September is a busy time for veterinary teams, and this episode provides a practical roadmap. The Veterinary Viewfinder welcomes Catherine Haskins from “The Bridge Club” to spotlight three profession-wide initiatives you can activate now. First up, Suicide Prevention Month: Haskins shares Project Sticker’s “Change That Sticks” micro-donation campaign and StickWithUs.vet, a single hub aggregating mental health resources across veterinary medicine, along with a reminder that 988 is available when a crisis arises. Teams get a free toolkit (jar labels, social assets, break-room infographic) and motivation to become QPR gatekeepers (free via AVMA). There are even VetFolio subscription rewards for top practices and individual donors. Second, Sustainability September (with Mars Veterinary Health): a daily calendar of bite-size tips, checklists (including a carbon-footprint starter), and evidence that greener choices can improve workflow and save time—from rethinking glove use and sterilization wrap to anesthetic gas scavenging and reusable shipping (e.g., MWI pilots). Finally, a profession-wide Kindness Coalition is taking shape, with academic and industry partners working together to reinforce civility within clinics and with clients. Actionable, optimistic, and team-first, this episode equips leaders and staff to launch meaningful culture and operations changes this month. #VeterinaryMedicine, #VetTechLife, #SuicidePreventionMonth, #SustainableVetMed, #KindnessInVetMed

Is Veterinary General Practice Dying? On this week’s Veterinary Viewfinder, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and credentialed veterinary technician, Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, ask the question many teams are whispering. Routine wellness is slipping while urgent and ER traffic rises. The hosts dig into what is driving the shift: cost sensitivity, weekday access barriers, and changing client expectations after COVID. They explain why prevention must mean more than vaccines and a fecal test, and how to reframe value around early disease detection, chronic care, and client outcomes. Our hosts discuss some practical fixes you can try: add short sick-visit blocks without disrupting the schedule, pilot limited urgent-care hours, rotate doctors to conserve energy, and coach teams for tougher conversations and better handoffs. They also share ways to keep pets from “ping-ponging” across town by coordinating with nearby clinics. The goal is not to turn back the clock. It is to meet current demand while keeping general veterinary medicine strong, margins healthy, and staff morale intact. #VeterinaryViewfinder #VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #VeterinaryPodcast #GeneralPractice #UrgentCare #PreventiveCare #AccessToCare #PracticeManagement #ClientCommunication #VeterinaryTeam #ContinuingEducation

Being a veterinarian is about caring for animals… right? Increasingly, many vets feel their role is shifting toward being a therapist for pet owners, and it’s taking a toll. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the growing emotional labor demands placed on veterinary professionals. From helping clients navigate grief, guilt, and financial stress, to managing unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, veterinarians are spending more and more time counseling pet owners instead of focusing exclusively on clinical care. Dr. Ward reflects on the hidden burnout risk of constant emotional support, while Beckie shares how technicians also shoulder the weight of client emotions, often without formal training or resources. They discuss whether veterinary schools and practices are adequately preparing teams for this counseling role, the blurred boundaries between empathy and overextension, and how this shift impacts mental health, job satisfaction, and retention. Most importantly, they offer strategies for setting healthy boundaries while still delivering compassionate and effective care. If you’ve ever felt more like a life coach than a clinician—or wondered why today’s veterinary job feels so emotionally heavy—this episode will resonate.

Too many aspiring veterinary professionals are met with a troubling response: “Don’t do it.” In this episode, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, take a hard look at how that knee-jerk negativity, often voiced by those still in the field, may be harming the future of veterinary medicine. With decades of combined experience, Dr. Ward and Beckie reflect on their own paths and push back against the cynicism that’s become all too common in comment sections and break rooms alike. They discuss how burnout, poor clinic culture, and a lack of autonomy can fuel dissatisfaction, and how mentorship, perspective, and opportunity can reignite passion. This episode challenges us to reconsider who we listen to, what messages we share, and how, as a profession, we might be deterring incredible talent. Do we hate our profession, or just our current job or role? And if we love the profession, why aren't we louder about it? Whether you're a seasoned veterinarian, a burned-out veterinary technician, or a curious student, this conversation is a call to stop gatekeeping and start supporting.

Credentialed veterinary technicians are pillars of modern veterinary care, but in most U.S. states, they’re excluded from the very boards that govern their profession. This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, break down why this lack of representation is not just outdated, it’s dangerous for workforce development, public health, and the long-term sustainability of veterinary medicine. Beckie shares that only 20 U.S. states have even one credentialed technician on their state veterinary medical board, and even then, some are not voting members. She highlights how token roles can feel more performative than powerful, contributing to burnout, disillusionment, and underutilization of skilled professionals. Beckie draws attention to the legal implications, invoking precedents such as Reynolds v. Sims to question whether boards lacking proportional representation may be skating on thin constitutional ground. Together, our hosts challenge the assumption that only veterinarians should hold regulatory authority and make a compelling case for multidisciplinary governance that mirrors the evolution of healthcare in human medicine and nursing. This episode offers a blueprint for a more equitable and effective future, one where credentialed veterinary technicians have real influence, veterinary boards are more accountable, and the entire profession benefits from smarter, more inclusive leadership.

