Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

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," w...

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 minds...

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 intermitt...

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...

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 ou...

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 veterinar...

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,” an...

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 epis...

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...

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 Becki...

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 attenti...

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 War...

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 surro...

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 professio...

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 s...

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 spe...

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...

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, ou...

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 D...

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...

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 servi...

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 ta...

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...

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 t...

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...