Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

As we begin a new year, many veterinary professionals set goals to become professional writers, speakers, or influencers. This week we share our advice for aspiring future leaders and lessons we’ve learned that may accelerate your progress. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review their journeys into the world of veterinary writing and speaking and their top tips for anyone interested in pursuing the role of “key opinion leaders” or, dare we say, “influencer.” During this episode, you’ll also learn why Dr. Ward and Beckie are somewhat uncomfortable with that term.) Viewfinders, this episode is full of nuggets that can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Ward and Beckie will be at VMX 2023 in Orlando, Florida next week, so be on the lookout and say “Hi!”

What better way to spend a New Year’s Day than visiting a veterinary emergency clinic - as a patient and client! Our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT, had to take her doggo to the ER on New Year’s Day, and she gained a lot of insight into how you can provide better patient care and client service. Viewfinders, there are a lot of good lessons in this week’s episode. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Motor, RVT, share their recent experiences in hospital ER rooms. Dr. Ward recounts the eye injury he sustained (initially discussed in episode 317), and Beckie reviews her New Year’s Day vet ER visit. Dr. Ward and Beckie would like to thank ER staff members who took care of them and worked tirelessly throughout the holidays. But both also believe there are lessons to be learned, and as Dr. Ward describes his 2023 intention, we should all strive to make everything in our personal and professional lives better this year. Here’s to a Better 2023!

Predicting the future is tough…but we do it anyway every year! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss some of the topics and trends they believe veterinary professionals will be talking about in 2023 and beyond. Viewfinders, we hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for listening in 2022, and we hope to share your speakers for half an hour each week in 2023! Happy New Year!

Happy holidays, Viewfinders! This week we’ve got a special rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” written by our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT! ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the clinic Not a creature was stirring, but there’s always a cynic. “Seems awful quiet,” they said; Oh yes, they did dare, For at that very moment, they knew the rush soon be there.   The front staff was working away on their day, When they heard the cursed words, they cried, “What’d you just say?!” Then the new grad in training gently laid down a cat, Turned with a frown and said, “What’s wrong with that?”   When out in the lobby, there arose such a clatter, Seasoned staff on their shifts knew what was the matter. But the newbies, they flew to the front in a flash, When in came the clients, through the door with a smash.   A cat in a crate calling out with a Meow, A client at hand yelling we need some help now! If that didn’t seem bad enough, then appeared, A bunny not eating; it’s white and lop-eared.   With experience and grace, so swift and so quick, I knew in a moment it must be a vet tech. More rapid than dex, the techs they all came, And they checked in each patient as they called them by name.   Now, Buddy, and Daisy, then Missy and Max! Next, Buster, and Sox, and Angel, and Jax! To exam room one, to two, then to three, Patients and parents, as far as we see.   As x-rays are taken, and lab work gets done, The staff’s in good spirits; they’re still having fun. So, vet’s do exams, and techs fill their order, The patient list is shrinking; slowly, it gets shorter.   By the end of the day, they have seen every pet, Every prescription refilled; their bottles all set. Discharges go great, the parents all listen, Their eyes don’t glass over. They don’t shimmer and glisten.   The staff wraps it up and turns out the lights, Grateful the day's curse didn’t end in a fight. Forgiveness is given for the jinx that was spoken, Any grudges they had were mostly broken.   For overall, it was a success, No drama or hassle, and minimal stress.   A workday like this is my wish for you, My wish is just this, it is pure, and it’s true.   So to make this wish work, we know it must rhyme,   My wish for you is to go home on time.

If your social media is anything like ours, you’ve seen a lot of questions and concerns about the upcoming National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Board of Directors elections. You may have also been following Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown (vavsd.org (http://vavsd.org)) and their efforts to have the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reclassify ventilation shutdown, which uses a form of heatstroke to kill pigs and chickens. This week we discuss these issues and why you should care about how our membership-led professional organizations operate. Viewfinders, this is another hot topic all veterinary professionals need to know about! (And find out why Dr. Ward made Beckie cry!) Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss why Beckie is running for NAVTA President and what the latest controversy is about. Beckie stresses the need for all veterinary professionals to get involved with their professional organizations and why change often takes longer than you’d like. Ernie offers advice on how professional organizations can get members more involved and why he continues to support a democratic and bureaucratic process, despite not winning his position on several topics (telemedicine and ventilation shutdown, for example.) Viewfinders, if you’re a NAVTA member, be sure to vote before December 31, 2022. Dr. Ward shares why he believes this may be the most important election in recent history. Good luck, Beckie! Explaining NAVTA’s Nominating Process https://navta.net/news/explaining-navtas-nominating-process/ (https://navta.net/news/explaining-navtas-nominating-process/) Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown website vavsd.org (http://vavsd.org)

