In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, discuss a tough and often uncomfortable topic: what to do when a new hire isn't cutting it in your veterinary clinic. Whether handling animals, interacting with clients, or managing information, some employees struggle to meet the demands of the job.  Dr. Ward and Beckie explore the signs that an employee may not have the necessary skills, the potential impacts on your practice, and, most importantly, how to address these issues professionally and effectively. They discuss strategies for providing support, offering training, and, when necessary, making the difficult decision to part ways. Tune in for practical advice on navigating this tricky situation to maintain a high-performing veterinary team. If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Please share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder or VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Self-care is crucial for a thriving veterinary career, yet everyday challenges often hinder our pursuit of well-being. This week on the Veterinary Viewfinder, we delve into some of the most common reasons people fail to adhere to self-care practices: too little time, money, and ability to do it. Our special return guest is  Rebecca Newman, a certified veterinary technician and well-being expert. Rebecca shares strategies to overcome self-imposed barriers, helping you kickstart your wellness journey. Join Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, as they explore practical tips for achieving a balanced, healthy life in the demanding world of veterinary medicine. Viewfinders, we’re excited to welcome back Rebecca Newman, AAS, BA, Psy.M, CVT, who is the Assistant Director/Wellbeing Coordinator, Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology program. To learn more about her work, visit here: https://rri.appstate.edu/faculty-staff/rebecca-newman-aas-bs-ms-cvt If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic!

This week, our hosts travel to the annual American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) convention in Austin, Texas. Discover the heated debates and critical updates on veterinary medical ethics arising from the AVMA’s House of Delegates approval of a recently revised Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME). Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Becky Mosser, MPA, RVT, as they delve into some of the changes to the PVME that they believe will affect many veterinary professionals. Our duo starts by discussing the newly-introduced ethical usage by veterinarians of the term “veterinary technician,” some significant changes to the ethical definition of “evidence-based medicine,” why the omission of a single one matters to them, and the controversial topic of animal depopulation and ventilation shutdown (VSD+) receives an ethical okay from the AVMA HOD. Viewfinders, we hope these conversations continue to propel our profession forward. We want to thank our colleagues at the AVMA Executive Board and HOD for their work, regardless of their opinions, and welcome the opportunity to share different perspectives on the issues that affect the veterinary profession. If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Please share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder or VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. To read the revised AVMA PVME, click here: https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024S_Resolution8_PVME_attch-1.pdf 🎤🐶😺🎤👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️🐶😺👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️ #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

“Acting your wage” is the latest social media, well, TikTok, trend to hit the US workplace. Gen Z’ers have taken “quiet quitting” and defined it in their terms. Bonus, there’s also taking a “workcation” popping up on feeds everywhere. Viewfinders, you don’t want to miss this one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore what “act your wage” means for veterinary practices, the root causes of these issues, and changes you can make in your management and leadership styles to help. Viewfinders, these trends are primarily in response to chronic low wages and benefits, poor or toxic workplace cultures, and managers more focused on profits than people. There’s a lot to discuss on this topic, and we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com or drop us a DM on our socials. While you’re at it, please click on the Apple Podcasts link and drop us a 5-star to keep our little podcast growing! Thanks, and we’ll talk to you next week!

Have you ever worked in a veterinary clinic that split vaccine dosages? What about recommending half-dose heartworm or flea preventives? Ever stray so far off label that you felt uncomfortable? If you’ve ever encountered one of these dilemmas, you don’t want to miss this episode! (Although you may need to turn the volume down, so your boss doesn’t hear.) Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share real-life stories of vet practices that may have pushed a little too far beyond the scientific and moral boundaries of veterinary care. Importantly, the pair discuss the impact of observing these uncomfortable acts on our mental health and physical well-being. In fact, they speculate these “tiny tensions” are a major contributor to veterinary burnout. Our hosts offer practical, although potentially painful, advice for anyone seeking to “stand up against” a questionable clinic protocol or practice. Viewfinders, this is yet another good discussion of a complex - and confounding - problem in veterinary medicine. It’s a good one!

With the fall veterinary CE season ramping up, we thought we’d discuss what to wear and how to act at CE events. Yes, we had to go there. Listen and you’ll learn why. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share some of their tales of attire and attitudes at the scores of vet med events they’ve attended. From flip flops and tank tops, to feet propped up on chairs, to lecture hall Candy Crush marathons, our duo dish on some of the more interesting personal choices they’ve observed, and why it matters. Viewfinders, this conversation is about much more than the clothes we wear at CE events. It’s about our attitudes and behaviors and getting the most out of our precious educational opportunities. This is an episode you really need to listen to before you comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts on what to wear (or not) to CE and what behaviors you think are a distraction (or helpful!). Thanks for listening!

Feedback: everyone needs it to improve. But what happens when we get unexpected negative feedback? How can veterinary professionals separate “context from content” and learn the valuable lessons nearly any form of feedback offers? For a “profession of perfectionists,” there’s a lot to discuss in this episode! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, start by defining what valid feedback looks like in veterinary practice. From there, they review why nearly any form of feedback can be beneficial for your professional (and perhaps personal) growth, why your network is essential in evaluating feedback, and how to remain in control, even when you don’t like what, or how, feedback is being delivered. Viewfinders, there’s a lot to consider in this podcast that transcends “feedback.” We’d love to hear your thoughts! And we’d appreciate you giving us feedback over on Apple Podcasts by pressing the 5-stars! Your review really helps us reach more of our colleagues!

