Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Appreciating Veterinary Sales Reps: Strategies for Stronger Partnerships Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of "The Veterinary Viewfinder," hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, MPA, RVT, shine a spotlight on a vital yet often overlooked part of veterinary teams—sales representatives. From pharmaceutical, lab, and food reps to distributors and specialty companies, these professionals play a key role in keeping veterinary clinics running smoothly and efficiently. As the end of the year approaches and fresh off National Veterinary Technician Week, many clinics rely on their reps more than ever—often without recognizing their efforts. Dr. Ward and Beckie discuss the unspoken challenges reps face, including feeling undervalued or being taken for granted, especially during busy seasons when clinics call on them for help with events and celebrations. This episode explores the sometimes tricky relationship between clinics and reps, highlighting how veterinarians and staff can become better partners. Tune in to learn how your clinic can foster healthier, more respectful interactions with sales reps and why these unsung heroes deserve more appreciation. Whether you're a clinic owner, technician, or vet, this episode is packed with insights to help strengthen these essential relationships. 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

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of National Veterinary Technician Week 2024 Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of "The Veterinary Viewfinder," Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor tackle an unexpectedly tough topic: the controversy surrounding National Veterinary Technician Week. While this week, from October 13 to 19, is dedicated to celebrating the tireless efforts and vital contributions of credentialed veterinary technicians, not everyone is on board. Beckie shares her perspective on the growing divide within the veterinary community regarding how—and whether—this week should be celebrated. Some argue that National Veterinary Technician Week isn't being properly recognized, while others are even refusing to participate altogether. Dr. Ward and Beckie discuss these issues, expressing concerns about the negativity surrounding what should be a time for unity and appreciation. Despite the controversies, our hosts highlight inspiring stories of dedicated vet techs and reinforce the true purpose of this week: to honor and uplift credentialed veterinary technicians who are the backbone of veterinary care. Join the conversation as Dr. Ward and Beckie dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly of National Veterinary Technician Week. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Natural Disasters and Veterinary Heroes: How You Can Help in Times of Crisis Oct 09, 2024

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In this episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder,” Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser discuss one of the most challenging and emotional issues facing veterinary professionals—natural disasters. With Hurricane Milton barreling toward Florida and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene still being felt across the southeastern U.S., veterinary clinics and communities are in urgent need of help. Ernie and Beckie share firsthand experiences of the devastation and the inspiring response from the veterinary community and volunteers. They highlight how veterinary professionals are stepping up to offer assistance, from organizing resource drives to volunteering on the ground. Whether you're a veterinarian or a vet tech, there are numerous ways you can get involved to support colleagues and pets affected by these disasters. Tune in to learn about the incredible work being done and discover how you can help provide relief in times of crisis. Beckie also shares the work done by veterinary technician Sarah Parsons and her Project Golden Vet, as well as their collaboration with The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the critical role veterinary professionals play in disaster relief and recovery efforts. Veterinary Professionals, sign up for the Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey here: https://bit.ly/APOPsignup The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree: https://www.veterinarygivingtree.com/ Project Golden Vet: https://vettechsarahparsons.com/project-golden-vet Hurricane Helene Relief organizations: Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) https://www.nvoad.org/ NC Disaster Relief Fund https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations American Humane Society https://www.humanesociety.org/hurricane-helene-response #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

World Pet Obesity Week Special: Expert Insights on Obesity, Nutrition, and Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

This week, we focus on two critical issues. First, it’s World Pet Obesity Awareness Week, October 7–13, 2024, and we need your help, veterinary professionals, to participate in our biennial Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey by signing up at PetObesityPrevention.org. Joining us this week is board-certified veterinary nutritionist Martha Cline from Purina to dive into the communication challenges surrounding pet obesity, discuss spectrum of care issues with nutrition and obesity, and explore cutting-edge research on metabolomics and its relevance to joint disease and obesity treatment. But that’s not all. We’ll also address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Southeast, including parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Registered Veterinary Technician Beckie Mosser will share ways you can help, as well as some local relief efforts that are making a difference. Links below. Join us for this important episode, packed with expert advice, essential resources, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pets and communities in need! Veterinary Professionals, sign up for the Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey here: https://bit.ly/APOPsignup Hurricane Helene Relief organizations: Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) https://www.nvoad.org/ NC Disaster Relief Fund https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations American Humane Society https://www.humanesociety.org/hurricane-helene-response

