During the past 18 months, nearly every veterinary practice has experienced unprecedented demands and challenges. Throw in the reality of an historically-tight job market, with few available veterinarians and vet techs to go around, and you’ve got even more problems. These difficulties have caused considerable professional (and personal) burnout, with many colleagues not knowing how they could possibly take a break. That’s where relief (or locus) veterinary staff could help heal your practice ills.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by Dr. Cindy Trice, Founder of Relief Rover, an online service that connect veterinary clinics with relief help.

Dr. Trice shares how she started in relief work, what led to the formation of ReliefRover.com, and how impactful leveraging relief staff can be for an overworked team.

Viewfinders, you know we’re compactly lamenting the fact that you’re overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated. Here’s a solution we think could help you (at least) get a break to recharge your spirit (and body, relationships, etc.).

What have your experiences with relief vets or vet techs been? Is this something you think would help your clinic? Share your thoughts (and a 5-star review) over on Apple Podcasts or our social media! Thank you!

DOOBERT! Doobert! So fun to say, we had to say it twice! So what is it?

This week we sit down with the Founder of Doobert.com, Chris Roy. Doobert is “an online software platform custom-built for animal rescuers. It’s like a combination of Match.com specifically for animal shelters and rescues to find new partners, and then a volunteer Uber for getting the animals where they need to go.” You’re gonna want to listen to this one!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn all about the innovative Doobert platform that connects animal rescue volunteers or “Dooberteers” to transport shelter pets across town or across country. This “pet rescue relay” is super cool and saving lives!

Viewfinders, we hope this inspiring ray of goodness warms your week! Thank you to Chris and all the Dooberteers for helping those that can not help themselves. Bravo!

Visit www.doobert.com to learn more or volunteer to help.

Veterinary practices around the country are reporting high numbers of veterinary staff failing (or bailing) on interviews or even work. Is “ghosting” or saying nothing becoming the new way to say, “No”? This week we discuss.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the concerning trend of veterinary job applicants “ghosting” veterinary practices during the hiring process. Is this really a thing? If so, why? And what can we do to improve communications during interview and hiring?

The duo tackle the reasons why “ghosting” may be on the rise, the role social media may be having on the acceptance or failing to follow-through, and the impacts this behavior may have in the short- and long-terms. As Beckie shares, “Do you want guilt in the short-term or resentment in the long-term?” We explore.

Viewfinders, is “ghosting” jobs becoming accepted? What affects may “no shows” have on existing staff? What happens to the future job prospects for folks who “ghost” veterinary clinics? So much to talk about this episode!

Viewfinders, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share with us on social media or email veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com And thanks for not ghosting us for the past (nearly) 5 years!

Burnout. Debt. Suicide. These are some of the topics closely associated with the veterinary profession in 2021. But are these negative narratives hurting our appeal to the next generation of veterinary professionals? This week we discuss the current public perceptions of veterinary medicine and how we can change them for the better.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topic of how an onslaught of negative news about veterinary professionals may be influencing - and perhaps curtailing - the future of our profession.

The pair discuss burnout, student debt, suicide and depression, title protection, (dis)organized veterinary medicine, and a whole lot more during this episode.

Viewfinders, this is another wide-ranging conversation about a topic we think deserves more attention and action from our colleagues. Share your thoughts with us online or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com

The real “gold medalist” of the Tokyo Olympics may be mental health. Simone Biles and Novak Djokovic each brought their own “twist” on how we can “smash” false perceptions about pressure, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges faced by elite athletes and, yes, even veterinary professionals. (You'll have to listen to find out the meaning of those puns!) Viewfinders, this is a good one!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT review the very different repossess to Simone Biles withdrawal from some of her Olympic competitions due to personal concerns about her mental health and the “twisties.” Beckie shares her experience with the “twisties” as a prior gymnastics coach and why it’s a particularly dangerous, and largely inexplicable, condition.

The pair reflect on comments made by tennis star Novak Djokovic about Biles and her mental health revelations. They also compare and contrast how Biles rose to compete again with Djokovic’s on-court tantrum and quitting the mixed doubles competition just before he and his partner’s Bronze medal match. We couldn’t have scripted a more timely and relevant large-scale example to spark a mental health discussion in veterinary medicine.