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 credentialing should entail: regulated, inclusive, and grounded in a framework that supports the entire team. Without structure and oversight, well-meaning reforms can deepen division, confuse the public, and erode trust within clinics. If you care about career advancement, team cohesion, and the future of veterinary support staff, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore.

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, and your practice culture from avoidable harm. If you're a veterinary professional who's ever felt dismissed, discouraged, or afraid to speak up, this episode is your validation and your call to action.

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 response plans, supporting affected staff, protecting your clinic’s reputation, and knowing when it’s time to call an attorney. Because in 2025, being unprepared isn’t just naïve, it could be dangerous.

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 Year’s Eve, or beach-season boarding, this episode is a playbook for staying ahead of preventable emergencies, protecting your staff’s sanity, and proving your clinic’s value before the fireworks start.

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 episode isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about purpose, protection, and survival. If we don’t act now to support our veterinary technicians, we risk losing the very backbone of our clinics. Read the NAVTA Report here: https://navta.net/news/navtas-2024-demographic-survey-reveals-strong-feelings-on-title-protection-income-role-clarity-and-wellness/ #VetTechLife #VeterinaryTechnician #VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechBurnout #SupportVetTechs #ProtectTheTitle #CredentialedNotConfused #VetTechPride #VetTechStrong #WorkforceWellness #VeterinaryLeadership #TitleProtection #VetMentalHealth #BurnoutAwareness

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 move past online outrage and toward meaningful real-world change. If you’ve ever wondered why words like “veterinary technician,” “nurse,” and “assistant” matter so much, or what we can do to protect and elevate our profession, this conversation is a must-listen. As Beckie suggests, skip watching this nurse influencer’s videos and join NAVTA and contact your state veterinary medical Board to demand title protection for credentialed veterinary technicians. #VetTechLife #VeterinaryTechnician #VeterinaryMedicine #VetMed #VetTechProblems #VetTechPride #VetNurse #TitleProtection #CredentialedNotConfused #SupportVetTechs #ProtectTheTitle #VetTechAdvocate

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 leaders navigating pricing transparency and culture. This episode is more than a veterinary business conversation; it’s a reflection on fairness, empathy, and the complex social dynamics of money in veterinary medicine. Whether you’re setting policy, enforcing it, or simply trying to survive the awkwardness, this one will hit home. #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife #VetDiscounts #ClinicCulture #PracticeManagement #VetBiz #VeterinaryLeadership #PricingStrategy #VeterinaryPodcast #VetTechPodcast #VetMedPodcast #VetPodcast #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife

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 mental wellness, staff support, and the human-animal bond inside your own veterinary walls. #VeterinaryPodcast #VetTechPodcast #VetMedPodcast #VetPodcast #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife #PetLossSupport #ClinicCulture #PetBereavementLeave #VetMentalHealth #VeterinaryLeadership #CompassionateWorkplace

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, especially when you didn’t get it right the first time. #VetMed #VeterinaryLeadership #VetTechLife #OneStarReview #VetClinicCulture #ProfessionalAccountability #ClientCommunication #VeterinaryPodcast #TeamResilience #VeterinaryMedicine #VetPodcast #VeterinaryEducation #ClinicCulture

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 decline in communal learning have affected how veterinary teams function and bond. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a call to reimagine how clinics can cultivate curiosity, unity, and a culture of continual education in a fragmented information landscape. Whether you’re a practice owner, tech lead, or team member trying to stay current, this conversation will challenge how you think about professional development in the digital age. #VeterinaryMedicine #VetPodcast #VetTechLife #LifelongLearning #VeterinaryEducation #ClinicCulture #DigitalLearning #VetLeadership #VetTeamBonding #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #vettech #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast #vetmed

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 #vetpodcast #vetmed #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife #VetPodcast #ClientCommunication #VetClinic #OnlineReviews #VetResilience #TeamMorale

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 guidance to help your team feel prepared and unified. If your practice is seeing more resistance during treatment plan discussions, this is a must-listen for every veterinary professional. 🎧 Listen, learn, and share with your team today! #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #vettech #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast #vetmed #vaccinehesitancy

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, such as additional preventive care like heartworm and intestinal parasite education, can boost morale and better position a practice for future growth. This episode is a must-listen for veterinary professionals who want to stay ahead of economic uncertainty, make informed financial decisions, and build stronger, more resilient veterinary teams for the future. 🔊 Listen now and share with your colleagues to help your clinic not just survive, but thrive, through whatever 2025 brings! #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #vettech #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast #vetmed #vetflation #petflation #inflation

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 decision to stay in the profession. 🔊 Tune in and share with your colleagues to stay informed on the forces reshaping veterinary medicine. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #vettech #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast #vetmed #vetflation #petflation #inflation

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 retention. Whether you're a practice owner, manager, or veterinary professional looking for direction, this episode offers practical advice to navigate economic stress while strengthening your team culture. 🔊 Listen now and share with your veterinary team to foster resilience and support in your clinic.