The anti-vax movement has been slowly infecting the pet-owning public the past few years. Recent surveys indicate many dog and cat owners are skipping or avoiding core vaccinations for their pets., including puppy and kitten vaccines. Many pet owners claim these vaccines are unnecessary or may somehow cause harm, including outrageous claims including “canine autism.” This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take a candid look at this controversial topic. Viewfinders, what do you thi...
Sep 25, 2019•29 min
Do you have an “Employee of the Month” award? Do you give out “gold stars” or have a “Reward Wall” in your clinic? What about holiday pay bonuses? If you do, do these tactics actually encourage positive workplace behaviors and actions? This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore what veterinary staff incentives get results and create a more positive clinic environment. Find out what Dr. Ward calls the “Perfectionist Trap,” what happens when an incentive program fails, and wh...
Sep 18, 2019•28 min
This week we’re honored to be joined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President-elect, Dr. Douglas Kratt. Dr. Kratt joined Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT for a candid, provocative, and inspiring discussion about the veterinary profession and his plans for his Presidency. Dr. Kratt shares how and why he became a veterinarian, what it’s like to practice with his veterinarian wife, student debt, telemedicine, VCPR, generational shifts, the rise in power and scale of corp...
Sep 11, 2019•30 min
Veterinary telemedicine has been a professional hot button topic for the past five or six years. This week we’re thrilled to share the podcast with John Dillon, CEO of veterinary teletriage service, GuardianVets. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the current regulatory and legal boundaries of veterinary telemedicine, why Dr. Ward calls teletriage “a pager service on steroids,” and what the next three to five years hold for the VCPR. This is an informative conversation with one ...
Sep 04, 2019•37 min
Itching dogs update with Veterinary Dermatologist Dr. Dana Liska! Once again we're thrilled to share the podcast with veterinary dermatologist Dr. Liska from Zoetis. This time we review why so many dogs develop allergic dermatitis, the latest news and strategies in diagnosis and treatment, and how allergies may negatively impact a pet's (and pet parent's) quality of life. This is an excellent episode for all team members to review as we enter another "allergy season!" This podcast is sponsored b...
Aug 28, 2019•30 min
There is a growing global trend of body modification in pets. Exotic hair styles, dye jobs, piercings, studs, and tattoos are beginning to cross over from humans to their pets. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the welfare and ethical issues of these “visual entertainment” trends and the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary profession to ensure animal safety and wellbeing. If you’re unfamiliar with these procedures, you definitely want to listen. Share your th...
Aug 21, 2019•28 min
Performance evaluations are incredibly powerful tools for veterinary staff training, team morale, and job satisfaction. This type of feedback is also essential for providing the highest standards of patient care and client service. The fact is that performance evaluations (“job reviews”) are an integral component of the DNA of successful veterinary clinics. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the mechanics of employee evaluations, what an ideal review schedule looks lik...
Aug 14, 2019•33 min
The Internet has the potential to educate pet owners about better healthcare, but it also can scare the heck out of them! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor RVT discuss some of the real and not-so-real internet news clients are worried about, simple strategies to help the veterinary team communicate the truth in a polite and effective manner, and why veterinarians need to pay attention to the myths, truths, and questions being raised and spread on social media. This is a timely tou...
Aug 07, 2019•31 min
New York just became the first state in the U.S. to totally ban feline declawing. This week we’re delighted to be joined again by feline expert Dr. Margie Scherk to discuss what the new law means for veterinary professionals, how these measures have been received in her home country Canada, and why she believes veterinarians need to take a more active role in the declaw debate. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take a deep dive with Dr. Scherk into the complex ethical and moral challen...
Jul 31, 2019•38 min
This week we're joined by our dear friend and colleague (and Dr. Ward’s student extern back in the day!), Dr. Andy Roark, to discuss his suicide prevention program, 4 Eyes Save Lives. Dr. Roark joins hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT to discuss why discussing suicide and depression in the veterinary profession is important, how Andy addresses some of the questions and controversies surrounding this program, and Ernie shares why being any healthcare provider is especially stressful. Thi...
