This post departs from our normal neutral format. Commercial references aside, Andy Roark, DVM, lifts his scrubs as he reflects on engaging the veterinary community, conference objectives, post-conference intentions and learning what it takes to keep pace in today’s veterinary medicine and animal-owning society.
His statements that follow are to encourage you to read his post here. If you’re new to the industry, Roark’s observations chronicle its growth and what it takes to meet the unending changes head-on.
- The people who actually transformed their practices and their lives weren’t the ones with the fanciest acronyms or biggest budgets. Rather, they were simply the people willing to do the actual, uncomfortable work … and to do it with a support system.
- You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with is not just a cliché.
- Real change requires ongoing, persistent exposure to people who hold you accountable. It means getting encouraged, called on your B.S., and staying tethered to people who are also trying to do hard things.
Thank you, Andy. Congratulations on 10 years.
Source: Andy Roark, LinkedIn, September 22, 2026. Link. The profession has moved at breakneck speed. The flow of information is overwhelming now, and the people who are thriving are the ones who have learned to prioritize and lean into the human connections that help them actually make their lives and practices better.
Information is essentially free now . . . But information isn’t skill or wisdom, and skill or wisdom definitely aren’t action.” – Andy Roark, DVM
INSIGHTS: Roark says, “Most people don’t actually want to do hard work.” We agree. Growth needs support, follow-through, team members focused on similar objectives and the willingness to explore, address mistakes and keep learning. And still, our value relies on being able to engage one owner and one animal effectively . . . over and over again.
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