Do you throw a party when a team member leaves? What about birthdays or work anniversaries? How do you make celebrating employees fair and equitable? Does it sometimes feel like high school all over again in terms of who gets recognized, how, and when? If you’ve ever felt unsure about what, who, and how to recognize your team’s special events (and some maybe not so special happenings), then you’ll definitely want to check out this week’s Veterinary Viewfinder! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mos...
Aug 10, 2022•30 min
The Veterinary Viewfinder was founded in 2016 to “tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine.” One of the tough topics we’ve covered repeatedly is the growing movement to ban non-therapeutic, non-preventive procedures such as feline digit amputation, often referred to as “declawing.” This week we’re excited to introduce you to the Canadian Animal Health Technician (same as US RVT/CVT/LVT) who succeeded in the enactment of a law banning declawing in the Province of Quebec. If you’re wonder...
Aug 03, 2022•37 min
It's no secret many (most?) veterinary clinics across the nation are feeling overwhelmed. Our clients and patients must wait days to weeks to be seen or endure long waits in lobbies for "walk-in" appointments. Could shifting to a "hybrid urgent care model" help ease the stress many veterinary professionals are experiencing? Let's talk about it. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how any general veterinary clinic could shift to a "hybrid urgent care model" and the potential benef...
Jul 27, 2022•27 min
We’ve heard too many stories the past few months of veterinary clinics not taking new patients or unable to see routine care appointments for weeks. Have the pandemic, workplace shortage, an inflation made the veterinary industry potentially less “recession proof” than before? Viewfinders, let’s tackle this tough topic! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how some clinics may be inadvertently putting themselves at increased risk of recession impacts due to not accepting new patie...
Jul 20, 2022•29 min
A frequent guest on the podcast, Stephen Cital RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS- LAM (Res. Anesthesia), recently caused a bit of controversy on vet med social media by taking a very public stand against continuing education conferences held in states harboring laws against women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and other social injustices. Stephen decided to “sit out” or boycott speaking at these events, resulting in considerable online chatter. This week, in an exclusive interview, we’re thrilled to bring you his ...
Jul 13, 2022•37 min
Choosing a veterinary or veterinary technician school is one of the most important - and potentially challenging - decisions you’ll make in your career. Today, technology and educational innovations provide vets and vet techs with more professional school choices than ever before. This week, let’s look at one exciting new veterinary technician program developed by our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the next generation of veterinary technician pro...
Jul 06, 2022•32 min
We want to take a moment to address the June 24, 2022 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the right to have a safe and legal abortion in the United States. Everyone should have the right to decide what's best for themselves and for their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision potentially has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other landm...
Jun 29, 2022•2 min
Perhaps there’s never been a time when more veterinary professionals changed jobs than during the past 18 months. Many colleagues are finding increased salaries, better benefits, and interesting opportunities. But what happens when your new job turns out to have many of the old problems you were getting away from? Viewfinders, let’s talk about that and a whole lot more concerning switching employers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin with a recent conversation Dr. Ward had with a...
Jun 22, 2022•39 min
A viral news story involving a Maine veterinary clinic and relinquishment of a pet whose owner couldn’t afford treatment has been widely circulating on social media. This week we address many of our concerns from sloppy reporting to missed media opportunities to the practice of pet relinquishment. Our full support and hearts go out to the entire veterinary team involved with this challenging case, and hope this conversation will help others facing similar situations. Viewfinders, there’s a lot t...
Jun 15, 2022•34 min
We hate to break it to you, but the pandemic isn't over yet! This week we examine some of the less-discussed impacts of the “Pandemic Period” in veterinary medicine. Viewfinders, this is one interesting conversation! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take listeners on a circuitous route around some of the lasting effects on our psyche post-pandemic. From fear of coughing in the exam room (or the terrifying sound of a client coughing!), to crowded elevators and lobbies, to learning pote...