“Quiet quitting” has gone viral. This week we examine what “quiet quitting” really means, how it’s actually been around for a long time (thank you, Gen Xers), and how you can learn from this workplace trend. In our 300th consecutive weekly episode (!), hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the latest Gen Z TikTok trend of “quiet quitting.” The pair explain how this applies to veterinary professionals, and why this may be a healthy movement. Dr. Ward reminds the Viewfinders that, “You are not defined by how many hours you work.” He shares why establishing healthy boundaries between work and personal life are essential for a long - and satisfying - career in veterinary medicine. (And he’s been doing this for over 30 years.) Beckie examines the workplace pressures many veterinary professionals feel if they “take time for themselves” and how many clinics may be reinforcing toxic relationships with work by “texting you at 2 a.m. to ask about work" and then getting upset if you don't respond immediately. Someone needed to hear that... Viewfinders, thank you for allowing us to get to 300 podcasts! Back in 2016 when we started, we could not imagine how much we’d grow and how much fun we’d be having! Share this podcast with a colleague who needs to hear it and don’t forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and give us a 5-star review so we can reach more veterinary professionals! Email: veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com

Many of us see things that need changing or improving nearly every day. Sadly, few of us take action to make those changes or improvements. Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) recognized that Arizona veterinary technicians didn’t have an organization, so she and two others decided to make that change! This week, we learn how you can help the AZVTA and steps you can take to make changes in your world! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are thrilled to introduce you to Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS, the current President of the brand new Arizona Veterinary Technician Association (azvta.org). She’s part of a growing movement of licensed veterinary technicians who are establishing protections and promoting better standards of veterinary care around the US. Regardless of where you live, this episode is both inspiring and pragmatic for making change. We need more folks like Stefanie, President-Elect Jennifer Serling, CVT, RVT, VTES, AAS, BVSc (Go App State!), and Vice President Katie Foust, CVT! Bravo! If you’re interested in learning more about the AZVTA, visit them at azvta.org.

What’s the latest news on the unionization movement in US veterinary clinics? What is a union and how can forming them help veterinary professionals preserve the best aspects of their jobs while improving many of the worst conditions? This week we welcome back vet tech extraordinaire Liz Hughston MEd, RVT, CVT, LVT, LMVT, VTS (SAIM) (ECC) to share the latest developments on veterinary professionals’ unionization. Viewfinders, hold on to your seat…this is one fast-paced ride! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the reasons why unions make sense in veterinary practice, why the continued expansion of corporate practice ownership makes them even more important, and the steps you can take if you’re interested in forming a union in your place of work. Beckie and Liz detour into what (or not) vet med organizations such as the AVMA and NAVTA should be doing (or not) when it comes to educating veterinary professionals about collective bargaining. Our trio also discusses what information is (and isn’t) being shared with our colleagues from our professional groups. They also offer advice on how our associations and agencies can be more transparent and inclusive when it comes to offering a variety of opinions and strategies for change. Viewfinders, this is another impactful conversation that covers a lot of essential topics. Share your thoughts with us on our social media challenge or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com For more information on veterinary unions, check out these links: http://www.natvpu.org/ https://www.instagram.com/nvpunion/ https://www.facebook.com/NationalVeterinaryProfessionalsUnion communications@natvpu.org

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 Mossor, RVT explore how to gracefully - and strategically - celebrate a team member’s leaving. Dr. Ward explains why many veterinary clinics don’t commemorate when a staff member leaves for a competing practice across town, but are quick to “throw a party” when they move across state. Beckie details how saluting staff for a wide variety of milestones can boost your culture and encourage job satisfaction. Both hosts offer simple, and affordable, tips on making meaningful staff recognitions and advice on keeping things fair. Viewfinders, share your thoughts on this episode or suggestions for additional topics on your social media or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

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 wondering, Quebec is the second-most populous province with a population of over 8 million. Not bad for a vet tech! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are thrilled to bring you a master class in how one person can bring about big change. Leading the class is the amazing vet tech (animal health technician in Canadian-speak) Alexandra Yaksich, BSc., AHT. Alex wears many hats. She is currently working as a freelance writer, communications consultant, content creator, and relief animal health technician. The story we share this week is about how anyone can overcome their doubts and fears to create change. Viewfinders, prepare to be inspired! Alex is a loyal podcast subscriber and decided to email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com and tell us she had a story to share! (You can, too!) If there’s something in your world you want to improve or change, Alex lays out a practical, logical, and systemic approach. Whether it’s animal welfare, social justice, LGBTQ+, worker rights, or anything you feel is wrong or less than ideal, we believe this episode will not only inspire, but offers a pathway for change. Viewfinders, this is a good one! Follow Alex on Instagram (@alexandra.yaksich) or connect with her via LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/3znSCoZ.

