Tech Talk: Evaluating AI tools in practice
Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily making inroads into veterinary medicine, with tools designed to assist veterinarians in both clinical and administrative tasks. Some of these applications are delivering real value to veterinary teams, while others are falling short.
In this 30-minute webinar, explore findings from a JAVMA article on the current landscape of AI in small animal practice. Learn which tools are making an impact today, which are still facing limitations, and how to assess new AI tools for your practice.
Link to the JAVMA article: Artificial intelligence is beginning to create value for selected small animal veterinary applications while remaining immature for others.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify areas of small animal practice where AI is currently being used.
- Discover which AI applications demonstrate real benefit and value, and which remain limited in effectiveness.
- Apply evaluation criteria to assess the readiness of AI tools in veterinary medicine.
AVMA’s Tech Talk series features discussions about technology, and how veterinary professionals can use technology to improve our practices, processes, and productivity.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
| Dr. Christopher Doherty, CBV, MBA Dr. Christopher Doherty is assistant director for strategic business research and outreach in the Veterinary Economics Division at the AVMA. In this role, he analyzes data about new and early-career veterinarians, translating research into tools, resources, and actionable items that veterinarians can use in their practices and careers. He earned his veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College and his master’s degree in business administration from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. He also is a chartered business valuator. |
| Geert De Meyer, PhD Geert De Meyer, PhD, holds master’s degrees in biostatistics and biological sciences, and a PhD in biological sciences from Ghent University. With over two decades of experience in data analytics, he brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to uncovering insights that drive smarter decisions and sustainable impact. He has led high-performing teams across diverse industries, combining technical expertise with a leadership style grounded in empathy, collaboration, and mentorship. At the core of De Meyer’s work is a commitment to creating mutual value—aligning business goals with human needs to ensure that data-driven solutions benefit both organizations and the people they serve. |
| Dr. James Barr, DACVECC Dr. James Barr is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. As chief medical officer (CMO) for Mars Petcare’s Science and Diagnostics division, he oversees the quality organization and leads delivery of medical care for the global Antech veterinary diagnostics business. He also plays a key role in connecting science and diagnostics with the broader Mars Petcare ecosystem and the veterinary profession. From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Barr served as CMO for Blue Pearl, where he grew the clinical affairs team and helped establish the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers—a collective of more than 60 veterinary medical leaders representing diverse segments across the profession. |
