Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

As some states roll out veterinary assistant credentialing programs, a critical question emerges: Who’s actually overseeing these initiatives, what are their future goals, and are they helping or hurting the profession? In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, examine the growing movement to credential veterinary assistants without consistent regulatory oversight, clear practice act integration, or protections for the assistants themselves. Focusing on emerging programs in states like Texas, Ward and Mossor question whether we're building sustainable career pathways or setting assistants up for burnout and backlash. Are financial incentives for third-party training programs taking priority over educational quality and long-term workforce needs? And how do these new assistant titles intersect (or conflict) with existing RVT, LVT, and CVT credentials? This conversation challenges veterinary professionals, educators, and policymakers to consider what genuine c

A technician catches a medication error and speaks up, only to be told later, “You talk too much.” In this powerful episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, confront one of the most damaging cultural issues in veterinary medicine: punishing staff for doing the right thing. The conversation goes beyond this single story to tackle the widespread discomfort around giving and receiving feedback in veterinary clinics. What happens when your workplace isn't psychologically safe? How do we unintentionally silence the very voices that protect patients and improve care? Ward and Mossor dive into what it means to foster a culture of safety, where feedback is seen as a strength, not a threat. They offer practical communication tips, discuss system-based error prevention strategies, and challenge clinic leaders to create environments where speaking up is not only allowed but also expected. This isn’t just about error prevention; it’s about protecting your team, your patients, a

What if one of your employees goes viral on TikTok... for all the wrong reasons? This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, dive into a modern dilemma facing every veterinary clinic: what happens when an employee’s personal behavior triggers public outrage, and suddenly your phones are blowing up with angry calls? Inspired by a real-world Fourth of July viral incident (yes, involving antipasto salad), Ward and Mossor explore how personal conduct outside of work is increasingly spilling into the professional arena. They discuss the legal, ethical, and emotional chaos that can follow, and how practice managers and clinic owners can proactively prepare for it. This conversation goes far beyond animal-related controversies. From racist remarks and political opinions to OnlyFans accounts and internet mob justice, today’s episode tackles the complex intersection of social media, privacy, team culture, and mental health. You’ll hear practical advice for building internal

Fireworks. Travel. Noise. Every July 4th, veterinary teams face a predictable surge of panicked pets, frazzled clients, and last-minute sedation requests. So why are so many clinics still reacting instead of preparing? This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack how veterinary clinics can turn this annual headache into an opportunity to deliver better care and boost revenue. From leveraging your PIMS to send targeted alerts about noise aversion and vaccine needs, to rethinking social media as part of a layered communication strategy, they outline the tools and tactics that practices already have but rarely use. They also explore underutilized solutions, such as preemptive outreach to anxious pet owners, virtual care referrals, technician-led VCPR visits, and offering in-clinic support during peak noise periods. As Dr. Ward puts it, you’ll pay for it on the front end or the back. But you’ll pay if you don’t prepare and prevent. Whether it’s the 4th of July, New

What happens when veterinary technicians are overworked, underpaid, and still fighting for recognition? The 2024 NAVTA Demographic Survey reveals the harsh reality, and this week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack what it all means for the future of veterinary medicine. Despite their essential role, most vet techs still earn significantly less than comparable healthcare professionals. Worse, they’re burning out fast. Many are working second (or even third) jobs to make ends meet. Only 8% report being “extremely satisfied” with their current role, and more than half are actively considering leaving the profession within the next five years. Dr. Ward and Beckie explore how low wages, chronic underutilization, and the continued lack of legal title protection are driving professionals out of the field. They break down the downstream impact on patient care, clinic morale, and team dynamics, and challenge veterinary leaders to stop ignoring the growing crisis. This e

A viral video from a popular “human nurse” influencer asking if veterinary technicians are “nurses” recently sparked a social media firestorm, but the outrage may be missing the real issue. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, go beyond the headlines to explore what’s truly at stake in the “vet nurse” debate: professional identity, title protection, and the public’s understanding of veterinary medical roles. While thousands weighed in online, some supporting the comparison, others fiercely rejecting it, Ward and Mossor ask whether these internet debates are distracting from the bigger, systemic problem: the lack of legally protected titles for credentialed veterinary technicians in many U.S. states. They explore the emotional responses from both veterinary and human healthcare communities, examine the practical implications of inconsistent terminology, and call for stronger advocacy, unity, and legislative engagement. This episode challenges listeners to

