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.

Welcome to this spine-chilling episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder!” This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser dive into the eerie world of (allegedly) haunted veterinary clinics. With Halloween around the corner, we’re exploring the paranormal tales that have left many veterinary teams wondering if they’re truly alone during those late-night shifts.

From shadowy figures seen after-hours to strange, unexplained noises echoing through clinic halls, our colleagues across the country—and beyond—have shared their supernatural experiences. These ghostly tales range from curious spirits seemingly checking in on patients to spooky apparitions that might make even the bravest veterinarian shiver. Join us as we delve into these mysterious occurrences that some veterinary teams encounter, especially during Halloween.

This episode isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s a look at how these supernatural events can “shape” the “spirit” of teams working in veterinary practices, strengthening their “chains” as staff members share their creepy experiences. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will have you hooked—and maybe a little spooked! Tune in for a ghostly good time as Ernie and Beckie tackle one of the most “spirited” topics we’ve ever covered on “The Veterinary Viewfinder.”

Happy belated Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week! February 14-18, 2022 was celebrated by the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City - and we missed it! This week we take time to not only appreciate our beloved veterinary assistants, but also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities we see in the future of this essential role in veterinary medicine.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their love and respect for these often unsung heroes of veterinary medicine. The pair discuss some of the prior (unnecessary) drama between celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week and other recognitions for veterinary team members. Dr. Ward emphasizes that, “Celebrating one group doesn’t take anything away from another.”

Beckie posits on whether or not vet assistants are over- or underutilized in clinics and why “Veterinary State Boards need to get ahead of this issue because private entities already are there.” Both hosts offer setting boundaries and credentialing for veterinary assistants.

Beckie stresses the National Veterinary Technician Association’s Approved Veterinary Assistant Program (link in notes) and offers her opinions on soem of the rapidly developing private programs.

Viewfinders, this is another important topic that transcends an “appreciation week.” Share your thoughts and opinions with us!

If you’d like to see Beckie and Ernie “live” on the internet to take your questions, drop us a line at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com!

The Approved Veterinary Assistant program created by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America: https://www.navta.net/veterinary-assistants-program/

Veterinary unions are once again in the news. A Thrive (formerly Pathways) veterinary clinic in New York recently voted 2 to 1 to form a union. There is growing interest in veterinary unionization, and this week we're joined once again by one of the leading voices in this movement, Liz Hughston, MEd., RVT, CVT, LVT, LVMT, VTS (SAIM) (ECC).

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT talk with Liz about the latest developments in the Thrive veterinary clinic case and other veterinary unions across the country, what a union really is and how collective bargaining could help veterinary professionals, tactics commonly used to discourage veterinary professionals from pursuing collective bargaining, and why this discussion is arguably more important than ever before in our profession.

Viewfinders, this is an important topic that has the potential to improve many aspects of the veterinary profession that we feel need changing. From low pay to title protection, to resources to help prevent burnout, unionization is one mechanism to give veterinary professionals working in corporate-controlled clinics a real voice.

To learn more about the National Veterinary Professionals Union, visit www.natvpu.org.

To watch the John Oliver Union Busting reporting Liz referred to in the podcast: https://youtu.be/Gk8dUXRpoy8

Liz also recommends this video on Union Busting: https://perfectunion.us/

With the reality of veterinary workforce shortages and challenges hiring veterinarians and veterinary technicians in 2022, talk of improving license portability has resurfaced. This week we discuss why we believe it’s time to make it easier to share veterinary and veterinary technician licenses among states. Hint 1: It’s already been done in the human medical professions. So, yeah.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the recent discussions at the January 2022 AVMA meeting that addressed veterinary shortages and a call for license portability. If you couldn’t guess, there’s a committee for that. Have no fear, Viewfinders, apparently an official investigation is underway. Never mind that the AVMA has no regulatory jurisdiction in the matter...

Meanwhile, 29 US states are already part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to provide expedited licensure for physicians among member states. Hint 2: We think the IMLC serves as an excellent template for state veterinary medical boards and licensing agencies.

Our hosts discuss the current challenges of obtaining veterinary professional licenses and how this may be making it harder for some states to recruit veterinary staff. They also discuss how making it easier and more affordable to obtain licenses may lead to longer participation in the workforce. This is a good conversation, Viewfinders!

Finally, Beckie shares her strong opinions on the January 2022 AVMA discussions around allowing non-veterinarians to join the AVMA. You don’t want to miss her thoughts on this “controversial” topic! Speaking of controversy, why on earth is this an AVMA flashpoint in 2022? Beside, Beckie says a simple name change is all it would take if credentialed veterinary technicians aren’t allowed a voting voice in the AVMA. She suggests renaming it to the “American Veterinarian Medical Association!” She’s got a point…

Viewfinders, this episode is full of practical steps each state can take to address the issue of veterinary license portability. If you’re struggling to hire veterinary professionals, contact your state veterinary medical board today! Let us know your thoughts!

