Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Pet Professionals: Enemies or Allies?

August 02, 2017 09:00 - 25 minutes - 29.6 MB

This week our hosts discuss how should veterinary professionals work with other pet care providers? Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor contemplate the roles and responsibilities veterinarians and veterinary technicians have when referring to pet care individuals such as trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and boarding facilities. What should the veterinary profession do about unlicensed, non-credentialed, uneducated individuals offering ...

2017 AVMA Conference Attendee Interviews

July 26, 2017 16:00 - 16 minutes - 18.4 MB

This is a special edition of the Veterinary Viewfinder. If you haven’t listened to episode 035, 2017 AVMA Conference podcast, please check it out to provide context for these unedited attendee interviews. Co-host Dr. Cyndie Courtney interviews several attendees of the 2017 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Courtney explores what attendees like or dislike about the AVMA an organized veterinary medicine, what their personal involvement is, a...

AVMA Conference 2017 - Does Organized Veterinary Medicine Matter Anymore?

July 26, 2017 09:00 - 31 minutes - 36.2 MB

This week co-hosts veterinarian Dr. Cyndie Courtney and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk with Dr. Ernie Ward from the 2017 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The trio talk about new AVMA President Dr. Michael Topper, stagnant conference attendance, the new AVMA telemedicine guidelines and potential consequences of their lack of clarity, and controversies around opioid reporting legislation and medical marijuana usage in vet...

Overcoming Pet Cancer with @DrSueCancerVet

July 19, 2017 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MB

This week we talk about cancer in pets with veterinary oncologist Dr. Sue Ettinger. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVT are rejoined with Dr. Cyndie Courtney after her maternity leave. This podcast focuses on how the veterinary team should approach cancer, the best ways to share a cancer diagnosis with pet owners, why Dr. Ward believes being non-judgmental is key to successful outcomes and emotional well-being of our staff, the role of veterinary technicians in helping cancer patients, ...

Workplace Warfare with Debbie Boone CVPM

July 12, 2017 09:00 - 31 minutes - 36.3 MB

Does your front staff fight your back? Do your technicians battle your receptionists? Does everyone combat the boss or manager? According to host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, workplace warfare affects nearly every veterinary practice around the world. Team disharmony negatively impacts patient care and productivity. This week Dr. Ward and co-host veterinary technician/nurse are joined by practice consultant and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Debbie Boone to discuss how you can overco...

Veterinary Euthanasia with Dr. Dani McVety

July 05, 2017 09:00 - 29 minutes - 33.5 MB

This week host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor have a deep conversation on euthanasia, veterinary hospice, compassion fatigue and more with Dr. Dani McVety. Dr. McVety is co-founder of Lap of Love, an in-home veterinary euthanasia and hospice care service. We discuss why Dr. McVety chose to pursue a career in veterinary euthanasia and hospice, best practices for in-home euthanasia, and how any veterinary team member can help provide a more comfortable eutha...

Veterinary Disaster Response Opportunities with ASPCA

June 28, 2017 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.9 MB

This week host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor are talking disaster response opportunities for veterinary teams with ASPCA official Gina Manke. Learn how Gina got started with the ASPCA, what the top deployments are for ASPCA teams and volunteers, and how you can help in this week's podcast. Join the conversation on Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder & Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Mission Rabies with Dr. Luke Gamble & Jessie Foley, RVT

June 21, 2017 09:00 - 26 minutes - 30 MB

RABIES! Over 60,000 people die each year from this deadly zoonotic disease. On veterinarian, Dr. Luke Gamble from the U.K., is on a mission to eradicate rabies and save human and animal lives. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk with Dr. Gamble about his group, Mission Rabies, and how veterinarians and veterinary nurses can help. Veterinary technician Jessie Foley discusses her recent participation in a Mission Rabies campaign in Malawi. If you’d like t...

Stress in Veterinary Practice with Rebecca Rose, CVT

June 14, 2017 09:00

Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue. These 3 topics top the list of veterinary workplace trauma and drama. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk with Rebecca Rose, CVT about the causes of stress, identifying problems in coworkers, and strategies to help reduce workplace tension. If you’re feeling stressed, work in a team with tension, or simply want to be happier and healthier, this podcast is for you! Join the conversation on Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder & T...

