AVMA podcast spotlights Dr. Kristin Welch and teleconsultation

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AVMA’s My Veterinary Life podcast has released an episode featuring Dr. Kristin Welch, a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist and founder of DVM STAT Consulting, a teleconsultation company that connects veterinarians with board-certified specialists. The episode, published April 23, 2026, is framed as a career and practice conversation, but it also spotlights a growing model in companion animal medicine: doctor-to-doctor virtual specialty support for general, emergency, mobile, and specialty practices. DVM STAT says it provides 24/7 specialist teleconsultation, and Welch has described the service as a way to extend access to specialty expertise without requiring every case to be transferred immediately. (podcastrepublic.net)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the episode lands at a time when practices are still navigating workforce strain, uneven access to specialists, and rising case complexity. Teleconsultation is increasingly being positioned as a clinical support tool rather than a replacement for in-person care, helping frontline veterinarians pressure-test treatment plans, triage referrals, and reduce the isolation that can come with difficult cases. That framing is especially relevant as workforce groups continue to warn about capacity constraints across parts of the profession, even as telehealth rules remain dependent on state law and VCPR requirements. (veterinarypracticenews.com)

What to watch: Expect continued attention on specialist teleconsultation as practices look for ways to expand clinical support, manage burnout, and work within evolving state telehealth frameworks. (veterinarypracticenews.com)