal veterinary medicine, or any component of veterinary medicine that's easy. It's not easy. And we have to recognize the hard work that our staff does. There's not a veterinarian out there that wants to be a receptionist in their own practice. Yeah, I don't blame them, right?

Podcasts

Learn from Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, as they chat about how purpose-driven leadership, mental health support, clear processes, and more.

Mental health and the use of AI in veterinary medicine

Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, discusses equipment needed for dental extractions, and why these tools are essential.

Essential tools to have in a dental extraction kit, according to a dental specialist

, Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC a senior pet advocate and veterinary dental specialist at Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital in Boerne, Texas, discusses the equipment needed for dental extraction kits. She emphasizes the importance of a high-quality Molt periosteal elevator, recommending Molt No. 2 and Molt No. 4, and stresses the need for a range of elevators. These include flatter instruments, often called luxators, used to access the periodontal ligament space, as well as cupped or winged elevators designed to fit specific root diameters. Lobprise also shares her recent preference for periotomes, which she says is effective at cutting into bone and fatiguing the periodontal ligament

The following is a transcript of the video, lightly edited for clarity and cohesion:

So, for that extraction kit, you absolutely have to have a good Molt periosteal elevator. Some people like other periosteal elevators. I like the Molt No. 2 and Molt No. 4—you have to have a good set of elevators. I also like both the flatter elevators, sometimes called luxators, which help get between the tooth and bone in the periodontal ligament space, as well as some of the cupped or winged elevators. You have to have a set of these, because the winged elevators especially, are meant to fit a certain diameter of root, so you've got to use the right size for the right root. Recently, I’ve become rather fond of something called a periotome...it works as a flat luxator but really helps cut into the flatter surfaces, and almost any surface, to help start fatiguing the periodontal ligament so you can get that root out of the socket.

How to decide when dental extraction improves senior pet health

Videos

The GeniusVets digital marketing service for veterinary practices has been acquired by ProSites, a provider of healthcare growth solutions, for an undisclosed amount. Both companies offer marketing solutions with a focus on veterinary dental practices and other animal health care provider clients.

GeniusVets will be combined with LifeLearn, a ProSites brand that provides digital marketing and client communication solutions to veterinary practices. According to Rockbridge Growth Equity, which includes LifeLearn in its portfolio, the combined businesses will continue to serve their customers while expanding the brand’s presence across the country.

"As demand for veterinary services continues to rise, so has the need for better communications and marketing tools designed specifically with vets in mind," Spencer Hughes, principal at Rockbridge, said in a news release.

 "Bringing the advanced digital marketing tools of GeniusVets into LifeLearn's comprehensive AI-enabled digital marketing platform allows veterinarians to easily take control of their marketing campaigns and reach customers on multiple levels."

GeniusVets’ team helps practices acquire clients, as well as educate and retain them. It brings to the table high-conversion websites, automated engagement workflows, advanced local SEO and paid media, content systems built by industry experts, and proprietary data and client behavior insights.

These assets will be combined with ProSites’ HIPAA-compliant technology stack and deep resources.

 "Our focus is on measurable outcomes, clear value, and solutions that support animal health providers to deliver their services to the communities they serve,” Dave Rutan, CEO of ProSites.

The 733 Park advisory firm assisted GeniusVets through the acquisition process. “This deal was engineered to accelerate the future of veterinary and dental marketing,” Lane Gordon, CEO of 733Park, said in a news release.

 “Harley built GeniusVets into a category-defining platform. Our role was to showcase its strategic value, create competitive tension, and guide the business through a complex and highly successful exit.”

Harley Orion, CEO and cofounder of GeniusVets, said the partnership provides an opportunity to utilize resources for faster growth.

 “ProSites shares our mission, and with 733Park’s guidance, we found the right deal with the right people,” Orion added.

Rockbridge Growth Equity-backed ProSites acquires GeniusVets, creating a comprehensive veterinary marketing platform under its LifeLearn brand. News release. Rockbridge Growth Equity. December 17, 2025. Accessed December 23, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rockbridge-growth-equity-backed-prosites-acquires-geniusvets-creating-a-comprehensive-veterinary-marketing-platform-under-its-lifelearn-brand-302644873.html

733Park advises GeniusVets on strategic acquisition by ProSites. News release. 733Park. December 22, 2025. Accessed December 23, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222562932/en/733Park-Advises-GeniusVets-on-Strategic-Acquisition-by-ProSites

Articles

GeniusVets was acquired by ProSites and will combine with its LifeLearn brand.

Veterinary practice marketing service providers are merging

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a transit permit to S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a distributor with Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 6 PM on December 24, 2025, and 6 AM on December 25, 2025, local time, through or over any US border port.