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 benefits. Dr. Ward emphasizes that this type of strategic change could help by changing our team's perspective and expectations on an already busy day. Beckie shares that many vet techs who would like to work ER cases but can't manage the hours may also find this model appealing. We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. We'll continue to promote and advocate for innovations that improve patient care, client service, and staff well-being. Share your thoughts on our social media accounts or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

Medical mistakes happen in veterinary practice, but who pays the price? This week on the Veterinary Viewfinder, we discuss the tough topic of financial accountability in veterinary practice. From malpractice and negligence to honest mistakes and simple errors, we unpack the ethical and financial considerations that determine who pays the bill. Viewfinders, this is a thought-provoking discussion that every veterinary professional should hear. 🎤🐶😺🎤👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️🐶😺👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️ Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, share their experiences and tips for communicating veterinary medical mistakes with pet owners. The duo covers post-op infections, unexpected infections, equipment failures, and oversights. This is one podcast that is sure to spark conversations - and hopefully checklists - in your clinic! 🎤🐶😺🎤👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️🐶😺👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️ If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! 🎤🐶😺🎤👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️🐶😺👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️ We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. 🎤🐶😺🎤👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️🐶😺👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🩺🎙️ #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

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 patients, long waits for annual care, and rising prices. Dr. Ward points out why this potential recession may be unlike any other for the veterinary profession as a multitude of veterinary market forces conspire to threaten our traditional economic resilience. Beckie discusses her concerns that too many veterinary practices may not appreciate that today’s clients may not be as loyal as in the past and that vet-flation may cause many pet parents to price shop out services. Our hosts discuss the “veterinary workforce translocation” that may have additional impacts on how independent vet clinics operate in the future. They also discuss steps every clinic needs to take now to lessen the affects of a potential economic downturn. Viewfinders, we hope this episode gives you ideas on how to weather the economic storms that may lie ahead. Don’t forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and drop 5-stars on on us so we may reach more veterinary colleagues! If you have any questions or topic ideas, email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com!

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 side of the story and why it matters to all of us. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT review Stephen’s actions, discuss both the support and criticisms he has received, and practical steps we can all take to stand up for the things we believe in. Viewfinders, this is an important conversation on a topic that many, including us, may find uncomfortable at times. We think it’s important to openly (and civilly) address this issue as a profession and hope this sparks conversation - and action - in your world. A huge thanks to Stephen for joining us and bravely sharing his story. Link to Stephen’s LinkedIn post: https://bit.ly/3o5zTJj Link the Facebook post discussed in the podcast: https://bit.ly/3NY9EPP veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com @veterinaryviewfinder

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 programs. Dr. Ward begins by sharing a recent “random Facebook message” he received about choosing a veterinary school and the advice he offered. Beckie takes us on a deep dive into the current state of US veterinary technician schools and why she’s excited to share some of the innovations of her new A.S in Veterinary Medical technology Program from Gurnick Academy. And Dr. Ward explains why that A.S. degree might be more important to your decision than you might think. Viewfinders. Share this podcast with any students or colleagues interested in pursuing a prolonged career in vet med! To learn more about Beckie’s Gurnick Academy veterinary technician A.S. program, click here: https://www.gurnick.edu/programs/veterinary-medical-technology-program/ If you’d like to learn more about all the veterinary technician programs accredited by the AVMA CVTEA, check out this link: https://bit.ly/3yl7YKn

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 landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Thank you to Arielle Nissenblatt, the founder of the EarBuds Podcast Collective (https://www.earbudspodcastcollective.org/), for starting this movement. Podcasters from around the world are making this announcement at the top of their podcasts in a time where people really are looking for help, looking for unity, and looking to know what to do. This is an amazing movement to show how many of us are concerned and how important it is to unite over this very important topic. We encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word. Thank you to the Viewfinders who continue to serve others and share their love and compassion with all.

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 young veterinarian who recently changed jobs. Despite an awesome signing bonus and generous salary bump, after a few months at the new clinic, she confided she wasn’t as happy as she’d hoped. What went wrong? Listen to find out! Our pair discuss what to look for when thinking about changing jobs, how to self-evaluate what’s really wrong in your workplace, and why it’s essential for each of us to self-reflect on why we love this profession in order to find the best workplace. Oh, and why any job isn’t necessarily going to provide you with purpose, fulfillment and meaning in your life. As always, there’s a lot to unpack in this podcast! The duo also discuss establishing realistic expectations for veterinary professionals when dealing with the pet-owning public, relationships with coworkers, and treatment from managers and bosses. There’s so much to talk about this week! Please join in wishing Beckie a Happy Birthday this week! All she asks for is a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/VetView Thanks again for listening! Email us at: VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com

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 to discuss on this tough topic. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT review the recent case involving the Maine Veterinary Medical Center and a client who relinquished her pet because she couldn’t afford the $10,000 fee. Dr. Ward begins by examining tactics to handle media inquiries involving disgruntled clients. Beckie Mossor, RVT shares her own experiences and why the art of compromise is essential in dealing with these cases, especially in an emergency setting. Dr. Ward reviews his opinion on financial relinquishment and confiscation of pets. He also encourages clinics to role-play these scenarios and create plans to help when confronting financial constraints. Viewfinders, while our hearts are broken for all involved in this case, we urge our colleagues not to resort to online client-bashing and hurtful rhetoric. It can be challenging to practice radical empathy and compassion, but we hope you can remain respectful and professional when posting your thoughts. There are many lessons we can learn from these tragedies. We encourage you to check out Dr. Ward’s piece on a couple of similar situations. We’re also including the Maine Veterinary Medical Center’s complete June 11, 2022 Statement on our website. Local News Reports: 'That's my boy:' Mainer pleads for return of puppy surrendered over $10K vet bill https://wgme.com/news/i-team/thats-my-boy-owner-pleads-for-return-of-puppy-surrendered-over-10k-vet-bill Maine vet clinic responds to I-Team investigation about surrendered dog https://wgme.com/news/i-team/mvmc-responds-to-i-team-investigation-maine-veterinary-medical-center-jaxx-german-shepherd Maine Veterinary Medical CenterJune 11, 2022 Statement https://www.scribd.com/document/578065883/Statement-From-Maine-Veterinary-Medical-Center#from_embed Dr. Ernie Ward’s 2017 Video and Blog on a similar case: Why Don't Veterinarians Treat Animals For Free? “Why don't we just treat it for free?” is a question that many pet owners have for veterinarians, especially in cases where the pet owner can’t afford treatment. https://www.drernieward.com/blog/2017/12/22/why-dont-veterinarians-treat-animals-for-free

