Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast - podcast cover

Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVTfacebook.com
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

Veterinary Cyberscams and Cybernightmares

Veterinary clinics and veterinary professionals are increasingly falling prey to online hacks and internet scams. From spearfishing to catfishing to drug diversion, veterinarians and veterinary technicians are vulnerable to schemes targeting their social media profiles, personal data, and professional licenses. This week we tackle this frightening topic that affects us all. This is an important conversation you should have with your team (and family) today!

Feb 20, 201927 min

Diagnosing a Dog's Itching with Veterinary Dermatologist Candace Sousa

We're back with another dermatological dilemma we confront (nearly) every day: the itching dog! Atopy, insect bite, and food allergies fill our schedules, challenge our teams, and frustrate everyone (especially the poor pet suffering from incessant itching)! This week we're joined by veterinary dermatologist Dr. Candace Sousa. She shares her insights and advice on diagnosing and treating itchy dogs, as well as the latest trends and tips in testing and treatment. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and...

Feb 13, 201933 min

Emotional Blackmail in Veterinary Practice

Emotional blackmail in veterinary practice by clients and colleagues is a common experience for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor have a raw and candid discussion about how it feels to be taken advantage of, emotionally manipulated, and deliberately hurt by clients and co-workers seeking to harm others. After you listen, share your thoughts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twit...

Feb 06, 201927 min

Pet CBD Update with Phyto Animal Health CEO Ian Quinn

CBD products for pets are everywhere these days! We know pet owners and veterinary professionals have plenty of questions, and we've got answers! This week veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor are joined with Phyto Animal Health CEO Ian Quinn to review the current legal and regulatory status of CBD, where veterinary professionals can find the latest clinical research, and answers to many of our most pressing questions. If clients ...

Jan 30, 201935 min

Veterinary Dermatitis Update with Dermatologist Dr Andy Hillier

Itchy pets can be one of the most frustrating signalments seen in veterinary practice. This week we chat with Board-certified veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Hillier from Zoetis, to discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment and client communication strategies for allergic dermatitis. This is a high energy conversation that walks you through the practical (and shockingly simple) steps your veterinary team needs to take to ensure better treatment - and compliance - with your...

Jan 23, 201934 min

Veterinary Nurse Initiative Update with Lead Attorney Mark Cushing

This week we review breaking news about the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) with lead attorney Mark Cushing from Animal Policy Group. Veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary nurse (RVT) Beckie Mossor review the latest developments and objective from the VNI lead lawyer. Whether you support or object to the VNI, this is a conversation all sides can benefit from listening -- from start to finish! After you listen, please leave us an iTunes review!! Thank you...

Jan 16, 201931 min

Spotting Fake versus Factual Veterinary News

Fake news! Corporate conspiracies! It seems like nearly every week there’s a new viral veterinary news story that, well, isn’t as truthful as veterinary professionals might prefer. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor take on Fake Veterinary News, fake veterinary professionals (maybe even those that claim to be “animal behaviorists,” have a CBS television show and will be featured at VMX in a keynote!?), and how to scient...

Jan 09, 201928 min

How Should We Pick Protocols for Veterinary Practice

Standards of veterinary medical care can be complicated and confusing — and downright tricky to agree upon. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore how a veterinary clinic should choose protocols, what protocols should be enforced, and what treatment options should be more flexible? This lively discussion should spark your team to more closely examine how we decide to do the things we do in veterinary medicine. Pleas...

Jan 02, 201931 min

What We Are (and Are Not) Looking Forward To in 2019

Happy 2019! This week we share some of the things we are - and are not - looking forward to in 2019 for veterinary professionals. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss the veterinary nurse initiative (VNI), telemedicine, organized veterinary medicine, corporate practices (and find out why Dr. Ward calls the future of veterinary medicine “the ‘Walmartization’ and ‘Amazonation’ of the profession”) and upcoming medical ad...

Dec 26, 201827 min

Holiday Hassles in Veterinary Practice

Happy Holidays! It’s the “most wonderful time of the year” in veterinary practice! Or is it? This special holiday edition of our podcast, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney, along with registered veterinary Technician Beckie Mossor detail veterinary clinic staff holiday scheduling drama, co-worker gift dilemmas, party alcohol rules, and how to remain cheery when our clients are dreary! If you’re searching for your lost sanity, pop in your earbuds and give this episode a listen! An...

