Many of our veterinary friends and colleagues are stuck in their hometowns (and homes) and missing continuing education (CE) conferences and veterinary organizational meetings. That's no good. … So Beckie and a group of super-friends decided to bring a global conference to you! … This week, host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by a Veterinary Viewfinder regular guest, Julie Legred, CVT to talk about their latest project, a virtual veterinary team conference they cal...
Apr 22, 2020•31 min
Veterinary telemedicine is booming, like it or not, and Dr. Ward says you can blame it on the coronavirus pandemic. … This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take a closer examination into what veterinary telemedicine looks like during the COVID-19 crisis. … The pair share best practices, observations, and state their case why they believe it’s time for veterinary telemedicine to be more widely adopted by US veterinary professionals and veterinary medical boards. … This is an impor...
Apr 15, 2020•31 min
We didn’t want to talk about Covid-19 or coronavirus, but we had to! Here’s a lighter take on the realities of living and working as a veterinary professional human being during this pandemic. We hope you enjoy it! … This week we check in with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT on how they’re coping with coronavirus shut-downs and what veterinary colleagues across the nation are telling them about their “new normal.” … Beckie shares the launch of her upcoming virtual veterinary team con...
Apr 08, 2020•28 min
Pet food has become a controversial - and even contentious - topic for many pet parents and veterinary professionals. This week we’re joined by a pet nutritionist who transitioned to plant-based diets for dogs - Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS, aka “The Pet Food Diva.” (www.PetFoodDiva.com) … Diana shares her story of why she chose to pursue a career in pet nutrition, why she shifted to plant-based diets for dogs, insight into what pet parents are talking about on the internet, and her journey as a f...
Apr 01, 2020•28 min
How does it feel to be working in a veterinary clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s the question hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT address during this podcast. Dr. Ward shares messages and comments from veterinary professionals dealing with everything from “staycation pet parents” looking for something to do, “quarantined from work” folks looking for a nail trim for their pet, to the seemingly overwhelming demands of bosses and managers seeking to maximize revenue during these t...
Mar 25, 2020•27 min
If you’ve been in veterinary practice for any length of time, you know how difficult it is to diagnose, manage, and monitor diabetic cats and dog patients. This week we share the mic with Baycom Diagnostics CEO Gus Ray to discuss A1C testing in pets, why A1C is undoubtedly the best biomarker for diabetes, and why every veterinary clinic should incorporate A1C testing in their practice. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take a deep dive into the world of veterinary A1C, the role pre-dia...
Mar 18, 2020•30 min
Professional respect - or disrespect - can define a workplace. This week we're joined by Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR to discuss real-world examples of disrespect toward veterinary technicians and support staff. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their own experiences and the trio offer several simple steps any veterinary team can take to encourage a more harmonious team culture. The sad truth is that many veterinary professionals have faced disrespect from bosses, manager...
Mar 11, 2020•29 min
It’s hard to hire a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT, CVT, LVT) these days! This week we’re joined by the 2020 National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) President, Kenichiro (Ken) Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM). Ken gives us the latest update on the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) and engages in an important discussion with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT on the need for veterinary technician title protection (and what this means), how to get the most o...
Mar 04, 2020•34 min
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common -- and challenging -- medical conditions veterinary professional confront in general practice. This week we’re joined by Board-certified veterinary surgeon and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw. Dr. Shaw joins hosts veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor, RVT to discuss her new CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education) program, her thoughts on the importance of early arthritis recognition in do...
Feb 26, 2020•31 min
The veterinary and pet worlds were rocked once again by recent allegations that counterfeit heartworm preventives and fake cancer cures were being sold online as well as a high-profile animal abuse case involving a doggie daycare facility in North Carolina. This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT reveal the latest counterfeit heartworm scare, this time involving purchases made at Amazon.com. A Minnesota (!!!) dog was diagnosed with heartworm disease after it was discovered the pre...