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 potentially disagreeable facts about co-workers beliefs during lockdowns, this podcast packs a powerful punch! Viewfinders, what lingering effects are you observing these days? Any advice for colleagues struggling to get “back to some form of normal?” Share on our social media or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

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!” conversation launching pad, the duo review disability insurance, promotions, retirement accounts, alternative jobs, and a whole lot more! Viewfinders, to date the conversation about “exit strategies” has largely been limited to practice owners. We want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone employed in veterinary medicine to imagine “life after vet med” and what it means to you. You can email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com or drop a message on our social media (Beckie LOVES Facebook messages from you! Really.). Don’t forget to give us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts or your favorite player so we can reach more veterinary professionals! Stay safe and we’ll talk to you next week!

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 rates around the country and stories from colleagues struggling to pay for gas and rent. Tips for saving money and potential aid for staff are reviewed along with a heaping dose of, “Oh no’s!” From gas cards to apps to government tax programs, this episode covers a lot of ground. We also touch on childcare challenges and why our most vulnerable staff are likely receptionists (CSRs) and support staff. Is inflation affecting your team? What solutions are you finding successful? Share your ideas and experiences on our social media! And don’t forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a quick 5-star review! THANK YOU!

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.” Beckie reviews some legal requirements about what types of “gossip” are allowed (or not) and tips for creating a “gossip policy” for your clinic. Dr. Ward offers advice on what to do if you observe intra-office gossiping and why it’s not always the best idea to reprimand employees who are gossiping. Viewfinders, we hope this conversation will inspire you to talk about the conversation occurring in your clinic! If you don’t mind, please stop by Apple Podcasts and leave us a 5-star review. Here’s the link: https://apple.co/3EFKcKL Resources mentioned in the podcast: Workplace Gossip: What Crosses the Line? https://bit.ly/3FUx9qv HOW TO HANDLE EMPLOYEE GOSSIP? https://bit.ly/3LkNfLe

The news is full of new offerings for services for dogs, cats, and other animals. This week on the Veterinary Viewfinder, we address the frequent requests for advice on pet services from our clients, friends, and family. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out a lot. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the turbulence a luxury dog airline encounters and the impact of a major pet insurance company canceling hundreds of thousands of policies. Learn how these developments affect our recommendations and discover strategies for guiding clients on third-party pet services. Tune in for practical advice on navigating these evolving trends in the pet industry. If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

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 and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maryland’s newly-passed prohibition on feline declaw surgery, and other recent legal changes in animal law. Viewfinders, what do you think about the ban on prong collars? Do you think there is growing interest in passing laws to improve animal welfare? Do you think these changes are happening quickly enough in the US? What changes would you like to see? LINK: Controversial dog collars to be BANNED in Queensland as they 'use pain as punishment' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10794119/Queensland-Govt-ban-pronged-dog-collars-state.html

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 animals in the Red Forest and Exclusion Zone around Chernobyl. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn what impacts the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and specifically the Chernobyl region, has had on the Chernobyl nuclear plant workers and the caregivers of the “Chernobyl Dogs.” Viewfinders, we think you’ll be inspired by the incredible acts of courage and care of the many volunteers daring to help these dogs and other animals caught in a radioactive war zone. Viewfinders, if you can help, check out some of the resources Dr. Betz recommends below. Thanks for listening and stay safe. We’ll talk to you next Wednesday! Links to organizations from Dr. Jennifer Betz: https://www.cleanfutures.org/ https://www.facebook.com/cleanfutures https://www.facebook.com/DogsofChernobyl https://visitingveterinarians.com/ https://www.facebook.com/visitingveterinarians https://www.facebook.com/pomoczviratumua  (This is a group of several non-profits who work together as one unit in Ukraine) https://www.facebook.com/tiernothilfeukraine  (This is an organization I know personally and work with) https://www.facebook.com/Shelter.SIRIUS  (Largest shelter in Ukraine that is supplying food to so many towns) https://www.spcai.org/  (One of our big supporters and all around good charity)

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 shares some of the experiences his family and employees are enduring in war-torn Ukraine, his efforts to relocate friends and family, and how veterinary professionals are helping animals in need despite risking their lives. He reviews how veterinarians and veterinary technicians/nurses can volunteer to provide free telemedicine assistance for desperate pet parents in Ukraine and how to donate financial aid. Viewfinders, if you can volunteer or donate, please do. We’d like to thank Dr. Ivan Zak and others who are helping those affected by the war in Ukraine. We all hope and pray for a quick and peaceful resolution. To learn more about Animal Help Ukraine from Galaxy Vets Foundation, visit: https://bit.ly/38lc1x0

