Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Does It Suck to be a Veterinary Client? Sep 06, 2017

Show notes

Being a veterinary client or patient in the human healthcare system can, well, suck! Why is client and patient service often underwhelming, rushed, and, insensitive in the medical professions? Hosts Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor share some of their most terrible medical appointment stories, common mistakes made in veterinary client service, and tips for making your team better. In this week's episode you'll also learn why Dr. Ward started giving money to his clients over 20 years ago and how any team can change their mindset with a few simple mental tricks. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Why Mentoring Matters in the Veterinary Profession Aug 30, 2017

Show notes

Chances are, you’ve got plenty of people to thank for helping you attain the goal of working in the veterinary profession. Host veterinarians, Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney, along with registered veterinary technician, Beckie Mossor, share the tales of who mentored them, what mentoring means to them, and how you can become an effective mentor in your clinic. Dr. Ward frankly discusses why many veterinary clinics don’t hire high school students or participate in veterinary school externship programs. The panel shares the ways mentoring has positively impacted their lives and how to find — and become — the best mentor. Finally, the trio ask if virtual or online mentorship counts? What role does social media, internet, books, podcasts, and more play in shaping and developing our careers and professional lives? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

People Pleasing Problems and Imposter Syndrome in the Veterinary Profession Aug 23, 2017

Show notes

You know the saying, “You can’t please everybody?” Well, it’s true. Unfortunately, most veterinary healthcare professionals are pleasers by nature and try to please everybody all of the time, resulting in big problems. This week, host veterinarians Dr. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician, Beckie Mossor, talk with Dr. Cherie Buisson about Imposter Syndrome in the veterinary profession. What exactly is “Imposter Syndrome,” how can you tell if you have it, simple steps to overcome it, and how to help those experiencing Imposter Syndrome in your clinic. The quartet also explores the problems with trying to please everybody - colleagues, bosses, and clients - and how to take, and give, constructive feedback. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Ethical Dilemmas and Awkward Requests in Veterinary Practice Aug 16, 2017

Show notes

What do you do when you’re asked to do something unethical, immoral, illegal, or just plain weird in veterinary practice? What if it’s your boss, manager, or co-worker who requests you do - or don't do - something that makes you uncomfortable? Hosts Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor tackle the tough topic of responding to these challenging scenarios in this week’s podcast. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Dealing with Veterinary Medical Mistakes Aug 09, 2017

Show notes

Medical mistakes are estimated to result in over 250,000 human deaths in the U.S. each year. What about in veterinary medicine? What types of medical mistakes do we commonly encounter in our animal patients? What are steps we can do prevent medical mistakes and how should a veterinary clinic team respond when mistakes are made? Host veterinarians Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss real-world problems, their experiences, and offer suggestions and advice on avoiding medical mistakes in your clinic. Dr. Ward also shares a unique program from Australia to help you reduce medical errors. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Pet Professionals: Enemies or Allies? Aug 02, 2017

Show notes

This week our hosts discuss how should veterinary professionals work with other pet care providers? Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor contemplate the roles and responsibilities veterinarians and veterinary technicians have when referring to pet care individuals such as trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and boarding facilities. What should the veterinary profession do about unlicensed, non-credentialed, uneducated individuals offering advice on animal care? How can we determine which non-veterinary providers are safe for our patients and clients? How can we foster collaboration between veterinary professionals and everyone else? As Dr. Ward states, “This is an incredibly important topic that touches us all.” Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

2017 AVMA Conference Attendee Interviews Jul 26, 2017

Show notes

This is a special edition of the Veterinary Viewfinder. If you haven’t listened to episode 035, 2017 AVMA Conference podcast, please check it out to provide context for these unedited attendee interviews. Co-host Dr. Cyndie Courtney interviews several attendees of the 2017 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Courtney explores what attendees like or dislike about the AVMA an organized veterinary medicine, what their personal involvement is, and how to encourage veterinarians to become engaged in their profession. These three group discussions with experienced and new veterinarians and veterinary medical school students provide interesting insights into the topics on the minds of our colleagues. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

AVMA Conference 2017 - Does Organized Veterinary Medicine Matter Anymore? Jul 26, 2017

Show notes

This week co-hosts veterinarian Dr. Cyndie Courtney and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk with Dr. Ernie Ward from the 2017 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The trio talk about new AVMA President Dr. Michael Topper, stagnant conference attendance, the new AVMA telemedicine guidelines and potential consequences of their lack of clarity, and controversies around opioid reporting legislation and medical marijuana usage in veterinary practice. The group also shares some cogent comments from a veterinary technician. Dr. Ward asks what can the AVMA do to remain relevant and encourage participation by young veterinarians and what role should veterinary technicians have in the future? Finally, the hosts offer their best advice for the AVMA and the future of the veterinary profession in a lively, wide-ranging discussion. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Overcoming Pet Cancer with @DrSueCancerVet Jul 19, 2017

Show notes

This week we talk about cancer in pets with veterinary oncologist Dr. Sue Ettinger. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVT are rejoined with Dr. Cyndie Courtney after her maternity leave. This podcast focuses on how the veterinary team should approach cancer, the best ways to share a cancer diagnosis with pet owners, why Dr. Ward believes being non-judgmental is key to successful outcomes and emotional well-being of our staff, the role of veterinary technicians in helping cancer patients, and many more important topics concerning cancer. Join the conversation on Facebook/VeterinaryViewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.

Workplace Warfare with Debbie Boone CVPM Jul 12, 2017

Show notes

Does your front staff fight your back? Do your technicians battle your receptionists? Does everyone combat the boss or manager? According to host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, workplace warfare affects nearly every veterinary practice around the world. Team disharmony negatively impacts patient care and productivity. This week Dr. Ward and co-host veterinary technician/nurse are joined by practice consultant and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Debbie Boone to discuss how you can overcome workplace tension and stress. A wide-ranging conversation covering common causes of conflict, how your attitude contributes or lessens tension, and simple steps anyone can take to better enjoy their work. Find out why Dr. Ward says, "You do not cure cancer by watching it grow." Join the conversation at Facebook/Veterinary Viewfinder and Twitter @VetViewfinder.