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/

In January 2022, Norway approved a legal ban on breeding Bulldogs and Cavaliers, citing animal welfare violations. A similar ban and breeding restrictions has growing support from UK and other European veterinary organizations. Could the US be next to ban brachycephalic breeds?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT weigh the pros and cons of brachycephalic breed bans - and whether American dog lovers and veterinary professionals would support such mandates and regulations in this week’s episode.

Beckie shares the recent Norwegian court ruling and how this could affect other countries, including the US. Dr. Ward cites several studies that validate increased health risks of brachycephalics and how this impacts their welfare.

Viewfinders, this is a very tough topic for both our hosts and you may feel some of the same personal conflict! It’s a good discussion!

Dr. Ward challenges us to view the issue both from the pet parents’ perspective of increased cost, care, and medical conditions associated with these breeds, but also from the pet’s welfare: how it feels to struggle to breathe, walk, or play.

Both hosts agree we need to do a better job encouraging more responsible breeding, promote cross-breeding of these at-risk breeds, and educate the public about the health - and welfare - risks associated with brachycephalic.

Both stop far short of breed bans, but believe we can improve the overall health and wellbeing of brachycephalics by being more proactive on this issue.

Viewfinders, what do you think about this issue? How can we inspire conversations in both the veterinary profession and breeders? Why aren’t more veterinary professionals talking about this issue! Now’s your chance!

What happens when a veterinary professional’s own pet needs veterinary care? Do they schedule an appointment? Who cares for them, when are they seen, and how much do they charge? What are some of the potential disruptions and discord that bringing in our own pets for veterinary care can create in a veterinary practice? Perhaps more than you’d think…

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the benefits - and potential pitfalls - of taking our own pets into the clinics we work in. From “picking staff favorites,” to micro-aggressions and staff tensions, to determining fair fees, and being asked to perform diagnostic tests or treatments on our ailing pets, this week we tackle a tough topic rarely discussed publicly.

Beckie shares her recent experiences in not being able to get prompt care for her own pet and Dr. Ward offers some of the solutions he discovered in his clinics. Both express the need for being proactive on this issue, particularly given the current state of staff shortages and overwhelmed schedules. Viewfinders, this is a good one!

Viewfinders, how do handle staff pets in your clinic? What problems and solutions have you found? Share them on our social media or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com!

Finally, as Dr. Ward says, “GO DAWGS!” Congratulations on Dr. Ward’s alma mater the University of Georgia for winning the 2021-22 NCAA college football national championship this week by defeating rival University of Alabama!

In early 2021, a hypothetical veterinary technician degree was proposed and discussed by a select group of about 20 individuals representing 12 organizations. Called a “Masters in Veterinary Clinical Care,” the exploratory degree has garnered a lot of questions and confusion. This week we discuss what we know and our initial impressions on how this may - or may not - benefit the veterinary profession.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their concerns and offer their advice when it comes to better access to veterinary care and utilization of licensed veterinary technicians. As you can imagine, Beckie has strong opinions on this topic and isn’t afraid to tackle it!

Beckie stresses the need for veterinary title protection, standardization of credentialing processes and requirements, recognition of credentialed vet techs, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities within the vet clinical setting. In short, Beckie believes there’s a lot of work to be done on the current AS and BS veterinary technician degrees before we create a new one.

Dr. Ward supports expanding the roles and duties of licensed veterinary technicians, including expansion into a “Veterinary Nurse Practitioner,” but worries the proposed Masters in Veterinary Clinical Care is more “paper than progress.”

Both hosts advocate for an expansion of what vet techs can - and should - be allowed to do in veterinary clinical practice. Dr. Ward also recounts how he “angered lots of colleagues” about 10 years ago when he proposed that licensed vet techs be allowed to undertake additional training and licensing to perform spay and neuters in shelter settings.

He also says you can tell where someone lies in their support of this issue by asking, “What medications can they dispense?” You can imagine how our duo discusses that one!

Viewfinders, we hope this conversation sparks you to explore and discuss with your friends and colleagues. By working together, w can help expand access to veterinary care and propel our profession! Stay safe and we’ll talk to you next week!

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/

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!

Are veterinarians “real doctors”? What about vet techs? Are they “medical professionals”? A recent veterinarian versus Peloton quarrel over a "medical professional discount" went public on social media, and we’ve got all the feels…

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward (a proud Peloton papa since the beginning) and Beckie Mossor, RVT (not in the Peloton fam) tackle the issue of what to do when the public fails to recognize or respect veterinary professionals was “medical professionals.” This issue is a whole lot bigger than a stationary bike.

Beckie shares the recent social media outrage and ”Peloton punching bag” that has dominated many feeds the past week. Beckie postulates that this week’s Peloton pushback follows a long history of vets being dissed, that hearkens all the way back to Dr. James Herriot.

Dr. Ward urges our colleagues to take meaningful steps to make positive change, rather than solely engage in online emotional outrage. He also encourages our veterinary organizations, particularly the AVMA and NAVTA, to issue statements and his in elevating the public perception of veterinary professionals.

Both our hosts share personal stories of how they’ve been slighted in public, and Dr. Ward reveals how he stopped comparing himself to human doctors early in his career and why veterinary professionals shouldn’t “take it personally.”

Viewfinders, this is a jam-packed conversation that covers a lot of tough topics. Let us know your thoughts!