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 asks Harold to explain that hyphen!). Harold has also been instrumental in many modern-day advancements within the veterinary profession and his story is as much inspirational as impactful. We know you’re going to love this conversation! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how Harold became an RVT, his secret for remaining enthusiastic about his profession for 46 years (!), his career path, his role in the formation of Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), and what the NAVC Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Initiative is all about. So much to talk about! Viewfinders, definitely check out the links below detailing how you can participate in this initiative. And while you’re clinking away, please stop by Apple Podcasts and click on 5-stars for us! It would make our week! Thanks again for listening the past five-and-a-half years! Talk to you next Wednesday! NAVC Veterinary Nurse/Technician Initiative Links: * NAVC.com * Link to the veterinary nurse champions nomination at Today's Veterinary Nurse * nurse webinar series * Link to NAVC veterinary nurse tribute video 

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 host of challenging client interactions - Let's Show Veterinary Receptionists the Love They Deserve! Our hosts discuss the evolving terminology of veterinary receptionists, including customer service representatives (CSR's) and Dr. Ward's own "Client Coordinators." They share why front desk turnover rates may be affecting a clinic's growth, and why low wages and benefits may be a part of the problem. Roles, responsibilities, and training are also covered in this dynamic conversation. Viewfinders, we hope you'll find this podcast inspiring and encourage you to celebrate your veterinary receptionists this April! For more information, visit https://www.veterinaryreceptionistweek.com

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 veterinary clinics determine who is a pet’s owner, who can make decisions, and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying? Even more complicated, what happens when a spouse or partner rejects the other’s decision? If you’re like us, you’ve probably already experienced a bit of this, but don’t worry, we’ve got even more worst-case scenarios to share! We also review how, and how far, should a veterinary practice go to ensure a pet parent is truly the “pet’s owner.” What happens when we ask too much - or too little - verification and things go horribly wrong (and they do)? As Dr. Ward says, “There are so many ways these situations can go sideways, it’s hard to keep your head on straight!” Speaking of keeping your head, what happens when a spouse or partner claims their significant other “wasn’t in their right mind to make that decision”? The hits keep on coming in this episode! Viewfinders, this is another tough topic our profession needs to do a better job addressing. By alerting you to potentially problematic scenarios, we hope you’ll be better prepared and able to create staff training and clinic policies to, as Beckie always says, “Get ahead of it!”

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. Whether this is your first or fourteenth job in a veterinary practice, there’s something for everyone in this week’s podcast! Share your thoughts on our social media or write to us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com And don’t forget to leave us 5-stars on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. It really helps get these conversations to other veterinary professionals interested in making our profession better! Thank you for listening the past 5-1/2 years!

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 ones, obtain vaccine status, or pet insurance. Most of these conundrums involve banned breeds, and pets that are well-mannered or otherwise healthy. These request seem to come out of nowhere and there are no easy answers. Our hosts offer advice on politely - and legally - handling these pet parent pleas along with their concerns on veterinary professionals’ future liability and the impact of emerging technologies. Dr. Ward reviews how he believes genetic testing will both transform - and potentially complicate - client petitions to “delete” certain breeds or physical attributes on legal forms. Beckie explains how veterinary technicians are often caught in the middle of veterinarian and client disputes over these forms and how to navigate those turbulent waters. Viewfinders, this is another good conversation on a topic we don’t often discuss publicly. Share your thoughts with us on our social media channels or at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com Also, please do us a HUGE FAVOR and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! It helps us reach other colleagues and keeps these important conversations going!

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 the benefits or perks of working in a veterinary clinic are suddenly taken away or reduced. What happens when veterinary professionals depend on these perks to make up for poor pay? We’re hearing of veterinary practice owners and mangers blaming inflation, workplace shortages, and increased demand as reasons they’re cutting back on certain benefits. We’re also learning of situations in which new hires are offered more CE pay, association dues, and other perks to get them to join a practice, while not offering similar wages and benefits to existing staff. And that’s causing all the feels. Viewfinders, this is another topic quietly percolating out there in veterinary world. We’ve got a chance get ahead of this potential issue before it damages your team morale. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on our social media channels or at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com

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 added a new piece of equipment and the boss told the team, "If you break this, it's coming out of your paycheck." You can bet our hosts have strong opinions on why this is potentially harmful and may be a subtle signal of a toxic workplace. Dr. Ward reveals he has encountered this sentiment in a wide variety of settings. He explains why this management strategy may actually result in employees hiding any equipment damage from owners, putting patients at risk, and cause a cascade of blaming each other. He also discusses why an imposed "fear of the consequences of damaging equipment often leads to underutilization and a waste of resources." Beckie expresses the dangers of "leading by fear" in the veterinary workplace an dhow even seemingly minor comments such as these undermine team morale. Viewfinders, our hosts encourage us to carefully analyze our language and monitor for unintended consequences. They also offer several bits of advice on how to protect expensive equipment while optimizing its utility. This is a good one!