Jul 24, 2019•32 min
On July 1, 2019, California made history when it allocated $5 million dollars for veterinary care for homeless people. This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss what this budget means for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, why this is SO IMPORTANT, and ways to extend and amplify our message. This is an important conversation that touches on many aspects of our profession’s future, including student debt and societal awareness. If you like veterinary and pet discussion...
Jul 17, 2019•26 min
Episode 137 (2 2/3 YEARS of weekly podcasts!) This week, podcast hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle a topic often overlooked in veterinary practice: How to make our clients with special needs feel welcome. Beckie shares her recent Chicago VMA experiences after giving a presentation on this topic, Dr. Ward shares stories of some good (and not so good) client interactions, and both share a multitude of tips and tactics for veterinary professionals. This is a podcast we recommend sh...
Jul 10, 2019•28 min
This week we're delighted to share with the Viewfinders a special friend, Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, VTS (anesthesia and analgesia). Tasha shares her stories of being a college student seeking her passion, pursuing a career as a veterinary technician, being a single mom, and helping other veterinary professionals with anesthesia and pain management. This is a delightful conversation with a truly special colleague. Viewfinders, if you like conversations like this, please leave us a quick review on ...
Jul 03, 2019•31 min
This week we meet Yalanda Medina, founder of Cleveland-Based Squad 51, a pet emergency transport service and pet emergency first responders. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn the story behind Squad 51, what types of veterinary emergency medical services they can (and can’t) perform, and their new relationship with pet insurance. This is a fascinating conversation that you and your team will be talking about! SquadFiftyOne.com Viewfinders, do us a huge favor and leave us a review ...
Jun 26, 2019•30 min
Recent news reports convenience euthanasias have rocked the pet world and caused intense scrutiny of the veterinary profession’s role in this practice. This week Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the recent Richmond, Virginia euthanasia case, their own experiences with convenience euthanasia requests, and why talking openly about this topic is needed more now than ever. In addition, our hosts connect euthanasia with burnout, Dr. Ward explains why the veterinary profession is increasi...
Jun 19, 2019•27 min
Are you a big fan of Harry Potter? Did you read (and re-read, and re-read) them until the covers fell off? Did you wait in line with your six-your old daughter to purchase the books when they went on sale at midnight? (It could happen...jus sayin!) If so, you're going to love this podcast! Dr. Michale Miller is using the Harry Potter universe to provide insight into his veterinary life. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn how and why (and it may involve an ill-fated deep sea fis...
Jun 12, 2019•30 min
This week we’re honored to be joined by the 2019 SAVMA Teaching Excellence Award Winner Kristen Messenger, DVM, PhD, DACVAA, DACVCP. Dr. Messenger is currently a pharmacology professor at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In this high-energy conversation, Kristen shares her own journey to becoming a veterinarian, the biggest challenges her students are facing, and the ways she’s working to improve the next generation of veterinarians. From student debt to social...
Jun 05, 2019•33 min
This week we explore the role of surveillance cameras in the veterinary workplace. Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT ponder the ways surveillance cameras can be used for good and how their usage may go terribly wrong if we’re not careful. The Viewfinders cover how cameras can be used for staff training, protecting against false accusations from clients, increasing patient care and client service, adding services, and protection from theft. What are your thoughts on Big Brother watching YOU? ...
May 22, 2019•24 min
How would you like to sail the Caribbean helping island animals? This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by an Australian veterinarian doing it! Dr. Sheridan Lathe is sailing her 37-foot boat, “Chuffed,” island-to-island helping dogs, cats, livestock, and exotic animals along the way. Her popular Youtube channel, Vet Tails’ Sailing Chuffed, chronicles her adventures. We talk with her about her childhood in Australia, practicing at wildlife sanctuaries, her travels in Chi...
May 15, 2019•35 min
This week Walmart announced it was launching an online pet pharmacy, WalmartPetRx.com, and plans to open 100 in-store veterinary clinics over the next 12 months. This week Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT talk with Julie Legred, CVT about what this means for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, pet owners, and pet retailers. The trio offer insights on how independently-owned clinics can learn from Walmart, and why they see this as a win-win for the veterinary profession and U.S. pet ow...