For the past year, controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccination have dominated the news. Vaccine skepticism and hesitation is being reported at all time highs. Will COVID-19 vaccine skepticism cause an increase in pet parents refusing veterinary vaccines. We share our thoughts in this week’s episode.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the tough topic of vaccine hesitancy faced by veterinary professionals. The pair reveal several conversations they’ve had with colleagues concerned about an increase in clients questioning pet vaccines. They also discuss the growing threat of online attacks on veterinary clinics recommending certain vaccine protocols.

The duo offer simple tips on helping clients better understand vaccines and preventive care. Dr. Ward offers his time-tested “no debate, everyone wins” attitude toward hot topics such as vaccinations and other preventive care topics. And once again, our hosts implore managers and owners to provide better support and resources for their staff.

Viewfinders, the key message for this topic is “Prepare now!” This episode stresses how your veterinary practice team can prepare now for the future challenges quickly approaching.

Viewfinders, are you seeing more clients refusing pet vaccines? Do you think clients are more volatile and prone to outbursts over seemingly innocent recommendations than ever before? Share your experiences with us!

National Veterinary Technician Week is October 17-23, 2021! Can we get better working conditions, please? And other ways to celebrate your credentialed veterinary technicians in 2021.

This week hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward share their tips for celebrating your credentialed veterinary technicians in honor of the 28th annual NVTW (started in 1993, for all you veterinary medicine history nerds). In addition, they tackle a ton of tough topics facing vet techs and the veterinary profession. You knew we couldn’t stop at “pizza party!”

The duo dive into the poor representation of vet techs in organized veterinary medicine, starting with why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) isn’t accurately named. Dr. Ward offers some simple tips for making the AVMA more inclusive and representative of the “American veterinary medical” system. Beckie explains why this is actually important for the future of our profession.

Beckie explains why $15 an hour isn’t really a “living wage” and both offer insights into what better pay and benefits for vet techs should - and could - be. Beckie also shares why title protection is essential for the growth of credentialed veterinary technicians.

Finally, our hosts offer gift and recognition ideas for veterinary practices interested in celebrating their credentialed vet techs this year. Viewfinders, there’s a lot to think (and take action) about in this episode!

Lately, we’ve been hearing stories of veterinary practice managers and owners making departing staff feel guilty for finding a better job. After a team member puts in their notice, they then face a barrage of guilt-inducing blame and judgment, further eroding their self confidence and assertiveness. But it doesn’t end there.

Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward also share their concerns about the rapidly approaching holiday season and the impact "holiday time off" may have on our already overwhelmed teams' morale, productivity, and patient care. Ho, ho, hold on for this one, Viewfinders!

This week our hosts discuss the importance of respectfully and professionally handling an employee leaving their job for another, and why exit interviews may, “help you save the rest,” as Dr. Ward puts it.

The pair also tackle the topic of holiday time off and each share real-time vacation dilemmas they are hearing from veterinary colleagues around the country. Beckie advises, “Get ahead of your holiday planning now!” We explain…

Viewfinders, once again we cover A LOT of territory in this half-hour conversation. Share your thoughts by email or direct message!

There’s no shortage of veterinary job listings these days. As competition for veterinary professionals heats up, are some of these employment ads potentially misleading or misrepresenting their workplace reality? We tackle that tough topic and job search woes in this episode! Plus, we give our thoughts on creating better, more truthful job postings and why making employees your top priority is the best strategy of all! Viewfinders, hang on to your noggin’ for this one!

Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward discuss the recent escalation in the appealing language and messages in veterinary job ads. The pair offer advice to applicants seeking to sift through the fluff and get to the truth.

Our hosts also share several recent stories of vets and vet techs who discovered a new hire was being paid more than established staff, and the impact that had on team morale.

Dr. Ward revisits his experience and philosophy on his switch in the 1990’s to paying staff much more than “industry standards” and how that move affected both revenue and quality of life for him and his team.

Beckie stresses the importance of protective the title of “veterinary technician” in employment listings and how to handle a boss or manager not playing fair with pay and benefits.

Viewfinders, we hope these tough conversations continue to spark change within the veterinary profession. We had a blast recording this episode and would love to hear from you!

This week co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT reports to us from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada where there’s a lot of talk about the big veterinary corporations and pet retailers and the impact they’re having throughout the profession (spoiler: a couple are engaged in a battle of lawsuits amongst other issues).

Co-host Dr. Ernie Ward talks with Beckie from deep within his home podcast bunker and the pair muse on how quickly changes are happening in the pet and veterinary industries as we (hopefully) begin to see a little post-pandemic light ahead. Well, at least a few in-person veterinary conferences are happening, so there’s that.

Beckie and Ernie discuss the lessons veterinary professionals can learn from some of the more well-organized (and funded) large corporate practices and pet retailers, and what independent practices can do to remain competitive for staff.

Beckie drops gems such as “veterinary technicians are going over you or with you” and “ride not resist” when it comes to positive changes, while Dr. Ward applauds veterinary technicians and support staff for standing up for self-care, mental health support, and better working conditions.

Viewfinders, there’s a lot to unpack from this trip to Vegas! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to stop by your favorite podcast player and drop a brief 5-star review! It helps so much! Thanks and we’ll talk to you next week!