Missed the live event? Don’t worry—you can still explore how technology can strengthen your practice with our exclusive webinar replay! Stream “Veterinary Technology Transformation: How to Innovate Without Losing the Human Touch” and gain fresh strategies for using modern tools to enhance—not replace—the bond between vets, pets, and pet parents.
In today’s veterinary world, the right technology can amplify compassion, improve efficiency, and build trust—but only if applied thoughtfully. This expert panel shares how to harness innovation while preserving the heart of veterinary medicine.
Here’s your roadmap to compassionate, future-ready innovation:
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Don’t let technology distance you from what matters most. Stream the replay today and discover how to innovate with heart.
Founder, Pet Portal AI
Ryan Gruzen is a visionary founder and technologist dedicated to transforming pet healthcare through responsible AI. After two decades leading a successful career in video production—crafting award-winning content for global brands—Ryan made a bold pivot to address a deeply personal challenge: navigating pet health emergencies with limited guidance and overwhelming uncertainty.
This turning point came during a crisis with his dog, Cooper, when he realized millions of pet parents face similar moments with nowhere to turn. In response, Ryan founded Pet Portal AI, a company committed to closing the gap between worry and veterinary expertise. The platform’s flagship solution, the Pet Health Advisor, delivers instant, accurate, and trustworthy guidance powered by a novel Constitutional AI framework—designed specifically to avoid the hallucinations common in generic large language models.
Ryan’s approach isn’t about replacing veterinarians. It’s about amplifying their reach. By handling the flood of “Is this an emergency?” questions that burden veterinary practices, Pet Portal AI helps reduce unnecessary ER visits while ensuring urgent cases get attention when it matters most.
His work has earned praise from industry leaders like Dr. Marty Becker and Dr. Henry Yoo, and the technology has already served thousands of families through its free beta. Perhaps the greatest testament to its value came when Ryan used the system himself to make a critical decision about Cooper’s eye surgery—a powerful validation of AI developed with love and empathy.
Now based in Los Angeles, Ryan leads AI development, product strategy, and partnership initiatives with a mission to create technology that enhances—not replaces—human compassion. Outside of tech, his creative roots continue to influence his thoughtful, user-first approach to innovation. He believes every 3 a.m. worry from a pet parent deserves a clear and caring answer.
Senior Manager of Artificial Intelligence at Mars Petcare
Dr. Emil Walleser is a veterinarian and data scientist dedicated to transforming animal and human health through artificial intelligence. Raised on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, Emil developed an early appreciation for the connection between animal health and data-driven decision-making. This foundation led him to earn a degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he first discovered his passion for applying analytics to complex biological challenges.
He went on to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at UW–Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Statistics. His doctoral research focused on AI-driven diagnostics and predictive modeling in veterinary medicine, setting the stage for a career at the forefront of medical innovation.
Currently, Emil serves as Senior Manager of Artificial Intelligence at Mars Petcare, where he leads multidisciplinary teams in developing cutting-edge AI tools for veterinary diagnostics. His work integrates multi-modal data—spanning cardiology, radiology, and more—to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and bring real clinical impact to veterinary care.
With a strong focus on responsible innovation, Emil specializes in the design, validation, and deployment of AI systems that meet rigorous standards of medical performance. His projects often benchmark AI tools against clinical gold standards, helping build trust in emerging technologies within veterinary medicine and beyond.
A passionate educator and advocate, Emil frequently presents at conferences and has co-instructed university courses in veterinary medicine and epidemiology. He is known for making complex technical topics accessible and inspiring cross-disciplinary collaboration between medicine, data science, and engineering.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Emil continues to draw on his roots—blending hands-on clinical insight with technical expertise. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his fiancée (also a veterinarian) and their two beloved dogs: Ghibli the Frenchie and Hops the Golden.
Founder, The Business Vet
Dr. Karen Bolten is a veterinarian, business strategist, and ethical AI advocate working at the intersection of animal health, emerging technology, and business innovation. With over 15 years of diverse clinical experience—from large animal and exotics to small animal practice and shelter medicine—she brings a unique, real-world lens to complex veterinary and business challenges.
Karen holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and an MBA in Innovation and Management from Coastal Carolina University. Her academic path also includes certifications in AI in Health Care from Harvard Medical School and training in veterinary acupuncture. This interdisciplinary foundation powers her ability to guide veterinary teams through strategic growth, operational refinement, and responsible tech integration.
As the founder of The Business Vet, LLC, Karen consults with practice owners, organizations, and startups to streamline operations, elevate brand strategy, and integrate AI tools in ways that are both scalable and ethical. Her consulting work blends deep veterinary insight, structured business acumen, and cutting-edge technological fluency—helping practices future-proof their workflows while staying grounded in compassionate care.
She currently serves as Head Veterinarian at Grand Strand Humane Society, where she combines her leadership experience with a passion for client communication, team mentoring, and high-impact preventive care.
Beyond the clinic and consulting room, Karen is a sought-after speaker, educator, and content creator. She develops accessible resources—webinars, custom tools, and courses—to help veterinary professionals confidently navigate the evolving landscape of AI and business strategy. Her thought leadership has been featured in industry podcasts, journals, and educational platforms.
Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Karen remains a strong advocate for innovation grounded in empathy. Outside of work, she enjoys competitive equestrian sports, exploring new tech, and creating content that empowers veterinary professionals to think differently and lead boldly.
Director of Sales at CardConnect
Matthew Mertz is a seasoned fintech executive with over 17 years of experience driving sales and strategic partnerships in the fast-evolving payments landscape. As Director of Sales at CardConnect, he has played a pivotal role in helping businesses of all sizes navigate complex payment ecosystems with clarity, confidence, and cost-efficiency.
Matthew holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Indiana University Bloomington, where his interest in problem-solving and systems thinking began. That foundational curiosity has fueled a career spent at the intersection of technology, finance, and business enablement.
At CardConnect, he specializes in creating customized payment solutions that optimize transactions, improve client retention, and streamline operations. His approach combines deep industry knowledge with a consultative mindset—prioritizing transparency, compliance, and long-term value creation.
Known for building trusted relationships and forging high-impact collaborations, Matthew has helped countless clients—from healthcare providers to veterinary practices—modernize their payment infrastructure without disrupting operations. His longevity in the fintech space reflects his adaptability, integrity, and results-driven leadership.
Based in the Greater Chicago Area, Matthew continues to mentor emerging professionals and guide organizations toward smarter financial workflows. He is passionate about demystifying payments and believes every business deserves a tailored, trustworthy solution to power their growth.