Hosting an Open House, Pet Health Fair & Community Outreach for Veterinary Clinics

June 07, 2017 09:00 - 26 minutes - 30.8 MB

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by practice owner & hospital administrator, Laura Ward to discuss giving back to your community. We discuss how to plan and pull off an Open House, creating an awesome Pet Health Fair, and why the Wards believe giving back to your community is good for team building and practice building. If you're looking for ideas to jumpstart your clinic's civic participation, this episode is chock full of ideas and inspiration. Join the conversation on ...

Changing to Veterinary Nurses with Julie Legred

May 31, 2017 09:00

The title "veterinary technician" is moving out! This week Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Executive Director, Julie Legred, CVT, while Dr. Cyndie continues to enjoy (?) maternity leave. Julie discusses the recent official announcement of the name change from "veterinary technician" to "veterinary nurse," how the credentialing and transition will occur, and a new support staff training program from NAVTA. T...

What Pet Owners are Talking About - Steve Dale

May 24, 2017 09:00 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MB

Steve Dale from WGN Radio and Steve Dale Pet World (SteveDalePetWorld.com) joins hosts Dr. Ernie Ward, Dr. Cyndie Courtney, and Beckie Mossor, RVT to discuss what pet owners are asking him on his popular radio show, social media and blog. We tackle pet behavior, food questions (including what people are saying about raw and BARF diets), vaccinations, and cost of veterinary care. Join the discussion on Facebook.com/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter.com/VetViewfinder.

Our Moms Tell All

May 14, 2017 13:53

We are joined on this special early Mother's Day episode by our mothers! Patsy Ward, Yvonne Johnson, and Sue DeLuca join host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with Beckie Mossor, RVT dish on our childhoods, offer their best advice on raising a veterinary professional, and give Dr. Cyndie their best early childhood tips. Join the conversation on Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Real Vet Techs Talk Troubles & Triumphs

May 10, 2017 09:00 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MB

This week Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, visit the 2017 North Carolina Veterinary Technician Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina to talk with veterinary technicians about the profession. Co-host Dr. Cyndie Courtney joins the conversation about practice challenges vet techs face, the biggest surprises they found after graduation, what large animal and equine veterinary nurses would like their small animal colleagues to know, and what advice they’d give to their younger selves. Join t...

Finding Your Dream Job with Heather Prendergast

May 03, 2017 09:00 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MB

How can you find your dream veterinary job? What are employers looking for in job applicants? How can practice owners and managers find the best team members? Practice manager Heather Prendergast joins Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with Beckie Mossor, RVT to reveal secrets to finding, getting, and keeping the best jobs! Resumes, interviews, trends, and social media searches are just a few of the topics covered this week. Join the conversation on Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder and Twitte...

Vet Med in UK, Middle East & Hungary w/ Dr. Mark Hedberg

April 26, 2017 09:00 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MB

We go global this week with a look at veterinary practice in the U.K., Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and Hungary. Special guest veterinarian Dr. Mark Hedberg joins Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie, Mossor, RVT for a look at some of the differences in veterinary clinics with a vet who has practiced around the world. Why are vets called "surgeons" in the U.K.? What is it like to practice in the Middle East? Why are Hungarian vet clinics closed most of the day? How can you become a globe-trotting ve...

Veterinarians in Pop Culture: Good or Bad?

April 19, 2017 08:00 - 29 minutes - 34 MB

Reality TV veterinarians are everywhere these days. But how "real" are these "reality" vets? Are they good or bad for the profession? How are television and online videos affecting standards of care, costs, and public perception of veterinary medicine and surgery? Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle TV vets and more on this episode. Join the conversation on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Are Veterinary Professionals Lousy Patients?

April 12, 2017 08:00 - 27 minutes - 31.9 MB

Do veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary staff make good patients? Do we know too much, ask too many questions, demand too many answers of our own doctors and nurses? Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney along with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor dissect our own human health care experiences and share how we treat MD's and RN's when they turn to us for care. What do we love, and hate, about visiting our own physicians? How can veterinarians learn from the good, and b...

THE THINGS WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IN VETERINARY PRACTICE

April 07, 2017 19:39 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MB

What are the things you need to survive your busy days in veterinary practice? What rituals, superstitions, quirks and oddities do your doctors and team members have? What are the best pens, shoes, and scrubs? Veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor dish on daily dilemmas, their craziest superstitions, what items go missing most often in our clinics, and so much more in this hilarious and revealing episode. Join the conversation on Fac...

Global Pet Expo 2017 - The Cool, Zany, and Just Plain Head Scratching

March 29, 2017 08:30 - 27 minutes - 31.7 MB

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward visits the 2017 Global Pet Expo sponsored by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in sunny Orlando, Florida. Co-hosts Dr. Cyndie Courtney and Beckie Mossor, RVT inquire about the latest products and highlights of the convention. Neon cat litter, new OTC dewormers, a world of tech and trends, and the world's first (and only?) birdy bra are just of few of the topics in this week's podcast. Join the conversation on Facebook at Veterinary Viewfinder and on Twit...

What We Wished We had Learned in School

March 22, 2017 08:00 - 31 minutes - 35.6 MB

It's a hard knocks life. In this episode, veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor share some of the hard lessons they wished they'd teach in school. At least you'll have the chance to learn these oftentimes painful lessons from the comfort of your listening device... Join us at Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Pet Loss, Grief, & Our Own Stories

March 15, 2017 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

Veterinarian and co-host Dr. Ernie Ward, fresh from the loss of his beloved 15-year old dog, Sandy, shares his story with Dr. Cyndie Courtney and Beckie Mossor, RVT in this special episode. The team discusses the grieving process, how we help our clients, team members, and colleagues cope with euthanasia and losing a dog, cat, horse, hamster, or other animals. They also talk about why grieving for a pet is so intense, the importance of corpse viewing, whether or not other pets should witness ...

Live from WVC 2017 in Las Vegas

March 08, 2017 21:29 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

This week Beckie Mossor, RVT reports from the 2017 Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. Drs. Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney inquire about the world's second largest conference, buzz and busts, Elvis sightings, why isn't anyone posting on social media, where are the best spots to nurse an infant and dine (not necessarily at the same time, bonus points if possible), and so much more in this week's decidedly Vegas episode. Join the conversation on Facebook/Veterinary Vie...

THE HUGE PROBLEM OF PET OBESITY - 2016 U.S. PET OBESITY SURVEY RESULTS & CONTROVERSIES

March 01, 2017 23:35 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

Pet obesity in the U.S. continued to steadily increase last year, affecting nearly 59% of cats and 54% of dogs, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). During their ninth annual survey, APOP also found pet owners and veterinary professionals disagreed on key pet food issues such as the benefits of corn and grains, value of raw and organic diets, and the best sources of pet nutritional advice. Veterinarian and APOP founder Ernie Ward, Dr. Cyndie Courtney, and Beckie Mos...

Girls Rule The Vet World - Facing Gender Issues in the Veterinary Profession

February 22, 2017 19:17 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor ponder gender inequality in the veterinary profession. Today an estimated 70% of veterinarians and 95% of support staff are females. Is this too much? Why has this occurred? Why are women veterinarians and medical doctors paid less than their male counterparts? What about maternity and paternity pay? Do pet owners have more confidence in male veterinarians? Why are strong female leader...

Love In The Veterinary Profession - Our Spouses Tell All

February 14, 2017 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MB

This week our hosts are joined by their spouses for a special romantic Valentine's Day edition. Dr. Ernie Ward and his wife, Laura, talk with Dr. Cyndie Courtney and her husband, Mike, along with Beckie Mossor, RVT and her hubby, Timmy. The trio dish on how they met, the perils of dating a veterinary professional, the best bits and grossest stories, and advice for keeping romance alive while caring for animals. Share your love stories with us at Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder and on Twitter @...