Avoiding Vet Clinic Drama: Boundaries and Professionalism on Office Message Platforms Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser tackle a modern issue affecting veterinary professionals worldwide: communication on messaging platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. While these tools are essential for team collaboration, they can also blur the lines of professionalism, leading to "salty" exchanges that could impact your career. Dr. Ward and Beckie dive deep into the nuances of maintaining professionalism while using these platforms, offering practical tips for staying courteous, even when tempers flare. They also explore what happens when these tools interrupt your personal time and discuss strategies for setting healthy boundaries. More importantly, the episode uncovers the hidden side of these platforms — what your employer can monitor and what you're responsible for when communicating digitally. Join the conversation as Dr. Ward and Beckie share personal experiences, advice, and recommendations on navigating these modern communication challenges while keeping your reputation intact. Whether you're a vet tech or a practice owner, this episode is packed with must-know insights for managing team dynamics online! World Pet Obesity Week is October 7-13! Remember to sign up your clinic to participate in the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's (APOP) biennial pet obesity prevalence survey. Visit PetObesityPrevention.org today. Participants will be eligible to win Yeti coolers, iPads, and loads of other prizes! 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

Are You Licensed? Answering Clients' Toughest Questions About Veterinary Credentials Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, tackle a potentially rising concern in veterinary clinics: clients questioning whether their veterinary professionals are licensed. As public awareness around veterinary credentials grows, more pet owners are asking whether the person caring for their pet is licensed to perform certain tasks. This shift brings new challenges and sometimes uncomfortable conversations with clients. Join Dr. Ward and Beckie as they discuss strategies to handle these questions confidently and professionally. From how to properly equip your veterinary team with the right responses to navigating these sometimes tricky interactions, this episode provides essential tips for maintaining trust and transparency in your practice. Whether you're a veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, practice manager, veterinary assistant, or support staff, this conversation will help you prepare for this evolving client expectation. Tune in to stay ahead of this trend and ensure your team is ready! World Pet Obesity Week is October 7-13! Remember to sign up your clinic to participate in the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's (APOP) biennial pet obesity prevalence survey. Visit PetObesityPrevention.org today. Participants will be eligible to win Yeti coolers, iPads, and loads of other prizes! 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

Corporate Layoffs in Vet Med: Is the Grass Greener? Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser tackle a surprising new challenge in the veterinary profession: corporate layoffs. Once confined to tech companies and big businesses, layoffs have begun to impact veterinary professionals, raising questions about job stability in corporate settings versus private practice. Dr. Ward, with over 30 years of veterinary experience, reflects on the seismic shift, offering insights into how to prepare for potential job losses and whether the corporate world really offers greener pastures compared to traditional, independently-owned private practice. Together, Ernie and Beckie explore how these changes affect not just the profession but also the individuals who dedicate their lives to animal care. Tune in to discover strategies for navigating this new corporate reality, questions to ask before accepting a new job, and protecting your career in an ever-evolving veterinary landscape. 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

When New Hires Miss the Mark: What happens when they’re just not good with animals? Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

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

It Must Be Nice To Be Nice To Do That! Overcoming Self-Care Challenges in Veterinary Practice Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

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!

Why Climate Change Should Be Part of Veterinary Education: Lessons from Human Medicine Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser tackle a critical but often overlooked issue in the veterinary profession: climate change. -- As human medical schools in the United States and worldwide begin to integrate climate change into their curricula, the veterinary field needs to catch up. Dr. Ward and Beckie discuss the growing importance of addressing climate change within veterinary education and continuing professional development. -- They explore how environmental changes are already impacting animal health and what the veterinary community can learn from advancements in human medicine. This conversation challenges veterinary professionals to consider the future of our profession - and planet - in a rapidly changing world and the steps needed to prepare for tomorrow's health challenges. -- Join us this week to understand why climate change should be on every veterinary agenda and how to advocate for its inclusion in veterinary curricula. -- 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. -- Medical Schools Are Updating Their Curricula as Climate Change Becomes Impossible to Ignore - https://bit.ly/3AwVuUI -- Dr. Ward’s book on Climate Change and the Pet Food Industry’s Contributions - https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Pet-Food-Revolution-Better/dp/1590566025 -- #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

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