Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast artwork

Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

384 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 91 ratings

Weekly podcast dedicated to "tackling the toughest topics in veterinary medicine." Hosted by veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor. Candid, irreverent, provocative, educational, and occasionally funny conversations about issues that impact the veterinary profession. Non-stop since 2016.

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Episodes

The Benefits of 4-Year Vet Tech Degrees and Innovations in Online Programs with App State’s Jennifer Serling, RVT, VTES

March 27, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 32.5 MB

Veterinary technician programs have expanded in remarkable ways over the past decade, and there's a push towards getting a four-year degree, with even more advanced degrees on the horizon. This week, we're speaking with the interim Director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology B.S. Program, Jennifer Serling CVT RVT VTES BVSc, to discuss the benefits and pros of a four-year veterinary technician degree and the value of remote education.  Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Moss...

Workplace Risks in Veterinary Practice: How Safe is Your Clinic?

March 20, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 33.1 MB

Working in a veterinary clinic can pose many hazards. This week, we want to discuss some of the common workplace risks of veterinary practice and why we want you to stop doing them because they are putting you at risk. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle five major areas of personal risk in veterinary clinics: radiology, animal restraint, ergonomics, dentistry, and anesthesia/operating room. Dr. Ward and Beckie offer examples of each hazard along with tips on mitigatin...

Have We Forgotten Our Manners in Veterinary Practice? Tips and Tactics to Address Generational Differences

March 13, 2024 13:40 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MB

Have we forgotten how to behave in the clinic these days? This week, we want to discuss generational differences and how we can help improve each other's manners and etiquette when dealing with clients and co-workers.  Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of dealing with four generations of different communication styles and preferences in veterinary practice. Today's discussion stems from a recent conversation Dr. Ward had with a couple of veterinary cli...

What should you do if a competing vet clinic’s staff is rude when requesting records?

March 06, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MB

What happens when one veterinary clinic's personnel is rude or short with another? We're talking about when you call for records, they are not happy about it - and let you know how they feel! This week, we are talking about the benefits and risks of informing another clinic of the behavior of their staff. And what about giving clients medical records? How do you handle that? This week, we discuss these topics and a whole lot more on The Veterinary Viewfinder! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie ...

First Veterinary Technician Elected as President of Viticus Group (WVC) - Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR

February 28, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 35.3 MB

This week, we’re honored to have a conversation with the first veterinary technician elected as President of the Viticus Group (WVC) Board of Directors, Heather Prendergast, RVT! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, are joined by a friend and prior guest, Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR. Heather shares her story of starting as a would-be veterinarian, becoming a registered veterinary technician, managing a successful veterinary clinic, working in industry, and earning her C...

Sad Triangles of Pizza and Moldy Leftovers: Veterinary Clinic Common Area Disasters

February 27, 2024 21:44 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MB

Is your break area always a mess? Whose responsibility is it to clean it? And what about coffee? Do you pay? Or does your boss? This week, we discuss a multitude of messes that can occur in the common areas of a veterinary clinic. We also debate who should be on the hook for that special brand of coffee and tea that you like and more bread rook dilemmas. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of “when break rooms attack!” From messy tables to moldy leftovers...

What We Love About the Veterinary Profession - Valentine's Day 2024

February 14, 2024 10:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MB

Happy Valentine’s Day, Viewfinders! This holiday, we want to share what we love most about the veterinary profession! In this special Valentine’s Day 2024 podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, reveal the most beloved aspects of working as veterinary professionals. Hey, we can buy ourselves flowers! And we can hold our own hand, too! Viewfinders, we hope you’ll find at least a few of our favorite things about vet med to be a welcome departure from, as Beckie puts it, “Th...

Is your Veterinary Clinic Really Prepared for an Emergency?

February 07, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 34.3 MB

Workplace violence. Natural disasters. Fires and floods. These stories dominate the news. This week, we discuss whether or not most veterinary clinics are really prepared in the event of an active shooter, power failure, or other emergencies. Viewfinders, this is a critical conversation. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss their personal experiences with disasters in veterinary practice and workplace violence and the lessons they’ve learned. From creating emergency prot...

