In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser tackle a surprising new challenge in the veterinary profession: corporate layoffs. Once confined to tech companies and big businesses, layoffs have begun to impact veterinary professionals, raising questions about job stability in corporate settings versus private practice. Dr. Ward, with over 30 years of veterinary experience, reflects on the seismic shift, offering insights into how to prepare for potential job losses and whether the corporate world really offers greener pastures compared to traditional, independently-owned private practice. Together, Ernie and Beckie explore how these changes affect not just the profession but also the individuals who dedicate their lives to animal care. Tune in to discover strategies for navigating this new corporate reality, questions to ask before accepting a new job, and protecting your career in an ever-evolving veterinary landscape.

In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, discuss a tough and often uncomfortable topic: what to do when a new hire isn't cutting it in your veterinary clinic. Whether handling animals, interacting with clients, or managing information, some employees struggle to meet the demands of the job. 

Dr. Ward and Beckie explore the signs that an employee may not have the necessary skills, the potential impacts on your practice, and, most importantly, how to address these issues professionally and effectively. They discuss strategies for providing support, offering training, and, when necessary, making the difficult decision to part ways. Tune in for practical advice on navigating this tricky situation to maintain a high-performing veterinary team.

Self-care is crucial for a thriving veterinary career, yet everyday challenges often hinder our pursuit of well-being. This week on the Veterinary Viewfinder, we delve into some of the most common reasons people fail to adhere to self-care practices: too little time, money, and ability to do it. Our special return guest is  Rebecca Newman, a certified veterinary technician and well-being expert. Rebecca shares strategies to overcome self-imposed barriers, helping you kickstart your wellness journey. Join Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, as they explore practical tips for achieving a balanced, healthy life in the demanding world of veterinary medicine.

In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser tackle a critical but often overlooked issue in the veterinary profession: climate change. 

As human medical schools in the United States and worldwide begin to integrate climate change into their curricula, the veterinary field needs to catch up. Dr. Ward and Beckie discuss the growing importance of addressing climate change within veterinary education and continuing professional development. 

They explore how environmental changes are already impacting animal health and what the veterinary community can learn from advancements in human medicine. This conversation challenges veterinary professionals to consider the future of our profession - and planet - in a rapidly changing world and the steps needed to prepare for tomorrow's health challenges. 

Join us this week to understand why climate change should be on every veterinary agenda and how to advocate for its inclusion in veterinary curricula.

In this episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder,” veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser explore the inspiring world of Olympic athletes and the valuable lessons they offer for veterinary professionals. 

As the Olympic Games have come to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the extraordinary performances and personal stories that captivated the world. But what can veterinarians and their teams learn from these elite athletes? 

Dr. Ward and Beckie dive into the principles of perseverance, discipline, and resilience that define Olympic champions and discuss how these traits can be applied to improve both your veterinary practice and personal life. 

Whether you're striving for excellence in your clinic or looking to enhance your well-being, this episode offers practical insights drawn from the world’s top athletes. Tune in to discover how you can bring the mindset of an Olympian to your everyday work and achieve your own gold medal moments in veterinary medicine.

In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder podcast, we delve into the future of veterinary diagnostics with our special guest, Ed Goluch, PhD, CEO and founder of QSM Diagnostics. Join co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Becky Bosser as they explore the innovative in-home diagnostic testing technology developed by QSM Diagnostics and its potential to revolutionize veterinary medicine.

Dr. Goluch shares insights into how their cutting-edge technology works, making diagnostic testing more accessible and efficient for veterinary practices. This episode addresses a common challenge in clinical medicine: the difficulties of obtaining timely diagnostic tests and ensuring consistent follow-up testing. Dr. Goluch explains how in-home diagnostic solutions, entirely controlled by the veterinary healthcare team, can streamline these processes, leading to improved patient care and better outcomes for pet patients.

Viewfinders, in this podcast, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of in-home diagnostic testing, including enhanced efficiency, reduced stress for pets and owners (and staff!), and more accurate and timely diagnoses. This episode is a must-listen for veterinary professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in diagnostic technology and elevate the standard of care in their practices. Tune in to discover how QSM Diagnostics is paving the way for the future of veterinary diagnostics.

Thank you, Dr. Goluch, for sharing this information with the Viewfinders!

To learn more, visit qsmdiagnostics.com.

This week, we’re celebrating our 400th consecutive weekly episode! What a landmark!

This week, co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser dive into the hotly debated topic of skills testing for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

With discussions about licensing and credentialing gaining momentum nationwide, we examine the benefits and pitfalls of incorporating skills testing into professional licensing requirements. Is our current system sufficient, or is it time for a change? How can skills testing improve our profession, and what challenges might it present?

Please tune in to this milestone episode as we reflect on the evolution of veterinary education and explore the future of testing competency in the field. Don’t miss this engaging conversation as we celebrate our journey and look forward to the future of veterinary medicine.

In this week's episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Registered Veterinary Technician Becky Mosser delve into the nuances of personal preferences in veterinary practice.

It's common for veterinary professionals to have certain tasks they prefer to avoid, but how do you know when pickiness crosses the line? Join us as we explore the delicate balance between maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring comprehensive patient care.

We'll discuss what you should and shouldn't expect from your role, how to communicate your preferences effectively, and the potential impact on your clinic and team dynamics. Tune in for insightful discussions and practical advice on managing your professional pickiness in a way that benefits both you and your practice.

In this episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, we dive into a historic achievement for veterinary technicians: their inclusion in the Minnesota Veterinary Practice Act. This monumental change, a result of nearly two decades of advocacy, means that the term "veterinary technician" will be protected by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (MBVM), along with an interesting pathway for licensureWe'll talk with one of the key architects of this groundbreaking legislation, Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology), about its implications for veterinary professionals in Minnesota and beyond. Discover how this new law, signed into effect as part of a 1430-page omnibus package, sets a precedent for other states and elevates the veterinary technician profession.

Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, MPA, RVT, as they explore the journey to this victory, the upcoming licensure process, and what it all means for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Becky Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into the hot topic of job-hopping for higher salaries. As the trend of leaving jobs within the first two years for better pay continues, they explore whether this is a wise move for veterinary professionals - and the long-term health of the profession. Join them as they discuss the potential personal implications, risks, and benefits of chasing a bigger paycheck, both for individuals and the veterinary profession as a whole.

In this week's episode of the Veterinary Viewfinder, we explore an unexpected trend: American pet owners traveling to Mexico for veterinary care. From surgeries to dentistry and a range of medical procedures, more and more people are crossing the border to seek affordable veterinary care for their pets. We'll delve into the stories behind this phenomenon, discuss why it's happening, and offer insights that veterinary professionals need to know. 

Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, MPA, RVT, as they review the factors driving this growing movement and what it means for the future of pet healthcare.

This week, our hosts travel to the annual American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) convention in Austin, Texas. Discover the heated debates and critical updates on veterinary medical ethics arising from the AVMA’s House of Delegates approval of a recently revised Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME).

Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Becky Mosser, MPA, RVT, as they delve into some of the changes to the PVME that they believe will affect many veterinary professionals.

Our duo starts by discussing the newly-introduced ethical usage by veterinarians of the term “veterinary technician,” some significant changes to the ethical definition of “evidence-based medicine,” why the omission of a single one matters to them, and the controversial topic of animal depopulation and ventilation shutdown (VSD+) receives an ethical okay from the AVMA HOD.

Viewfinders, we hope these conversations continue to propel our profession forward. We want to thank our colleagues at the AVMA Executive Board and HOD for their work, regardless of their opinions, and welcome the opportunity to share different perspectives on the issues that affect the veterinary profession.