Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, we dive into the recent legislative change in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382, exempting the Board of Veterinary Medicine from continuing education requirements. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, discuss the implications of this decision, how it could impact veterinary professionals across the country, and the lessons we can learn. Tune in to explore the potential effects on veterinary practice and the broader industry, and join the conversation about maintaining standards and staying informed in a rapidly evolving field. On May 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382 into law, exempting certain licensees, including the Board of Veterinary Medicine, from continuing education requirements. While Florida lawmakers have promised to address this issue in the next session, what does this mean for the entire country, and what lessons can we learn? Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of recent legal changes affecting the veterinary profession in Florida. Anytime there are changes or threats to our professional licenses, we’re going to talk about it, and that recently happened in Florida. In this episode, we discuss how this controversial legislation potentially impacts all veterinary professionals and the lessons we should learn. Effective July 1, 2024, all Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licensees, including the Board of Veterinary Medicine, who meet certain requirements, will be exempted from their current continuing education requirements. Should veterinarians be exempt from CE in Florida? Beckie responds, “Oh, Florida, just when we thought you couldn't do any better. Ugh, here you are. Welcome to the Veterinary Viewfinder!” If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. Link to the new Florida Law: https://public.lobbytools.com/index.cfm?type=bills&id=65479&utm_source=publisher&utm_medium=js&utm_campaign=content_share #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

🎙️🐾 Welcome back to the Veterinary Viewfinder! For nearly eight years, we've fearlessly tackled the toughest topics in veterinary medicine every single week. This week, we're diving back into the wild world of social media, where controversy is always just a click away. But here's the twist – we're exploring the fine line between being a “social media influencer” and being truly influential in the vet med community. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion – it's one you won't want to scroll past! 🌟📱🐶 Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, for an intriguing and potentially controversial conversation that explores the nuances between “influencer” and “influential,” the influence of hidden money in many veterinary social media posts, and how to handle better some of the personal infighting that’s currently happening in vet med online. Viewfinders, this is a good one! If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

This week's discussion delves into a tough yet all-too-common veterinary practice scenario. How do you respond as a licensed veterinary professional when asked to train someone to perform tasks they lack the necessary licenses or credentials for? As healthcare professionals, we often silently grapple with such dilemmas in our clinical settings. Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, for an intriguing and potentially controversial conversation that explores the complexities and potential solutions to the issue of licensed and credentialed veterinarians or veterinary technicians training non-licensed employees to do duties your license oversees. Viewfinders, this is a good one! If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your book recommendations! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Choosing the perfect summer read can be challenging for busy veterinary professionals. As vacation season approaches, we’re excited to share some top book recommendations tailored for the Viewfinders. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a well-deserved break, our recommendations have something for everyone. Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, as they discuss their latest favorite reads. From Pulitzer Prize-winning novels to insightful self-help and leadership books, these selections are sure to captivate and inspire you and offer plenty of escapism from the hectic veterinary life! Tune in to this episode and discover: * Engaging fiction that offers a delightful escape * Thought-provoking non-fiction that enhances personal and professional growth * Books that provide both relaxation and valuable insights If you enjoy our content, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your support helps us connect with more veterinary colleagues! We’d love to hear your book recommendations! Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

