Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast
387 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 91 ratingsWeekly 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
Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Week 2023 with Founder Ethel Pawlak
April 26, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBIt’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 MBThis 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 MBThere 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...
The Bridge Club’s Catherine Haskins Tells Her Story, and We Talk About Groomers and Vets (Again)
April 05, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.6 MBThis week we’re delighted to have one of the founders of The Bridge Club join us. Catherine Haskins has spent much of her career behind the scenes in veterinary medicine, and now that she’s stepping out front, she’s got a lot to say! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share the mic with Catherine Haskins of The Bridge Club. In her words, The Bridge Club “is a critical conversation company initiating meaningful conversations to elevate veterinary medicine. We strongly believe though...
Are Veterinary Practice Working Interviews Legal? A Discussion with Amy Newfield, CVT
March 29, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 40.4 MBChances are, if you’re a veterinary technician, you were asked for a “working interview” during the hiring process. This week, we’ve got a veterinary technician who cautions that not only may working interviews be illegal, but that may put interviewees at considerable risk. Viewfinders, you don’t want to miss this one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are joined by Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC), owner of Veterinary Team Training. The trio talks about all things “working interv...
The Impact of Positive Leadership on Veterinary Teams Survey with Josh Vaisman
March 22, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.6 MBWorking in a veterinary clinic can be stressful and downright depressing at times. A positive leadership team and support structure can make your job more enjoyable and meaningful. This week we’ve got Josh Vaisman to discuss his survey called “Leadership & Workplace Experience Study: The Impact of Positive Leadership on Veterinary Teams.” Viewfinders, this is a conversation we think you’ll find helpful for your team! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are joined by Josh Vaisman, MA...
Bridging the Pet Care Gap: In-Home Laser Therapy for Veterinary Patients
March 15, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31.3 MBMany veterinary professionals are familiar with Class IV or “cold” laser therapy for pet patients suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The challenge many pet parent face is bringing their dog or cat to the vet clinic for regular treatments. This week, MedcoVet’s CEO, Alon Landa, joins us to discuss how veterinary professionals can prescribe in-home laser therapy for their patients. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, are joined by Alon Landa to discuss how vet...
Why Vet Tech Title Protection is Critical: A Conversation with Veterinary Technicians Stephen Cital and Liz Hughston
March 08, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 41.6 MBTitle protection for medical professionals, particularly veterinary technicians, continues to be an issue in the US. This week we’re joined by two of our favorite - and outspoken - vet tech friends, Stephen Cital and Liz Hughston. They review a recent article they co-authored titled “Why title protection matters: A look at where we’ve been, where we’re going, and why it is still an issue.” Viewfinders, this is a good one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review the current state ...
Life Lessons from a Vet Tech Leader - Paige A. Allen, MS, RVT
March 01, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 35.3 MBThis week we’re proud to bring you a conversation with a fundamental change agent within the veterinary profession, Paige A. Allen, MS, RVT. Paige has guided both veterinary technician organizations and held the highest office in the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) - FOR TWO TERMS! This week she shares her story and vision for the future of veterinary medicine. Prepare to be inspired! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss how Paige became interested in the veterinar...
There are Plenty of Potential Problems When Bringing Personal Pets Into Your Practice
February 22, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 36.9 MBWhat happens when a team member needs to bring their pet in during recovery or to avoid a behavioral problem at home? Where do you keep it? Who cares for it? Is the employee charged? How long can they bring their pet? What happens if you run out of space? If they’re sick, when are they examined? These are but a few of the potential problems that arise when bringing personal pets into your practice. This week we look closely at how you can create solutions to avoid these common personal pet pi...
Setting Personal Boundaries on Vet Questions: Real-World Problems of Veterinary Professionals
February 15, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 37 MBChances are you’ve received at least one unsolicited plea for veterinary medical advice from a friend, family member, or some random person on social media. How do you respond politely and professionally? How do you set boundaries with folks in the “real world?” This week we look deeper into one of the more frustrating - and stressful - aspects of being a veterinary professional. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, examine all sides of the professional and personal boundaries we est...
Make Your VTS or Job Application More Impressive with Heather Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS
February 08, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 41.8 MBApplying for a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS), work promotion, or a new job can be daunting. This week we talk to Heather Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), about the process to apply for a VTS and how to land that new job or new title! Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as Beckie Mossor, RVT, has an unexpected last-minute conflict. Luckily for the Viewfinders, we’re joined by the dynamic Heather Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS, to discover how a credentialed veterinary t...
