Chances are you’ve received at least one unsolicited plea for veterinary medical advice from a friend, family member, or some random person on social media. How do you respond politely and professionally? How do you set boundaries with folks in the “real world?” This week we look deeper into one of the more frustrating - and stressful - aspects of being a veterinary professional.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, examine all sides of the professional and personal boundaries we establish and (try to) maintain. Drawing on real-world examples and experiences, this conversation will surely spark debate and discussions within your clinic.

Applying for a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS), work promotion, or a new job can be daunting. This week we talk to Heather Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), about the process to apply for a VTS and how to land that new job or new title!

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as Beckie Mossor, RVT, has an unexpected last-minute conflict. Luckily for the Viewfinders, we’re joined by the dynamic Heather Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS, to discover how a credentialed veterinary technician can succeed on the VTS journey. 

This wide-ranging conversation is full of tips and tricks to make any job application stand out from the crowd. If you’re curious to learn about becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist, this podcast is simply a must-listen-to episode. 

It's not often you get to talk with a two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, eleven-time New York Times Best-Selling author, human performance expert, and a dear friend. Viewfinders, we are thrilled and honored to bring you another exclusive interview with the extraordinary Steven Kotler to talk about his new book, "Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad," and how you can apply his research to reach your peak potential, no matter your age!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, welcome back the incomparable Steven Kotler. Viewfinders, this wide-ranging conversation covers everything from how you can achieve incredible things at any age to how Steven's rescue chihuahuas taught him about the flow state to peak performance insights for veterinary professionals (Steven's wife, Joy, worked for many years in a veterinary clinic in addition to running their animal sanctuary). 

Our friend Steven Kotler has written six books on flow and peak performance. Yet, because of the complicated nature of flow science and his desire for readers to understand that science, those books could only capture a small portion of what it actually means to apply these ideas on a day-to-day basis. 

Gnar Country, on the other hand? This book goes far beyond the basics of peak performance. It’s a nuanced, expert-level view. Less science, more practice (so you can get after it).

Pre-order your copy now and receive over $1,750 in free peak performance tools & training: www.gnarcountry.com

Learn more at www.stevenkotler.com 

The 2022 NAVTA Demographics survey was released during VMX 2023. This week we discuss the findings, actions we can take, and questions for the future.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and President-Elect of NAVTA, Beckie Mossor, RVT, take a deep dive into the findings of this critical survey. The last demographics survey was conducted in 2016, and, wow, some things have changed - and others remained, sadly, the same.

The survey results revealed the following highlights:

• The average Veterinary Technician is earning 25% more than in 2016.
• More than 70% of Veterinary Technicians have an Associates’ degree, up 16% from 2016.
• More than 1/3 of Veterinary Technicians have student loan debt, averaging $29,700/person.
• One-third of Veterinary Technicians have a second job, most often at full-time.

Viewfinders, this is an important discussion for the veterinary profession. We encourage you to share it with your colleagues, discuss your thoughts, and get involved!

This week we’re recording live from the world’s largest veterinary conference - VMX, in Orlando, Florida! We cover the happenings, who’s here, and our vision for the future of VMX.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, are recording live from the floor of VMX 2023. They’re joined by over 27,000 veterinary professionals interested in learning about the latest advancement in veterinary medicine. This show is for anyone interested in what VMX (and NAVC) is all about and for those attending who might’ve missed some of the news. 

Dr. Ernie Ward shares his excitement and joy at the record-breaking attendance of over 27,000 and what this means for the future of veterinary CE. Beckie walks us through some of the important issues for veterinary support staff being promoted throughout the conference. Both share their hopes and aspirations for the future of VMX and how you can help influence future CE offerings. 

Viewfinders, we don’t often have the opportunity to record live from such an amazing event. We hope you’ll share in our admiration for VMX and NAVC after listening to this episode! There’s always room for improvement, and we’re sure VMX is listening to you! 

As we begin a new year, many veterinary professionals set goals to become professional writers, speakers, or influencers. This week we share our advice for aspiring future leaders and lessons we’ve learned that may accelerate your progress.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, review their journeys into the world of veterinary writing and speaking and their top tips for anyone interested in pursuing the role of “key opinion leaders” or, dare we say, “influencer.” During this episode, you’ll also learn why Dr. Ward and Beckie are somewhat uncomfortable with that term.)

