Simon F. Haeder, PhD is an associate professor of public health at The Ohio State University, and jumps in with a question every clinic feels right now, how easy is it really for pet owners to get veterinary care? Using a massive secret shopper study, Simon shares what thousands of calls to clinics reveal about preventive care appointments, rural versus urban access, and what wait times actually look like across the country. Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Simon Haeder unpack what this means for practices, pet families, and the bigger picture of veterinary access to care, plus they explore how clinics are responding to rising vaccine hesitancy in pets. You will walk away thinking differently about supply, demand, client expectations, and where our profession might need to head next. If you like practical conversations that zoom out and help you see the whole field a little clearer, this one is pure brain food. Gang, let’s get into this episode!
LINKS
Simon Haeder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-haeder-4526bb10/
The Ohio State University Faculty Page: https://cph.osu.edu/people/haeder1
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
Simon F. Haeder an Associate Professor in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on access to health and health-protective services for both humans and pets with a focus on administrative burden, provider networks, vaccinations, and school-based health services as well as the regulatory process. He is the recipient of the David Kline Jones Distinguished Scholar Award and has served as a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program.
Mentioned in this episode:
Office Hours w/ Dr. Andy Roark
Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.
Register for Office Hours here!
Sign up for the Early Career Newsletter here!
Learn more about Simparica Trio here!
Uncharted Practice Manager's Summit
Last Chance to Register is June 1st 2026 - Tell your managers!
Registration is only $199 and they can save 20% with code MANAGER
Register for the Practice Manager's Summit here!