Jun 08, 2022•28 min
What would you do if suddenly you couldn’t work in veterinary practice due to injury, illness, or other unexpected life event? This week we explore how to make a “Plan B” for your career and why it’s important to start thinking about life outside vet med. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin this episode as Beckie recounts a recent injury that made her reflect on whether or not she could complete her responsibilities as a practicing veterinary technician. From the “I got hurt!” conv...
Jun 01, 2022•32 min
Gas at record prices. Rent is up double-digits. New homes and interest rates are skyrocketing. How is inflation impacting the veterinary workforce and what can we do to help? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT take on the tough topic of post-pandemic inflation and how the workforce shortage is being affected. Viewfinders, there are a lot of helpful tips in this one, but the most important is we need to start talking about it! Our veterinary podcasters begin with the current inflation ra...
May 25, 2022•25 min
As veterinary professionals return to the clinic, some are eager to catch up on months of missed gossip. When is gossip okay, when is it harmful, and what should you do about it? Viewfinders, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to “veterinary gossip!” Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin by sharing their definitions of “veterinary gossip.” They each recount several examples of good, neutral, and bad gossip in veterinary clinics and strategies to change a “culture of gossip.” B...
May 18, 2022•29 min
Controversial prong dog collars were recently banned by the government of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, Queensland, home of the Great Barrier Reef and Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Legislators cited prong collars violated their Animal Welfare standards by “using pain as punishment.” Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the increase in global rules and regulations aiming to improve animal welfare. The pair review the recent Norwegian breeding bans on English Bulldogs a...
May 11, 2022•26 min
While there’s been a lot of discussion on how to help the people - and animals - affected by the war in Ukraine, we wanted to find out what was happening with the dogs left behind after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. This week we’re honored to bring you once again the incomparable Dr. Jennifer Betz, a veterinarian who has been helping and researching the Chernobyl dogs for many years. We originally spoke with Dr. Betz in 2018, and wanted to learn how the war was impacting these fascinating...
May 04, 2022•30 min
As the war wages on in Ukraine, many veterinary professionals are eager to help both pets and colleagues in need. This week we’re joined by Dr. Ivan Zak as he offers ways to help through Animal Help Ukraine, a new initiative by the Galaxy Vets Foundation. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT welcome back to the Veterinary Viewfinder Ukrainian-born veterinarian, Dr. Ivan Zak (short for Zakharenkov), to discuss how you can help those in need through an important new initiative. Dr. Zak shar...
Apr 27, 2022•26 min
This week we’re joined with vet tech/nurse extraordinaire, Harold Davis, RVT, VTS (ECC) to discuss an important (and exciting) new initiative from our friends at the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) - the Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Initiative! Harold currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for NAVC and is one of the key drivers behind this expansive seven-part initiative to empower and celebrate veterinary nurses/technicians (and, yes, Viewfinders, Dr. Ward...
Apr 20, 2022•36 min
Happy National Veterinary Receptionist Week! This week we celebrate the incredible veterinary receptionists that make our lives so much better! April 24-30, 2022 Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share the many reasons that veterinary receptionist are integral - and essential - members of the veterinary healthcare team. Veterinary receptionists are the initial, and often final, point of contact for pet parents in a veterinary clinic, answer medical and pet care questions, and handle a ...
Apr 13, 2022•30 min
What happens when a person appears at a veterinary clinic claiming to be a pet’s owner? How do veterinary professionals know they’re the rightful - and legal - owner? How does the client prove it? Who can make medical care decisions and how do we hold them accountable? Viewfinders, there’s a lot more to discuss on this topic than simply, “I found this pet. Can I keep it? Thanks.” You don’t want to miss this one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the tricky topic of how veterinar...
Apr 06, 2022•31 min
We’ve been saying for the past two years that there’s never been a better time for veterinary professionals to change jobs or renegotiate your contract. This week we review what you should be looking for if you’re “checking out how green the other lawns may be.” Hint: Pretty green! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share what attributes to search for when you’re scrolling job listings, questions to uncover the “real workplace conditions,” and tips for negotiating wages and benefits. Wh...