"USDA is delighted to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season," Dudley Hoskins, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, said in a news release. "We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the vital role of U.S. whole milk and cookies in fueling his festive flight."

Veterinary officials ensured the reindeer met all entry requirements before issuing the permit. “At a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and paw with each hoof,” Rosemary Sifford, DVM, chief veterinary officer for the USDA, said in the release.

It was noted on the health certificate that one reindeer, Rudolph, has a minor physical anomaly. However, APHIS indicated that Rudolph’s red nose, although bright, was normal for him and not a concern.

APHIS regulates the movement of cervids, including reindeer, to protect the health of America’s livestock population. The permitting process provides assurance that only healthy animals enter the United States.

USDA has confirmed that the reindeer will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry. They will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Claus has been asked to disinfect his boots and thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms and houses around the world prior to entering the United States.

Claus also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to US animal or plant health.

“It’s important that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases,”  Claus explained in the release. “I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night.”

Whatever you celebrate this time of year, USDA wishes you a joyful and healthy season filled with meaningful traditions and celebrations.

USDA issues permit for Santa's reindeer to enter the United States. News release. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. December 22, 2025.

One reindeer has a physical anomaly but all passed a health examination.

USDA issues a permit for Santa's reindeer to enter the US

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology), explains that indoor pets still face vector exposure and that year-round isoxazoline protection reduces parasite burden and helps protect household members.

How to talk to clients about isoxazolines

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology), warns that indoor pets are not isolated from vectors. He explains that his preferred approach is to explain to clients that cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes can bring pathogens into the home and that year-round isoxazoline protection for dogs and cats both reduces ectoparasite burdens and lowers risk to people.

Note: The following transcript has been lightly edited for written clarity.

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology)

: I think people assume that an indoor cat or a dog that is almost always indoors is completely protected from the outside world. Nature has its own DoorDash and that includes cockroaches and flies. These pests bring a long list of organisms right to our door.

Our world is smaller than we think and parasites should always be on your differential list. With global warming we are seeing more invasive species and movement of vectors such as mosquitoes. In places like Florida and Southern California we have had people test positive for Zika virus even though they never left the state. Mosquitoes carry many diseases, and they are a growing concern.

Even if you are not worried about mosquito-borne disease, who wants a pet that is constantly itchy? Keeping animals on an isoxazoline year round turns them into little bug zappers. These products will kill more than 99 percent of mosquitoes that come in contact with treated pets, even near the end of the dosing interval. By keeping dogs and cats on isoxazolines you protect pets and reduce risk for people.

Having worked for many biopharma companies I could not always say those claims on label, but now I can share the message and I try to spread the word because it is important. For example, clients who say their pet lives indoors and therefore does not need heartworm or flea protection often change their minds when I explain that indoor pets still get exposed through cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes. Once clients understand their pets can act as a bridge to the outside, they are much more likely to agree to year-round protection. That protects both the animals and the people in the household.

To read more news and view expert insights from Fetch Long Beach, visit 

’s dedicated site for conference coverage at 

https://www.dvm360.com/conference/fetch-long-beach

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, summarizes how the Assisi Loop provides rapid calming for many dogs with separation anxiety and supports at-home pain and inflammation management.

Nonpharmacologic ways of managing pain and separation anxiety in dogs

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, highlights how pulsed electromagnetic therapy with the Assisi Loop can calm dogs with separation anxiety and help manage pain at home. He cites a study showing rapid onset of effect and substantial improvement in many patients while noting the convenience of treatments owners can deliver at home.

The weens and I are getting ready to watch Merv on Prime Video. I heard it is fantastic and I was told that Merv is diagnosed with separation anxiety. In the background of the exam room was an Assisi canine commercial that addresses exactly that.

The Assisi Loop protocol is two 15-minute treatments 8 hours apart for 4 to 6 weeks. It can have an almost instant calming effect in many dogs within three to five minutes. In a study at NC State, 65% of dogs with separation anxiety were resolved and the other 35% were able to reduce their medications. Many participants reported a positive effect within the first week.

That doctor should have grabbed the Loop off the shelf. I will give some feedback after we watch it. Remember it is winter and pets can be stiffer and more sore. The Assisi loop products including the Loop and the Loop Lounge can help manage soreness and inflammation. Clark W. Griswold has the Assisi Loop around his back for a previous back problem and Capone is on the Loop Lounge under his bed so he gets continuous exposure.

The best part is owners can do this at home. That helps you as a veterinarian send the healing home. Visit Assisi Animal Health dot com to learn more. Guys are you ready to watch the movie? We have to go.