Viewfinders, this episode serves as an excellent backdrop for you and your team to begin a wellness and self-care journey toward better mental health. We worry that our profession inadvertently continues to reward and promote the “tough it out” and “just get over it” attitudes toward mental and physical health through our actions, social media posts, and treatment of those who speak out in support or need. We can do better than our current systems of “burned out in 5 years” that seems pervasive in 2021.

Viewfinders, what do you think about the discussion around the Olympics and mental health? Are there lessons veterinary medicine can benefit from? How are you having these conversations in your clinic? Share your stories on our social media!

What happens when veterinary team members have pets in need of expensive veterinary care? Do they make payments to their clinic over time? Does their clinic have a limit on outstanding debt? Do co-workers judge each other based on care decisions or running up high bills at the clinic? What happens if the employee leaves? Does a veterinary employee’s ability to “put it on my bill” influence our perception and expectations on our client’s ability or willingness to pay for their pet’s veterinary care? So many tough money questions this week, Viewfinders!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT dip back into the tough topics of money, finances, and debt in the veterinary profession. This week the pair explore the impact of costly veterinary care from a veterinary professional’s perspective.

Topics covered include how a clinic handles a team member with debt, payment options, potential influence on team dynamics, and a variety of “hard lessons learned.”

Viewfinders, this is one of those topics we believe needs further evaluation by our profession. As Becky always says, “Get ahead of this one!”

Viewfinders, how does your clinic handle employee “bills” or delayed payments? Do you have a limit on how much you can “charge?” Do you think this topic impacts our expectations from pet parents? We want to hear from you!

To see Dr. Ward’s video, “WHY DON'T VETERINARIANS TREAT ANIMALS FOR FREE?” Click here: https://youtu.be/3aEiOfLDtgE

And don’t forget to give us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts It helps us reach more of our friends and colleagues!

Each week it seems we learn of another natural disaster related to, caused, or worsened by climate change: wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, mudslides, drought, flood - you name it. And these disasters affect veterinary professionals and pet parents around the world.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary clinics can prepare for disasters and interruptions caused by a variety of emergency situations. They also explore veterinary professionals' responsibilities to our communities and how we can help ease anxiety in our clients should an emergency occur.

The pair also offer advice on training for other emergencies such as robberies, workplace violence, and clients in peril.

Viewfinders, this is another example of how a little preparation can go a long way in helping others.

If you’d like to help the Port Royal Veterinary Hospital mentioned in the podcast, check out the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians (SCAVT) or their GoFundMe at gofund.me/61147fc2

Viewfinders, how are you preparing for natural disasters? Do you have emergency plans in place? Has your clinic been affected by a catastrophe? Share your tips and stories on our social media.

Recently, a very popular North Carolina TikTok star who keeps and “wrangles” venomous cobras in his parent’s basement, lost a cobra while taking it outside in his backyard. For nearly a week, his neighborhood was terrorized by the fear of waking up to a cobra in their house. The cobra was eventually found in a neighbor’s yard and safely captured. It could’ve ended much worse. And this is only one example of the world of exotic animals on TikTok.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore the popularity of social media channels devoted to exotic, and sometime dangerous, animal ownership. The pair tackle what is driving this fascination, what should veterinary professionals do if they see this type of content, and is this creating an increase in exotic animal ownership?

From venomous snakes, spiders, rare mammals, fish, big cats, and more, social media is full of folks showing off their animals. Dr. Ward expresses his genuine concern for these animal’s welfare and why veterinary professionals should “get in front of this trend.”

Beckie shares several exotic animal stories from social media that she’s seeing and steps to encourage responsible animal care.

Viewfinders, this is another hot topic that we think more veterinary professionals need to be talking about. What do you think about these TikTok stars gaining fame (and fortune) keeping exotic animals? What do you think the veterinary profession should do to safeguard animal welfare and public safety? Share your thoughts on our social media!

