Andy Roark podcast spotlights change management for new grads

A new episode of Dr. Andy Roark’s Cone of Shame podcast puts a practical spotlight on a familiar early-career challenge: how recent veterinary graduates can introduce change in practice without alienating colleagues or feeling like they’re overstepping. In the April 9, 2026 episode, Roark speaks with Dr. Kat Sutherland, an assistant professor at the Ontario Veterinary College whose work focuses on communication, leadership, and relationship-centered veterinary practice. The discussion centers on barriers many new doctors face, including imposter syndrome, dips in confidence, resistance from teams, and uncertainty about how to advocate for ideas in a constructive way. (drandyroark.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the conversation lands on a workforce issue that goes beyond individual confidence. Research on new graduate transition shows client communication, conflict management, mentorship, and coping with self-doubt are among the skills most tied to early-career success, while structured mentorship is increasingly being promoted as a buffer against burnout and attrition. That makes change management less of a “soft skill” and more of a retention, culture, and patient-care issue for hospitals bringing new doctors into practice. (frontiersin.org)

What to watch: Expect continued attention on mentorship, communication training, and leadership development as practices look for better ways to retain and support early-career veterinarians. (avma.org)