We talk a lot on the Veterinary Viewfinder about the importance of self-care and wellness, including taking time off for yourself. Even though we may escape our veterinary clinics from time to time, how to we truly disconnect from the incessant text questions, prescription approvals, and myriad of other interrupters during “time off?”

This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT Maher their tips and advice for setting boundaries when taking time off work. Beckie shares her recent vacation experience and how she dealt with requests while she was celebrating her 10-year wedding anniversary.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who manages or owns a veterinary practice. As Dr. Ward says, “Respecting time off begins with leadership and leads to workplace culture.”

If you know someone or are struggling yourself with “time-off guilt” or unsure how to disconnect without missing out or letting down your team, this episode is meant for you!

Viewfinders, thank you again for your loyal listening and helping us reach tens of thousands of downloads each month! 200!!

How do you prepare for vacation or taking a long weekend? Do you have “time-off guilt?” We want to hear from you!

Many veterinary professionals are beginning to plan for their 2021 Continuing Education requirements. Many of us have questions and concerns about coronavirus and conferences. Is it safe? How are the facilities disinfecting? Are masks required? How full will the lecture rooms and exhibit halls be? Will food be served? This week, we have an exclusive conversation with NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill and the Executive Director for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Mark Tester to answer these questions and more.

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT is on vacation - and on the mend after injuring her knee - this week.

Dr. Ernie and his guests go deep on the cleaning protocols of the OCCC and VMX 2021, how VMX has created new policies regarding attendance, room capacity, and movement in the OCCC. Needless, to say, the 2021 VMX will look very different from previous conferences. Dr. Ernie also inquires about the VMX’s historical “ladies bathroom shortages” and how the conference is adjusting this year.

We also discuss how VMX 2021 is going virtual on the internet and why this is important for the global veterinary community. In addition, listen closely as Gene explains special incentives, benefits, and their flexible cancellation policies for 2021.

Viewfinders, this is an excellent conversation from two people who have a lot a stake - and a lot of people’s health and safety on their minds - during this pandemic. I think you’ll find the steps they’re taking and the seriousness with which they perform their duties comforting. This is another tough COVID-19 conversation for the veterinary profession, but one that will surely leave you hopeful for 2021.

Viewfinders, are you planning on attending VMX 2021 in Orlando in January? What about other conferences? Is COVID-19 influencing your CE decisions? We want to hear from you!

Thank you again for your loyal listening. This marks Episode 199! Stay safe and we’ll see you next week.

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!

Crowdsourcing has become a routine decision-making tactic for many veterinary professionals. Whether asking for advice on social media, posing a challenging case on a medical forum, or asking for help with a personal issue, throwing our questions and concerns into the internet has become increasingly popular and practical.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the pros and cons of asking the internet for help. The pair share their own experiences with seeking assistance from both traditional mentors and friends as well as the internet.

Dr. Ward expresses his deep belief in the power of interpersonal relationships and networks while Beckie reviews the tremendous potential of remote advice, especially for veterinary professionals living in rural areas.

This is a complex and nuanced issue, and we hope we’ve provided a little more clarity on how you can optimize your online advice experiences and avoid the potential pitfalls.

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!

Millions of pets have become "Pandemic Pets" as quarantined homes welcomed furry friends to help ease the stress of disruptions caused by COVID-19.

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topic of whether or not these pandemic pets are receiving proper veterinary preventive care and if this puts these newly-adopted dogs and cats at greater risk of preventable diseases.

The duo share real-life stories and offer solutions to the causes of this surge in pets at potential risk.

They also reveal unexpected lifestyle risks associated with the novel coronavirus pandemic and how veterinary professional scan be proactive at connecting with pet parents and protecting dogs and cats.

This is an important discussion we hope the Viewfinders enjoy. Dr. Ernie and Beckie highlight several pet care issues that have been largely unacknowledged need more attention from our profession.

Viewfinders, what have your experiences been? How are you winning at relations with shelters and foster groups? What steps are you taking to communicate with pet parents? We want to hear from you!

Thank you again for your loyal listening! Let us know if there's a tough topic you'd like us to tackle! Stay safe!

Veterinary clinics around the country are reporting more confrontations with angry pet parents. This week, we dive into why this may be happening and what your veterinary team can do to help.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge veterinary professionals around the world. On disturbing trend is increased conflict with frustrated and angry, sometimes violent, clients.

This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle why veterinarians may be seeing more angry clients and steps to de-escalate a tense client interaction.