A tough topic you'll encounter at some point in your veterinary career is some sort of recall. These recalls and worries can be about medications, pet foods, and pet accessories, encompassing a wide gamut of products and services we recommend to the pet-owning public, and suddenly, somebody says there's a problem. This week, we want to discuss what you should do if you encounter one of these rumors or recalls and how you can better communicate with your clients and stay ahead of hysteria. Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, as they share their experiences with veterinary rumors and recalls. They offer their experiences and tips on how you should respond and why education is the foundation of better professional communication. If you like this type of content, please go to Apple Podcasts or your favorite player and leave us a 5-star review. Your stars help us reach more of our colleagues! Thank you! Please share your opinions and experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What happens if you find out that one of your colleagues is on OnlyFans? This week, we want to talk about the exciting world of online entrepreneurship and what you should do or how you should handle all the little questions we have if you find out that one of your teammates is on the Internet in a very intimate way. The Veterinary Viewfinder is the podcast that tackles the toughest topics in veterinary medicine. I believe this qualifies, Viewfinders! When we started this podcast over seven and a half years ago, a tough topic that we covered on the Viewfinder in the early days was, what do you do about tattoos? Should they be visible, or should they be hidden, and do you have a policy? Well, you might have more than a tattoo to worry about these days. We want to discuss what happens if you find out if one of your colleagues, employees, coworkers, teammates, or colleagues is on OnlyFans or a similar intimate or adult website. We want to discuss communication strategies you may want to consider ahead of time because you’ll likely encounter some variation of this scenario in the near future. Join hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, as they share their own experiences with employees and colleagues who have worked in the adult industry and tips to prepare your clinic. Please share your opinions and experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram at @VeterinaryViewfinder or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

For the past 7.5 years, the Veterinary Viewfinder has strived to tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine each week. This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite tough topics: money. Lately, social media seems abuzz with folks complaining about the high cost of veterinary care. This week, we want to dive a little deeper into some of the causes of these complaints and steps you can take when you're face-to-face with an upset client. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, share their experiences with clients complaining about veterinary prices and offer advice on preventing misunderstandings and how to effectively and respectfully handle them when they arise. If you like this type of content, please go to Apple Podcasts or your favorite player and leave us a 5-star review. Your stars help us reach more of our colleagues! Thank you! Viewfinders, please share your thoughts on professional feedback with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

A tough job that we often talk about on the Veterinary Viewfinder is the role of a veterinary receptionist, a customer service representative, or whatever you choose to call those invaluable folks up front who are, quite frankly, taking a lot of the hits from our clients. This week, we’re excited to welcome back to the podcast Debbie Boone, CVPM, one of the co-founders of a new organization dedicated to improving the lives and skills of those folks who are our veterinary receptionists. This week, we want to discuss how you can get involved and why this is important for your clinic. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, talk with Debbie Boone, CVPM, a co-founder of the North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists (NAAVR). Learn how this organization started, what its plans are, and why you should better train your veterinary receptionists!

A tough topic that every veterinary professional will confront at some time in their career is a disagreement with a pet parent over how they are doing something regarding care. This difference can be about diet, anti-vaxxing, or a whole host of other things that can potentially put their pet at risk. It can also be different philosophically, ideologically, medically, or something you don’t believe is a good idea for their pet. This week, we want to talk about having those hard conversations. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, share some of the advice that they have found to help them in these difficult conversations and, more importantly, how you can have these conversations successfully. Plus, stay tuned to learn why Dr. Ward says, “You can’t fire your way to utopia!” in veterinary practice. (Hint: it’s got to do with the 4% Rule.) Viewfinders, this is another good one! If you like this type of content, please go to Apple Podcasts or your favorite player and leave us a 5-star review. Your stars help us reach more of our colleagues! Thank you! Viewfinders, please share your thoughts on professional feedback with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

