In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into an urgent issue facing veterinary professionals: the decline of preventive care visits and the growing trend of pet owners seeking wellness advice outside the clinic. As wellness exams, vaccinations, and senior care consultations decline, veterinarians are feeling the impact. With the rise of AI-driven tools, (questionable) social media influencers, and accessible online advice, pet owners are turning to alternative sources for preventive care tips and longevity strategies.

Dr. Ward and Beckie explore why this shift is happening and discuss how veterinarians can reclaim their role as the primary preventive care providers. They share practical tactics and communication strategies for engaging pet owners, emphasizing the value of early disease detection, quality of life improvement, and the unmatched expertise of veterinary professionals. Tune in to learn how veterinarians can reestablish their position in preventive pet care and enhance their relationship with clients amid a rapidly evolving pet care landscape.

There's been a surge in the number of veterinary professional certifications over the past few years. But are those extra initials behind your degree worth it in 2022?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT start the new year off with a conversation about the what's, when's, why's, and (probably most important to employers) worth of professional certifications. It gets complicated.

Viewfinders, our hosts have a number of professional certifications to their credit, yet they encourage caution before adding one (or some) to your signature these days.

Beckie asks whether or not imposter syndrome is behind the need to add professional clout and Dr. Ward ponders how much profit motive is at play. Both companies may be taking advantage of some veterinary professionals by leveraging the "need to be seen" by colleagues as capable and competent by adding certifications. Did we mention it's complicated?

Beckie argues that title protection should (once again) be our profession's top priority and that we need better clarification on the difference between "credentials" and "certifications."

Both hosts agree that VTS and Board-certification are true "professional credentials" but are concerned that some groups may be promoting a "certification" as a "credential," leading to confusion by the pet-owning public and and dilution of value by our colleagues. Told you it was complicated.

Dr. Ward challenges the notion that every certification (or credential) must carry a profit motive or "return on investment" and encourages Viewfinders to better themselves through education, and, yes, certification when appropriate.

Viewfinders, this is another wide-ranging conversation that tackles a tough topic we believe needs to be talked about more in the veterinary profession.

Happy New Year and staff safe! And keep it simple! ;-)

Arguably one of the most challenging exam parameters for veterinary patients is body temperature. We have traditionally performed this rectally. So there’s that.

But how accurate is a rectal temperature anyway? And how were those “normal temperature ranges” determined? Have we been taking pet’s temperatures wrong?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by two of Mella Pet Care’s co-founders Yale Chang and Anya Babbitt to discuss “all things temperature” - and a whole lot more! (Mella.ai)

The quartet muse on the current limitations and challenges of rectal temperature in animals, why the “standard” thermometer may not be as good as we’d like to believe, and Mell’s approach to in-home diagnostics.

Dr. Ward and Yale postulate on the future of in-home diagnostics, how this will impact telemedicine, and what this means for veterinary clinics.

Beckie challenges the notion that in-home testing performed by pet parents will threaten the veterinary profession and makes an astute observation on pediatricians, babies, and, well, body temperatures and veterinary businesses. You have to listen to find out more! Brilliant!

This is an important discussion because it speaks to the accelerating trend of what Dr. Ward calls, “The democratization of diagnostics.” We think you’re going to love this conversation!

Many of us in the United States choose “Made in the USA” or “US Owned and Operated” whenever given a comparable choice. But what about businesses founded, owned, or operated by our colleagues? Does that affect our choices? Should it influence our decisions if the products or services are similar in quality and price compared to non-vet professional businesses?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the importance of supporting our entrepreneurial colleagues.

With a torrent of new pet businesses and products, who is behind some of the most buzz-worthy trends? How can we encourage innovation by our colleagues?

The duo share their experiences as entrepreneurs, clinicians, and consultants to provide the Viewfinders with a unique perspective.

We believe this is an important topic our profession needs to tackle. With so many new businesses entering our industry and profession, we believe it is essential veterinary professionals are involved in establishing the culture, ethics, and vision of the companies responsible for creating foods, drugs, and lifestyle accessories for the pets and pet parents we love to serve.

Viewfinders, what do you think about this? Do you seek our businesses owned or operated by colleagues? Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have a unique service or product you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comments!

Pet parents and veterinary professionals are increasingly getting their news, information, and even medical advice from social media. With the trend toward shorter forms of content, is this helping or hurting pet care and veterinary professionals?