2023 Veterinary Technician of the Year - Sam Geiling, CVT

January 31, 2024 10:00 - 28 minutes - 32.8 MB

This week, we're proud to introduce you to an extraordinary veterinary technician, Sam Geiling, CVT. Sam has just been named the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Technician of the Year! Viewfinders, her journey is exceptional and sure to inspire! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, talk to Sam Geiling, CVT and Chief of Staff for the Animal Policy Group, about her career in veterinary medicine and some of her remarkable achievements. From serving...

Overwhelming Veterinary Practice Messages: Healthy Use and Boundaries on Slack, Teams, and Groups

January 24, 2024 10:00 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MB

Are you overwhelmed by Slack, Teams, Groups, and Text work messages? Do you feel guilty when responding to a workplace thread late? Ever judge a teammate for not responding to a message? If so, welcome to the new world of 24/7/365 work messages! In this week’s podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of some of the potential benefits and pitfalls of how we communicate with our veterinary clinic teams in 2024. They discuss topics from setting time boun...

The Importance of the Training Struggle : How to Create Training Guardrails and a Culture of Curiosity

January 17, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 37.7 MB

Training requires struggle and even failure at times. But how do we apply this principle when training veterinary medical personnel? In this podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, delve into the importance of letting veterinary clinic employees struggle in order to improve. Our duo explores the concept of fostering growth through challenges, emphasizing the need for training guardrails and cultivating a culture of curiosity in veterinary clinics. They share tips on how...

What Happens When Promotions Don't Work Out in a Vet Clinic?

January 10, 2024 10:00 - 28 minutes - 33 MB

What happens when you promote a staff member to a new position or role and it doesn’t work out? What if the staff members want to return to their previous positions? How do we successfully expand our team members’ roles, responsibilities, and duties and “promote from within?” Viewfinders, we’ve got a lot to discuss in this episode! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of job promotions gone bad. More importantly, our podcasters provide you with a variety o...

Will Veterinary AI Replace or Augment Telemedicine?

January 03, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MB

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! On January 1, 2024, the first fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription in the state of California was performed. But is it too little too late? Will veterinary telemedicine be leapfrogged by AI-assisted telemedicine and beyond? This is one episode you'll want to share with your colleagues! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, start the new year off with a bang as they discuss the recent changes in veterinary telemedicine and art...

Happy New Year! Setting Resolutions for Your Best Self with Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT

December 27, 2023 14:20 - 40 minutes - 46.8 MB

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week, we have a special expert guest to offer advice and strategies for setting - and achieving - our New Year’s Resolutions! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, are joined by special guest Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT, the Wellbeing Coordinator, for the Veterinary Technology Program at Appalachian State University, to unravel the secrets of setting achievable New Year resolutions for veterinary teams, vet professionals, and personal goals. ...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Veterinary Clinic - 2023 edition

December 20, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.35 MB

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! This week, we continue our annual Veterinary Viewfinder tradition of bringing you a special veterinary rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, read Beckie’s poem that describes an all-too-familiar scenario for those of us who work in veterinary clinics! We hope you enjoy this fun retelling of a holiday standard! Check out the full lyrics at https://www.drernieward.com/veterinaryviewfinder

’Tis the Season of… Expectations? How to better communicate expectations to avoid frustrations!

December 13, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 33.1 MB

It's the season of expectations! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of managing expectations within veterinary clinics. We address common scenarios, such as dealing with a new graduate who might be spending an extended amount of time in the exam room while questioning if our expectations are realistic and exploring ways to improve efficiency. Additionally, we tackle the challenge of colleagues who may be struggling to meet their responsibilities or display the necessary skills...

Mystery Dog Respiratory Illness - Dealing with the Hype this Holiday Season

December 06, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 26.6 MB

Currently, 17 US states have reported a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs. As hype escalates on social media, fueled by TikTok and TMZ, how should veterinary professionals educate their pet parents and keep their pet patients safe during this holiday season? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of how to address an unknown newsworthy canine respiratory illness and practicality and medically. Our hosts also have advice for “veterinary influencers” seek...

