Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week our hosts preview the veterinary profession’s toughest topics and trends we predict for 2022!

Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT join in a rapid-fire discussion of the top challenges they foresee for 2022 (and beyond).

Some of the issues they discuss include:

• Veterinary workforce shortages

• Mental health issues (burnout, depression, compassion fatigue, substance abuse, etc.)

• Veterinary staff wages and benefits

• Student loans an date rising cost of DVM/RVT degrees

• Inflation of vet services and products - what impacts will inflation have on patient care and client communications?

• Social media complaints - We’re seeing reports of vets being charged with ethics and professional behavior violations when they engage clients online. Yikes!

• Corporatization vs Independent Practices: How can we get along and compete?

• Core vaccines - potential challenges post-pandemic vaccine controversies?

• Politics - Veterinary Practices and 2022 Midterms

• What happened to the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI)? Our continuing plea for veterinary technician Title Protection

• Telemedicine - Muddy waters ahead or smooth sailing?

• Brachycephalic breeds - Will US veterinary professionals speak out as they are in the UK?

• CBD - definitely maybe?

• Climate change

• Animal welfare and Food animal production, ventilation Shutdown (VSD)

Looks like 2022 is going to be an exciting and promising year! Happy New Year, Viewfinders!

Burnout affects every veterinary professional, regardless of where they work, what they do, or how old or educated they are. This week we’re thrilled to share the mic with Dr. Ivan Zak as he shares insights from his recent veterinary burnout research.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by Dr. Ivan “Zak” Zakharenkov, a veterinarian who recently conducted his MBA dissertation on “Veterinary Burnout.” Dr. Zak reviews the difference between burnout, compassion fatigue, depression and other psychological challenges faced by all veterinary professionals.

The trio tackle the differences between staff burnout in independent versus corporate veterinary clinics, which age groups are more likely to experience burnout, and why veterinary technicians may face additional risks. How to recognize burnout both in yourself and your colleagues is also a highlight of the conversation.

Several solutions are discussed in addition to how better “lean management” principles can help your team avoid burnout and achieve harmony.

Viewfinders, this is an important conversation to have as we enter a new year - and new decade. How are you handling burnout in your clinic? Have you experienced burnout or have your colleagues? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on our social media channels.