As people around the country (and the world) have been forced into working from home and reduced social interactions, some people have filled their days with drinking excess alcohol or lighting up a joint or two.

Many veterinary practices are reporting higher than usual numbers of inebriated, intoxicated, and otherwise wasted pet parents visiting their clinics.

This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, hammer out some of their real-life loaded tales from veterinary practice, how they helped their staff avoid getting bombed by these unexpected events, and why creating a plan can help your team walk a straight line.

This is a serious topic that deserves more attention within our profession. Our hosts discuss why these sorts of situations lead to burn-out and stress, and what our professional organization should be doing to help.

Viewfinders, let us know if you’re seeing an uptick in drunk or stoned pet parents trying to cope with the stress of the global pandemic. How is your practice handling these situations?

As Dr. Ward says, “Stay safe…and stay sober!” Cheers, Viewfinders!

Millions of pets have been fostered, adopted, or somehow wiggled their way into innumerable homes and hearts around the country (and the world). How can veterinary professionals help this new generation of pet parents make the right pet care decisions when they’re still “Pre-Pet Parents?”

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT go over some simple and effective ways any veterinary practice can begin helping current or prospective clients make the best decisions on the right species, breed, size, and age for their next pet family member.

The duo discuss a variety of online tools, blog and social media posts, and team efforts to make sure the veterinary voice is heard out in the “very big World Wide Web.”

The pair also discuss what happens to pets if an owner passes away (young or old, expected or not) and learn what Dr. Ward believes veterinary professional organizations and corporate veterinary practices should be doing to help pet parents with pet estate planning and how these steps and tools could potentially encourage more pet parents.

This is a wide-ranging conversation with plenty of real-world practical tips.

Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy this “Coronavirus-free” episode and are staying safe!

The gut microbiome has been intensely studied for the past 20 years, yet we’re only now beginning to understand it’s impact on overall health.

This week we have one of the top researchers in the animal microbiome, Dr. Holly Ganz from Animal Biome in Berkeley, California.

Dr. Ganz shares her story of her 20 years researching the gut microbiome, her development of “poo pills” to treat a variety of intestinal and digestive disorders, and her own story of overcoming breast cancer.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT “take a seat” to discuss some of the “poopular” myths about the microbiome, their love of “poo cocktails” and “poo slurries,” and why they wish more veterinary professionals would “spin down the poo.” Enough already with the poo puns.

Viewfinders, what do you think about “poo pills,” probiotics, and dietary fiber? Are you researching the influence the gut bacteria have on overall health and behavior? Definitely share this with your favorite “veterinary poofessional.” Sorry.

Stay safe out there, Viewfinders! See you next week!

Resilience: “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” But what does it mean for veterinary professionals?

This week we’re joined again with Dr. Sarah Wooten to discuss the topic of bouncing back from failure and confronting stress in practice. Developing and nurturing our resilience seems even more essential these days.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real with the stress most veterinary professionals face each day. The trio offer examples and solutions that will benefit any team or individual.

This is an uplifting, authentic, and practical conversation about how we can all achieve more calmness and clarity in our lives.

Please share this podcast with a colleague, co-worker, or friend who needs a little shot of positivity this week!

Thanks for listening, Viewfinders, and stay safe!!

This week we’re handing over our mic for an important message from Ahsante the Artist on “How to be a Good Ally - Identity, Privilege, Resistance.” Although this presentation was originally published on YouTube in August 2017, we think its message is particularly meaningful today.

You can watch her powerful video here: https://youtu.be/q7ElX4GFQpI and visit her website here: https://www.ahsantetheartist.com/

We also encourage you to visit the Black DVM Network at https://www.blackdvmnetwork.com/ and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blackdvmnetwork/ They’re doing amazing - and essential - work to help bring more diversity into the veterinary profession.

Could an experimental Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) drug be the secret to treating human COVID-19?

This week we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the California-based Anivive Lifesciences team to discuss their recent FDA submittal to use their experimental FIP drug on human coronavirus patients.

Anivive’s Founder & CEO, Mr. Dylan Balsz joins us along with Dr. David Bruyette, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Chad Dodd, Chief Commercial Officer to share their exciting story.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn about how a companion animal drug company’s deep research and experience with coronaviruses is helping develop an advanced treatment for for humans suffering from COVID-19.