The 7-Year Crash: Celebrating Our 7-Year Anniversary from the Hospital!

November 29, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 22.4 MB

This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, celebrate seven years of never missing a weekly podcast - from the hospital! Viewfinders, tune in to learn why Beckie has been hospitalized for the past three weeks! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, update us on the past three weeks of Beckie’s life after the accident and reflect on the previous seven years of podcasting. I’m not crying; you’re crying. Viewfinders, thank you for your loyal listening over the past seven year...

Holiday Gratitude - How Being Thankful Can Help You Survive This Holiday Season

November 22, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MB

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States this week, and that means the holiday season has begun. Besides family, food, and fun, the holidays can also bring stress, anxiety, and dread. This week, we’re joined by Liz Hughston, MEd, RVT, LVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC) to discuss tips and tactics to help you survive the holidays with a smile. Host Dr. Ernie Ward is missing co-host Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, as she is recovering from an accident. Beckie is doing well, and we’ll share the full story soon. ...

Vet Tech Cafe Podcast Mashup - Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan

November 15, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 49.5 MB

This week, we’re delighted to host Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan of the VetTech Cafe podcast to talk about podcasting, their journeys to vet tech specialization, and the challenges and future of the veterinary profession, Viewfinders, this is one podcast mashup you don’t want to miss! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, share the mic with the two veterinary technician specialists behind the Vet Tech Cafe podcast, Dave Cowan BA, CVT, VTS(ECC) and Jeff Backus, CVT, RVT, VTS(ECC). Th...

PetDx Early Canine Cancer Detection - A Conversation with Veterinary Oncologist Dr. Andi Flory

November 08, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 44.3 MB

It’s estimated that there are 6 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Cancer is by far the single most common cause of death in adult dogs. Similar to human cancer risks, dogs have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of getting cancer. This week, we talk with a veterinary oncologist and co-founder of PetDx, a revolutionary company bringing noninvasive blood tests to detect cancer early in dogs. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, welcome Andi Flory, DVM, DACVIM ...

Amazon Considers Offering Veterinary Telemedicine - What It Means for Veterinary Clinics and Team Members

November 01, 2023 14:07 - 30 minutes - 35 MB

Recently, Amazon announced it was considering offering veterinary telemedicine services to augment its position as a top pet supplies and pharmacy provider. This move would allow them to compete in veterinary telemedicine against competitors like Walmart, Chewy, etc. This week, we discuss the pros and cons and potential impacts this could have on independent veterinary clinics and the veterinary profession. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, review the recent news that Amazon ...

Medical Gaslighting in the Veterinary Profession: Do we sometimes dismiss, discount, or discredit our clients?

October 25, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.5 MB

Medical gaslighting has become a hot topic in human medicine. This week, we tackle the topic and debate whether or not it exists in veterinary practice. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, examine the behaviors and attitudes that veterinary professionals need to be vigilant about to prevent unintentionally dismissing, discounting or discrediting their clients. Throughout this week’s candid conversation, our hosts emphasize the importance of empathy, effective communication, and ac...

AAHA Veterinary Technician Utilization Guidelines - All the Good (and One Questionable Inclusion according to Dr. Ward)

October 18, 2023 12:11 - 31 minutes - 36.5 MB

The 2023 AAHA Veterinary Technician Utilization Guidelines are out, and we're discussing all the good stuff and the one questionable inclusion (according to Dr. Ward). Viewfinders, there's a lot to talk about! This week, we're live from the first veterinary technician-focused conference, HiVE, in Austin, Texas! (well, at least Beckie is there...). Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, dive into the recently released AAHA Veterinary Technician Utilization Guidelines. They review the ...

World Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 11, 2023 - A Conversation with Purina Clinical Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Jason Gagné

October 11, 2023 07:30 - 31 minutes - 36.1 MB

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced World Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11, 2023. Up to 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This week, we have a clinical nutrition expert to discuss a recent pet owner survey and how you can help your pet patients seeking to achieve a healthy body condition. We’re pleased to share the mic with Dr. Jason Ga...