A lack of appropriate feedback leads to failure. You need to give your team at least three types of feedback to succeed. This week, we discuss the three types of feedback you should give - and receive - to excel in veterinary medicine. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the topic of feedback in the veterinary workplace. Dr. Ward shares his three types of feedback: Appreciation, coaching, and evaluation, as well as tips for each and why all three are necessary for progress. Beckie shares her experiences receiving and giving feedback to colleagues and why trust is foundational to progress as a veterinary professional. Viewfinders, share your thoughts on professional feedback with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. If you like this type of content, please go to Apple Podcasts or your favorite player and leave us a 5-star review. Your stars help us reach more of our colleagues! Thank you! #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Veterinary technician programs have expanded in remarkable ways over the past decade, and there's a push towards getting a four-year degree, with even more advanced degrees on the horizon. This week, we're speaking with the interim Director of Appalachian State University's Veterinary Technology B.S. Program, Jennifer Serling CVT RVT VTES BVSc, to discuss the benefits and pros of a four-year veterinary technician degree and the value of remote education. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, explore some of the exciting changes and opportunities in in-person and online veterinary technician programs. This week's guest has a long history of innovating veterinary technician curricula, and we're thrilled to cover her thoughts on why obtaining a four-year veterinary technician degree has potential impacts far beyond clinical practice. After you've listened to this week's podcast, please give us a HUGE FAVOR and leave us five stars on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps us reach more of our colleagues with these topics. Thank you! Learn more about Jennifer Sterling and App State's Vet Tech Program: https://rri.appstate.edu/vet-tech https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-serling-75216b15/ #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Working in a veterinary clinic can pose many hazards. This week, we want to discuss some of the common workplace risks of veterinary practice and why we want you to stop doing them because they are putting you at risk. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle five major areas of personal risk in veterinary clinics: radiology, animal restraint, ergonomics, dentistry, and anesthesia/operating room. Dr. Ward and Beckie offer examples of each hazard along with tips on mitigating personal risk. Viewfinders, this is an important topic for anyone working in veterinary practice. Please share your tips and concerns on our Facebook or Instagram page. Also, please do us a HUGE FAVOR and leave us five stars on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps us reach more of our colleagues with these topics. Thank you! #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Have we forgotten how to behave in the clinic these days? This week, we want to discuss generational differences and how we can help improve each other's manners and etiquette when dealing with clients and co-workers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of dealing with four generations of different communication styles and preferences in veterinary practice. Today's discussion stems from a recent conversation Dr. Ward had with a couple of veterinary clinic owners. The owners were complaining that the manners and etiquette of some of their younger team members didn't seem up to snuff or meet the standards of professional interactions that they were accustomed to. They lamented that maybe their "home training" had been different. How do we reach different generations regarding professional deportment, manners, and etiquette? Right now, we've got four generations in the workplace. And what's normal? What's abnormal? How can we coach and change? There's a lot to unpack in this podcast. Beckie states, "And it's a real judgy conversation. I'll say that upfront. It is kind of saying that here are our situational and social norms. And when we look outside of that, from a judgment standpoint and also from an observational standpoint, how does that impact our clinic? Viewfinders, this week's podcast packs a powerful punch on several tough topics! And please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so we can continue to reach more colleagues! Please share your thoughts on this week's episode on our Facebook or Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What happens when one veterinary clinic's personnel is rude or short with another? We're talking about when you call for records, they are not happy about it - and let you know how they feel! This week, we are talking about the benefits and risks of informing another clinic of the behavior of their staff. And what about giving clients medical records? How do you handle that? This week, we discuss these topics and a whole lot more on The Veterinary Viewfinder! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss all things medical records request on the episode. Dr. Ward begins with a scenario of a vet clinic receptionist who is repeatedly treated rudely when calling a nearby practice to request medical records. Should the clinic notify a manager or owner about the staff's bad attitude? If so, how? And what can the clinic reasonably—and realistically—expect to happen next? Beckie also shared a recent "medical records mixup" that left her frustrated, and our hosts discussed how to handle medical requests in general. Viewfinders, this week's podcast packs a powerful punch on several tough topics! Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so we can continue to reach more of our colleagues! Share your thoughts on this week's episode on our Facebook or Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