Happy Summer Holidays! That is, of course, assuming you get any holiday time off, especially if you work in a veterinary clinic. This week we discuss the disturbing trend of requiring veterinary clinic employees to provide shift coverage for taking time off due to vacation or appointments. And when taking a vacation, does your boss or manager text telling you how busy and overworked everyone is while you’re away? Yes, you read that right. Viewfinders, there’s a lot we need to talk about this week.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the trend of requiring veterinary staff to provide ether own coverage when taking time off. Beckie shares several real-life stories of veterinary technicians faced with either covering their missed shifts or not going on vacation. She also reveals how some managers and owners are making their employees feel guilty for the crime of taking time off from work. That’s messed up.

This episode is full of real-life dilemma and stress-inducing, burnout-causing bad management practices. Fortunately, our hosts offer several solutions that may help you this year.

Viewfinders, the struggle - and guilt - is real. We can - and must - do better, or we face burning out an entire generation of talented and dedicated veterinary healthcare professionals. Have you heard of similar tales from veterinary colleagues? What are your favorite tips for more efficient holiday staff scheduling? Share your experiences and opinions on our social media!

Talking about pet obesity can be tricky and challenging for many veterinary professionals? A new study conducted at University of Guelph seeks to understand the potential impact of weight bias and stigmatism on veterinary care and the treatment of pet obesity.

This week we’re back talking about co-host Dr. Ernie Ward’s clinical area of interest, pet obesity. He and co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by Kat Sutherland, BScH, MSc, a PhD candidate from Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph to discuss an important study she’s undertaking with Dr. Jason Coe. Viewfinders, you can help!

The discussion begins with what weight bias and stigma is, how it is learned, and how it may affect our clinical recommendations and outcomes.

The trio discuss tips and advice to help your veterinary clinic team better communicate pet obesity to pet parents.

Viewfinders, there’s A LOT to process in this episode. We hope you’ll take the survey (and a chance to with $100! Canadian money, but, still…) to help us ultimately provide better patient carte. Thank you, Kat! (And what a pawfect name!)

CONTACT:

Kat Sutherland, BScH, MSc

Department of Population Medicine

Ontario Veterinary College

University of Guelph

Exploring veterinary professional-client communication related to pet weight

Veterinary Professional Survey

https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WQv1GscKazDhTU

Happy National Pride Month Viewfinders! This week we’re joined by Pride VMC’s Ernie Spencer, CVT, VTS (ECC) to discuss correctly using pronouns, and inclusion in veterinary practice. It’s good one!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin by emphasizing the importance of the recent Federal proclamation declaring June National Pride Month. Beckie asks Erin to share how this makes members of the LBGTQ+ community feel and Dr. Ward emphasizes the impact national declarations carry in society.

Erin shares tips on correctly using pronouns in the workplace and how to help a co-worker navigate the sometimes intimidating veterinary clinic cultures to encourage inclusivity.

Viewfinders, this is another important topic we believe needs more discussion within our profession. How is your clinic celebrating Pride month? How are you handling pronoun usage in your team? Share your experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram.

Perhaps one of the toughest challenges veterinary professionals face each day is maintaining a positive attitude. Positive work cultures begin with positive leaders, and that’s what we’re going to discuss today.

Josh Vaisman, CCFP, MAPPCP spends his days helping veterinary professionals create positive work environments. A self-described “happy guy,” Josh shares his enthusiasm with the Viewfinders today - and we take this opportunity to tackle the toughest topics you’re facing each day!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin by asking how can we reach or influence negative bosses? What id they don’t want to embrace a positive or safe workplace? What’s an employee to do?

Josh then explains what a “psychological safe space” is and why your clinic needs one, pronto! (Hint: it’s something we’ve been talking about for years on the podcast, so the Viewfinders are well-prepared for today’s lesson!)

Josh details how anyone - and everyone - can find positivity in daily practice and what do to when you encounter negative vibes, poor managers, and toxic teammates.

Viewfinders, this is another excellent podcast you may want to play out loud in your treatment areas for “you know who” to hear! Let us know your thoughts!