Should veterinary professionals, their colleagues, distributors, pharmaceutical representatives, and community heroes receive a discount? And what happens when they ask? In this provocative episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the emotional and financial complexities of veterinary discounts. Prompted by Beckie’s personal experience navigating an expensive emergency bill for her own pet, the duo delves into topics ranging from professional courtesy and price transparency to client entitlement and business boundaries. With a little humor and a lot of honesty, our hosts ask tough questions: * When is it appropriate to offer a discount, and when does it erode profitability? * Do corporate policies make it easier to say “no”? * And how do you handle requests from vendor reps, military families, or your lead vet tech’s cousin? From professional courtesy and corporate policy to profitability and emotional boundaries, this episode is a must-hear for practice l

When a veterinary professional loses a pet, should they get time off? What happens when a request for pet bereavement leave is met with an eye roll? In this emotionally charged episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough conversation around grief leave for veterinary team members mourning the loss of their own animals. Drawing on listener questions, real-life clinic experiences, and personal stories, the hosts explore why this seemingly niche benefit deserves serious consideration in practice policies. They unpack how grief uniquely impacts those who work in animal care, why existing PTO policies often fall short, and how dismissive responses from managers can erode clinic culture and trust. More than a debate over logistics, this episode makes the case for compassionate, proactive leadership, especially when grief hits close to home. Whether you’re a practice owner, clinic manager, or team member, this episode will challenge how you think about me

What if the negative review was… right? In this brutally honest episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle one of the most difficult scenarios in veterinary medicine: how to handle legitimate complaints when your clinic or team actually did make a mistake. With raw insight and hard-earned experience, the hosts examine how to manage everything from emotionally-charged one-star reviews to social media posts by staff that cross the line. They break down why the “we’re sorry this happened” template may no longer be enough and how transparency, empathy, and timely internal support can de-escalate even the most viral situations. They also discuss the importance of leadership when things go wrong, the need for well-written social media policies, and the delicate balance between defending your team and holding people accountable. Whether you're a manager, technician, or practice owner, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in doing better, especial

Remember when veterinary break rooms were covered in highlighted journals and sticky notes that said “READ THIS”? This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor explore how our learning habits have changed and what this means for clinic culture. Are we still learning together… or just scrolling solo? In this thought-provoking episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore how veterinary professionals consume and share clinical knowledge in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world. Gone are the days of dog-eared journals in the break room and article clippings on the clinic fridge. But what have we lost in this shift to screens and skimming? From the impact of algorithm-driven content and AI tools like ChatGPT to concerns about critical thinking and team collaboration, Dr. Ward and Beckie ask whether we're trading connection and depth for convenience and speed. The episode questions whether the rise of digital isolation and the decli

What do you do when a client trashes your clinic with a negative online review, then schedules another appointment as if nothing happened? In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack the emotional and professional complexities of accepting—or refusing—returning clients who’ve publicly criticized your team. From understanding when a bad review crosses into abuse to learning how to initiate honest, respectful dialogue, this episode delivers actionable strategies for managing digital conflict, preserving team morale, and navigating tough conversations. The hosts also explore how evolving norms around online reviews have changed the client-vet dynamic, and why price complaints, while frustrating, may not always be personal. A must-listen for veterinary professionals dealing with the emotional toll of public feedback in an increasingly review-driven world. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #vettech #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vet

Vaccine and surgery hesitancy isn’t just a human healthcare challenge; veterinary teams are seeing it more often in exam rooms across the country. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, cohosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, take a deep dive into the rising trend of pet parent hesitancy around core vaccines and routine surgical procedures like spays, neuters, and dental cleanings The conversation covers how internet misinformation, personal beliefs, and changing cultural norms are driving some clients to question the necessity, safety, or ethics of traditional veterinary recommendations. Dr. Ward and Beckie share practical ways veterinary professionals can respond with empathy while maintaining high standards of care. They discuss strategies to build trust, avoid confrontation, and reframe conversations to focus on animal welfare and preventive health. Whether you're facing pushback about a rabies booster or a client declining a critical dental procedure, this episode offers clear guida

In this episode of "The Veterinary Viewfinder," hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle a timely topic that every veterinary professional should consider: how inflation, rising tariffs, and supply chain disruptions are affecting big purchasing decisions and clinic growth strategies. As economic pressures mount, practice owners, managers, and technicians alike are asking: Should we buy that new piece of equipment now or wait? Dr. Ward and Beckie walk listeners through real-world examples — from deciding whether to replace aging digital radiology systems to concerns about the availability of surgical lasers and other high-ticket items due to supply chain slowdowns. But this conversation isn’t just about purchases. It’s about strategy. The hosts encourage clinics to use slower economic periods to introduce new services, such as Class IV laser therapy, advanced dental care, acupuncture, or clinical weight management programs. They emphasize that investing in team training during slow periods, s

