In this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide Pet Insurance, to explore how veterinarians can personalize care for individual pets, their families and to the disease. They discuss new research, tools like The Pet HealthZone®, and the power of clinical empathy. According to recent PetSmart Charities research, nearly half of pet families are questioning whether care is worth the cost. This episode dives into practical ways to keep care accessible, affordable, and aligned with clients’ goals and realities. They explore how personalizing care goes beyond cost. It's about matching treatment to what the pet family can realistically do, whether that’s giving medications, handling mobility, or managing emotional stress. This conversation is packed with actionable ideas for any veterinary healthcare team in the exam room!

This episode is brought to you by Nationwide Pet Insurance!

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Dr. Emily M. Tincher is a collaborative leader who uses data-informed approaches to create sustainable systems that meet the needs of pet families, veterinary healthcare teams, and businesses. She is a second-generation veterinarian and a graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and she has worked in industry roles and in small animal emergency and general practices. As Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide, Dr. Tincher manages strategy and operations for pet health programs, develops partnerships within the animal health industry, and directs engagement with veterinary teams.

Dr. Tincher is President of the Board of Directors for the Veterinary Leadership Institute and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Veterinary Innovation Council. She co-authored a chapter in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, "Cost of Care, Access to Care, and Payment Options in Veterinary Practice,” and has become a sought-after speaker, most recently on spectrum of care topics, presenting at major veterinary conferences across North America.