This week our co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the impact Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat are having on the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet parent. What effect is this global “social experiment” of social media having on the quality of life, health, and overall wellbeing for both people and pets?

The pair offer solutions for veterinary professionals interested in learning more about what pet parents are asking about online (Dr. Ward describes how he uses “social listening”) and Beckie explores the pros and cons of super-speedy scrolling and “meme learning.”

Viewfinders, this is a candid conversation about a topic that continues to affect the world. How are you using social media, especially short-form media in your practice? What do you think about veterinary professionals and pet parents using these platforms as their primary means of information? What are some of your favorite - and unfavorite - influencers?

Viewfinders, thank you again for your loyal listening as we near our FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! Stay safe and give your pets a hug from us! See you next Wednesday!

COVID-19 has been emotionally, physically, and spiritually rough for many veterinary professionals. Many of us find ourselves in a “pandemic misery rut.”

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about self-care and building mental and emotional fortitude to deal with the onslaught of confrontational veterinary clients, long hours, and the total chaos that we are calling the “next normal.” It gets better.

Our duo dive deep into the simple daily habits they rely on to stay focused and remain positive during these challenging times.

Restorative rest, sleep tracking, healthy hydration and nourishing nutrition strategies, exercise hacks, and why your personal relationships matter more than ever to your well-being are all part of today’s conversation.

If you’re struggling to find the silver lining in today’s pandemic, give this episode a listen (or twice!). If you know a friend or colleague looking for help, share this week’s podcast.

Reach out to us on social media @VeterinaryViewfinder.

Thanks again, Viewfinders, for helping us make it to episode 196! Stay safe - and positive - out there! See you next Wednesday!

The current COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly accelerated many changes within the veterinary and pet care professions. This week, we tackle the emerging trend of pet parents purchasing veterinary medical devices and in-home diagnostics and what this means for our profession.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss a quiet shift in pet parents beginning to do more in-home self pet care due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both agree there are plenty of opportunities and upsides for the veterinary profession, but there are potential risks, too.

Dr. Ward shares his recent experiences replacing cars lost during Hurricane Isaias and how there are lessons to be learned by veterinarians. He also explains why he believes Carvana can teach veterinary clinics how to provide better service for pet parents.

Beckie reviews her recent discussions with veterinary medical device manufacturers and what the next couple of years may hold for in-home veterinary medicine.

Viewfinders, this is another important topic that few are talking about. We believe it’s important to inform you about these issues and for our profession to be proactive in communicating with pet parents.

What do you think about this trend? Asset or liability? Benefit or detriment?

As Beckie says, “If the pet benefits, it’s our duty to figure out a way to help them get it.”

Thanks for listening, Viewfinders! If you have a tough topic you’d like us to tackle, let us know! Stay safe and give your pets a hug from us!

As people begin to return to work and resume the “new normal” of daily life, many veterinary professionals worry if we are communicating adequately with millions of new “pandemic pet parents.”

This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topics of how to ensure pet parents don’t miss essential veterinary care and services, socialization and training tips, and how to stay connected with your team during these stressful times.

The pair share stories from veterinary clinics around the country (good and not so good), offer advice on conducting online puppy socialization classes, tips for hosting Pandemic Pet Parent live webinars and “pawty’s,” and why you should offer dog training programs during this time.

The hosts also discuss the importance of paying close attention to the emotions of your team during the recovery period. Dr. Ward shares a recent story of the disconnect between a veterinary practice owner’s cheerful assessment of team morale and the harsh reality presented by the Practice Manager. Beckie provides guidance on creating a workplace where staff members can feel safe discussing their true feelings and concerns.

This is a wide-ranging an inspirational conversation packed with practical advice for any general veterinary practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused veterinary professionals to rethink nearly every aspect of veterinary practice. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss some of the client communication lessons we’ve learned, and how we can apply them permanently.

Dr. Ward shares a real-life example from a friend’s recent curbside appointment, and what the client had to say about the experience. Our hosts then analyze the visit an doffer insights on how it could be better.

Beckie reviews why it’s incredibly important to remain focused and positive for team morale, and Dr. Ward emphasizes your clinic’s team dynamics on productivity.

Dr. Ward reviews the most important client education messages you need to communicate now, and how to share a virtual veterinary appointment experience.

This episode is full of tips and advice for optimizing curbside service and client communication during tumultuous times of change.

Please share this episode with a veterinary colleague you think would benefit from it! Stay safe, Viewfinders!