This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle one of the most urgent and unsettling issues facing veterinary professionals: the growing instability in the profession driven by corporate layoffs, clinic closures, and public scrutiny. They discuss the recent, abrupt shutdown of My Pets Wellness clinics across multiple U.S. states, leaving veterinary teams and pet owners stunned and unemployed. Adding fuel to the fire is a recent BBC investigative report examining rising veterinary fees in the UK, with claims that corporate-owned practices are pressuring veterinarians to upsell services and prioritize profits. These revelations have sparked renewed global concerns about how corporate influence is affecting client trust, team morale, and the future of veterinary care. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or practice manager, this episode explores how these economic and ethical pressures may impact hiring, compensation, burnout, and even the dec

In this timely and insightful episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, address one of the most pressing concerns facing veterinary professionals today: how to support your clinic team during economic uncertainty. As inflation rises, operating costs soar, and layoffs make headlines, veterinary practices—whether corporate or independent—must adapt quickly to protect their staff and patients. Dr. Ward and Beckie share strategies for maintaining morale and financial stability in turbulent times, from offering basic financial literacy education to creatively adjusting schedules to ease commuting burdens. They emphasize the importance of open, transparent communication and the need for practice leaders to proactively engage with their teams before fear and frustration take hold. The episode explores how simple actions—like inviting financial advisors for lunch-and-learns or involving team leaders in key decisions—can make a lasting impact on staff well-being and ret

Exotic animal pets captivate animal lovers, but their rising popularity brings complex ethical dilemmas for veterinary professionals. In this episode of "The Veterinary Viewfinder," co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the delicate balance between the desire to own exotic animals and the professional responsibility to ensure their proper care. Our co-hosts discuss a wide range of species—from saltwater fish and reptiles to birds and small mammals—and delve into the unique challenges these animals face regarding specialized diets, exact environmental conditions, and overall welfare. The conversation also examines the ecological impacts of the exotic pet trade, the consequences of poor husbandry, and the broader societal implications when ownership crosses ethical boundaries. With thought-provoking insights, Dr. Ward and Beckie encourage pet owners and veterinary professionals alike to consider critical questions about sourcing, care, and long-term animal welfare. Tune in to gai

In another thought-provoking episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the complex topic of toxic leadership in veterinary practices. The duo delves into what truly constitutes a toxic boss versus a demanding or challenging manager, examining behaviors that range from a lack of self-awareness and inconsistent treatment to micromanagement and emotional abuse. The conversation unpacks how these negative traits can slowly erode team morale, lower job satisfaction, and ultimately impact patient care and client service. Listeners gain valuable insights on identifying red flags and understanding the subtle signs of a toxic workplace before the situation worsens. This episode also discusses practical approaches to address unhealthy dynamics, encouraging open communication and proactive measures to foster a supportive work environment. If you’re a veterinarian, vet tech, practice manager, or any support staff member concerned about workplace culture, this

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, MPA, RVT, discuss how required continuing education (CE) content is selected for veterinary professionals. They delve into the changing landscape of vet conferences, where traditional academic excellence intersects with the modern impact of social media -- and dancing vets. The hosts investigate how influencer culture is transforming the selection of speakers and content, prompting crucial discussions about quality versus popularity. They address innovative CE formats, such as panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and even the possibilities of virtual reality, while warning against diminishing the educational rigor demanded by licensing boards. Whether you’re a veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, or practice manager, this episode provides valuable insights into what truly matters in CE and how you, as an attendee, can help shape future conference offerings. Tune in to discover how to advocate for high-quality e

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into the transformative world of veterinary mentorship with the inspiring founder of MentorVet, Dr. Addie Reinhard and Director of Learning and Development, Mariel Hendricks, RVTg.  MentorVet is tackling the profession’s toughest challenges—burnout, isolation, and career uncertainty—by providing evidence-based mentorship programs tailored for veterinarians, technicians, and other veterinary professionals. Learn how MentorVet’s innovative peer support groups, mentorship matching, and mental health resources are making a tangible impact on well-being and career longevity. Whether you're an early-career vet, a seasoned practice manager, or a technician seeking guidance, this conversation will offer practical insights into navigating career stressors and thriving in veterinary medicine. With scholarships, accessible programs, and a passionate community, MentorVet is redefining support in the veterinary field. Tune i

Dive into this week’s episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder” with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, as they tackle a pressing topic for young veterinary professionals: mental health accommodations in practice. In this episode, the duo explores how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to veterinary settings, offering practical insights for navigating stress and anxiety on the job.  Dr. Ward shares a real-world example of a young vet struggling with “difficult clients,” sparking a discussion on what “reasonable accommodations” look like—think flexible schedules or quiet decompression spaces.  Meanwhile, Beckie opens up about her husband’s PTSD accommodation—an hour-late start that balances his needs with workplace demands—showing how creative solutions can work in high-pressure environments.  Together, they emphasize empathy, clear job descriptions, and proactive mental health support, urging young vets to advocate for themselves.  Whether you’re a new associate or a vet tech fa