The People of Animal Health Podcast
The People of Animal Health podcast features industry leaders and trailblazers who have made a significant impact or are making an impact in the Animal Health and Veterinary industries. Show host Stacy Pursell chats with them to learn more about their lives, their careers and the unique and interesting things they have done to contribute to the Animal Health or Veterinary industry. She is here to share their stories with you.
Episodes
Protecting Public Trust
James T. Penrod discusses leadership and innovation in Veterinary regulation as Executive Director of the AAVSB. He shares insights from decades working with regulatory boards, advancing licensure standards, and modernizing association management, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how regulation protects public trust while supporting a stronger, future-focused Veterinary profession nationwide.
The Staten Standard
Dr. Christine Staten shares her journey from solo ambulatory veterinarian to owner of a thriving, two-location mixed animal practice. She discusses leadership, mentoring future veterinarians, earning an MBA, and helping practice owners build sustainable businesses that deliver more time, freedom, and fulfillment inside and outside the clinic for modern professionals.
Science Meets Saddle
Dr. Cristiano von Simson, Head of Marketing and Veterinary Services at Virbac US, shares insights from 30+ years in Animal Health. From equine practice to global leadership, he explores innovation, industry evolution, cross-functional teamwork, and the passion for animals and people that continues to drive his remarkable career.
Lester's Leadership Lessons
Dr. Bob Lester shares his path from mixed animal practitioner to co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellHaven Pet Hospitals, offering insights on leadership, the double bottom line, innovation in Veterinary education, and the evolving human-animal bond that continues to shape the profession's future in meaningful and lasting ways.
The Royal Treatment
Dr. Christine Royal, Vice President at Merck Animal Health, shares her journey from Veterinary practice to industry leadership, highlighting her passion for innovation in companion animal and equine care and her commitment to empowering Veterinary teams while advancing the future of Animal Health through mentorship, research, and compassionate leadership.
Moore Than Medicine
Dr. Rustin M. Moore, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, shares his journey in Veterinary medicine, insights on equine health, the One Health approach, disaster response, and the power of the human-animal bond. A visionary leader, he continues to inspire innovation, compassion, and collaboration across the profession.
Designing Compassionate Systems
Dr. Scott Campbell is a visionary veterinarian and entrepreneur who redefined pet care through innovation, ethics, and sustainability. From transforming Banfield into a global network to pioneering Hannah the Pet Society, he shares insights on scaling with compassion, designing systemic solutions, balancing data and empathy, and shaping the future of Veterinary medicine and pet ownership.
Pets, People, Purpose
Dr. Jason Epstein, Executive Medical Director at My Pets Wellness, shares his journey from Charleston roots to leading multi-state Veterinary operations. He offers insights on compassionate care, mentoring clinicians, and strengthening doctor-client-patient bonds—along with stories of family life, travel, and adventures with his loyal miniature Australian shepherd, Moxie.
Science Meets Strategy
Dr. Albert A. Ramudo shares insights from more than 20 years in Veterinary medicine, global operations, and product development. From leading clinical trials and regulatory affairs to launching innovative animal health products, he reveals how strategic leadership and scientific expertise drive innovation, compliance, and operational excellence worldwide.
Shaping Veterinary Futures
Dr. Molly McAllister, Global Chief Medical Officer of Mars Veterinary Health, leads medical strategy and supports Veterinary professionals across 3,000 clinics worldwide. Passionate about accessible pet care and cultivating future leaders, she also founded the Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition and serves on Lewis & Clark College's Center for Community and Global Health Advisory Board.
Building Veterinary Value
We sat down with Owen E. McCafferty, CPA and trailblazer in Veterinary practice management. With over four decades of expertise, pioneering valuation methods, and global influence, Owen shares insights on Veterinary accounting, leadership, and building lasting equity for practices worldwide, highlighting his lasting impact on Veterinary professionals across the globe.
Kindness Counts
Veterinarian, speaker, author, and media personality Dr. Andy Roark shares his journey in animal health, from founding DrAndyRoark.com to creating the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Hear his insights on leadership, community, humor, and overcoming challenges while inspiring Veterinary teams worldwide with kindness, connection, and a vision for the profession's future.
Animal Equity
Alexander Petersen, global medtech and Animal Health leader, shares insights on innovation, M&A, and impacting Veterinary care. With $750MM in transactions, international expertise, and leadership roles spanning McKinsey, IDEXX, and entrepreneurial ventures, he brings a strategic, operational perspective to accelerating impactful therapies for humans and animals worldwide.
Brand and Bridge Builder
We sat down with Brenda Andresen, a dynamic leader in pet healthcare marketing. From co-founding The Bridge Club to launching groundbreaking initiatives like Partners for Healthy Pets, Brenda shares how authentic relationships, innovation, and collaboration have fueled her journey and how she's shaping the future of the Animal Health industry.
Biotech Breakthroughs
Dr. Peter Hanson, a seasoned biotech executive, shares insights from a 30+ year career driving innovation in human and animal health. From startups to global companies, he explores biotech breakthroughs, leadership strategies, and the future of translational medicine for both companion animals and people.
Vet Care Anywhere
Dr. Lisa Lippmann, DVM, is the Director of Virtual Medicine at Bond Vet, a nationally recognized telehealth trailblazer featured by Dr. Oz, Inside Edition, and Live with Kelly & Ryan. In this episode, she shares insights on accessible virtual Veterinary care, her work with Animal Lighthouse Rescue, co-hosting "We Don't Deserve Dogs," and her rescue Rhodesian Ridgeback.
A Sprinkle of Wisdom
Dr. Megan Sprinkle, a board-certified Veterinary nutritionist, shares her inspiring journey from Auburn vet school to leadership roles in the pet nutrition industry. As president of AAVN and founder of the Vet Life Reimagined podcast, she discusses career pivots, science communication, and how she's shaping the future of animal nutrition.
Medicine Meets Mission
Dr. Melinda Larson, DVM, DACVIM, Director of Medical Quality at BluePearl, shares her journey from intern to internal medicine leader and now quality champion. She discusses her passion for patient safety, mentorship, and implementing systems that improve medical excellence across hospitals—while balancing life on the water with her husband and pets.
Empowering Innovation
Dr. Stacee Santi shares her journey from veterinarian to tech entrepreneur, founder of Vet2Pet, and author of Stop Acting Like a Girl. She reflects on leadership, resilience, and redefining success—offering inspiring insights into innovation, Veterinary care, and empowering others to lead boldly in the Animal Health industry.
Merlo's Mission
Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Vice President of Operations at Fear Free, shares her journey from equine medicine to leading the movement for low-stress Veterinary care. With a background spanning general practice, emergency care, and ownership, she's working to change how pets experience Veterinary visits and enhance care across the profession.
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