What happens if you find out that one of your colleagues is on OnlyFans? This week, we want to talk about the exciting world of online entrepreneurship and what you should do or how you should handle all the little questions we have if you find out that one of your teammates is on the Internet in a very intimate way. The Veterinary Viewfinder is the podcast that tackles the toughest topics in veterinary medicine. I believe this qualifies, Viewfinders! When we started this podcast over seven...

For the past 7.5 years, the Veterinary Viewfinder has strived to tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine each week. This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite tough topics: money. Lately, social media seems abuzz with folks complaining about the high cost of veterinary care. This week, we want to dive a little deeper into some of the causes of these complaints and steps you can take when you're face-to-face with an upset client. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT,...

A tough job that we often talk about on the Veterinary Viewfinder is the role of a veterinary receptionist, a customer service representative, or whatever you choose to call those invaluable folks up front who are, quite frankly, taking a lot of the hits from our clients. This week, we’re excited to welcome back to the podcast Debbie Boone, CVPM, one of the co-founders of a new organization dedicated to improving the lives and skills of those folks who are our veterinary receptionists. This...

A tough topic that every veterinary professional will confront at some time in their career is a disagreement with a pet parent over how they are doing something regarding care. This difference can be about diet, anti-vaxxing, or a whole host of other things that can potentially put their pet at risk. It can also be different philosophically, ideologically, medically, or something you don’t believe is a good idea for their pet. This week, we want to talk about having those hard...

A lack of appropriate feedback leads to failure. You need to give your team at least three types of feedback to succeed. This week, we discuss the three types of feedback you should give - and receive - to excel in veterinary medicine. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the topic of feedback in the veterinary workplace. Dr. Ward shares his three types of feedback: Appreciation, coaching, and evaluation, as well as tips for each and why all three are necessary for...

Veterinary technician programs have expanded in remarkable ways over the past decade, and there's a push towards getting a four-year degree, with even more advanced degrees on the horizon. This week, we're speaking with the interim Director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology B.S. Program, Jennifer Serling CVT RVT VTES BVSc, to discuss the benefits and pros of a four-year veterinary technician degree and the value of remote education.  Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie...

Working in a veterinary clinic can pose many hazards. This week, we want to discuss some of the common workplace risks of veterinary practice and why we want you to stop doing them because they are putting you at risk. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle five major areas of personal risk in veterinary clinics: radiology, animal restraint, ergonomics, dentistry, and anesthesia/operating room. Dr. Ward and Beckie offer examples of each hazard along with tips on...

Have we forgotten how to behave in the clinic these days? This week, we want to discuss generational differences and how we can help improve each other's manners and etiquette when dealing with clients and co-workers.  Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of dealing with four generations of different communication styles and preferences in veterinary practice. Today's discussion stems from a recent conversation Dr. Ward had with a couple of veterinary...

What happens when one veterinary clinic's personnel is rude or short with another? We're talking about when you call for records, they are not happy about it - and let you know how they feel! This week, we are talking about the benefits and risks of informing another clinic of the behavior of their staff. And what about giving clients medical records? How do you handle that? This week, we discuss these topics and a whole lot more on The Veterinary Viewfinder! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie...

This week, we’re honored to have a conversation with the first veterinary technician elected as President of the Viticus Group (WVC) Board of Directors, Heather Prendergast, RVT! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, are joined by a friend and prior guest, Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR. Heather shares her story of starting as a would-be veterinarian, becoming a registered veterinary technician, managing a successful veterinary clinic, working in industry, and earning her...

Is your break area always a mess? Whose responsibility is it to clean it? And what about coffee? Do you pay? Or does your boss? This week, we discuss a multitude of messes that can occur in the common areas of a veterinary clinic. We also debate who should be on the hook for that special brand of coffee and tea that you like and more bread rook dilemmas. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of “when break rooms attack!” From messy tables to moldy leftovers...

Happy Valentine’s Day, Viewfinders! This holiday, we want to share what we love most about the veterinary profession! In this special Valentine’s Day 2024 podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, reveal the most beloved aspects of working as veterinary professionals. Hey, we can buy ourselves flowers! And we can hold our own hand, too! Viewfinders, we hope you’ll find at least a few of our favorite things about vet med to be a welcome departure from, as Beckie puts it,...