Dec 19, 201829 min

Socialization for Veterinary Professionals - Finding Friends Outside Work

Are you socialized? How do you find friends as adults? Are we expanding our social networks beyond the veterinary profession? This week, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk about making friends and finding fulfillment outside of work. The trio share tips on maintaining friendships, online communities to meet new friends and the benefits of socialization. And find out Cyndie’s plans to write a book about, “How to Date ot...

Dec 12, 201831 min

Enough is Enough! Saying No and Setting Boundaries in Veterinary Practice

When is enough too much? When (and how) is it okay to say, “No”? Is it clear or murky? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss establishing healthy boundaries with veterinary bosses and co-workers, clients, and friends and family. Failure to set boundaries is an issue that leads to veterinary professional burnout, poor patient care, and lower job satisfaction. Share this episode with the entire team! SAY “YES” to thi...

Dec 05, 201829 min

Reclaiming Control of Your Veterinary Work & Personal Life

Feeling out of control? Ever felt like you weren’t being listened to at work? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor question what it means to be in control of your professional career and personal life, how to regain control, and why collaborative decision-making can benefit your veterinary team. We need your support to reach more of our veterinary colleagues! Please subscribe, share, and leave us a review -- especia...

Nov 28, 201830 min

Veterinary Cost versus Care Conversations - Are We Talking about Money Too Much or Too Little?

Once again we tackle one of profession’s most challenging topics: MONEY! The tension between providing the best veterinary care and the cost of providing that care causes tremendous conflict and confusion among our colleagues (and us!). Are we talking too much - or too little - about money with pet owners? What impact do recent human healthcare and insurance changes have on the perception and value of veterinary services? If we strive for increased transparency regarding charges, are we overemph...

Nov 21, 201829 min

Making Work/Life Balance Work in the Veterinary Profession - Does it Work?

Feeling stressed? Overworked? Lost your mojo? Losing the romance? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor take a candid look at work/life balance in the veterinary profession. From real-life struggles and tribulations to practical tips and advice, this episode is packed will help restore your sanity and release you from "perfect" and into "for reals." PLEASE leave us a short review on iTunes! That's all we ask. It lets us know you like what we'r...

Nov 14, 201830 min

Should Veterinary Clinics Sell Products? The Impact Of Retail Sales

The question of whether or not a veterinarian or veterinary clinic should sell non-medical products has perplexed generations of practitioners. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor question whether or not vets should sell "stuff," how to choose the best products if you're going to sell "stuff," and the tricky ethical lines veterinary clinics tread when selling "stuff." This is a wide-ranging, candid, and brutally ho...

Nov 07, 201828 min

Veterinary Support Staff Suicides: An Issue We Need to Discuss

A recent North Carolina veterinary technician's death by suicide prompted us to explore the issues of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among veterinary support staff. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor share their thoughts and experiences with veterinary staff suicides, what our profession can do to help, and what you can do to aide a colleague. Please share this podcast with anyone you think could benefit. Resources ment...

Oct 31, 201833 min

EPISODE 100! Recaps & Favorite Moments from our First 100 Podcasts!

100! THANK YOU! It's hard to believe we've recorded 100 episodes of our podcast! We owe it all to you, our loyal listeners and colleagues. This week we celebrate by recapping behind-the-microphone stories and share some of our favorite moments of the past two years. Welcome to our podcast party! Want to give us present we'd really love? A review on iTunes! Thank you again for your loyal support!

Oct 25, 201831 min

Chernobyl Veterinarian Dr Jennifer Betz

This week we expose you to a radioactive topic: What happened to the dogs and cats left behind in Chernobyl? Our guest, Dr. Jennifer Betz, knows firsthand the current conditions of the canines and felines living in the Chernobyl disaster area. We were positively radiating during this episode, and the fallout of our conversation will leave you glowing! (I’ll stop now.) YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE! Please help us by LEAVING A REVIEW ON ITUNES! This is how we grow and reach more of our vet...

Oct 17, 201832 min

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

This week, we have a special THANK YOU to the AMAZING VETERINARY TECHNICIANS that make the world better! During October 14 - 20, 2018 celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week with us!

Oct 15, 20183 min

The Pros and Cons of Production-based Pay for Veterinarians

Pro-sal, production-based, merit-based - these are a few of the terms used to describe the increasingly common method used to pay veterinarians (and some veterinary technicians, as you’ll find out). What are the pros and cons of paying veterinary professionals on a percentage of revenue generated basis? Are your veterinarians gaming the system? Dr. Ernie Ward shares an experience you might not realize happens in many clinics, Dr. Cyndie Courtney relates her personal experiences, and Beckie Mosso...