Feb 19, 2020•28 min
Working in a veterinary clinic can be stressful! Burnout, compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, depression, and more are a few of the consequences of an unhealthy work environment and lack of emotional support for veterinary professionals. This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor RVT are joined by a licensed clinical professional counselor who also happens to be a Certified Veterinary Technician! Becky Murray, CVT, MA, LCPC discusses her role as grief counselor for clients, how she hel...
Feb 12, 2020•31 min
Pet parents can order a variety of DNA tests for their pets off the internet or even in select retailers these days. This week we’ve got a special guest to help veterinary professionals decipher fact from fiction, advice from speculation, and C from G (DNA joke - stick around until the end for another of Dr. Ward’s attempts at genetic humor…) when it comes to pet DNA and genetic tests. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by their friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Menges from Bas...
Feb 05, 2020•33 min
On January 22, 2020, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) released its latest “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) ‘Traveling by Air with Service Animals.’” This proposal could significantly change the definitions - and mandatory allowances - of service animals and how they are allowed to travel by air in the US. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT dissect the new proposals, how to navigate the often-confusing definitions and terminology used, potential impacts (and unintended co...
Jan 29, 2020•29 min
It’s that time of year when many of us have a bit of a “spending hangover” from the holidays! Credit card bills are piling up, and bank accounts are looking thin. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss whether the cost of veterinary care is a barrier for pet parents seeking our help. Dr. Ward shares some breaking January 2020 pet parent survey results along with the latest reporting from Chewy, Guggenheim, and PetIQ on the current state of the veterinary market. The talk t...
Jan 22, 2020•30 min
Most of you of heard - and seen - the massive bush fires engulfing Australia over the past four months. The environmental devastation on this scale is historically unprecedented. This week's guest is a veterinary professor, animal ethicist (and part-time philosopher) from the University of Sydney, Dr. Anne Fawcett. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the latest on the Australian fires, the environmental impact she's witnessing, the damage to both animal life and ecosystems, and t...
Jan 15, 2020•32 min
Skin allergies season in dogs (and cats) never seems to end these days. This week we're thrilled to be joined again with Dr. Dana Liska, Dermatology Specialist at Zoetis to talk about the benefits of a dermatology work up and how veterinary teams should (and can) work together to ensure derm and itching appointments are as efficient - and effective - as possible.Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward review who and how to take a thorough dermatological history, the basics of diagnosing seas...
Jan 08, 2020•37 min
We'll be honest, we secretly dream of working with lions, tigers, bears, and all sorts of wildlife! If you share this dream of working as a veterinary professional in a zoo or exotic locale, you're going to love this week's podcast! This weeks hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by the Oklahoma City Zoo's Mark Romanoski, CVT. Mark shares how he got started in zoo medicine, offers advice for aspiring exotic animal professionals, and indulges us with some pretty amazing tales of...
Jan 01, 2020•37 min
here’s an old saying in medicine that, “Death and Illness Follow the Seasons.” Give this podcast a listen if you agree! In this week’s conversation, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary professionals can cope with seasonal surges in pet euthanasia and loss. The pair share stories from their practice lives, offer advice on shifting from “Silly Sweater Mode” to “Terminal Illness Expert,” and how to help colleagues struggling with the strains and stress of euthanasia d...
Dec 25, 2019•27 min
Once again, we tackle the tough topic of what, if any, holiday gifts we should give our veterinary coworkers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore whether structured gift-giving within a business team is appropriate, establishing (and adhering to) gifting boundaries, and examples of some of their favorite veterinary team gifts. The pair also share what they’re giving their personal pets and some of their all-time favorite dog and cat toys and accessories. Beckie announces a specia...
Dec 18, 2019•32 min
Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Whatever you celebrate this time of year! This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the topics of what we should say to clients and coworkers this holiday season, how should we celebrate, and what about spouses and significant others at work parties? Learn about Dr. Ward’s dreaded (and celebrated) annual team caroling, why having assigned tasks and an agenda for a party helps “keep it moving,” and ...