National Veterinary Technician Week is Oct 15-21, 2023

October 04, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MB

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week! We’ve got the President-Elect of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), Beckie Mossor, RVT, to tell us what you need to know and do! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss this year’s National Vet Tech Week theme, “Pearls of Wisdom,” and what it means to them. Our hosts share their top tips for celebrating your registered veterinary technicians and how you can avoid pr...

October is Pet Wellness Month (and Pet Obesity Awareness Day is Oct 11)

September 27, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 28.2 MB

October is National Pet Wellness Month (and don’t forget October 11 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day - More on that in an upcoming podcast). This week, we discuss the importance of focusing on preventive veterinary care and how you can boost your wellness programs and plans. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the topic of creating and maintaining pet wellness plans and programs. The pair stresses the issue of pet care affordability and how inflation potentially risks making pre...

Veterinary Giving Tree 2023 - How You Can Help Your Colleagues

September 20, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 25 MB

It’s time to start thinking about how we can help our veterinary colleagues in need! This week, we discuss the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, how to nominate a coworker in need, and how to help! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review Beckie’s amazing non-profit created to help our needy colleagues, the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree (www.veterinarygivingtree.com/). Beckie reviews the origin of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, how many veterinary professionals they’ve he...

NAVC Hosts First HiVE Conference for Veterinary Technicians

September 13, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 27.4 MB

The first North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) HiVE has arrived! This week, we’re joined by Paige Allen, MS, RVT, a familiar voice to the Viewfinders, to discuss her exciting new collaboration with NAVC to usher in a new era in veterinary technician/nurse conferences. And if you use the code VIEW, you can register for only $15! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, welcome back a dear friend and colleague, Paige Allen, to share news of the first NAVC HiVE to be held October 16-1...

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month featuring Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (anesthesia and analgesia)

September 06, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 40.4 MB

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has proclaimed September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, and this coincides with human medicine’s Pain Awareness Month. This episode features one of the outstanding veterinary professionals behind this initiative, a familiar voice on the podcast, and our friend, Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (anesthesia and analgesia). Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the origins of Animal Pain Awareness Month and how To...

Does Your Mom’s Dog Get an Employee Discount? Confusion and Misuse of Veterinary Staff Discounts and Pet Care Benefits

August 30, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 35.8 MB

Hypothetically speaking, have you ever encountered a veterinary staff member who added their parent’s pets to their personal account? Do those pets receive the same discounts, priorities, or privileges as other staff member’s own pets? What about calling for after-hours assistance on behalf of friends and family? Viewfinders, how far do pet care discounts and benefits extend? Do you have written policies governing these rules? Let’s get into it. Host Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, sh...

AVMA Pledges to Fight Against Expanding Scope of Practice

August 16, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.6 MB

The controversies began before the official opening of the 2023 AVMA Convention in Denver. One debate that resurfaced this year was expanding the scope of practice, review of licensed veterinary technicians’ roles, and their permitted professional duties. Despite having no regulatory or enforcement abilities, the AVMA proclaimed it would pledge “to defend against expanding the scope of practice,” particularly in the role of a proposed midlevel practitioner. Unfortunately, the discussions quic...

Who Chooses and Pays For Your Veterinary CE?

August 09, 2023 09:00

Most U.S. veterinary professionals are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their professional licenses. But who chooses those CE opportunities, and who pays for them? How are you paid for time away from the clinic? Who decides when you can take CE? This week we discuss the perils and pitfalls of providing veterinary CE for employees - and the dangers of not. Viewfinders, there’s a lot to discuss! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share stories from their own...

Solving Vet Med's Lack Of Diversity: A Conversation With Pawsibilities Vet Med's Dr. Valerie Marcano

August 02, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MB

Veterinary medicine has a diversity and inclusion problem. While an issue that large may not be something most veterinary professionals believe they can solve, Dr. Valerie Marcano is committed to trying. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are thrilled to introduce you to one of the founders of Pawsilbilities Vet Med, Dr. Valerie Marcano. Pawsibilities Vet Med is an organization created to provide mentorship to minorities, LBGTQ+, and other marginalized communities in vet...