Mar 30, 2022•33 min
Many veterinary professionals have been asked by pet parents to omit, edit, or alter a pet’s breed or history on a form for housing, travel, insurance, or other “official” forms. This week we discuss the medical ethics surrounding designating a “pit bull mix” as “mixed breed” and other potentially uncomfortable scenarios. Viewfinders, this is a good (and important) one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about requests they’ve received from clients trying to move or visit loved...
Mar 23, 2022•31 min
Have you ever had a job benefit or workplace perk suddenly taken away? What about a new hire that is given compensation above long-time team members? Are some employees allowed to bring their pets to the office while others aren’t? In the past were you offered free or “at cost” vet care but now you have to pay? Viewfinders, we’re hearing more of these stories about workplace inequities, so this week we’re going to tackle it! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore what happens when t...
Mar 16, 2022•30 min
What happens when veterinary professionals accidentally or inadvertently break or damage equipment (or even uniforms) when caring for pet patients? This week we share why this is a harmful management tactic and better ways to communicate the proper care of veterinary equipment. Beckie is "coming in hot" in this episode! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle a real-life dilemma Beckie recently ran across on her social media. The post discussed how a veterinary practice had recently a...
Mar 09, 2022•27 min
This week we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive - and her first ever - podcast interview with the 2022 National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) President, Ashi Selke, RVT, CVT. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn Ashli’s story of becoming a veterinary technician, her personal military service, how she got involved with NAVTA, and plans for her leadership term. Beckie encourages NAVTA to accelerate their title protection plans and initiatives, and offers ...
Mar 02, 2022•34 min
Happy belated Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week! February 14-18, 2022 was celebrated by the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City - and we missed it! This week we take time to not only appreciate our beloved veterinary assistants, but also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities we see in the future of this essential role in veterinary medicine. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their love and respect for these often unsung heroes of veterinary medicine....
Feb 23, 2022•29 min
While many of our podcasts have focused on the current veterinary workforce shortages, perhaps we haven’t talked as much about retaining staff as we should. This week we discuss how hiring, onboarding, phase training, new employee integration, and personality matching can help keep good staff longer and improve your team’s ability to attract and retain new hires. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT talk a deep dive into the steps you need to take when hiring and onboarding new veterinary...
Feb 16, 2022•31 min
Veterinary unions are once again in the news. A Thrive (formerly Pathways) veterinary clinic in New York recently voted 2 to 1 to form a union. There is growing interest in veterinary unionization, and this week we're joined once again by one of the leading voices in this movement, Liz Hughston, MEd., RVT, CVT, LVT, LVMT, VTS (SAIM) (ECC). Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT talk with Liz about the latest developments in the Thrive veterinary clinic case and other veterinary unions acros...
Feb 09, 2022•43 min
Brachycephalic Breed Bans in Europe - Can It Happen in the US? In January 2022, Norway approved a legal ban on breeding Bulldogs and Cavaliers, citing animal welfare violations. A similar ban and breeding restrictions has growing support from UK and other European veterinary organizations. Could the US be next to ban brachycephalic breeds? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT weigh the pros and cons of brachycephalic breed bans - and whether American dog lovers and veterinary professional...
Feb 02, 2022•29 min
Recently the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board sent a memo to state veterinarians warning about Board complaints and disciplinary actions taken in response to veterinarians responding to client online posts and reviews. Vets were found at fault for ethics or professionalism violations due to an online spat. You may want to re-read that. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the blurred lines between freedom of speech, the ability of a veterinary professional to defe...
Jan 26, 2022•29 min
With the reality of veterinary workforce shortages and challenges hiring veterinarians and veterinary technicians in 2022, talk of improving license portability has resurfaced. This week we discuss why we believe it’s time to make it easier to share veterinary and veterinary technician licenses among states. Hint 1: It’s already been done in the human medical professions. So, yeah. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the recent discussions at the January 2022 AVMA meeting that ad...
Jan 19, 2022•32 min