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, we dive into the recent legislative change in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382, exempting the Board of Veterinary Medicine from continuing education requirements. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, discuss the implications of this decision, how it could impact veterinary professionals across the country, and the lessons we can learn. Tune in to explore the potential effects on veterinary practice and the broader industry, and join the conversation about maintaining standards and staying informed in a rapidly evolving field. On May 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382 into law, exempting certain licensees, including the Board of Veterinary Medicine, from continuing education requirements. While Florida lawmakers have promised to address this issue in the next session, what does this mean for the entire country, and what lessons can we learn? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of recent legal changes affecting the veterinary profession in Florida. Anytime there are changes or threats to our professional licenses, we’re going to talk about it, and that recently happened in Florida. In this episode, we discuss how this controversial legislation potentially impacts all veterinary professionals and the lessons we should learn. Effective July 1, 2024, all Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licensees, including the Board of Veterinary Medicine, who meet certain requirements, will be exempted from their current continuing education requirements. Should veterinarians be exempt from CE in Florida? Beckie responds, “Oh, Florida, just when we thought you couldn't do any better. Ugh, here you are. Welcome to the Veterinary Viewfinder!” If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. Link to the new Florida Law: https://public.lobbytools.com/index.cfm?type=bills&id=65479&utm_source=publisher&utm_medium=js&utm_campaign=content_share #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

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 advice to work both with the AVMA and state veterinary medical Boards. Ashley offers her take on the recent AVMA HOD meeting in which the Utah Representative, veterinarian Dr. Paul Toniolli said of allowing veterinary technicians into the AVMA membership: "Little by little the camel gets in the tent, and the master of the camel gets shoved out of the tent. Now, I don't know that our association would be overtaken, but the principle that the camel in the tent teaches is that sometimes small, seemingly harmless acts, even made with good intentions, can sometimes have very negative repercussions, and that would be our concern. Somebody with alternative ideals might try to get in and strong-arm the association." Alrighty then. Viewfinders, this is a fascinating back-and-forth between two passionate veterinary technicians dedicated to improving their profession. We think you’ll enjoy it! To learn more about Utah veterinarian Dr. Paul Toniolli’s remarks, read here: https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&catId=617&Id=10685148 To read NAVTA’s Title Protection Report, visit here: https://www.navta.net/news/navta-report-shows-title-protection-for-veterinary-technician-is-needed-and-desired-but-absent-and-misunderstood-in-most-states/

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. The pair discuss some of the prior (unnecessary) drama between celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week and other recognitions for veterinary team members. Dr. Ward emphasizes that, “Celebrating one group doesn’t take anything away from another.” Beckie posits on whether or not vet assistants are over- or underutilized in clinics and why “Veterinary State Boards need to get ahead of this issue because private entities already are there.” Both hosts offer setting boundaries and credentialing for veterinary assistants. Beckie stresses the National Veterinary Technician Association’s Approved Veterinary Assistant Program (link in notes) and offers her opinions on some of the rapidly developing private programs. Viewfinders, this is another important topic that transcends an “appreciation week.” Share your thoughts and opinions with us! Viewfinders, if you’d like to see Beckie and Ernie “live” on the internet to take your questions, drop us a line at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com! The Approved Veterinary Assistant program created by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America: https://www.navta.net/veterinary-assistants-program/

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 team members. From Dr. Ward’s method of “team interviews and hiring,” to Beckie’s nightmare stories of “first day disasters,” this episode is packed with practical advice for any veterinary clinic interested in attracting and retaining and the best teams. While no one can’t magically get you new employees, we can help you keep your best team members and maybe make your practice a “destination career” or at least a supportive, nurturing, and collaborative environment. Viewfinders, this is a good one to share with your friends and co-workers!

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 across the country, what a union really is and how collective bargaining could help veterinary professionals, tactics commonly used to discourage veterinary professionals from pursuing collective bargaining, and why this discussion is arguably more important than ever before in our profession. Viewfinders, this is an important topic that has the potential to improve many aspects of the veterinary profession that we feel need changing. From low pay to title protection, to resources to help prevent burnout, unionization is one mechanism to give veterinary professionals working in corporate-controlled clinics a real voice. To learn more about the National Veterinary Professionals Union, visit www.natvpu.org. To watch the John Oliver Union Busting reporting Liz referred to in the podcast: https://youtu.be/Gk8dUXRpoy8 Liz also recommends this video on Union Busting: https://perfectunion.us/

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 professionals would support such mandates and regulations in this week’s episode. Beckie shares the recent Norwegian court ruling and how this could affect other countries, including the US. Dr. Ward cites several studies that validate increased health risks of brachycephalics and how this impacts their welfare. Viewfinders, this is a very tough topic for both our hosts and you may feel some of the same personal conflict! It’s a good discussion! Dr. Ward challenges us to view the issue both from the pet parents’ perspective of increased cost, care, and medical conditions associated with these breeds, but also from the pet’s welfare: how it feels to struggle to breathe, walk, or play. Both hosts agree we need to do a better job encouraging more responsible breeding, promote cross-breeding of these at-risk breeds, and educate the public about the health - and welfare - risks associated with brachycephalic. Both stop far short of breed bans, but believe we can improve the overall health and wellbeing of brachycephalics by being more proactive on this issue. Viewfinders, what do you think about this issue? How can we inspire conversations in both the veterinary profession and breeders? Why aren’t more veterinary professionals talking about this issue! Now’s your chance! Additional resources: First legal ban on breeding Bulldogs and Cavaliers announced The law came into place in Norway this week and could have consequences world-wide https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/first-legal-ban-breeding-bulldogs-22943414 Unravelling the health status of brachycephalic dogs in the UK using multivariable analysis https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73088-y British Veterinary Association (BVA) position on brachycephalic dogs https://www.bva.co.uk/media/4231/bva-position-on-brachycephalic-dogs-full.pdf https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/brachycephalic-dogs/ #EndTheTrend petition: We're calling on Britain's top brands to stop using brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds in their advertising https://www.bluecross.org.uk/end-the-trend-brachycephalic-petition

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 defend themselves from online attacks, and the risk of being disciplined by their state veterinary medical Board. You may also want to re-read that. Viewfinders, this is a complicated and nuanced issue that we believe needs more public discussion. Much more, as you'll learn in this podcast! There are a LOT of issues intersecting here! Have you received reports or similar warnings from your state veterinary medical Board? Have you heard of colleagues reprimanded for defending themselves against online attacks? Please share your experiences!

