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!

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Outpatient gastrointestinal foreign body surgeries performed in a nonspecialized setting have good outcomes for dogs and cats in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - Ahead of print

52% of U.S. Pet Owners Have Skipped or Declined Recommended Veterinary Care | PetSmart Charities

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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.

Dr. Steve Marks is building a vet school from scratch, and he’s not afraid to do things differently. In this episode, Dr. Marks, founding dean of Clemson University's College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about what it’s really like to start a vet school in 2025. From juggling seven buildings under construction to planning clinical clerkships and raising funds for student housing, this conversation covers it all. Dr. Marks shares his vision for producing day-one ready veterinarians, explains why Clemson chose a semi-distributed model for clinical education, and unpacks the challenges of placing students in real-world practices. They also dive into corporate partnerships, vet student recruitment, and what future vet students should know before applying. Whether you're curious about vet school trends, love a good underdog story, or want to know what veterinary education might look like in 10 years, this episode is for you.

Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University

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Dr. Steven Marks is the founding dean of Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University, set to welcome its first class in 2026. With curriculum development, faculty hiring, and facilities planning well underway, Dr. Marks is leading efforts to address a critical need for veterinarians in South Carolina and beyond. Passionate about the human-animal bond and veterinary education, he is committed to building a values-driven program that prepares day-one ready clinicians and scientists. As a proud Clemson parent and longtime advocate for veterinary medicine, he’s excited to shape a college that aligns with the University’s mission and serves both people and animals.

Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM, co-founder of Lap of Love, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about one of the most emotional parts of veterinary medicine—helping pet owners process end-of-life decisions. Before you brace for a downer, take a breath. This episode is anything but heavy. With laughter, warmth, and a whole lot of heart, Mary brings her signature optimism to a conversation that every vet team will relate to. They dive into the guilt pet owners feel about getting a new pet, the emotional signs that often go unnoticed, and how to support clients in the thick of grief. From navigating spiritual beliefs to choosing the right language in the exam room, this episode is full of insights, compassion, and some seriously good one-liners. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to guide families through goodbye, how to spot unspoken pain, and why it’s okay to bring some joy into hard moments.

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There is nothing better to Dr. Gardner than a dog with a grey muzzle or skinny old cat! Her professional goal is to increase awareness and medical care for the geriatric veterinary patient and to help make the final life stage to be as peaceful as possible, surrounded with dignity and support for all involved.

A University of Florida graduate (AND ANDY’S CLASSMATE!), she discovered her niche in end-of-life care and is the co-founder and CIO of Lap of Love which has over 350 veterinarians around the country dedicated to veterinary hospice and euthanasia in the home.

Dr. Gardner is co-author of the textbook “The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Patient”, co-author of a children’s activity book focused on saying goodbye to a dog called “Forever Friend”, and the author of a book dedicated to pet owners “It’s Never Long Enough: A practical guide to caring for your geriatric dog”. Dr. Gardner also won VMX Small Animal Speaker of the year in 2020!"