Dec 11, 2019•29 min
Recently Microsoft revealed that it found workers who worked a four-day work week were more productive and happier. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT contemplate whether we’re working ourselves to poor patient outcomes and burnout. Dr. Ward explains why he’s concerned we’re creating a “Generation Burnout” of veterinary professionals and how to improve inefficiencies in the veterinary clinic. Beckie shares her stories from clinics who reduced the days worked and why she’s conv...
Dec 04, 2019•33 min
Pet food recalls, climate change, animal welfare, and longevity are all directly related to the foods we feed our pets. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by one of Dr. Ward’s co-authors, Alice Oven, MA, to discuss their important new book, “The Clean Pet Food Revolution: How Better Pet Food Will Change the World” (2019 Lantern Books). The trio discuss why pet food is such a hot - and often controversial - topic for veterinary professionals and pet parents, what the...
Nov 27, 2019•37 min
If you live in North America or the UK, chances are you’ve encountered political debates on the treatment floor of your veterinary clinic over the past couple of years. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their experiences, Dr. Ward recounts his political campaign and how it impacted his veterinary staff and clients, and the two offer advice on how to successfully handle these potentially heated conversations in the clinic. This podcast isn’t about our political beliefs, ...
Nov 20, 2019•32 min
There’s drama and then there’s DRAMA!! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss when, how, and why you should share your feelings with your veterinary work family. Dr. Ward reveals why he believes the legacy of Baby Boomers “Suck it up buttercup” attitude may have led to today’s burnout and mental stress. Beckie shares a recent personal tragedy and how she dealt with it. Both emphasize the importance of a supportive clinic culture and leader that staff members feel comfortab...
Nov 13, 2019•30 min
Do you struggle with money? Are you worried about your financial future? Is retirement a fictional concept? This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by Denise Tumblin, a certified public accountant with years of experience helping veterinary professionals pay themselves and secure their financial future. This is a practical conversation about why you should be paying attention to your savings, debt, and why Dr. Ward says, “Pay your future self!” Viewfinders, this November comp...
Nov 06, 2019•35 min
No matter where you are or what you're doing, someone is watching you. By definition, that makes you a LEADER. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT offer advice to help you overcome the challenges of daily veterinary practice and life. From awareness of your influence on others around you, to techniques to clearly communicate with colleagues and family (and Dr. Ward's two most powerful phrases you need to say more often), to strategies to stay inspired and positive, the duo gets...
Oct 30, 2019•32 min
By now you’ve probably heard about the controversy between certain dog foods and potential DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). But is DCM really caused by dog food? Many specialists and veterinarians are beginning to raise serious questions about the alleged link between diet and heart disease. This week we’re joined by animal nutritionist Dr. Ryan Yamka for a deeper dive behind the headlines into what’s really going on - or not! Dr. Yamka shares his expertise and experience with this issue, what vete...
Oct 23, 2019•44 min
We've discussed the importance and value of mentoring here on the podcast multiple times over the past three years. This week we're joined by Dr. Aaron Smiley, the founder of an online veterinary mentoring app called DVM Mentor (DVMMentor.com). Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT ask the tough questions about whether or not online mentoring can help, the challenges of "virtual coaching," why everyone is in agreement that we need a better mentoring system, and Dr. Ward shares his experien...
Oct 16, 2019•26 min
Problems, problems, problems! These days there’s no shortage of challenges and issues within the veterinary profession. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by Catherine Haskins (Chicago-based Haskins Consulting) to discuss how to switch from problem-focused to solution-oriented in your veterinary clinic. This is a candid conversation that focuses on why a healthy mindset is essential to maintain team morale, retain enthusiasm, and avoid burnout. Viewfinders, how do Y...
Oct 09, 2019•30 min
Self-care is essential in resisting burnout, remaining positive, and restoring passion. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their favorite personal self-care habits and hacks, how they deal with “self-care guilt,” and Dr. Ward reveals his favorite technology to help him optimize restorative sleep (and why he no longer calls it “recovery!”). The duo also dives into intermittent fasting (Dr. Ward “Yes,” Beckie “Maybe”), when is the best time to workout, and simple gratitude...
Oct 02, 2019•37 min