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 addressed veterinary shortages and a call for license portability. If you couldn’t guess, there’s a committee for that. Have no fear, Viewfinders, apparently an official investigation is underway. Never mind that the AVMA has no regulatory jurisdiction in the matter... Meanwhile, 29 US states are already part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to provide expedited licensure for physicians among member states. Hint 2: We think the IMLC serves as an excellent template for state veterinary medical boards and licensing agencies. Our hosts discuss the current challenges of obtaining veterinary professional licenses and how this may be making it harder for some states to recruit veterinary staff. They also discuss how making it easier and more affordable to obtain licenses may lead to longer participation in the workforce. This is a good conversation, Viewfinders! Finally, Beckie shares her strong opinions on the January 2022 AVMA discussions around allowing non-veterinarians to join the AVMA. You don’t want to miss her thoughts on this "controversial" topic! Speaking of controversy, why on earth is this an AVMA flashpoint in 2022? Beside, Beckie says a simple name change is all it would take if credentialed veterinary technicians aren’t allowed a voting voice in the AVMA. She suggests renaming it to the “American Veterinarian Medical Association!” She’s got a point… Viewfinders, this episode is full of practical steps each state can take to address the issue of veterinary license portability. If you’re struggling to hire veterinary professionals, contact your state veterinary medical board today! Let us know your thoughts!

What happens when a veterinary professional’s own pet needs veterinary care? Do they schedule an appointment? Who cares for them, when are they seen, and how much do they charge? What are some of the potential disruptions and discord that bringing in our own pets for veterinary care can create in a veterinary practice? Perhaps more than you’d think… Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the benefits - and potential pitfalls - of taking our own pets into the clinics we work in. From “picking staff favorites,” to micro-aggressions and staff tensions, to determining fair fees, and being asked to perform diagnostic tests or treatments on our ailing pets, this week we tackle a tough topic rarely discussed publicly. Beckie shares her recent experiences in not being able to get prompt care for her own pet and Dr. Ward offers some of the solutions he discovered in his clinics. Both express the need for being proactive on this issue, particularly given the current state of staff shortages and overwhelmed schedules. Viewfinders, this is a good one! Viewfinders, how do handle staff pets in your clinic? What problems and solutions have you found? Share them on our social media or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com! Finally, as Dr. Ward says, “GO DAWGS!” Congratulations on Dr. Ward’s alma mater the University of Georgia for winning the 2021-22 NCAA college football national championship this week by defeating rival University of Alabama!

There's been a surge in the number of veterinary professional certifications over the past few years. But are those extra initials behind your degree worth it in 2022? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT start the new year off with a conversation about the what's, when's, why's, and (probably most important to employers) worth of professional certifications. It gets complicated. Viewfinders, our hosts have a number of professional certifications to their credit, yet they encourage caution before adding one (or some) to your signature these days. Beckie asks whether or not imposter syndrome is behind the need to add professional clout and Dr. Ward ponders how much profit motive is at play. Both worry that certain organizations or companies may be taking advantage of some veterinary professionals by leveraging the "need to be seen" by colleagues as capable and competent by adding certifications. Did we mention it's complicated? Beckie argues that title protection should (once again) be our profession's top priority and that we need better clarification on the difference between "credentials" and "certifications." Both hosts agree that VTS and Board-certification are true "professional credentials" but are concerned that some groups may be promoting a "certification" as a "credential," leading to confusion by the pet-owning public and dilution of value by our colleagues. Told you it was complicated. Dr. Ward challenges the notion that every certification (or credential) must carry a profit motive or "return on investment" and encourages Viewfinders to better themselves through education, and, yes, certification when appropriate. Viewfinders, this is another wide-ranging conversation that tackles a tough topic we believe needs to be talked about more in the veterinary profession. Happy New Year and staff safe! And keep it simple! ;-)

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week our hosts preview the veterinary profession’s toughest topics and trends we predict for 2022! Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT join in a rapid-fire discussion of the top challenges they foresee for 2022 (and beyond). Some of the issues they discuss include: * Veterinary workforce shortages * Mental health issues (burnout, depression, compassion fatigue, substance abuse, etc.) * Veterinary staff wages and benefits * Student loans and the rising cost of DVM/RVT degrees * Inflation of vet services and products - what impacts will inflation have on patient care and client communications? * Social media complaints - We’re seeing reports of vets being charged with ethics and professional behavior violations when they engage clients online. Yikes! * Corporatization vs Independent Practices: How can we get along and compete? * Core vaccines - potential challenges post-pandemic vaccine controversies? * Politics - Veterinary Practices and 2022 Midterms * What happened to the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI)? Our continuing plea for veterinary technician Title Protection * Telemedicine - Muddy waters ahead or smooth sailing? * Brachycephalic breeds - Will US veterinary professionals speak out as they are in the UK? * CBD - definitely maybe? * Climate change * Animal welfare and Food animal production, ventilation Shutdown (VSD) Looks like 2022 is going to be an exciting and promising year! Happy New Year, Viewfinders!