Who Decides What To Buy? Veterinary Team Decision-Making For Software and Equipment Purchases

July 26, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31.5 MB

Who would guess that choosing a software subscription or medical equipment could cause division and disharmony within a veterinary practice team? Join Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, in The Veterinary Viewfinder's latest podcast episode: "Who Decides What To Buy? Veterinary Team Decision-Making For Software and Equipment Purchases." This week our hosts delve into the critical aspect of choosing software and equipment in the veterinary world and discover the thought process behind ...

Who Gets To Go When It's Slow? A Veterinary Practice Dilemma

July 19, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 26.8 MB

Who gets to go when it’s slow at your veterinary clinic? This week we tackle a tough topic rarely talked about, yet it happens in a variety of ways. Who gets to leave early can be divisive among your team if you don’t set boundaries and guidelines. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, begin with an overview of this seemingly innocuous issue. They share their own personal experiences, and lessons learned the hard way! This conversation is full of practical advice, and we think it sho...

Do You Have Veterinary Medical Consent? Boarding, Holiday and Emergency Dilemmas

July 12, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31.1 MB

What happens when an animal needs emergency care, and you can’t contact the owner? What if you don’t have adequate equipment or medications? Do you tell the owner? What if that animal is under your care or being boarded? What about giving a boarding pet an anti-diarrheal without explicit permission? Viewfinders, this week we’ve got a multitude of ethical dilemmas concerning veterinary medical consent. It’s a good one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share stories from the trench...

How Do You Celebrate Your Veterinary Team

July 05, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 36.6 MB

We talk a lot about the importance of rewarding and recognizing your veterinary team members, but what about celebrating them? This week we discuss the difference between benefits, incentives, and rewards and why all are essential in maintaining a harmonious and healthy workplace environment. Viewfinders, there’s much more to this topic than an “Employee of the Month” certificate! Host Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, take a deep dive into what it means to celebrate veterinary clinic e...

Celebrating PRIDE Month in Veterinary Medicine

June 28, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 26.9 MB

As PRIDE Month comes to a close, we wanted to share our thoughts, experiences, and tips for being a better ally for the veterinary profession’s LBGTQ+ community. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, reveal their experiences and learnings from their own LBGTQ+ advocacy efforts. Dr. Ward shares lessons from his political campaigning, and Beckie reviews how she has grown in her allyship efforts. For more information, check out these excellent resources: BlendVet: www.blend.vet Chapt...

Are You (Accidentally) Talking Bad About Veterinary Colleagues?

June 21, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.9 MB

Have you ever talked smack about another veterinary clinic? Have you ever had a client bad mouth their previous vet? This week we examine how we talk about our veterinary colleagues and how we may be inadvertently “talking trash” about each other. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore the intentional and unintentional ways our comments and questions may negatively impact our colleagues. From clients questioning prior care to veterinary professionals publicly dismissing others’...

Micromanagement Mayhem in Veterinary Practice

June 14, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MB

Do you have a boss or manager who constantly checks everything you do? Do you feel excessively supervised? Does your boss tell you what task needs to be accomplished and by when… but then watches your every move and frequently criticize your work and processes? If so, you may be micromanaged. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, begin this podcast by defining micromanagement in the veterinary clinic. They discuss a micromanager's typical traits and actions and why some people are mor...

What's Up, Doc? Sweetie? Terms of Disrespect or Endearment in Veterinary Practice?

June 07, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 33.4 MB

“Sweetie, can you help me?” “Hey, Doc, can you check this out?” “Honey, that’s very kind of you.” Do any of these terms make you feel disrespected? Uncomfortable? It doesn’t matter why; if terms like these make you feel uneasy, you’re entitled to speak up. This week, we discuss inadvertently hurtful words and phrases that veterinary professionals frequently encounter in practice. We also discuss ableist language and how you can become a more sensitive a respectful communicator. Hosts Dr. ...