Viewfinders, this is an excellent discussion on a wide range of topics and tactics concerning conflict resolution. Please share it with your team or colleagues you think could use a little help or inspiration.

If you have a tough topic you’d like us to tackle, let us know on Instagram (@VeterinaryViewfinder) or Facebook (/VeterinaryViewfinder)!

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!

Viewfinders, Beckie and Ernie wanted to let everyone know they’re safe and thank you for your messages of concern and support.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT live where Hurricane Isaias made a direct hit on August 3, 2020.

Dr. Ward shares his experiences and why he believes they’ll call this the “Fire Hurricane” in the history books. He recounts the flooding, fires, and hurricane force winds that this “sleeper storm” ravaged on the Carolina coast.

Dr. Ward shares why he believes this was the worst storm he’s experienced in his 28 years living on a tiny barrier island.

We’ll be back next week tackling another tough topic in veterinary medicine!

Thank you, Viewfinders for your love and support!

This week we’re proud to bring you a special conversation with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Dr. Allen Cannedy.

Dr. Allen Cannedy is a dedicated mentor and recruiter of students from groups that are underrepresented in veterinary medicine. For example, he regularly invites pre-college aged students to shadow him as he makes patient calls during his personal large animal practice.

The commitment to mentoring and recruiting has been a hallmark of Cannedy’s career. His work with NCSU CVM has resulted in many students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and from both in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities attending his veterinary school, whether they are first-year veterinary students, interns, or residents getting a final year of clinical experience before entering into their careers.

Dr. Cannedy joins hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT for a real-world candid conversation about the challenges minorities face in veterinary medicine, how both veterinary schools and the industry can help, and his story of overcoming personal challenges to become a veterinarian.

This is an inspiring discussion and is helpful to understand how all of us can help increase diversity and promote inclusion within our own veterinary practices.

Plus, Dr. Cannedy settles a challenge between Beckie and Ernie. Ernie says it’s a draw; Beckie says she wins. Listen to the end of this podcast to find out what this is all about!

Viewfinders, we’re committed to making our profession more open-minded and accepting all all people, regardless of color, religion, sexuality, or even personal statements (listen to the end!). We desire a world where people aren’t judged by how they look, but by what they do. Together, we can seize this moment and make our community a more loving, peaceful, and open.

As Dr. Ward says in the podcast, diversity and inclusion ultimately relies on each of us “to make small, brave acts.” Listen to this podcast and share how you can help improve diversity and inclusion in your clinic.

Thank you Viewfinders for your loyal listening! If there’s a “tough topic” you’d like us to “tackle,” drop us a line or message us on social media. Stay safe! See you next Wednesday!

We’re used to talking about veterinary professionals being attacked online and experiencing cyberbullying by angry clients, organizations, and the general public. But what happens when veterinary professionals cyberbully each other?

This week we’re joined by a veterinarian who has been cyberbullied by her professional colleagues and a therapist who specializes in helping veterinary professionals deal with these sorts of issues.

Dr. Crystal Heath shares her story of cyberbullying by an online group of veterinary professionals and how this has affected her both personally and professionally. We also learn how she’s turning this personal tragedy into a resource for other veterinary students and animal health professionals.

Julie Squires, BA, CCFS, is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping veterinarians and veterinary professionals. She provides insight into why some people resort to online attacks, how to cope, and strategies for resiliency.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT would like to encourage anyone who is confronting peer attacks, whether online or in clinic, to share their story and get help. This is tough topic that affects many of our colleagues and needs to be stopped.

This week we take a moment to remember the loss of Summer Taylor with special guest Jade Velasquez, LVT, president of Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, chair of NAVTA's PR committee, and sits on NAVTA's Membership committee.

Next, we tackle the tough topic of pet insurance fraud with a longtime Viewfinder, Eliza Mariner, RVT. Eliza reached out to us by email after confronting a potentially uncomfortable situation that bordered on unethical and illegal.

Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss pet insurance fraud along with other equally morally-challenging scenarios that many veterinary professionals confront each day.

This episode is an extension of previous podcasts on the impact of how seemingly insignificant daily interactions can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and poor patient care.

Viewfinders, we’d like to thank Eliza for reaching out with a topic she thought the Veterinary Viewfinder should tackle! If you have a tough topic you’d like us to cover, drop us a line! Thanks for listening each Wednesday for the past 3.5 years and making us the top-ranked veterinary topics podcast!