This conversation emphasizes the importance of the One Health concept, how veterinarians are uniquely poised to tackle pandemics, and the exciting prospects for using software to accelerate biotechnologies and usher in medical breakthroughs for both humans and animals.

And Dr. Dave Bruyette. Anytime you have the chance to learn from Dr. Bruyette, don't pass it up!

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!

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the human-animal bond has arguably never been more important and essential for human well-being.

This week we’re delighted to be joined by the newly elected President of the Human Animal Bond Institute and longtime animal welfare advocate, veterinarian Dr. Laird Goodman.

Dr. Goodman joins hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT to share this story of animal advocacy, what the goals and aspirations of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABI https://www.humananimalbond.net/ are, and what Beckie has to do with all of this (hint: she’s taken on even MORE responsibilities!).

Also, Viewfinders, please do me, Dr. ERNIE (listen to this episode near the beginning and you’ll get the joke), a huge favor and leave Beckie a billboard-sized graduation congratulatory note on our Veterinary Viewfinder Facebook or Instagram page (this time, listen to the episode near the end and you’ll get it). So proud of you, Beckie!! FIERCE!!!

Viewfinders, this is another super-upbeat and impactful conversation. Dr. Goodman has been promoting the power of the human-animal bond for most of his career and is a delight to interview! Do us a favor, subscribe, share, and leave us an iTunes Podcast review to help us reach more of our colleagues. Thank you!!

Have you ever witnessed something in veterinary practice or animal handling that you felt uncomfortable about? Who do you turn to if you suspect animal abuse, negligence, and malpractice is occurring? What if your employer doesn’t provide adequate PPE or a safe working environment in the COVID-19 era?

This week we’re joined by veterinarian an attorney Lance Roasa to discuss these tough topics. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the ethical, moral, and legal issues involved in a real-life declaw case.

The conversation turns to reporting unsafe working conditions, especially post-COVID-19, and how to file a coronavirus-related report.

The trio also offer advice on what to do if you’re confronted by a situation you consider immoral or even unethical, yet fails to fall into the category of illegal.

This is a powerful episode packed with practical advice. Please share with your veterinary colleagues as well as veterinary students and veterinary technician students. This is a raw, real-life conversation that will touch anyone involved in caring for animals.

This week we’re honored to bring the Viewfinders an exclusive interview with the new CEO of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Gene O’Neill.

Gene shares his story of going from CPA to CEO of the NAVC with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT.

This episode reveals how Gene transitioned from serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the NAVC for the past 7 years into his new role as CEO. He shares the challenges of taking over during a global pandemic, how NAVC has helped the veterinary community both during the current coronavirus pandemic and Australian bushfires tragedy (for more on this, be sure to listen to our outstanding discussion on this with Australian veterinarian Dr. Anne Fawcett - episode 163).

Gene discusses how the NAVC is preparing to host VMX in January 2021 and what changes to veterinary continuing education (CE) he sees moving forward.

Ernie encourages Gene to continue expanding the NAVC’s role as a professional and industry advocate at both the state and federal regulatory levels. The trio discuss the importance of having an organized veterinary medicine group that reflects and represents the contemporary challenges faced by today’s veterinary professionals.

We’re so grateful that Gene took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to talk directly to the Viewfinders.

Many of our veterinary friends and colleagues are stuck in their hometowns (and homes) and missing continuing education (CE) conferences and veterinary organizational meetings. That’s no good.

So Beckie and a group of super-friends decided to bring a global conference to you!

This week, host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by a Veterinary Viewfinder regular guest, Julie Legred, CVT to talk about their latest project, a virtual veterinary team conference they call Vet Team Global Stream!

Julie and Beckie discuss why they created the Vet Team Global Stream conference, why it was important for them to include all members of the veterinary healthcare team (no credentials required!), and who some of the guest speakers and entertainment will be!

This is fun conversation that touches on veterinary life during (and after) the pandemic, and stresses the importance of personal education and self-improvement. There’s a LOT to unpack in this episode!

To learn more about the conference, visit www.VTGSConference.com

Early bird discounts end May 1, 2020, so sign up soon!