Steven Kotler Talks Performance Aging, His New Book "Gnar Country" and Rescuing Special Needs Chihuahuas
February 01, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 62.9 MBIt's not often you get to talk with a two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, eleven-time New York Times Best-Selling author, human performance expert, and a dear friend. Viewfinders, we are thrilled and honored to bring you another exclusive interview with the extraordinary Steven Kotler to talk about his new book, "Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad," and how you can apply his research to reach your peak potential, no matter your age! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, welcome back ...
More Money, More Problems - Let's Talk about the 2022 NAVTA Demographics Survey
January 25, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 39 MBThe 2022 NAVTA Demographics survey was released during VMX 2023. This week we discuss the findings, actions we can take, and questions for the future. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and President-Elect of NAVTA, Beckie Mossor, RVT, take a deep dive into the findings of this critical survey. The last demographics survey was conducted in 2016, and, wow, some things have changed - and others remained, sadly, the same. The survey results revealed the following highlights: • The average Veterinary Techni...
Live from VMX 2023 - Our Highlights and Vision for the Future of VMX
January 18, 2023 15:20 - 35 minutes - 40.9 MBThis week we’re recording live from the world’s largest veterinary conference - VMX, in Orlando, Florida! We cover the happenings, who’s here, and our vision for the future of VMX. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are recording live from the floor of VMX 2023. They’re joined by over 27,000 veterinary professionals interested in learning about the latest advancement in veterinary medicine. This show is for anyone interested in what VMX (and NAVC) is all about and for those attendi...
Advice for Aspiring Veterinary Writers, Speakers & Influencers
January 11, 2023 16:50 - 31 minutes - 35.5 MBAs we begin a new year, many veterinary professionals set goals to become professional writers, speakers, or influencers. This week we share our advice for aspiring future leaders and lessons we’ve learned that may accelerate your progress. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review their journeys into the world of veterinary writing and speaking and their top tips for anyone interested in pursuing the role of “key opinion leaders” or, dare we say, “influencer.” During this episode,...
Lessons from a Veterinary ER Visit
January 04, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 34.6 MBWhat better way to spend a New Year’s Day than visiting a veterinary emergency clinic - as a patient and client! Our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT, had to take her doggo to the ER on New Year’s Day, and she gained a lot of insight into how you can provide better patient care and client service. Viewfinders, there are a lot of good lessons in this week’s episode. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Motor, RVT, share their recent experiences in hospital ER rooms. Dr. Ward recounts the eye injury he ...
Veterinary Trends and Topics You Need to Know in 2023
December 28, 2022 15:43 - 30 minutes - 34.7 MBPredicting the future is tough…but we do it anyway every year! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss some of the topics and trends they believe veterinary professionals will be talking about in 2023 and beyond. Viewfinders, we hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for listening in 2022, and we hope to share your speakers for half an hour each week in 2023! Happy New Year!
Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Vet Clinic by Beckie Mossor, RVT
December 21, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.69 MBHappy holidays, Viewfinders! This week we’ve got a special rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” written by our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT! ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the clinic Not a creature was stirring, but there’s always a cynic. “Seems awful quiet,” they said; Oh yes, they did dare, For at that very moment, they knew the rush soon be there. The front staff was working away on their day, When they heard the cursed words, they cried, “What’d you just sa...
Recent Controversies at NAVTA and AVMA - Why You Should Get Involved
December 14, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 39 MBIf your social media is anything like ours, you’ve seen a lot of questions and concerns about the upcoming National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Board of Directors elections. You may have also been following Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown (vavsd.org (http://vavsd.org)) and their efforts to have the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reclassify ventilation shutdown, which uses a form of heatstroke to kill pigs and chickens. This week we discu...
Is It Time to End Veterinary Non-Compete Clauses? Paul Diaz Speaks Out
December 07, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MBNon-compete clauses have been standard practice in veterinarian contracts for decades. This week we're joined by veterinary hiring consultant Paul Diaz to discuss why he believes non-competes should be abolished. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share the mic with Paul Diaz to review the history and usage of a non-compete clause in employment contracts for veterinary professionals. Paul reveals why this practice is unfair and potentially harmful to veterinarians' mental well-bein...
A Flurry of Frenchies: How Will Winston’s Win Affect Vets and Pet Parents?
November 30, 2022 14:21 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MBWinston, an unarguably adorable French bulldog, took top honors at the 2022 National Dog Show. Historically, breeds crowned Best in Show surged in popularity. Will Winston's win result in a flurry of French bulldogs this year? Viewfinders, this is another potentially sticky situation for veterinary professionals. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the dichotomy of a French bulldog winning the crown jewel of US dog shows in the same year countries such as Norway are bannin...