May 08, 2019•32 min
This is one of those episodes we wish EVERYONE could hear! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by their dear friend, Dr. Amy Mohl, as they discuss her story within the framework of following your passions, overcoming challenges, and finding happiness. This is an episode we hope you enjoy, find inspiration in, and share with your friends, regardless of whether or not they’re in the veterinary profession. This one goes in the time capsule for sure! Let us know what you think! If...
May 01, 2019•37 min
This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss the breaking news that California RVTs have abolished the previously-required California RVT exam in favor of the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). The team discusses what this means, why this (or potentially isn’t) a sign of professional progress, and what the implications for veterinarians and the veterinary profession may be. They also discuss license reciprocity, examination standards, and Dr....
Apr 24, 2019•27 min
Should pugs be banned? What about French bulldogs, English (or British) Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus? This week host veterinarians Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor weigh in on the ongoing UK push to ban certain breeds. What are the reasons, who are the folks leading the conversation, and what are the proposed solutions? This is a lively review of the current state of breed restrictions along with some of the trio’s own potential solutions. ...
Apr 17, 2019•30 min
This week we're excited to sit down with the licensed veterinary technician, Jade Velasquez, who started the popular Facebook group, Veterinary Support Staff Unleashed. In addition to her work as an LVT and Facebook group administrator, Jade has recently transitioned into practice management. Host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore the unique way Jade became a licensed veterinary technician, what her greatest challenges and biggest surprises we...
Apr 10, 2019•29 min
This week we discuss a little known, but rapidly expanding, veterinary medical school program called “2+2.” Host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor try to make sense of the pro’s and con’s of a program that allows veterinary medical school; students who live in a state without a veterinary school to complete their first two years of veterinary school on their home college campus. Confused? We help untangle the taxpayer contributions, who gets to pay in...
Apr 03, 2019•27 min
This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by one of the veterinary industry’s longtime female leaders and entrepreneurs, Brenda Andresen. Brenda shares her personal story, what she sees as some of the most pressing challenges faced by veterinary professionals today, and her latest project, The Bridge Club. Brenda also weighs in on the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI), telemedicine, and how professional women can support, instead of competing against, each other. The Bridg...
Mar 27, 2019•28 min
This week we are thrilled to share the mic with an exceptionally talented and experienced registered veterinary technician who is also an accredited expert in feline behavior. Tabitha Kucera RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP is a pioneer for veterinary technicians in the area of feline behavior. On this week’s podcast, Tabitha shares her story of becoming an RVT, why she chose to specialize in feline behavior, and what she’s doing today to help make the veterinary world more feline-friendly. This is an enterta...
Mar 20, 2019•30 min
Recent news stories have featured human surgeons performing procedures on dogs, human dentists treating animal’s teeth, and other human medical professional treating animals. This week we explore how we, as veterinary professionals, feel about this touchy topic. Where are the professional boundaries? Why aren’t these physicians and dentists being questioned by veterinary medical boards? How would you feel if a veterinarian performed surgery on you? This is an extremely interesting conversation o...
Mar 13, 2019•30 min
One of the most controversial topics in the veterinary profession during the past few years has been the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI). What should veterinary technicians be called? What should their credentials be? And what responsibilities should they have? This week we’re pleased to sit down with one the VNI’s most vocal, and articulate, critics, Liz Hughston, RVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC). Liz has been a guest before, and this time she shares her disagreements with Mark Cushing, JD, the lead atto...
Mar 06, 2019•39 min
Empowering your veterinary team to do their best and finding their personal superpowers isn’t a myth. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor meet with Tracy Dowdy, CVPM to discuss team empowerment. Strategies to better utilize your team members, what a relationship-centered business looks like, and what independent veterinary practices can learn about empowering staff from corporate practices. Don’t forget to subscribe and please leave us a review on iT...
Feb 27, 2019•31 min