Viewfinders, this episode is full of nuggets that can help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Ward and Beckie will be at VMX 2023 in Orlando, Florida, next week, so be on the lookout and say “Hi!”

What better way to spend a New Year’s Day than visiting a veterinary emergency clinic - as a patient and client! Our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT, had to take her doggo to the ER on New Year’s Day, and she gained a lot of insight into how you can provide better patient care and client service. Viewfinders, there are a lot of good lessons in this week’s episode.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Motor, RVT, share their recent experiences in hospital ER rooms. Dr. Ward recounts the eye injury he sustained (initially discussed in episode 317), and Beckie reviews her New Year’s Day vet ER visit.

Dr. Ward and Beckie would like to thank ER staff members who took care of them and worked tirelessly throughout the holidays. But both also believe there are lessons to be learned, and as Dr. Ward describes his 2023 intention, we should all strive to make everything in our personal and professional lives better this year. Here’s to a Better 2023!

Predicting the future is tough…but we do it anyway every year! This week hosts Dr. Ernie Warden Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss some of the topics and trends they believe veterinary professionals will be talking about in 2023 and beyond.

Viewfinders, we hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for listening in 2022, and we hope to share your speakers for half an hour each week in 2023! Happy New Year!

Happy holidays, Viewfinders! This week we’ve got a special rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” written by our very own Beckie Mossor, RVT!

If your social media is anything like ours, you’ve seen a lot of questions and concerns about the upcoming National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Board of Directors elections. You may have also been following Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown (vavsd.org (http://vavsd.org)) and their efforts to have the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reclassify ventilation shutdown, which uses a form of heatstroke to kill pigs and chickens. This week we discuss these issues and why you should care about how our membership-led professional organizations operate. Viewfinders, this is another hot topic all veterinary professionals need to know about! (And find out why Dr. Ward made Beckie cry!)

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss why Beckie is running for NAVTA President and what the latest controversy is about. Beckie stresses the need for all veterinary professionals to get involved with their professional organizations and why change often takes longer than you’d like. Ernie offers advice on how professional organizations can get members more involved and why he continues to support a democratic and bureaucratic process, despite not winning his position on several topics (telemedicine and ventilation shutdown, for example.)

Viewfinders, if you’re a NAVTA member, be sure to vote before December 31, 2022. Dr. Ward shares why he believes this may be the most important election in recent history. Good luck, Beckie! 

Non-compete clauses have been standard practice in veterinarian contracts for decades. This week we're joined by veterinary hiring consultant Paul Diaz to discuss why he believes non-competes should be abolished.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, share the mic with Paul Diaz to review the history and usage of a non-compete clause in employment contracts for veterinary professionals. Paul reveals why this practice is unfair and potentially harmful to veterinarians' mental well-being and future opportunities. Beckie reviews her experiences with non-compete clauses and why vet techs should take notice. Dr. Ward and Paul describe what they believe is a better option and how to negotiate for it when accepting a job.

Viewfinders, does your clinic require a non-compete? If so, do you agree with them? What other solutions do you propose? Please email us your thoughts at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

Winston, an unarguably adorable French bulldog, took top honors at the 2022 National Dog Show. Historically, breeds crowned Best in Show surged in popularity. Will Winston's win result in a flurry of French bulldogs this year?

Viewfinders, this is another potentially sticky situation for veterinary professionals. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss the dichotomy of a French bulldog winning the crown jewel of US dog shows in the same year countries such as Norway are banning them. The pair review the diverging differences in attitudes toward brachycephalic breeds in European countries and the US.

Our hosts share ideas to bridge the divide between breeders, breed enthusiasts, and rescue/shelter communities. Dr. Ward expresses his support for identifying and registering responsible breeders and the need for state and national veterinary organizations to get involved. Beckie reveals that loving and supporting pure breeds and rescue pets aren't mutually exclusive. She calls on veterinary professionals and breeders to share how they can - and should - work together.

Viewfinders, do you anticipate a flurry of Frenchies in your clinic? What are you do to educate clients on the unique needs of brachycephalic breeds? Please share your thoughts and opinions on one of our social media platforms or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.