Breaking Barriers to Treatment with Compounding

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This episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, hosted by Dr. Amanda Landis-Hannah, focuses on the role of compounding in veterinary medicine. Dr. Rae Hutchins, Chief Veterinary Officer at Wedgewood Pharmacy, shares her expertise on how compounding can break barriers to treatment, enhance patient care, and strengthen the human-animal bond. The discussion covers the clinical, operational, and communication aspects of compounding, including its impact on client satisfaction, team workflow, and medication compliance. Dr. Hutchins also provides guidance on selecting high-quality compounding pharmacies and tailoring formulations to meet patient needs, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

Key Takeaways & Time Stamps

• 00:00 – 05:00: Introduction and Challenge Overview
  The episode begins with an introduction to the central role of compounding in veterinary medicine, highlighting challenges such as drug shortages, unique dosing requirements, and patient compliance issues. Dr. Rae Hutchins, Chief Veterinary Officer at Wedgewood Pharmacy, is introduced as a guest with extensive experience in clinical medicine and veterinary operations.
• 05:00 – 15:00: Financial Planning Essentials
  Dr. Hutchins explains how customized compounded formulations can enhance medical outcomes and strengthen the human-animal bond. By making medication administration easier and less stressful, compounding helps maintain positive relationships between pets and their families. She also addresses logistical challenges and the emotional impact on families when administering difficult treatments.
• 15:00 – 25:00: Operational Benefits and Team Workflow
  The discussion turns to how compounding can streamline veterinary team workflows and build client trust. Dr. Hutchins shares strategies for personalizing treatment plans, improving compliance, and leveraging pharmacy resources such as customer service, educational materials, and personalized packaging to support veterinary teams
• 25:00 – 35:00: Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Considerations
  Dr. Hutchins emphasizes the importance of partnering with high-quality compounding pharmacies. Key factors include regulatory audits, robust adverse event reporting systems, and veterinary-specific pharmacist training. She advises veterinarians to verify compliance with state and federal guidelines, such as GFI 256, and to communicate clearly with clients about medication safety and delivery timelines.
• 35:00 – 45:21: Practical Tips, Tailored Formulations and Conclusions
  The episode covers practical advice for veterinarians on when and how to use compounding. Dr. Hutchins emphasizes the importance of prescribing commercially available medications whenever possible, while also encouraging collaboration with compounding pharmacists to address unique patient needs. She also discusses the importance of clear communication with clients about medication delivery and expectations.

Rae Hutchins, DVM, DACVIM

Veterinary Leadership Executive | Clinical Strategist
Chief Veterinary Officer, Wedgewood

Dr. Rae Hutchins, DVM, DACVIM, is a respected veterinary leadership executive with deep expertise in companion animal medicine, clinical operations, and organizational development. As Chief Veterinary Officer at Wedgewood, she drives medical quality, product innovation, and tech-enabled solutions that enhance outcomes for veterinarians and their patients.

With over a decade of leadership experience across specialty, emergency, and general practice settings—including roles as Chief Clinical Officer, COO, and Medical Director—Dr. Hutchins is known for developing high-performing teams, elevating standards of care, and leading large, multisite operational strategies. She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and sits on the Board of Waggle.

A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Dr. Hutchins brings a blend of clinical excellence and executive insight to advancing veterinary medicine and supporting the profession’s future.

Connect with Dr. Hutchins:

• LinkedIn
• Website