Episode # 46

The Progress of AI in Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, Dr. Amanda Landis-Hanna speaks with Shawn Wilkie, CEO of Talkatoo, about the fascinating role of AI in veterinary medicine. Shawn shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to innovator in the veterinary space and discusses how artificial intelligence, including generative AI, is transforming practices, improving efficiency, and creating new opportunities for veterinary professionals. Whether you’re a veterinarian, practice manager, or a student, this episode dives deep into how technology is reshaping the field.

Key Takeaways:

  • AI’s Evolution.
    Learn how AI has evolved from simple pattern recognition to advanced generative AI that can handle complex tasks in veterinary medicine.
  • AI for Efficiency.
    Discover how AI tools are designed to save time and reduce errors by automating medical record creation, report writing, and task management.
  • Generative AI’s Role.
    Understand how generative AI can clean up dictations, punctuate them correctly, and produce more accurate medical records than traditional methods.
  • AI’s Positive Impact.
    AI has the potential to ease the workload in veterinary practices, giving team members more time for patient care and personal balance.
  • Try AI Today.
    Shawn encourages all veterinary professionals to explore AI tools in their practice to see the real-world benefits in efficiency and patient outcomes.

Timestamp

  • 00:00 – Introduction by Dr. Amanda Landis-Hanna.
  • 01:40 – Shawn Wilkie’s background and entrepreneurial journey.
  • 04:00 – Dragon Veterinary and how Shawn entered the veterinary space.
  • 10:06 – Evolution of AI: Early AI vs. modern generative AI.
  • 17:14 – The innovative use of AI tools is revolutionizing how veterinarians provide care.
    – Use cases for AI in veterinary practices (medical record generation, surgery reports, etc.).
    – Future of AI in veterinary medicine: Shawn’s vision.
  • 34:35 – Final takeaway: The importance of giving AI a try in veterinary medicine.

Shawn Wilkie

Chief Executive Officer at Talkatoo

Shawn Wilkie is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology enthusiast with over two decades of experience in the tech industry. Known for his ability to lead, sell, and execute, Shawn has held various leadership roles throughout his career. Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Talkatoo, a company dedicated to transforming speech-to-text technology. Since February 2019, Shawn has overseen the company’s growth and innovation in SaaS software.

Shawn is also the Co-Host of the Veterinary Innovation Podcast, where he engages with industry leaders to explore challenges and innovative solutions in the veterinary space. Prior to Talkatoo, Shawn served as the CEO of Robotnik.com Inc. from 2002 to 2019 and founded Sheepdog Inc., a company he led from 2007 to 2012.

In recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit, Shawn was a finalist for Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018. His academic background includes studies in Information Systems at St. Francis Xavier University and a Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from Nova Scotia Community College.

Outside of work, Shawn is an avid traveler and a dedicated volunteer firefighter, always seeking excitement and opportunities to make a difference in his community.

Connect with Shawn Wilkie: