Are you a veterinary influencer? Do you aspire to be called “an influencer?” If so, you may want to talk to Beckie first! … This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the rise of veterinary influencers. The duo discusses the controversies and opportunities of being a social media influencer, and their concerns over certain types of “veterinary influence.” Viewfinders, buckle up. This episode might get bumpy! … Beckie shares her concerns that some popular veterinarian influen...
Nov 18, 2020•29 min
Happy COVID-19 Holiday Season Viewfinders! Or, as Beckie says, Happy Holidays, COVID-19! (You have to listen to the podcast to understand…) … With the holidays just around the corner, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take time to discuss how the pandemic may affect veterinary clinics during the traditional holiday season. Each shares how their businesses are planning to celebrate the holidays, and offer a wide variety of advice for any clinic or veterinary professional. … The duo tack...
Nov 11, 2020•28 min
With most of 2020's veterinary continuing education conferences moving to an online format, what lasting effects will this have in 2021 and beyond? Will some veterinary conferences fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic? What will future veterinary CE look like? ... This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT reflect on their experiences creating, supporting, and working with several veterinary conferences during 2020. What worked and what didn't? More importantly. What have we learn...
Nov 04, 2020•29 min
This week we’re honored to share the microphone with the 2020 American Humane Hero Veterinary Nurse Award winner, Julie Nettifee, RVT, BS VTS (Neurology). Visit http://herovetawards.org/ to learn more or nominate a veterinary hero in your life! … Julie has been on the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine veterinary technician nursing staff for over 20 years. Julie shares her journey from childhood to present day specialization, how her passion for neurology has given her professio...
Oct 28, 2020•33 min
Arguably one of the most challenging exam parameters for veterinary patients is body temperature. We have traditionally performed this rectally. So there’s that. … But how accurate is a rectal temperature anyway? And how were those “normal temperature ranges” determined? Have we been taking pet’s temperatures wrong? … This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by two of Mella Pet Care’s co-founders Yale Zhang and Anya Babbitt to discuss “all things temperature” - and a whole lot...
Oct 21, 2020•33 min
Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! ... Okay, now that we've got that out of the way, our hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about the present challenges the veterinary technician/nurse (that's one of them!) profession faces today. ... This conversation is timely and essential if the veterinary profession (DVM's, RVT's, CVPM's) are to thrive over the next decade. It's also unapologetically raw, unfiltered, and will probably upset a few of our colleagues. Evolution and pr...
Oct 14, 2020•34 min
Many of us in the United States choose “Made in the USA” or “US Owned and Operated” whenever given a comparable choice. But what about businesses founded, owned, or operated by our colleagues? Does that affect our choices? Should it influence our decisions if the products or services are similar in quality and price compared to non-vet professional businesses? … This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the importance of supporting our entrepreneurial colleagues. … With a tor...
Oct 07, 2020•33 min
EPISODE 200! 200 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS! WOO-HOO! THANK YOU! … We talk a lot on the Veterinary Viewfinder about the importance of self-care and wellness, including taking time off for yourself. Even though we may escape our veterinary clinics from time to time, how to we truly disconnect from the incessant text questions, prescription approvals, and myriad of other interrupters during “time off?” … This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT offer their tips and advice for setting bounda...
Sep 30, 2020•32 min
Many veterinary professionals are beginning to plan for their 2021 Continuing Education requirements. Many of us have questions and concerns about coronavirus and conferences. Is it safe? How are the facilities disinfecting? Are masks required? How full will the lecture rooms and exhibit halls be? Will food be served? This week, we have an exclusive conversation with NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill and the Executive Director for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Mark Tester to answer these questi...
Sep 23, 2020•38 min
Pet parents and veterinary professionals are increasingly getting their news, information, and even medical advice from social media. With the trend toward shorter forms of content, is this helping or hurting pet care and veterinary professionals? … This week our co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the impact Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat are having on the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet parents. What effect is this global “social experiment” of social media havin...