Happy Holidays Viewfinders! This week, we’ve got TWO Very Veterinary Holiday Poems to share! Pull on your favorite comfy clothes or hit “play” on your way to work, because we’ve got plenty of holiday cheer to spread to you this week!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discovered two “very veterinary holiday poems” to put their best holiday podcast spin on! These are family-friendly, so blast away on your sound systems! (Or share your headphones…)

Our first poem was written by the UK’s Dr. Marc Silpa when he was but a wee student at the University of Edinburgh in 2015. It was titled “The Veterinarian’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and published in SAVMA’s “Vet Gazette.”

Set in his teaching hospital’s ER, we bet you’ll recognize similarities with many of your own holiday emergencies! Will Dogual survive? Will their treatment plan work? Listen closely to learn his fate! You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3pbzvKO We hope you like our special “twist on the tale!”

Next, we have a mixed-animal practitioner perspective on Santa’s reindeer called “Equine Vet Xmas Poem.” No, we didn’t make that up. What it lacks in title creativity it more than makes up in reindeer medicine fun!

Santa has a load of sick reindeer, and his “Elf recommended” treatments don’t seem to be helping. It’s nearly Christmas and Vixen may be pregnant (thanks, Rudolph), Blitzen has antler arthritis, Cupid is foundering, and Donner needs a shot of bute. Plus, will Santa run off without paying the veterinarian? Listen to find out! It was written by Dr. Madison Seamans in 1993 and can be enjoyed here: https://bit.ly/3pbzV3Q

Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy these fun renditions and share with friends and family! Be safe and we hope you’re able to be with those you love. Happy Holidays from us to you!

There’s a new TikTok trend we believe could potentially harm dogs called the “Bark at your Dog Challenge.” Veterinary colleagues and concerned pet parents, let’s discuss. And, WTF is wrong with people?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT revisit their concern that some popular social media trends could be harmful to animals. This week our hosts discuss what many are calling a “funny, hilarious and surprising” challenge that they categorize as “disturbing.”

Beckie recalls the history of potentially problematic social media trends (and our past podcasts addressing them) and why this particular challenge especially irks her.

Dr. Ward ponders if these “scary” challenges are an extension of other “bad behavior” social media trends and what impact social media may have on the the human:animal bond among the youngest pet owners (we’re looking at you, late Get Z pet parents out there). Dr. Ward also shares his concerns that this is an extension of a broader expansion of “videos of people behaving badly” that seems to get more social media likes, views, or attention. Again, WTF is wrong with people?

Viewfinders, once again, we’re bringing you a veterinary topic lurking just below the mainstream that we think needs more discussion by our colleagues. Beckie repeats her wish for a dollar every time we’ve said, “Let’s get out in front of this topic.” We accept all major forms of payment!

Our loyal Viewfinder Family, what do you think about these trends? What do you think about Beckie and Dr. Ward’s advice on how veterinary professionals can - and should - address them? We want to hear from you!

In the United States, it is estimated that almost 150,000 horses per year are unwanted. What is “unwanted”? The term is used to refer to horses that are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, or fail to meet expectations. The horse may have a lameness or illness…or he could just be the wrong color or gender. His problem could be life-threatening…or chronic and manageable. He may have a mild behavioral problem…or a severe one.

This week we speak with Dr. Stacie Boswell, an equine surgeon and author of “The Ultimate Guide for Horses in Need,” a veterinarian who has dedicated much of her career to helping “horses in transition” and provide better care and welfare for all horses.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn how Dr. Boswell became an equine veterinarian and why this topic is so important to her.

The trio also discuss the unique mental health and self-care challenges faced by large and mixed-animal veterinary professionals and how Dr. Boswell keeps her energy and enthusiasm high, despite the challenges she encounters.

Viewfinders, this is another wide-ranging conversation that offers us a glimpse into another side of veterinary practice. To learn more about Dr. Stacie Boswell and her book, “The Ultimate Guide for Horses in Need,” at: https://stacieboswell.com/

The Massachusetts State Senate recently approved a bill that ensures law enforcement officers' K-9 partners receive life-saving medical attention and transport in ambulances if they are injured in the line of duty.

The bill, known as Nero's Law, was drafted in response to the shooting that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon, and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero.

This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore the impact such legislation could have and why veterinary professionals should be more involved.

Dr. Ward pledges his full support of Nero’s Law and expresses his surprise when he discovered the the majority of US states don’t allow injured law enforcement K-9’s to be transported in “human” ambulances.

