Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Bounce Back from Feedback - How to Handle Good and Bad Feedback in Veterinary Practice Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

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 in Vet Med: You Are Not Defined by How Many Hours You Work Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

“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

New Arizona Vet Tech Association Needs YOU! A Conversation about Making Change in Vet Med with President Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

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.

Unions & Preserving What You Love in Vet Med - Update with Liz Hughston, RVT Aug 17, 2022

Show notes

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

How to Celebrate Special Days and Changing Jobs in Veterinary Practice Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

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.

How a Single Vet Tech Banned Declawing in Quebec Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

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.

Could Offering Urgent Care in General Veterinary Practice Help Ease Stress? Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

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.

Recession Proof? Have Veterinary Clinics Been Killing Growth Due to Staff Shortages, Placing Them At Risk During Recession Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

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!

Taking a Stand by Sitting Out CE - Stephen Cital, RVT, VTS Speaks Out Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

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

Next Gen Vet Tech Schools: Choosing the Best Program for You Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

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

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