Non-compete clauses have been standard practice in veterinarian contracts for decades. This week we're joined by veterinary hiring consultant Paul Diaz to discuss why he believes non-competes should be abolished. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share the mic with Paul Diaz to review the history and usage of a non-compete clause in employment contracts for veterinary professionals. Paul reveals why this practice is unfair and potentially harmful to veterinarians' mental well-being and future opportunities. Beckie reviews her experiences with non-compete clauses and why vet techs should take notice. Dr. Ward and Paul describe what they believe is a better option and how to negotiate for it when accepting a job. Viewfinders, does your clinic require a non-compete? If so, do you agree with them? What other solutions do you propose? Please email us your thoughts at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. Find out more about Paul Diaz here: www.hirepower.com.

Winston, an unarguably adorable French bulldog, took top honors at the 2022 National Dog Show. Historically, breeds crowned Best in Show surged in popularity. Will Winston's win result in a flurry of French bulldogs this year? Viewfinders, this is another potentially sticky situation for veterinary professionals. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the dichotomy of a French bulldog winning the crown jewel of US dog shows in the same year countries such as Norway are banning them. The pair review the diverging differences in attitudes toward brachycephalic breeds in European countries and the US. Our hosts share ideas to bridge the divide between breeders, breed enthusiasts, and rescue/shelter communities. Dr. Ward expresses his support for identifying and registering responsible breeders and the need for state and national veterinary organizations to get involved. Beckie reveals that loving and supporting pure breeds and rescue pets aren't mutually exclusive. She calls on veterinary professionals and breeders to share how they can - and should - work together. Viewfinders, do you anticipate a flurry of Frenchies in your clinic? What are you do to educate clients on the unique needs of brachycephalic breeds? Please share your thoughts and opinions on one of our social media platforms or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

Happy Six Years to us! And you, the Viewfinder Family! This week, Dr. Marty Becker joins us to talk all things veterinary! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, want to thank the Viewfinders for their loyal listening over the past 312 episodes. This week we're honored to share the mic with a dear friend, Dr. Marty Becker. Dr. Becker and Ernie share stories from their "old days" and pontificate on the changes ahead. Learn why Dr. Becker loves Dr. Ward's number one rule for want-to-be vets: "bathe dogs and cats and any animal you can." Dr. Becker shares his high school nickname of "Farty Becker." You heard it here first, Viewfinders! Dr. Becker shares his secret to being left alone on airplanes. He also dishes on his late mother and why he's grateful for this Thanksgiving, even though his mother has passed. You have to hear that one! The trio discusses why they're glad the veterinary community is having a more open conversation about mental health and what additional steps need to be made. The podcast ends with Dr. Becker sharing the changes he predicts for the veterinary profession and what he's most excited to see. We hope this special episode brightens your Thanksgiving holiday. We're grateful you choose to spend time with us each week. Happy Thanksgiving, Viewfinders!

The Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors (WSVBG) recently voted to approve a private veterinary practice’s proposal to establish a self-serving apprenticeship program as an alternative pathway to licensure as a Veterinary Technician in the state. The Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT), NAVTA, AVMA, and several other veterinary groups opposed the change. This week we have two leaders from the WSAVT, Ryan Frazier, BS, LVT, and Ashley Byrne, LVT, to bring the Viewfinders up to speed and explain why this matters to everyone in veterinary medicine. Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT, is traveling. Ashly, Ryan, and Dr. Ward have a spirited discussion on how this change occurred, what the nationwide implications could be, and what happens next. Viewfinders, this legal change could prove significant if enacted in other states. Thank you to Ryan and Ashley for sharing their concerns with the Veterinary Viewfinders! I encourage you to share this conversation with your state’s veterinarian and veterinary technician leaders. To learn the latest news on this issue, visit https://www.wsavt.org/news.

