Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Importance of the Training Struggle : How to Create Training Guardrails and a Culture of Curiosity Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

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 allowing employees to navigate difficulties can lead to enhanced skills and resilience (“Don’t always jump in!”). They reveal strategies for implementing effective training frameworks while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and continuous learning. Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy this discussion on the vital balance between providing guidance and allowing room for struggle in a safe and effective manner, ultimately promoting professional development in the veterinary industry. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What Happens When Promotions Don't Work Out in a Vet Clinic? Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

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 of ways to support, coach, and set yourself or your employees up for success in transitioning to a new job position. The podcast begins with a real-life question Dr. Ward recently received about handling a veterinary technician struggling after being promoted to clinic manager. The veterinary practice owner feared she’d have to fire the employee after she failed to succeed in management. Our hosts have a lot to say about this, as well as tips for avoiding this sort of dilemma. Beckie shares how to handle the potential vacancy left behind when you promote a staff member. Preparation, planning, and communication are critical elements of a successful job transition and promotion-from-within scenarios. Viewfinders, there’s a lot to learn in the podcast about helping people succeed in your practice. Please share your thoughts and experiences with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Will Veterinary AI Replace or Augment Telemedicine? Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

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 artificial intelligence. Our hosts review the recent news of a virtual veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) being established in California and the potential impacts throughout the US. Both wonder if this move is too late to stop the emergence of AI-powered telemedicine and what AI-assisted veterinary care could be like in the next few years. Dr. Ward shares why the Star Trek Enterprise only had one chief medical doctor, Bones, and what this may portend for AI veterinary care, along with how his daughter recently benefited from AI-assisted pharmacy care. He also revisits his earlier concerns when he served on the AVMA Telemedicine Committee about legal liability and responsibility when AI medicine makes an error. Beckie argues that AI medicine is already pervasive and that the veterinary community is quickly diving into two opposing camps on its utilization. She also shares a story from her recent hospitalization of how AI medicine is changing patient care. Viewfinders, this is an important topic that will shape the future of our profession. Please share your thoughts on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com "If a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can, too." Terminator 2: Judgement Day #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Happy New Year! Setting Resolutions for Your Best Self with Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

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. Discover practical strategies to navigate career aspirations and prioritize self-care with Rebecca's expert guidance. Uncover the keys to unlocking personal and professional success while gaining valuable insights from the dynamic trio. Tune in to the last Veterinary Viewfinder episode in 2023 (#369!) for an engaging conversation that resonates with veterinary team members across all age groups, offering a roadmap to a fulfilling and balanced year ahead. Don't miss out on this empowering blend of veterinary wisdom and personal growth tips! Rebecca’s recommended resource we discussed in the podcast: VIA Character Strengths Survey - consider a strengths-based approach to New Year's resolutions. Discover your top 5 character strengths and choose one that could use extra nurturing in 2024. Writing SMART Goals The Psychology Behind Successful New Year's Resolutions The Best Way to Follow Through on Your New Year's Resolution? Make an "Old Year's Resolution"

'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Veterinary Clinic - 2023 edition Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

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

’Tis the Season of… Expectations? How to better communicate expectations to avoid frustrations! Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

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 skills. How can better communicating our expectations help them succeed and decrease our frustration? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, examine the fundamental role of expectations in shaping our interpersonal interactions. They explore the significance of expectations as the foundation for how we relate to one another and offer insights into building stronger connections with colleagues. They tackle the intricacies of expectations, providing their experience and perspectives on fostering more robust and positive relationships in your work environment. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of distinguishing between realistic and unrealistic expectations and provide insights on effectively communicating expectations, especially when it comes to performance reviews and reprimands. Viewfinders, we'd love to hear your thoughts on how you manage and communicate your expectations in your clinic! VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com or Facebook and Instagram!

Mystery Dog Respiratory Illness - Dealing with the Hype this Holiday Season Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

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” seeking to capitalize on the issue and steps more reasonable veterinary medical professionals can take to combat excessive sensationalization (and potentially capitalization) on a serious pet health issue. IYKYK Viewfinders, this is a serious topic that needs more tempered and measured responses from the veterinary medical community. How are you dealing with your clients’ questions, and what safeguards are you enacting this holiday season to keep your pet patients safe during the holidays? Share your advice on our Facebook and Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or drop us a line (and Beckie a “Get Well Soon” note) at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

The 7-Year Crash: Celebrating Our 7-Year Anniversary from the Hospital! Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

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 years (365.29 weeks). We’re proud to share our thoughts with you each week and are grateful for the time we spend together. If you’d like to wish Beckie a speedy recovery, drop her a note at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. To help a colleague in need, or if you need assistance, check out Beckie’s amazing non-profit created to help our veterinary colleagues, the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree - www.veterinarygivingtree.com/. Thank you, Viewfinders! Beckie, get well soon!

Holiday Gratitude - How Being Thankful Can Help You Survive This Holiday Season Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

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. Meanwhile, drop her a “Get Well Soon” message on our socials or email at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. Liz and Ernie begin by tackling the problematic origins of Thanksgiving in the United States and offer how they’re reconciling the holiday with history. The pair then discuss their different gratitude practices and why gratitude is good for your mental well-being. Liz shares how some veterinary practices incorporate gratitude into their daily huddles. Dr. Ward explains why he believes we must be more openly positive in our business and personal lives. Both reveal how they deal with criticism over being too optimistic (or pushing for change) and why everyone needs to, in Dr. Ward’s words, “start each day tilted toward optimism.” Viewfinders, this podcast has loads of practical tips and real-life stories. We recommend you listen to it before your Thanksgiving visits or immediately afterward to decompress. Regardless of when you listen, we hope you’ll find something to make your holidays a little brighter! Beckie, get well soon! We miss you!

Vet Tech Cafe Podcast Mashup - Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re delighted to host Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan of the VetTech Cafe podcast to talk about podcasting, their journeys to vet tech specialization, and the challenges and future of the veterinary profession, Viewfinders, this is one podcast mashup you don’t want to miss! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, share the mic with the two veterinary technician specialists behind the Vet Tech Cafe podcast, Dave Cowan BA, CVT, VTS(ECC) and Jeff Backus, CVT, RVT, VTS(ECC). They share the nontraditional paths they took to become credentialed veterinary technicians and why and how they chose to pursue specialization. Viewfinders, we’d like to thank the Vet Tech Cafe for serving as our Complaint Department for the past couple of years. Remember, if there’s something you don’t like on our podcast, please inform Dave and Jeff! To learn more about them and their huge Spotify deal worth millions, visit www.vettechcafe.com. Thanks, Dave and Jeff, for making this an amazing episode!

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