It's Our 6-Year Anniversary and We're Spending It with Dr. Marty Becker
November 23, 2022 18:34 - 40 minutes - 45.9 MBHappy Six Years to us! And you, the Viewfinder Family! This week, Dr. Marty Becker joins us to talk all things veterinary! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, want to thank the Viewfinders for their loyal listening over the past 312 episodes. This week we're honored to share the mic with a dear friend, Dr. Marty Becker. Dr. Becker and Ernie share stories from their "old days" and pontificate on the changes ahead. Learn why Dr. Becker loves Dr. Ward's number one rule for want-to-...
Controversial Vet Tech Program in Washington State
November 16, 2022 13:12 - 27 minutes - 31.4 MBThe Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors (WSVBG) recently voted to approve a private veterinary practice’s proposal to establish a self-serving apprenticeship program as an alternative pathway to licensure as a Veterinary Technician in the state. The Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT), NAVTA, AVMA, and several other veterinary groups opposed the change. This week we have two leaders from the WSAVT, Ryan Frazier, BS, LVT, and Ashley Byrne, LVT, to bring th...
Important Actions to Take Now to Ease Holiday Stress in your Veterinary Clinic
November 09, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 27.3 MBThe holidays are here! And that means the stress many veterinary professionals feel is climbing faster than Old Saint Nick on his sleigh Christmas Eve! But it's not too late to prepare your clients and team and avoid some holiday stress. We've got a checklist of the top things you should do in your clinic before Thanksgiving! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share their most significant concerns (fears, anxieties, worries, you get it) about the 2022 holiday season. Dr. Ward worri...
When Veterinary Client's Holiday Gifts Go Horribly Wrong
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 30 MBIt’s the holidays! If you’re like most veterinary clinics, clients will begin showering you with love - and gifts - very soon! But what happens when those well-intentioned gifts carry unexpected consequences? What about holiday tipping, homemade food, and a host of other seemingly innocent gestures that can cause division (or food-borne illness) in your clinic? Viewfinders, get ready for a conversation about holidays in vet med that rarely gets spoken out loud! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Becki...
Exit Interview Disasters - Should You Even Bother?
October 26, 2022 13:59 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MBWe often talk about the alleged importance and benefits of exit interviews in the veterinary profession. But what happens when an exit interview turns into a slug-fest? Do you really get truthful information? This week we discuss the pros and cons, risks and benefits of exit interviews, and whether you should even bother in 2022. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share a recent question Dr. Ward received from a young associate who “spent an hour getting my @$$ kicked in an exit int...
The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree - Helping Colleagues in Need
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 25.2 MBEach holiday season, many of our veterinary colleagues endure financial hardships. Over the past few years, these challenges have been complicated by the pandemic and inflation. That’s why three licensed veterinary technicians, Beckie Mossor, Crystal Vaquero, and Lily Preston started The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterinary professionals in need. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the origin and mission of the Veterinary...
Let's Talk about National Veterinary Technician Week Oct 16-22, 2022
October 12, 2022 12:40 - 24 minutes - 27.8 MBNational Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 16-22, 2022. This week we celebrate our amazing licensed veterinary technicians! The “backbone,” “heart,” or “insert organ system of your choice here” of veterinary medicine! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, take time this week to talk about the invaluable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession. Our hosts share tips on how you can recognize your vet techs, why they deserve a whole year of ...
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is Oct. 12, 2022 - We Need Your Help!
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 43.4 MBVeterinary colleagues, we need your help with the 2022 US Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey! Sign up today at PetObesityPrevention.org. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary professionals can help gather information on pet obesity rates in the US this October. The duo discusses findings from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 2021 Pet Owner Weight Management, Nutrition, and Pet Food Survey, including current pet parent attitudes on grain-fre...
Acting Your Wage in Veterinary Practice - Is Your Team Taking a "Workcation?"
September 28, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MB“Acting your wage” is the latest social media, well, TikTok, trend to hit the US workplace. Gen Z’ers have taken “quiet quitting” and defined it in their terms. Bonus, there’s also taking a “workcation” popping up on feeds everywhere. Viewfinders, you don’t want to miss this one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore what “act your wage” means for veterinary practices, the root causes of these issues, and changes you can make in your management and leadership styles to help. ...