This week, we’re honored to have a conversation with the first veterinary technician elected as President of the Viticus Group (WVC) Board of Directors, Heather Prendergast, RVT! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, are joined by a friend and prior guest, Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR. Heather shares her story of starting as a would-be veterinarian, becoming a registered veterinary technician, managing a successful veterinary clinic, working in industry, and earning her CVPM and SPHR, NAVTA, and Viticus (WVC) Boards, and her recent election as President of the Viticus Board of Directors! Viewfinders, Heather’s story is inspirational in so many ways! To learn more about Viticus and Heather: https://www.viticusgroup.org www.linkedin.com/in/heather-prendergast-rvt-cvpm-sphr-aa907048 www.synergie-llc.com #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Is your break area always a mess? Whose responsibility is it to clean it? And what about coffee? Do you pay? Or does your boss? This week, we discuss a multitude of messes that can occur in the common areas of a veterinary clinic. We also debate who should be on the hook for that special brand of coffee and tea that you like and more bread rook dilemmas. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of “when break rooms attack!” From messy tables to moldy leftovers to whether or not staff should nibble on client goodies, we delve into a multitude of potential snack and break room problems. Viewfinders, have you ever had heartbreak - or a heart attack - when dealing with food and drinks in your clinic? Who does the dishes? Do your refrigerated items have an expiration - or too-out - date? Share your thoughts and experiences on our Facebook or Instagram pages (@veterinaryviewfinder) or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Happy Valentine’s Day, Viewfinders! This holiday, we want to share what we love most about the veterinary profession! In this special Valentine’s Day 2024 podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, reveal the most beloved aspects of working as veterinary professionals. Hey, we can buy ourselves flowers! And we can hold our own hand, too! Viewfinders, we hope you’ll find at least a few of our favorite things about vet med to be a welcome departure from, as Beckie puts it, “The Basics.” From professional autonomy to entrepreneurship to innovation and collaboration, to our amazing clients and patients (puppies! Kittens! No, we didn’t go there…), there’s something to remind everyone why we love the veterinary profession! Please share your thoughts on our social media @VeterinaryViewfinder or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Workplace violence. Natural disasters. Fires and floods. These stories dominate the news. This week, we discuss whether or not most veterinary clinics are really prepared in the event of an active shooter, power failure, or other emergencies. Viewfinders, this is a critical conversation. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss their personal experiences with disasters in veterinary practice and workplace violence and the lessons they’ve learned. From creating emergency protocols to running drills with your team, this podcast hopes to inspire and guide you to prepare for any emergency. Viewfinders, share your experiences and thoughts about veterinary practice emergencies with us on Facebook or Instagram @veterinaryviewfinder or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

This week, we're proud to introduce you to an extraordinary veterinary technician, Sam Geiling, CVT. Sam has just been named the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Technician of the Year! Viewfinders, her journey is exceptional and sure to inspire! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, talk to Sam Geiling, CVT and Chief of Staff for the Animal Policy Group, about her career in veterinary medicine and some of her remarkable achievements. From serving in the Navy to being a classmate of Beckie's in vet tech school to practicing and teaching in Hawaii, to working with state legislatures and veterinary boards around the country, Sam is a vet tech force to be reckoned with! Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy her unique story as much as we did! Here's a little more about Sam: Sam Geiling, CVT, is Animal Policy Group's project leader, working directly with clients and the entire APG team to oversee plans to ensure goals are successfully met. She is a credentialed veterinary technician with over a decade of teaching experience at an AVMA-accredited vet tech program. She has passed state legislation recognizing veterinary technicians, and volunteers as co-chair on NAVTA's Government Relations Committee. Sam lives in Minnesota with her husband and two sons. She enjoys summer days on the lake, grilling, and discovering new restaurants. @animalpolicygroup https://animalpolicygroup.com/ NAVTA's Government Relations Committee Email: info@navta.net #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Are you overwhelmed by Slack, Teams, Groups, and Text work messages? Do you feel guilty when responding to a workplace thread late? Ever judge a teammate for not responding to a message? If so, welcome to the new world of 24/7/365 work messages! In this week’s podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of some of the potential benefits and pitfalls of how we communicate with our veterinary clinic teams in 2024. They discuss topics from setting time boundaries to curating appropriate issues and messages to share. Dr. Ward shares how he expects AI to help us manage the growing number of interactions and platforms. Beckie offers advice on giving yourself grace when creating personal and professional messaging guidelines. Viewfinders, this is a re-visit of a topic we tackled nearly seven years ago when confronting after-hours telephone calls. As technology and tools have progressed, these intrusions have amplified, and the rules of engagement need to be updated. #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast