Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Special Message Regarding the Recent Supreme Court Ruling Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

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.

New Job, Old Problems: What Happens When You Change Jobs and Your Problems Follow? Jun 22, 2022

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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

Crisis in Maine Veterinary Clinic: What Happens When a Pet Parent Can't Pay? Relinquishment Woes and Sloppy Reporting Jun 15, 2022

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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

Persistent Pandemic Impacts on Vet Med: Are You Afraid of Crowds & Coughs? Jun 08, 2022

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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.

Life After Vet Med: What Will You Do If You Can't Do What You're Doing? Jun 01, 2022

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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!

Inflation and Veterinary Staff: Something's Gotta Give May 25, 2022

Show notes

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!

Gossip in Veterinary Practice: The Good, Bad, and What to Do About It May 18, 2022

Show notes

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

Prong Collars Banned in Queensland Australia May 11, 2022

Show notes

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

Chernobyl Dogs Update with Dr. Jennifer Betz May 04, 2022

Show notes

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)

Animal Help Ukraine - Dr Ivan Zak from Galaxy Vets Foundation Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

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

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