Live from The North American Veterinary Conference: The Good, Bad, and BIG

February 08, 2017 19:59 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVT report live from The North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) in Orlando, Florida while host Dr. Cyndie Courtney is stuck in Kansas. Topics include the name change to VMX, long walks, Robin Roberts and Darius Rucker, hot topics, tattoos, emerging trends, controversies and confusions and... NO (real) STARBUCKS! Will our hosts survive and remain (somewhat) coherent?

Continuing Education: Where, How, Who Goes, & Who Pays For It?

February 01, 2017 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor ask, "Are we getting the best CE for our bucks?" Which is better, in-person or online CE? Who pays for it? How do you get time off for CE? What's the best conference swag & what's your favorite 2016 CE lesson? Tell us thoughts at Facebook.com/VeterinaryViewfinder & @VetViewfinder

Lack of Diversity in the Veterinary Profession - What Can We Do?

January 25, 2017 09:00 - 28 minutes - 12.8 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor ask, "Is the veterinary profession the least diverse on the planet?" What are some of the current challenges to diversity in the veterinary healthcare fields, how can we encourage more diverse student populations, and how can we prepare veterinarians for the future? We'd like to hear your thoughts! Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and @VetViewfinder

Practice What You Preach - How Well Do Veterinary Providers Care For Their Own Pets?

January 18, 2017 19:01 - 28 minutes - 13 MB

Veterinarians Drs. Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore whether or not veterinary healthcare teams provide the same level of pet care they ask of their clients? What if a team member disagrees with a clinic's or veterinarian's recommendations or protocol? These questions along with each host's biggest struggle of caring for their own pets.

Do You Really Want To Be A Veterinarian? Staggering Student Debt, Supply & Demand, Future Woes, & Why We'd Do It Again

January 11, 2017 10:00 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor confront whether pursuing a degree in veterinary healthcare is a good or bad idea; how staggering student debt impacts our profession both financially & emotionally; potential solutions for excessive debt, escalating college tuition, and imbalanced veterinary supply & demand. The hosts share why they joined the veterinary profession and offer some of their best personal advice.

#FutureVetMed - Telemedicine, Apps, In-Home Care, & Will You Have a Job in 5 Years?

January 05, 2017 00:31 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MB

This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor peer into their crystal food bowls to predict the future of veterinary medicine. The trio review the controversies, benefits, and risks of telemedicine and virtual pet care, what apps they like and use, how in-home care (mobile or housecall veterinarians and technicians) may evolve, and their dreams for the future. Share your thoughts and predictions on Facebook Veterinary Viewfinder and @VetV...

Reflections, Controversies, Advances, & Lessons for the Veterinary Profession from 2016

December 28, 2016 18:05 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mosser rewind the year in veterinary medicine. The vet who shot the cat with an arrow, advances in dermatology, changes in the profession, the relevancy of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and "do-over's" are part of this week's episode. Join the conversation on Facebook at Veterinary Viewfinder and tweet us @VetViewfinder - Happy New Year!

Boundaries and Blunders with Client Relationships

December 21, 2016 20:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MB

Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore the dangers and dilemmas as well as the benefits and blessings of veterinary client relationships. The trio talk about setting personal and professional boundaries, what to do when a client oversteps and intrudes, and strategies to deal with tweets and texts after hours. Continue the conversation with us on Twitter @VetViewfinder and Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder. Happy holidays!

Money Matters - Our Agonizing Relationship with Money

December 14, 2016 21:09 - 26 minutes - 12.4 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor tackle the topic of tension between veterinary professionals and profits. We discuss the emotional toll finances take on the veterinary team, how pet insurance can help pets & vets, wellness plans, & things that made us grateful last week. Join the conversation on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder

Opioids, Drug Abuse, and the Veterinary Profession

December 07, 2016 17:50 - 26 minutes - 11.9 MB

Veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss the role and responsibility of veterinarians in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), substance abuse within the veterinary profession, solutions and advice for dealing with the current heroin and drug epidemic, as well as their weekly Pet Peeves.

Holiday Drama - How the holiday season creates additional stress for teams, clients, & pets

November 30, 2016 23:51 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MB

Host veterinarians Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor kick off the weekly Veterinary Viewfinder podcast discussing holiday staffing woes and drama, wintertime convenience euthanasia stress, and their favorite/worst pet peeves of the season!