Oct 10, 201829 min

Veterinary Viewfinder 097 - Have Animal Rescue Requirements Gotten Ridiculous?

Have you, a friend, family member, colleague, or client ever been denied a pet rescue adoption? Are some animal rescue groups inadvertently encouraging people to go through breeders and pet stores due to cumbersome requirements? We asked our social media channels, and apparently this is a bigger problem than we realized. This week our trio tackles the thorny issue of what makes an appropriate animal rescue protocol, our thoughts on how to improve the process, and tales from the real-world on hea...

Oct 03, 201829 min

LIVE from Hurricane Florence: How to Help Clients & Clinics during Natural Disasters

This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor are evacuated from their homes during Hurricane Florence. Dr. Cyndie Courtney joins Dr. Ward (Beckie cellular service failed during recording) to discuss what it’s like to live through a hurricane. Helpful advice for any veterinary clinic affected by a natural disaster such as hurricane, flooding, wildfire, earthquake, tornado, etc. From how to prepare, what advice to offer clients, how to travel with pets, and ...

Sep 19, 201829 min

Fixing Veterinary Professional School Admissions: Interviews, Experience & Finances

Welcome to fall…that magical time of the school year when freshman everywhere are full of excitement, and seniors are desperate to exit. This week we examine the veterinary and veterinary technician school admission process. What’s right - and what’s wrong - and what we think we should do to make it better. What do you think about veterinary professional school admissions? What would you change? Let us know! Please share our podcast with co-workers and colleagues who you think would benefit from...

Sep 12, 201833 min

Cloning Pets - Controversies & Questions about this Latest Medical Miracle

Cloning pets, especially dogs, is a real thing. As in, there’s a real company really doing it RIGHT NOW. For a measly $50,000USD, you can have your favorite furry friend brought back in an exact genetic copy. This week our trio tackle the thorny ethics, sketchy morals, and scientific rigor (?) of this evolving pet medical breakthrough. From Barbra Streisand’s cloned pups to questions about the care of surrogate animal mothers, this is one podcast you will want to share and discuss with your coll...

Sep 05, 201827 min

Confronting the Cost of Chronic Dermatitis - Da Money Talk with a Veterinary Dermatologist

MONEY!!! We sure spend a lot of time talking about the challenges of finances in veterinary practice on the podcast! This week we’re joined by our friend, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Dana Lisa, to discuss how to handle the rising costs of treating chronic dermatitis. Dr. Liska will explain how she talks about Cytopoint, Apoquel, and other revolutionary treatments with budget-minded clients. This is a really impactful conversation that yields many helpful tips and tricks you can use in your clin...

Aug 29, 201830 min

People Outside the Veterinary Profession Who Inspire Us

We all have someone we look up to, are inspired by, or seek to emulate. This week we share some of the people outside the veterinary profession who have taught us, pushed us to do more, and are making the world better. We talk about famous authors, teachers, friends, and more during this uplifting episode. Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ Steven Kotler: https://www.stevenkotler.com/ Elizabeth Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-green-308b865/ Atul Gawande: http://atulgawande.com/ St...

Aug 22, 201830 min

Exercising with your Dog! K9 Fit Club Tricia Montgomery

This week we speak with the founder of K9 Fit Club, a group dedicated to developing human and dog fitness programs. Tricia Montgomery shares her story with host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor. Exercise tips, weight loss, diet trends, and more are discussed in this conversation from St Louis, Missouri! We need your support to reach more of our veterinary colleagues! Please subscribe, share, and leave us a review -- especially on iTu...

Aug 15, 201831 min

Dermatological Drama with Veterinary Dermatologist Dr Dana Liska

Itching dogs, chronic dermatitis, frustrated clients, online myths (and bad advice) all add up to create dermatological drama in our veterinary practices! This week we chat with veterinary dermatologist Dr Dana Liska to dispel mountains of misconceptions, dispense practical diagnostic and treatment advice, and soothe our weary minds and souls when it comes to conquering chronic dermatitis! Dr Liska joins host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney plus registered veterinary technician Beck...

Aug 08, 201830 min

Top Things You Need to Start - or Stop - Doing in your Clinic Today

Join us this week for a rapid fire session on our top tips to make your personal and professional life a little easier, more efficient, and more fun! Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor share their best quick bits of advice for veterinary practice, patient care, client service and self-care. If you enjoy fast-paced, real-world recommendations, you’re going to love this special episode! IF YOU ENJOY THIS PODCAST, PLEASE LEAVE...

Aug 01, 201833 min
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