Splitting Vaccines and Half-Dose Heartworm: When Cutting Corners Creates Workplace Tension
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31 MBHave you ever worked in a veterinary clinic that split vaccine dosages? What about recommending half-dose heartworm or flea preventives? Ever stray so far off label that you felt uncomfortable? If you’ve ever encountered one of these dilemmas, you don’t want to miss this episode! (Although you may need to turn the volume down, so your boss doesn’t hear.) Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share real-life stories of vet practices that may have pushed a little too far beyond the scie...
How to Dress (and Act) at Veterinary Continuing Education Events - Does It Matter?
September 14, 2022 09:00 - 29 minutes - 33.3 MBWith the fall veterinary CE season ramping up, we thought we’d discuss what to wear and how to act at CE events. Yes, we had to go there. Listen and you’ll learn why. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share some of their tales of attire and attitudes at the scores of vet med events they’ve attended. From flip flops and tank tops, to feet propped up on chairs, to lecture hall Candy Crush marathons, our duo dish on some of the more interesting personal choices they’ve observed, and w...
Bounce Back from Feedback - How to Handle Good and Bad Feedback in Veterinary Practice
September 07, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.7 MBFeedback: everyone needs it to improve. But what happens when we get unexpected negative feedback? How can veterinary professionals separate “context from content” and learn the valuable lessons nearly any form of feedback offers? For a “profession of perfectionists,” there’s a lot to discuss in this episode! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, start by defining what valid feedback looks like in veterinary practice. From there, they review why nearly any form of feedback can be bene...
Quiet Quitting in Vet Med: You Are Not Defined by How Many Hours You Work
August 31, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 36.2 MB“Quiet quitting” has gone viral. This week we examine what “quiet quitting” really means, how it’s actually been around for a long time (thank you, Gen Xers), and how you can learn from this workplace trend. In our 300th consecutive weekly episode (!), hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the latest Gen Z TikTok trend of “quiet quitting.” The pair explain how this applies to veterinary professionals, and why this may be a healthy movement. Dr. Ward reminds the Viewfinders tha...
New Arizona Vet Tech Association Needs YOU! A Conversation about Making Change in Vet Med with President Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS
August 24, 2022 11:26 - 28 minutes - 32.6 MBMany of us see things that need changing or improving nearly every day. Sadly, few of us take action to make those changes or improvements. Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) recognized that Arizona veterinary technicians didn’t have an organization, so she and two others decided to make that change! This week, we learn how you can help the AZVTA and steps you can take to make changes in your world! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are thrilled to introduce you to Stefanie Perry...
Unions & Preserving What You Love in Vet Med - Update with Liz Hughston, RVT
August 17, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 46.2 MBWhat’s the latest news on the unionization movement in US veterinary clinics? What is a union and how can forming them help veterinary professionals preserve the best aspects of their jobs while improving many of the worst conditions? This week we welcome back vet tech extraordinaire Liz Hughston MEd, RVT, CVT, LVT, LMVT, VTS (SAIM) (ECC) to share the latest developments on veterinary professionals’ unionization. Viewfinders, hold on to your seat…this is one fast-paced ride! Hosts Dr. Ernie ...
How to Celebrate Special Days and Changing Jobs in Veterinary Practice
August 10, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.6 MBDo you throw a party when a team member leaves? What about birthdays or work anniversaries? How do you make celebrating employees fair and equitable? Does it sometimes feel like high school all over again in terms of who gets recognized, how, and when? If you’ve ever felt unsure about what, who, and how to recognize your team’s special events (and some maybe not so special happenings), then you’ll definitely want to check out this week’s Veterinary Viewfinder! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie...
How a Single Vet Tech Banned Declawing in Quebec
August 03, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 42.5 MBThe Veterinary Viewfinder was founded in 2016 to “tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine.” One of the tough topics we’ve covered repeatedly is the growing movement to ban non-therapeutic, non-preventive procedures such as feline digit amputation, often referred to as “declawing.” This week we’re excited to introduce you to the Canadian Animal Health Technician (same as US RVT/CVT/LVT) who succeeded in the enactment of a law banning declawing in the Province of Quebec. If you’re won...
Could Offering Urgent Care in General Veterinary Practice Help Ease Stress?
July 27, 2022 12:39 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBIt's no secret many (most?) veterinary clinics across the nation are feeling overwhelmed. Our clients and patients must wait days to weeks to be seen or endure long waits in lobbies for "walk-in" appointments. Could shifting to a "hybrid urgent care model" help ease the stress many veterinary professionals are experiencing? Let's talk about it. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how any general veterinary clinic could shift to a "hybrid urgent care model" and the potential ...
