Episode # 77

How Can a Global Veterinary Perspective Drive Efficiency, Profitability, and Humanity in Your Practice Management?

September 25, 2025

What if your veterinary practice could leverage a global perspective to drive efficiency, profitability, and humanity in 2025 and beyond? In this insightful podcast episode, Esteban Satomayor, a seasoned veterinary leader and CEO of Vetflix, shares his unique experience bridging veterinary medicine across Latin America and the U.S. Discover how understanding international practice models, emphasizing data-driven benchmarks, and creating exceptional client experiences can propel your practice forward.

Explore the critical role of well-trained support teams in managing high patient volumes, the challenges of maintaining the human touch amid rising AI adoption, and innovative digital tools enhancing marketing and diagnostics. Gain practical advice on listening to your clients’ needs through regular surveys to align your services with evolving expectations—ensuring your practice thrives in a competitive landscape.

This conversation offers valuable insights for owners and managers seeking to modernize their practices while preserving the essence of compassionate care.

Key Takeaways & Time Stamps

  • 00:00 – 02:30: Introduction and Guest Background
    Introduction to the podcast and guest Esteban Satomayor, a third-generation veterinary professional and CEO of Vetflix, sharing his journey in veterinary medicine across Latin America and the U.S.
  • 02:30 – 06:00: Common Management Mistakes and Benchmarks
    Discussion of typical management pitfalls in veterinary hospitals, emphasizing the importance of benchmarks such as lab test volumes to identify areas for improvement and increase revenue.
  • 06:00 – 10:00: Veterinary Practice Comparisons: Latin America vs. U.S.
    Insights on differences in veterinary education, workforce composition, and practice models between Latin America and the U.S., highlighting the role of technicians and competitive market dynamics.
  • 10:00 – 13:30: Balancing Client Experience and Patient Volume in the U.S.
    Exploration of challenges in the U.S. veterinary market, including veterinarian-to-pet ratios, the importance of supporting staff training, and maintaining quality service amidst high patient loads.
  • 13:30 – 16:00: Impact of AI and Digital Tools in Veterinary Medicine
    Overview of how AI and digital innovations, like automated appointment scheduling and advanced marketing tools, are reshaping practice management while risking loss of personal touch.
  • 16:00 – 17:58: Practical Advice for Practice Owners: Client Feedback
    Esteban’s key advice is to urge practice owners to regularly survey and listen to their clients to tailor services effectively and preserve the essence of the pet owner experience.

Esteban Sotomayor, MBA, CVPM, CVBL

CEO, All Pets Hospital Veterinario & Vetflexx S.A

Esteban Sotomayor is a veterinary business consultant, practice leader, and operations strategist transforming veterinary clinics across Latin America into high-performing, sustainable businesses. As CEO of both All Pets Hospital Veterinario—Ecuador’s first 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital—and Vetflexx S.A, a veterinary equipment distribution company, Esteban combines real-world leadership with deep business expertise to drive meaningful growth across the veterinary ecosystem.

With certifications as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Certified Veterinary Business Leader (CVBL), Esteban is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and strategic management. He works directly with veterinary clinics across the region, providing consulting, training, and advisory services in leadership, financial performance, and client experience optimization.

Esteban holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of New Orleans. He grew up immersed in veterinary care through his family’s pioneering hospital, giving him a firsthand understanding of the operational demands, emotional complexities, and growth potential within veterinary practice ownership.

Through speaking engagements, workshops, and published insights, Esteban empowers veterinary professionals to rethink how they lead, grow, and innovate. His work emphasizes actionable strategies in business administration, service design, marketing, and technology adoption—customized to fit the Latin American market and its cultural and economic realities.

At Vetflexx S.A., he remains at the forefront of emerging veterinary technologies, helping practices integrate tools that improve efficiency, diagnostics, and patient care. This dual perspective—from inside both the clinic and the industry supply chain—gives Esteban a unique, holistic lens on the future of veterinary services.A respected voice in the international veterinary business community and the 2024–2025 VHMA Emerging Leader Award recipient, Esteban is based in Quito, Ecuador. He continues to collaborate with veterinary leaders, educators, and organizations across borders to elevate standards, drive innovation, and improve care for pets and people alike.

Connect with Esteban Sotomayor