Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

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 revie...

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...

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...

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), telem...

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, a...

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...

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...

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 emp...

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 co...

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 dog...

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-w...

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 ca...

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 simp...

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 fr...

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 beha...

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...

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 vet...

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 drea...

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 a...

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...

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 t...

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 valu...

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 rea...

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...

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 d...