Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Veterinary Zoo Careers and Adventures with Mark Romanoski CVT Jan 01, 2020

Show notes

We'll be honest, we secretly dream of working with lions, tigers, bears, and all sorts of wildlife! If you share this dream of working as a veterinary professional in a zoo or exotic locale, you're going to love this week's podcast! This weeks hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by the Oklahoma City Zoo's Mark Romanoski, CVT. Mark shares how he got started in zoo medicine, offers advice for aspiring exotic animal professionals, and indulges us with some pretty amazing tales of treating wildlife. The trio discuss conservation and breeding programs, the dangers of improper "animal sanctuaries" and unlicensed individuals keeping exotic animals in their homes, and why feces is an important tool for research (you can blame Dr. Ward for that little tangent...). Mark reveals his "daily grind" and his favorite species to work with (all of them, of course!).

Seasonal Euthanasia - Helping your Veterinary Team Deal with Loss during the Holidays Dec 25, 2019

Show notes

here’s an old saying in medicine that, “Death and Illness Follow the Seasons.” Give this podcast a listen if you agree! In this week’s conversation, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary professionals can cope with seasonal surges in pet euthanasia and loss. The pair share stories from their practice lives, offer advice on shifting from “Silly Sweater Mode” to “Terminal Illness Expert,” and how to help colleagues struggling with the strains and stress of euthanasia during the holidays. We believe the veterinary profession needs more authentic conversations like this on tough topics we all confront. Viewfinders, please forgive Dr. Ernie’s audio today; he was in a busy airport terminal making his way home! And while you’re in the holiday spirit, PLEASE leave us an iTunes review! That’s all we’re asking for! Thank you, Viewfinder Family!!

Should We Give Holiday Gifts? We Share Our Top Picks for Family, Colleagues, and Pets (and What We’re Getting!) Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Once again, we tackle the tough topic of what, if any, holiday gifts we should give our veterinary coworkers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore whether structured gift-giving within a business team is appropriate, establishing (and adhering to) gifting boundaries, and examples of some of their favorite veterinary team gifts. The pair also share what they’re giving their personal pets and some of their all-time favorite dog and cat toys and accessories. Beckie announces a special project celebrating her upcoming tenth wedding anniversary (congratulations!) and Dr. Ward reveals the special gift he and his wife are giving each other (hint: it involves surfing). Viewfinders, what do you think about holiday gifts for your practice team? What are your favorite pet gifts? What are you giving yourself this year? All we ask from you is a review on iTunes! As silly (and simple) as that is, that’s how we know you like this podcast and it helps other colleagues find us. Thank you and happy holidays!

What Should We Call the Holidays, How Should We Celebrate, and What about Parties? Dec 11, 2019

Show notes

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Whatever you celebrate this time of year! This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the topics of what we should say to clients and coworkers this holiday season, how should we celebrate, and what about spouses and significant others at work parties? Learn about Dr. Ward’s dreaded (and celebrated) annual team caroling, why having assigned tasks and an agenda for a party helps “keep it moving,” and what you should do about alcohol during office parties. The pair also debate whether or not holiday parties make sense for veterinary clinics these days. This week’s podcast is a raw and candid discussion about these potentially controversial seasonal topics that our profession needs to discuss more openly. Our words - and the spirit with which we deliver them - affect everyone around us, and our hosts offer some insight into what works, and doesn’t, in veterinary clinics. Viewfinders, help us end the year on a high note by leaving us an iTunes review and sharing this podcast with a friend! Mele Kalikimaka!

Generation Burnout: Should We Be Working 4-Days a Week? Dec 04, 2019

Show notes

Recently Microsoft revealed that it found workers who worked a four-day work week were more productive and happier. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT contemplate whether we’re working ourselves to poor patient outcomes and burnout. Dr. Ward explains why he’s concerned we’re creating a “Generation Burnout” of veterinary professionals and how to improve inefficiencies in the veterinary clinic. Beckie shares her stories from clinics who reduced the days worked and why she’s convinced it can work in any clinic. Viewfinders, what do you think about this? Do you think “Generation Burnout” accurately describes our current professional challenges? What steps are you taking to increase productivity and improve staff wellness in your clinic? What do you think about working four 8 to 10-hour days? Don’t forget to leave us a review in iTunes! Thank you, VIEWFINDERS!

