By Mickey McDermott
At this year’s Cornell Animal Health Hackathon, held February 20–22, 2026 at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY, mentors were invited to participate in a “hacking” exercise similar to those of the student teams. More than 25 mentors from a broad spectrum of the industry formed cross disciplinary groups to explore two timely questions: how artificial intelligence can be applied in meaningful, practice ready ways, and how new approaches to pricing and care delivery might improve access to veterinary services. What emerged was a grounded and pragmatic view how existing data, systems, and expertise can be enhanced and better connected to support practical innovation in animal health.
AI as a Practical Partner in Care
In the AI discussions, mentors looked how generative AI and large language models (LLMs) could augment clinical judgment rather than replace it. One example was AI-supported vital signs monitoring could ensure adequate oversight of patients while freeing staff to attend to the most pressing patient needs. Another concept was using AI to analyze patterns across electronic medical records, diagnostics, and longitudinal patient data to surface risk earlier in a patient’s life, identify subtle changes sooner, and facilitate earlier intervention and better outcomes.
Generative AI tools could help translate complex medical information into clearer, more personalized explanations for pet owners—supporting shared decisionmaking and improving adherence to treatment or nutritional plans. Clear, relatable communication can strengthen understanding and trust, while increasing the personalization of care interactions. Another group explored how AIenabled analysis of workflow patterns, documentation behavior, and workload distribution could provide early indicators of strain within practices. Used thoughtfully, these insights could help leaders make proactive adjustments that support wellbeing, sustainability, and retention.
Envisioning Ways to Improve Access and Affordability
The access to care discussions took a similarly systems oriented view. Rather than focusing narrowly on cost alone, mentors explored structural approaches that could make care more predictable, sustainable, and inclusive. One team proposed community supported veterinary clinic models designed to expand access in underserved areas while maintaining clinical standards and financial viability. Other mentors examined how personalized wellness planning, supported by AI driven risk stratification, could enable more flexible payment and coverage models. Subscription based and self insurance concepts were discussed as ways to smooth costs over time, encourage preventive care, and reduce delayed treatment. Across these ideas, affordability and access were treated not as mere tactical adjustments, but as part of an integrated care strategy aligned with medical value, positive client and patient experience, and sound practice economics.
A Shared Path Forward
For mentors, the exercise reinforced the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and cross sector thinking. Across the topics and teams, the session underscored a central insight: meaningful progress in veterinary medicine will come not from isolated or short-term solutions, but from applying tools like AI and thoughtful care models in ways that are practical, scalable, and centered on the needs of animals, clients, and care teams.
This article originally appeared in the March 27, 2026, issue of The Fountain Report.