Sep 16, 2020•32 min
Crowdsourcing has become a routine decision-making tactic for many veterinary professionals. Whether asking for advice on social media, posing a challenging case on a medical forum, or asking for help with a personal issue, throwing our questions and concerns into the internet has become increasingly popular and practical. … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the pros and cons of asking the internet for help. The pair share their own experiences with seeking assistance from both ...
Sep 09, 2020•30 min
COVID-19 has been emotionally, physically, and spiritually rough for many veterinary professionals. Many of us find ourselves in a “pandemic misery rut.” … This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about self-care and building mental and emotional fortitude to deal with the onslaught of confrontational veterinary clients, long hours, and the total chaos that we are calling the “next normal.” It gets better. … Our duo dive deep into the simple daily habits they rely on to sta...
Sep 02, 2020•34 min
Millions of pets have become "Pandemic Pets" as quarantined homes welcomed furry friends to help ease the stress of disruptions caused by COVID-19. ... This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topic of whether or not these pandemic pets are receiving proper veterinary preventive care and if this puts these newly-adopted dogs and cats at greater risk of preventable diseases. ... The duo share real-life stories and offer solutions to the causes of this surge in pets at pote...
Aug 26, 2020•33 min
Veterinary clinics around the country are reporting more confrontations with angry pet parents. This week, we dive into why this may be happening and what your veterinary team can do to help. … The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge veterinary professionals around the world. On disturbing trend is increased conflict with frustrated and angry, sometimes violent, clients. … This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle why veterinarians may be seeing more angry clients and st...
Aug 19, 2020•28 min
The current COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly accelerated many changes within the veterinary and pet care professions. This week, we tackle the emerging trend of pet parents purchasing veterinary medical devices and in-home diagnostics and what this means for our profession. … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss a quiet shift in pet parents beginning to do more in-home self pet care due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both agree there are plenty of opportunities and upsides for...
Aug 12, 2020•26 min
Viewfinders, Beckie and Ernie wanted to let everyone know they’re safe and thank you for your messages of concern and support. … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT live where Hurricane Isaias made a direct hit on August 3, 2020. … Dr. Ward shares his storm experiences and why they’ll call this the “Fire Hurricane” in the history books. He recounts the flooding, fires, and hurricane force winds that this “sleeper storm” ravaged on the Carolina coast. … Dr. Ward also explains why this was...
Aug 06, 2020•9 min
This week we’re proud to bring you a special conversation with North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine’s Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Dr. Allen Cannedy. … Dr. Allen Cannedy is a dedicated mentor and recruiter of students from groups that are underrepresented in veterinary medicine. For example, he regularly invites pre-college aged students to shadow him as he makes patient calls during his personal large animal practice. … The commitment to mentoring and recruiti...
Jul 29, 2020•40 min
We’re used to talking about veterinary professionals being attacked online and experiencing cyberbullying by angry clients, organizations, and the general public. But what happens when veterinary professionals cyberbully each other? … This week we’re joined by a veterinarian who has been cyberbullied by her professional colleagues and a therapist who specializes in helping veterinary professionals deal with these sorts of issues. … Dr. Crystal Heath shares her story of cyberbullying by an online...
Jul 22, 2020•41 min
This week we take a moment to remember the loss of Summer Taylor with special guest Jade Velasquez, LVT, president of Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, chair of NAVTA's PR committee, and sits on NAVTA's Membership committee. ... Next, we tackle the tough topic of pet insurance fraud with a longtime Viewfinder, Eliza Mariner, RVT. Eliza reached out to us by email after confronting a potentially uncomfortable situation that bordered on unethical and illegal. … Co-hosts Dr. Er...
Jul 15, 2020•28 min
As people around the country (and the world) have been forced into working from home and reduced social interactions, some people have filled their days with drinking excess alcohol or lighting up a joint or two. … Many veterinary practices are reporting higher than usual numbers of inebriated, intoxicated, and otherwise wasted pet parents visiting their clinics. … This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, hammer out some of their real-life loaded tales from veterinary practice...
