The Veterinary
Viewfinder
Candid conversations on the issues shaping veterinary medicine.
The Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast
Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, have co-hosted their award-winning weekly veterinary podcast since 2016. Each week, they “tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine,” highlighting controversial issues and trending news, introducing veterinary key opinion leaders and provocateurs, and offering solutions to the myriad challenges facing the veterinary profession.
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Two perspectives, one profession
Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM
A veterinarian, author, and longtime advocate for pets and the profession. Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and the World Pet Obesity Association, and a familiar voice across national media.
Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT
A registered veterinary technician, educator, and advocate known for advancing the technician profession and for practical, people-first conversations about everyday veterinary work.
Latest Podcast Episodes - Click to Listen
Absentee Guilt: When Time Off Still Feels Like Work
Many veterinary professionals struggle with a quiet but exhausting problem: absentee guilt. Whether it’s calling out sick, taking a vacation, or stepping away for personal time, being “off” rarely feels fully off. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, dig into why stepping away from the clinic can feel so uncomfortable—and why that discomfort matters.
They unpack how guilt becomes normalized in veterinary culture, how leadership behaviors shape expectations around availability, and why clinics that rely too heavily on a single person are setting everyone up for stress.
The conversation covers sick days, establishing (and maintaining) personal boundaries while on vacation, handling unexpected after-hours texts, and the long-term risks of building practice systems that break down when a certain team member is absent.
This episode offers a practical perspective for veterinarians, technicians, managers, and owners who want healthier boundaries without sacrificing patient care or team trust. The takeaway is clear: protecting time off isn’t selfish, it’s necessary for sustainability, safety, and staying in the profession long term.
Mentorship in Vet Med: How MentorVet is Transforming Careers
In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into the transformative world of veterinary mentorship with the inspiring founder of MentorVet, Dr. Addie Reinhard and Director of Learning and Development, Mariel Hendricks, RVTg.
MentorVet is tackling the profession’s toughest challenges—burnout, isolation, and career uncertainty—by providing evidence-based mentorship programs tailored for veterinarians, technicians, and other veterinary professionals.
Learn how MentorVet’s innovative peer support groups, mentorship matching, and mental health resources are making a tangible impact on well-being and career longevity. Whether you're an early-career vet, a seasoned practice manager, or a technician seeking guidance, this conversation will offer practical insights into navigating career stressors and thriving in veterinary medicine.
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Have a guest or topic idea?
Suggestions, questions, and guest pitches are always welcome. The fastest way to reach the show is by email.