Workplace violence. Natural disasters. Fires and floods. These stories dominate the news. This week, we discuss whether or not most veterinary clinics are really prepared in the event of an active shooter, power failure, or other emergencies. Viewfinders, this is a critical conversation. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss their personal experiences with disasters in veterinary practice and workplace violence and the lessons they’ve learned. From creating emergency...

This week, we're proud to introduce you to an extraordinary veterinary technician, Sam Geiling, CVT. Sam has just been named the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Technician of the Year! Viewfinders, her journey is exceptional and sure to inspire! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, talk to Sam Geiling, CVT and Chief of Staff for the Animal Policy Group, about her career in veterinary medicine and some of her remarkable achievements. From serving...

Are you overwhelmed by Slack, Teams, Groups, and Text work messages? Do you feel guilty when responding to a workplace thread late? Ever judge a teammate for not responding to a message? If so, welcome to the new world of 24/7/365 work messages! In this week’s podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of some of the potential benefits and pitfalls of how we communicate with our veterinary clinic teams in 2024. They discuss topics from setting time...

Training requires struggle and even failure at times. But how do we apply this principle when training veterinary medical personnel? In this podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, delve into the importance of letting veterinary clinic employees struggle in order to improve. Our duo explores the concept of fostering growth through challenges, emphasizing the need for training guardrails and cultivating a culture of curiosity in veterinary clinics. They share tips on how...

What happens when you promote a staff member to a new position or role and it doesn’t work out? What if the staff members want to return to their previous positions? How do we successfully expand our team members’ roles, responsibilities, and duties and “promote from within?” Viewfinders, we’ve got a lot to discuss in this episode! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of job promotions gone bad. More importantly, our podcasters provide you with a variety...

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! On January 1, 2024, the first fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription in the state of California was performed. But is it too little too late? Will veterinary telemedicine be leapfrogged by AI-assisted telemedicine and beyond? This is one episode you'll want to share with your colleagues! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, start the new year off with a bang as they discuss the recent changes in veterinary telemedicine and...

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week, we have a special expert guest to offer advice and strategies for setting - and achieving - our New Year’s Resolutions! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, are joined by special guest Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT, the Wellbeing Coordinator, for the Veterinary Technology Program at Appalachian State University, to unravel the secrets of setting achievable New Year resolutions for veterinary teams, vet professionals, and personal goals....

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! This week, we continue our annual Veterinary Viewfinder tradition of bringing you a special veterinary rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, read Beckie’s poem that describes an all-too-familiar scenario for those of us who work in veterinary clinics! We hope you enjoy this fun retelling of a holiday standard! Check out the full lyrics at https://www.drernieward.com/veterinaryviewfinder

It's the season of expectations! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of managing expectations within veterinary clinics. We address common scenarios, such as dealing with a new graduate who might be spending an extended amount of time in the exam room while questioning if our expectations are realistic and exploring ways to improve efficiency. Additionally, we tackle the challenge of colleagues who may be struggling to meet their responsibilities or display the necessary...

Currently, 17 US states have reported a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs. As hype escalates on social media, fueled by TikTok and TMZ, how should veterinary professionals educate their pet parents and keep their pet patients safe during this holiday season? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of how to address an unknown newsworthy canine respiratory illness and practicality and medically. Our hosts also have advice for “veterinary influencers”...

This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, celebrate seven years of never missing a weekly podcast - from the hospital! Viewfinders, tune in to learn why Beckie has been hospitalized for the past three weeks! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, update us on the past three weeks of Beckie’s life after the accident and reflect on the previous seven years of podcasting. I’m not crying; you’re crying. Viewfinders, thank you for your loyal listening over the past seven...

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States this week, and that means the holiday season has begun. Besides family, food, and fun, the holidays can also bring stress, anxiety, and dread. This week, we’re joined by Liz Hughston, MEd, RVT, LVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC) to discuss tips and tactics to help you survive the holidays with a smile. Host Dr. Ernie Ward is missing co-host Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, as she is recovering from an accident. Beckie is doing well, and we’ll share the full story soon....