Jul 08, 2020•25 min
Millions of pets have been fostered, adopted, or somehow wiggled their way into innumerable homes and hearts around the country (and the world). How can veterinary professionals help this new generation of pet parents make the right pet care decisions when they’re still “Pre-Pet Parents?” … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT go over some simple and effective ways any veterinary practice can begin helping current or prospective clients make the best decisions on the right species, breed,...
Jul 01, 2020•27 min
The gut microbiome has been intensely studied for the past 20 years, yet we’re only now beginning to understand it’s impact on overall health. … This week we have one of the top researchers in the animal microbiome, Dr. Holly Ganz from Animal Biome in Berkeley, California. … Dr. Ganz shares her story of her 20 years researching the gut microbiome, her development of “poo pills” to treat a variety of intestinal and digestive disorders, and her own story of overcoming breast cancer. … Hosts Dr. Er...
Jun 24, 2020•29 min
Resilience: “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” But what does it mean for veterinary professionals? … This week we’re joined again with Dr. Sarah Wooten to discuss the topic of bouncing back from failure and confronting stress in practice. Developing and nurturing our resilience seems even more essential these days. … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real with the stress most veterinary professionals face each day. The trio offer examples and solutions ...
Jun 17, 2020•34 min
This week we’re handing over our mic for an important message from Ahsante the Artist on “How to be a Good Ally - Identity, Privilege, Resistance.” Although this presentation was originally published on YouTube in August 2017, we think its message is particularly meaningful today. … You can watch her powerful video here: https://youtu.be/q7ElX4GFQpI and visit her website here: https://www.ahsantetheartist.com/ … We also encourage you to visit the Black DVM Network at https://www.blackdvmnetwork....
Jun 10, 2020•8 min
Could an experimental Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) drug be the secret to treating human COVID-19? … This week we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the California-based Anivive Lifesciences team to discuss their recent FDA submittal to use their experimental FIP drug on human coronavirus patients. … Anivive’s Founder & CEO, Mr. Dylan Balsz joins us along with Dr. David Bruyette, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Chad Dodd, Chief Commercial Officer to share their excitin...
Jun 03, 2020•35 min
As people begin to return to work and resume the “new normal” of daily life, many veterinary professionals worry if we are communicating adequately with millions of new “pandemic pet parents.” … This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topics of how to ensure pet parents don’t miss essential veterinary care and services, socialization and training tips, and how to stay connected with your team during these stressful times. … The pair share stories from veterinary clinics...
May 27, 2020•29 min
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused veterinary professionals to rethink nearly every aspect of veterinary practice. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss some of the client communication lessons we’ve learned, and how we can apply them permanently. … Dr. Ward shares a real-life example from a friend’s recent curbside appointment, and what the client had to say about the experience. Our hosts then analyze the visit and offer insights on how it could be better. … Beckie review...
May 20, 2020•29 min
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the human-animal bond has arguably never been more important and essential for human well-being. … This week we’re delighted to be joined by the newly elected President of the Human Animal Bond Institute and longtime animal welfare advocate, veterinarian Dr. Laird Goodman. … Dr. Goodman joins hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT to share this story of animal advocacy, what the goals and aspirations of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABI https://www....
May 13, 2020•32 min
Have you ever witnessed something in veterinary practice or animal handling that you felt uncomfortable about? Who do you turn to if you suspect animal abuse, negligence, and malpractice is occurring? What if your employer doesn’t provide adequate PPE or a safe working environment in the COVID-19 era? … This week we’re joined by veterinarian an attorney Lance Roasa (www.roasalaw.com) to discuss these tough topics. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the ethical, moral, and legal ...
May 06, 2020•33 min
This week we’re honored to bring the Viewfinders an exclusive interview with the new CEO of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Gene O’Neill. … Gene shares his story of going from CPA to CEO of the NAVC with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT. … This episode reveals how Gene transitioned from serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the NAVC for the past 7 years into his new role as CEO. He shares the challenges of taking over during a global pandemic, how NAVC has helped ...
Apr 29, 2020•35 min