Clean Pet Food Revolution: Dr. Ward's New Book with Co-Author Alice Oven! Nov 27, 2019

Show notes

Pet food recalls, climate change, animal welfare, and longevity are all directly related to the foods we feed our pets. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by one of Dr. Ward’s co-authors, Alice Oven, MA, to discuss their important new book, “The Clean Pet Food Revolution: How Better Pet Food Will Change the World” (2019 Lantern Books). The trio discuss why pet food is such a hot - and often controversial - topic for veterinary professionals and pet parents, what the plant-based diet shift means for dogs (and cats), the coming cellular agriculture meat revolution, and why they felt this book needed to be written now. Regardless of you own personal food philosophies, this conversation - and book - will help you better understand the rapidly changing pet food environment an dhow to answer your client’s toughest questions. The “Pet Food Revolution” is well underway, and this book (and, hopefully, this podcast) will help you stay informed. And Dr. Ward explains why “he can’t write a paragraph without a scientific citation” and why the authors CITED 27 PAGES OF REFERENCES. (That’s as many as Dr. Ward’s classic pet obesity book, “Chow Hounds” -2010 HCI Publishing. Yeah, he's like that...) We can't wait to bring you the final co-author, super biotech CEO, Ryan Bethencourt! Thank you, Viewfinders FOR THREE YEARS!! That’s right, this week marks 3 YEARS OF WEEKLY PODCASTS FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS! We love you! You’re the best!

Politics in the Veterinary Practice: How do you handle political debates in the workplace? Nov 20, 2019

Show notes

If you live in North America or the UK, chances are you’ve encountered political debates on the treatment floor of your veterinary clinic over the past couple of years. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their experiences, Dr. Ward recounts his political campaign and how it impacted his veterinary staff and clients, and the two offer advice on how to successfully handle these potentially heated conversations in the clinic. This podcast isn’t about our political beliefs, but about how you can create best practices and boundaries to avoid hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and workplace tension. With the 2020 US political campaigns heating up, this is an excellent time to begin creating your plan for dealing with political debate within your veterinary practice. Viewfinders, what do you think? How do you handle politics in your practice? Have you witnessed or experienced arguments or altercations over politics, BREXIT, or other hot political topics in your workplace? Share your thoughts on our social media!

There's drama and THERE'S DRAMA! When, Why & How to Share your Feelings in your Clinic Nov 13, 2019

Show notes

There’s drama and then there’s DRAMA!! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss when, how, and why you should share your feelings with your veterinary work family. Dr. Ward reveals why he believes the legacy of Baby Boomers “Suck it up buttercup” attitude may have led to today’s burnout and mental stress. Beckie shares a recent personal tragedy and how she dealt with it. Both emphasize the importance of a supportive clinic culture and leader that staff members feel comfortable sharing their feelings (and how Dr. Ward and Laura Ward did this!). And the duo discuss how REAL Drama Kings and Queens make it more challenging for real nurturing to occur (and what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation). This is another good “real real” talk about the tough topics faced in everyday veterinary practice. Viewfinders, please share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear it. Together we can help create more supportive, nurturing work environments.

Personal Finance Advice for Veterinary Professionals from Denise Tumblin Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

Do you struggle with money? Are you worried about your financial future? Is retirement a fictional concept? This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by Denise Tumblin, a certified public accountant with years of experience helping veterinary professionals pay themselves and secure their financial future. This is a practical conversation about why you should be paying attention to your savings, debt, and why Dr. Ward says, “Pay your future self!” Viewfinders, this November completes our THIRD YEAR OF PODCASTING! Thank you for your loyal listening and support! If you haven’t tell a friend about the podcast. And don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes!

Real-World Leadership and Personal Development Advice for Veterinary Professionals, Students, and Anyone Oct 30, 2019

Show notes

No matter where you are or what you're doing, someone is watching you. By definition, that makes you a LEADER. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT offer advice to help you overcome the challenges of daily veterinary practice and life. From awareness of your influence on others around you, to techniques to clearly communicate with colleagues and family (and Dr. Ward's two most powerful phrases you need to say more often), to strategies to stay inspired and positive, the duo gets real with tips on how you can find happiness, success, and positivity in your daily grind. Viewfinders, we think this is a good one! Share with us on social media what you think! And don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! THANK YOU!

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