Beckie shares her concern that veterinary clinics be fully integrated into the assistance of injured police K-9’s, including communicating and alerting emergency clinics of pending arrivals and for guidance on life-saving treatments.

Dr. Ward also encourages states to provide clear guidance on treating law enforcement K-9s exposed to narcotics and emergency administration of drugs such as naloxone.

Both discuss how the “devil is in the details” with this sort of legislation, and offer many tips to make the law more meaningful and helpful. And, yes, it starts with veterinary professionals!

Viewfinders, what do you think about this proposed law? What are your state’s rules and regulations regarding injured police dogs?

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: Some pet parents are combining current conspiracy theories with internet medical misinformation and forming personal beliefs that are turning our veterinary exam rooms into “Debate Night” or “Fight Clubs!” Are we at risk of losing our ability to have civil discourse with clients and compromise? This week is all about the polarization of pet parents and their impacts on veterinary practice. This week, we’re not pulling any punches!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin this episode by discussing a recent controversy over allowing pets, particularly dogs, into soem eating establishments. This controversy over allowing pets in restaurants spilled over into a large retirement community, and, as Dr. Ward says, “The real action was in the comments!” But dining with dogs isn’t what this week’s podcast is about.

Our hosts discuss how polarized the general public and pet parents have become over the past couple of years on pet-related issues from restaurants, travel, vaccines, and preventive care (we’re looking at you, heartworm and flea/tick preventives!). It seems more clients are looking for a debate or argument with veterinary professionals than ever before. And when asked about their stance on these hot topics, some of these disgruntled pet parents call in a social media “hate raid” on your clinic! What’s a veterinary clinic to do?

Viewfinders, this is another hard-hitting, wide-ranging conversation about an emerging challenge in veterinary practice. As Beckie always says, “NOW is the time to get ahead of it!”

Are you experiencing more heated conversations in your exam rooms? Do you think you’re seeing more extreme positions and opinions on many veterinary care topics? How are you handling this challenging situations?

International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8, 2021! What’s that, you ask? We’ve got the President-elect of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA) this week to explain!

This week we’re missing co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT as she’s deployed helping animals in need with the ASPCA. We miss you!

That leaves co-host Dr. Ernie Ward to handle the mics this week with HABA’s incoming President, Dr. Patrick Flynn.

Drs. Flynn and Ward discuss the origins of International Human Animal Bond Day, future plans for HABA, and how veterinary professionals can participate.

Dr. Ward encourages HABA to challenge the definition of the “human animal bond” and shares his thoughts on why the term needs to transcend companion animal species and apply to all animals.

Dr. Flynn brings energy, creativity, and optimism about all things human animal bond related to HABA (and his “real job!”) and we think this wide-ranging (and sometimes provocative) conversation about veterinary professionals, the human animal bond, and animal welfare is an important one. Please share with your friends and colleagues!

To learn more about the Human Animal Bond Association, visit: www.humananimalbond.net

Share your human animal bond stories on November 8, 2021!

In a recent episode, we asked the Viewfinders if veterinarians were “real doctors” (and also if vet techs were “real nurses”). We received a flood of comments and DM’s and witnessed many social media threads and posts discussing our comments and questions. Thank you!

But some of the reasons and arguments supporting vet professionals as “real medical professionals” seemed, at first, to be solid, but after closer inspection, began to crumble, metaphorically speaking. This week we explore a few of the more popular answers and rebuttals with, well, more questions.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin with a spate of threads and comments that misunderstood or misinformed readers about state laws governing the terms and roles of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Beckie encourages every veterinary professional to begin by knowing their own state veterinary practice acts and pertinent rules and regulations.

Dr. Ward revisits the risks and pitfalls of directly comparing veterinary professionals with human medical professionals. Dr. Ward rallies all veterinary professionals to celebrate our unique and powerful contributions to society and discontinue arguing we’re “the same as them” when we’re (clearly) distinct and (arguably) better (that’s our opinion, Viewfinders!).

Beckie cautions us to be careful with our words on social media and avoid “hate raids” that we complain about when vets are targeted online.

Limited veterinary licensure, public perception of veterinary professionals, and do we truly treat all animal species are also addressed in this episode. Dr. Ward shares his animal welfare crusade against ventilation shutdown (VSD/VSD+) and how these experiences have exposed him to accusations and criticisms from colleagues and some of the lessons he’s learned that may help any vet professionals receiving online denunciation. (Visit www.vavsd.org to learn more about this important animal welfare issue).

Viewfinders, this is a continuation of a hot topic discussion that we believe makes our beloved profession stronger and more inclusive. Let us know what you think and share with a friend! Talk to you next week!