The holidays are here! And that means the stress many veterinary professionals feel is climbing faster than Old Saint Nick on his sleigh Christmas Eve! But it's not too late to prepare your clients and team and avoid some holiday stress. We've got a checklist of the top things you should do in your clinic before Thanksgiving! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share their most significant concerns (fears, anxieties, worries, you get it) about the 2022 holiday season. Dr. Ward worries that a "perfect storm of staff shortages, pet parent demands, and lack of emergency care" could brew a stress storm like never before. Beckie agrees. But more. Our duo dish on simple ways to get ahead of stressful interactions by deploying a client communication strategy. Beckie reveals her top tips to educate clients "before that Schnauzer's annual bout of pancreatitis strikes." You may want to jot some of these down (or at least ask your veterinary practice manager to do it). Viewfinders, are you worried about this holiday season in your vet clinic? Are you short-staffed? Do clients seem short-tempered? Share your thoughts and experiences on our social media! If you have questions or topics, email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

It’s the holidays! If you’re like most veterinary clinics, clients will begin showering you with love - and gifts - very soon! But what happens when those well-intentioned gifts carry unexpected consequences? What about holiday tipping, homemade food, and a host of other seemingly innocent gestures that can cause division (or food-borne illness) in your clinic? Viewfinders, get ready for a conversation about holidays in vet med that rarely gets spoken out loud! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, start with how to handle “special favors” and tips for nail trims, grooming, and baths. As pet parents scramble to fluff up Fido for holiday parties, they may go to great lengths to, as Dr. Ward puts it, “jump to the front of the line.” Beckie questions the safety of accepting “ a bowl of potato salad,” and why we should be extra-vigilant about food-borne illness during the holidays. Joint: we’re already short-staffed. Did Susie wash her hands? Did Billy double-dip? Keeping it real. And finally, how do we ensure our team distributes gifts equally? What happens when that box of cookies “gets crushed while we were doing a two-hour emergency surgery? Nobody cared to save us any!?” Beckie speaks from experience. Viewfinders, take these questions to heart and discuss them with your team before the E. coli outbreak takes you out. Happy holidays!

We often talk about the alleged importance and benefits of exit interviews in the veterinary profession. But what happens when an exit interview turns into a slug-fest? Do you really get truthful information? This week we discuss the pros and cons, risks and benefits of exit interviews, and whether you should even bother in 2022. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share a recent question Dr. Ward received from a young associate who “spent an hour getting my @$$ kicked in an exit interview.” The duo discusses all things interview exit and when it makes sense - and when it doesn’t. Viewfinders, this is one of those topics that typically only gets briefly mentioned in practice management and rarely gets scrutinized. We believe there’s something for everyone in this podcast. Share with your colleagues - and management.

Each holiday season, many of our veterinary colleagues endure financial hardships. Over the past few years, these challenges have been complicated by the pandemic and inflation. That’s why three licensed veterinary technicians, Beckie Mossor, Crystal Vaquero, and Lily Preston started The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterinary professionals in need. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the origin and mission of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, and how you can help. About The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree: Our Mission: To provide financial assistance to veterinary professionals & their families during difficult times. Our Vision: To build a reliable source of financial assistance to aid industry members in relieving stress for holidays and special occasions and improve our colleagues' quality of life. Our Values: * Anonymity * Open-mindedness * Philanthropy Website: https://www.veterinarygivingtree.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/682336046035250 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veterinaryindustrygivingtree/ Email: veterinarygivingtree@gmail.com

National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 16-22, 2022. This week we celebrate our amazing licensed veterinary technicians! The “backbone,” “heart,” or “insert organ system of your choice here” of veterinary medicine! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, take time this week to talk about the invaluable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession. Our hosts share tips on how you can recognize your vet techs, why they deserve a whole year of celebrations, and how to attract more great folks to the vet tech profession. The pair also discuss their views on “resilience” and some of its associated risks as this year’s theme. Viewfinders, we hope you’ll take time to do something special for your vet techs from October 16-22, 2022. If you do, please share it on our Instagram or Facebook pages! If you have questions or ideas for future podcasts, email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

Veterinary colleagues, we need your help with the 2022 US Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey! Sign up today at PetObesityPrevention.org. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary professionals can help gather information on pet obesity rates in the US this October. The duo discusses findings from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 2021 Pet Owner Weight Management, Nutrition, and Pet Food Survey, including current pet parent attitudes on grain-free diets, DCM, best sources of pet food information, and much more! We need your help with this year’s survey. Our primary goal is to enroll as many veterinary clinics and professionals to collect BCS and body weight information. In addition, we ask that you share the Pet Owner Survey on your social media to help us better understand contemporary attitudes and opinions on pet weight loss, food, and how we can better help pets achieve (and maintain) a healthy body condition. PRIZES! Did we mention prizes? The veterinary professional that submits the most pet data will win a YETI COOLER! The clinic that submits the most pets will receive an IPAD! We’ll also give away several prizes to random participants, including BASEPAWS GENETICS TEST KITS! Stay tuned to APOP’s Instagram and Facebook for additional details and prizes! Be sure to sign up by October 12!