Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary member practices.

Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.

From 2014 to 2018, he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies.

Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Sheena Warman and Dr. Kristin Jankowski sit down with Dr. Andy Roark to confront a growing challenge in vet med. We are graduating veterinarians who can recite the gold standard, but many feel unprepared for the realities of practice where finances, time, and access shape what care is possible. If you have ever struggled to balance what the textbook recommends with what your client can actually do, this episode hits home. Andy digs into why Spectrum of Care is changing how vet schools teach clinical reasoning, how students can build confidence without leaning on specialists or high tech solutions, and why golden outcomes matter more than gold standards. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

Spectrum of Care Initiative: AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative - AAVMC

Bristol Veterinary School IG: https://www.instagram.com/bristol_veterinary_school/?hl=en

Sheena Warman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-warman-36a47a34

Open Door Veterinary Collective: https://opendoorconsults.org

RCVS Knowledge Contextualized Care Resources: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP, is the Director of Veterinary Services at Open Door Veterinary Collective and an affiliate of the UC Davis One Health Institute. Passionate about veterinary education, she advocates for the Spectrum of Care (SOC) curriculum in institutions across North America, the UK, and Europe, aiming to inspire future veterinarians. From 2020 to 2023, she served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Small Animal Primary Care at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and was also an Access to Veterinary Care clinician. Additionally, she directed the Knights Landing One Health Clinic during this period. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, Dr. Jankowski has primarily dedicated her career to general practice, while also gaining experience in rehabilitation settings and founding One Health Delaware. She holds a certification in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee (2014) and completed Purdue University's Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine (2021). Since 2023, she has actively participated in the AAVMC’s Spectrum of Care Initiative. Her research focuses on developing SOC training for veterinary students and practitioners, enhancing educational experiences and professional readiness. Dr. Jankowski has presented internationally on the importance of SOC training, emphasizing compassionate and contextualized care for all pets and their families.

Sheena is Professor of Veterinary Education and Deputy Head of School at Bristol Veterinary School in the UK. She has extensive clinical and educational experience across a range of primary care, referral and academic settings. Sheena co-leads the AAVMC Spectrum of Care Initiative, and is passionate about ensuring our veterinary students are effectively prepared for their future professional careers.

Ryan Leech, founder and host of The Bird Bath podcast and principal at First 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting, joins Dr. Andy Roark for their annual year end tradition, breaking down the biggest veterinary industry stories of 2025 and what they mean for 2026. Feeling whiplash from corporate consolidation, tightening budgets, AI everywhere, and practices wondering what comes next? You are not alone. Andy and Ryan unpack what they call “the great compression,” from private equity shifts and practice group shutdowns to leadership changes at major players, all while keeping it light, honest, and very real. They also dig into the rapid rise of AI scribes, why they are more than just note takers, and how artificial intelligence could fundamentally change how practices use data without blowing up day to day medicine. You will walk away with clarity, perspective, and a better sense of how to think strategically about the future of veterinary medicine, plus a few laughs along the way. Gang, let’s get into this episode!

LINKS

The Bird Bath: https://www.thebirdbath.io

First 100 Veterinary Growth Consulting: https://www.first100.io

Ryan Leech on TikTok

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ryan Leech is a growth consultant and speaker who helps veterinary businesses navigate change and capture new opportunities. He hosts The Bird Bath, a weekly podcast exploring pet health trends, industry news, and insights. Previously, Ryan held key roles in business development and partnerships at leading veterinary organizations including Digitail, Galaxy Vets, and Veterinary Integration Solutions.