Recession Proof? Have Veterinary Clinics Been Killing Growth Due to Staff Shortages, Placing Them At Risk During Recession
July 20, 2022 09:00 - 29 minutes - 33.4 MBWe’ve heard too many stories the past few months of veterinary clinics not taking new patients or unable to see routine care appointments for weeks. Have the pandemic, workplace shortage, an inflation made the veterinary industry potentially less “recession proof” than before? Viewfinders, let’s tackle this tough topic! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how some clinics may be inadvertently putting themselves at increased risk of recession impacts due to not accepting new p...
Taking a Stand by Sitting Out CE - Stephen Cital, RVT, VTS Speaks Out
July 13, 2022 12:45 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBA frequent guest on the podcast, Stephen Cital RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS- LAM (Res. Anesthesia), recently caused a bit of controversy on vet med social media by taking a very public stand against continuing education conferences held in states harboring laws against women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and other social injustices. Stephen decided to “sit out” or boycott speaking at these events, resulting in considerable online chatter. This week, in an exclusive interview, we’re thrilled to bring you ...
Next Gen Vet Tech Schools: Choosing the Best Program for You
July 06, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 36.6 MBChoosing a veterinary or veterinary technician school is one of the most important - and potentially challenging - decisions you’ll make in your career. Today, technology and educational innovations provide vets and vet techs with more professional school choices than ever before. This week, let’s look at one exciting new veterinary technician program developed by our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the next generation of veterinary technician...
A Special Message Regarding the Recent Supreme Court Ruling
June 29, 2022 09:00 - 1 minute - 1.73 MBWe want to take a moment to address the June 24, 2022 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the right to have a safe and legal abortion in the United States. Everyone should have the right to decide what's best for themselves and for their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision potentially has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other...
New Job, Old Problems: What Happens When You Change Jobs and Your Problems Follow?
June 22, 2022 16:13 - 39 minutes - 45.1 MBPerhaps there’s never been a time when more veterinary professionals changed jobs than during the past 18 months. Many colleagues are finding increased salaries, better benefits, and interesting opportunities. But what happens when your new job turns out to have many of the old problems you were getting away from? Viewfinders, let’s talk about that and a whole lot more concerning switching employers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin with a recent conversation Dr. Ward had wi...
Crisis in Maine Veterinary Clinic: What Happens When a Pet Parent Can't Pay? Relinquishment Woes and Sloppy Reporting
June 15, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MBA viral news story involving a Maine veterinary clinic and relinquishment of a pet whose owner couldn’t afford treatment has been widely circulating on social media. This week we address many of our concerns from sloppy reporting to missed media opportunities to the practice of pet relinquishment. Our full support and hearts go out to the entire veterinary team involved with this challenging case, and hope this conversation will help others facing similar situations. Viewfinders, there’s a lo...
Persistent Pandemic Impacts on Vet Med: Are You Afraid of Crowds & Coughs?
June 08, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MBWe hate to break it to you, but the pandemic isn't over yet! This week we examine some of the less-discussed impacts of the “Pandemic Period” in veterinary medicine. Viewfinders, this is one interesting conversation! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take listeners on a circuitous route around some of the lasting effects on our psyche post-pandemic. From fear of coughing in the exam room (or the terrifying sound of a client coughing!), to crowded elevators and lobbies, to learning ...
Life After Vet Med: What Will You Do If You Can't Do What You're Doing?
June 01, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 36.6 MBWhat would you do if suddenly you couldn’t work in veterinary practice due to injury, illness, or other unexpected life event? This week we explore how to make a “Plan B” for your career and why it’s important to start thinking about life outside vet med. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin this episode as Beckie recounts a recent injury that made her reflect on whether or not she could complete her responsibilities as a practicing veterinary technician. From the “I got hurt!”...
Inflation and Veterinary Staff: Something's Gotta Give
May 25, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 28.9 MBGas at record prices. Rent is up double-digits. New homes and interest rates are skyrocketing. How is inflation impacting the veterinary workforce and what can we do to help? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take on the tough topic of post-pandemic inflation and how the workforce shortage is being affected. Viewfinders, there are a lot of helpful tips in this one, but the most important is we need to start talking about it! Our veterinary podcasters begin with the current inflati...
Gossip in Veterinary Practice: The Good, Bad, and What to Do About It
May 18, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 33 MBAs veterinary professionals return to the clinic, some are eager to catch up on months of missed gossip. When is gossip okay, when is it harmful, and what should you do about it? Viewfinders, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to “veterinary gossip!” Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin by sharing their definitions of “veterinary gossip.” They each recount several examples of good, neutral, and bad gossip in veterinary clinics and strategies to change a “culture of gossip...