🎙️🐾 Welcome back to the Veterinary Viewfinder! For nearly eight years, we've fearlessly tackled the toughest topics in veterinary medicine every single week. This week, we're diving back into the wild world of social media, where controversy is always just a click away. But here's the twist – we're exploring the fine line between being a “social media influencer” and being truly influential in the vet med community. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion – it's one you won't want to scroll past! 🌟📱🐶 Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, for an intriguing and potentially controversial conversation that explores the nuances between “influencer” and “influential,” the influence of hidden money in many veterinary social media posts, and how to handle better some of the personal infighting that’s currently happening in vet med online. Viewfinders, this is a good one! If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays Viewfinders! This week, we’ve got TWO Very Veterinary Holiday Poems to share! Pull on your favorite comfy clothes or hit “play” on your way to work, because we’ve got plenty of holiday cheer to spread to you this week! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discovered two “very veterinary holiday poems” to put their best holiday podcast spin on! These are family-friendly, so blast away on your sound systems! (Or share your headphones…) Our first poem was written by the UK’s Dr. Marc Silpa when he was but a wee student at the University of Edinburgh in 2015. It was titled “The Veterinarian’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and published in SAVMA’s “Vet Gazette.” Set in his teaching hospital’s ER, we bet you’ll recognize similarities with many of your own holiday emergencies! Will Dogual survive? Will their treatment plan work? Listen closely to learn his fate! You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3pbzvKO We hope you like our special “twist on the tale!” Next, we have a mixed-animal practitioner perspective on Santa’s reindeer called “Equine Vet Xmas Poem.” No, we didn’t make that up. What it lacks in title creativity it more than makes up in reindeer medicine fun! Santa has a load of sick reindeer, and his “Elf recommended” treatments don’t seem to be helping. It’s nearly Christmas and Vixen may be pregnant (thanks, Rudolph), Blitzen has antler arthritis, Cupid is foundering, and Donner needs a shot of bute. Plus, will Santa run off without paying the veterinarian? Listen to find out! It was written by Dr. Madison Seamans in 1993 and can be enjoyed here: https://bit.ly/3pbzV3Q Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy these fun renditions and share with friends and family! Be safe and we hope you’re able to be with those you love. Happy Holidays from us to you!

There’s a new TikTok trend we believe could potentially harm dogs called the “Bark at your Dog Challenge.” Veterinary colleagues and concerned pet parents, let’s discuss. And, WTF is wrong with people? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT revisit their concern that some popular social media trends could be harmful to animals. This week our hosts discuss what many are calling a “funny, hilarious and surprising” challenge that they categorize as “disturbing.” Beckie recalls the history of potentially problematic social media trends (and our past podcasts addressing them) and why this particular challenge especially irks her. Dr. Ward ponders if these “scary” challenges are an extension of other “bad behavior” social media trends and what impact social media may have on the the human:animal bond among the youngest pet owners (we’re looking at you, late Get Z pet parents out there). Dr. Ward also shares his concerns that this is an extension of a broader expansion of “videos of people behaving badly” that seems to get more social media likes, views, or attention. Again, WTF is wrong with people? Viewfinders, once again, we’re bringing you a veterinary topic lurking just below the mainstream that we think needs more discussion by our colleagues. Beckie repeats her wish for a dollar every time we’ve said, “Let’s get out in front of this topic.” We accept all major forms of payment! Our loyal Viewfinder Family, what do you think about these trends? What do you think about Beckie and Dr. Ward’s advice on how veterinary professionals can - and should - address them? We want to hear from you!

In early 2021, a hypothetical veterinary technician degree was proposed and discussed by a select group of about 20 individuals representing 12 organizations. Called a “Masters in Veterinary Clinical Care,” the exploratory degree has garnered a lot of questions and confusion. This week we discuss what we know and our initial impressions on how this may - or may not - benefit the veterinary profession. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their concerns and offer their advice when it comes to better access to veterinary care and utilization of licensed veterinary technicians. As you can imagine, Beckie has strong opinions on this topic and isn’t afraid to tackle it! Beckie stresses the need for veterinary title protection, standardization of credentialing processes and requirements, recognition of credentialed vet techs, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities within the vet clinical setting. In short, Beckie believes there’s a lot of work to be done on the current AS and BS veterinary technician degrees before we create a new one. Dr. Ward supports expanding the roles and duties of licensed veterinary technicians, including expansion into a “Veterinary Nurse Practitioner,” but worries the proposed Masters in Veterinary Clinical Care is more “paper than progress.” Both hosts advocate for an expansion of what vet techs can - and should - be allowed to do in veterinary clinical practice. Dr. Ward also recounts how he “angered lots of colleagues” about 10 years ago when he proposed that licensed vet techs be allowed to undertake additional training and licensing to perform spay and neuters in shelter settings. He also says you can tell where someone lies in their support of this issue by asking, “What medications can they dispense?” You can imagine how our duo discusses that one! Viewfinders, we hope this conversation sparks you to explore and discuss with your friends and colleagues. By working together, w can help expand access to veterinary care and propel our profession! Stay safe and we’ll talk to you next week! Read the white paper published in February 2021 here: https://navc.com/download/MS_Advanced_Veterinary_Clinical_Care_Report.pdf