Handling Veterinary Appointment No-Shows

May 31, 2023 12:23 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MB

Veterinary appointment no-shows can wreak havoc on your schedule, decrease revenue, and lower team morale. This week, we examine strategies for dealing with veterinary clients who fail to show up for their appointments. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the too-common problem of veterinary appointment no-shows. Dr. Ward shares the history of strategies to deal with no-shows over the past 30 years and why the issue is more critical than ever. Beckie offers several solutions...

Veterinary Clinic Violence - Shively Animal Hospital fatal Shooting

May 24, 2023 15:32 - 26 minutes - 30.6 MB

Veterinary Clinic Violence - Shively Animal Hospital Fatal Shooting This is another conversation about violence in veterinary clinics that we wish we didn’t have to have. This week we want to discuss some of the lessons veterinary professionals can learn following the fatal shooting of a veterinary team member at the Shively Animal Hospital in Kentucky. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the growing threat of workplace violence in veterinary clinics and steps to take to pr...

Veterinary Viewfinder 337 - Swapping Stuff with Other Clinics: Meds, Supplies, Staff and Clients?

May 17, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 32.1 MB

Viewfinders, we've got lots of questions about swapping stuff with other veterinary clinics! Chances are you've asked to borrow or been asked by a neighboring veterinary clinic for medications or supplies you've run out of. How do you charge for them? What happens if you discover your price is significantly different than your competitor's? Do you even send clients to another practice or business to pick up something you're out of? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the toug...

Stigma about Seniors and Pets: How Can We Encourage and Support Older Pet Parents?

May 10, 2023 12:41 - 27 minutes - 31.4 MB

We know there are significant health benefits to sharing your home with a pet. So why don’t more older people have a companion animal? This week, we explore the possible stigma and biases faced by seniors who could benefit from pet ownership. Viewfinders, this is a good one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle a tough topic rarely talked about: the fears, concerns, and even biases faced by older people considering adding a new pet into their home. Many of these perceived risk...

Veterinary Hope Foundation: Providing Free Support Groups for Veterinary Team Members Facing Burnout, Depression, or Just Need to Connect

May 03, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 36.2 MB

“Lasting hope starts here.” This week, we’d like to introduce the Viewfinders to a fantastic new veterinary support organization, the Veterinary Hope Foundation. We’re thrilled to speak with one of the co-founders, Dr. Blair McConnel, and the head of the Mental Health Professionals for the organization, Krista Martin, LISW-CP, LCSW. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review veterinary professionals' unique mental health challenges and how the free Veterinary Hope Foundation suppor...

Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Week 2023 with Founder Ethel Pawlak

April 26, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MB

It’s Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Week, and we’ve got the person who started it all, Ethel Pawlak! Joins us to celebrate our amazing veterinary receptionists April 23-29 as Veterinary Receptionist Week! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are joined by the person who started Veterinary Receptionist Week some nineteen years ago, Ethel Pawlak. We share her story of decades in veterinary practice and why she believes veterinary receptionists deserve their own special week of r...

Cattle Vet Tech Meg Harrington, BS, CVT, is Changing Arkansas!

April 19, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 41.1 MB

This week, we’re delighted to bring you a special episode on large animal and livestock veterinary technicians featuring The Cattle Vet Tech, Meg Harrington, BS, CVT. Meg shares the latest update (and back story) on the recent changes to expand the scope of work veterinary technicians in her home state of Arkansas can perform and why she’s so passionate about large animal medicine! We don’t talk nearly enough about our large animal colleagues nearly enough on the Veterinary Viewfinder. This ...

Vet Tech Law Updates - Arkansas, California, and More Make Moves!

April 12, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 32.1 MB

There have been a lot of legal moves lately regarding the roles, regulations, and titles of U.S. veterinary technicians. This week we look closer at what’s happening in several states and why all veterinary professionals must stay informed. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review the recent legal maneuvers in Arkansas and what impact these changes may have around the country. This week's episode also discusses new rules proposed in California, Colorado, and elsewhere. Viewfind...

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