Tackling the toughest topics in veterinary medicine
The Veterinary
Viewfinder
Candid conversations on the issues shaping veterinary medicine.
Hosted by Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM & Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT
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Two perspectives, one profession
Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM
Dr. Ernie Ward is a veterinarian, author, and longtime advocate for pets and the veterinary profession. Based in coastal North Carolina, he founded the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention in 2005 and the World Pet Obesity Association in 2024, pairing public education for pet owners with clinical standards for veterinary teams.
An author and a familiar voice across national media, Ernie is known for putting the profession’s hardest conversations front and center. Since 2016, he and Beckie have co-hosted the Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast, a weekly show that digs into the toughest and most controversial topics in veterinary medicine, features leading voices in the field, and looks for practical answers to the challenges veterinary teams face.
Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT
Beckie is a Credentialed Veterinary Technician from Southport, NC, and founding director of the American Association of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, where she has shaped national conversations on technician utilization, representation on veterinary medical boards, and equity in veterinary organizational structures.
Her work has been published in professional outlets, and she presents internationally on the intersections of veterinary medicine, leadership, and advocacy. She is proud to be the first credentialed veterinary technician to serve on the WSAVA Professional Wellness Committee.
Beckie also co-founded the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterinary professionals through financial hardship, and has co-hosted the Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast for nearly a decade — bringing candid, often provocative conversations and fierce advocacy to the profession.
Will Veterinary AI Replace or Augment Telemedicine?
Happy New Year, Viewfinders! On January 1, 2024, the first fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription in the state of California was performed. But is it too little too late? Will veterinary telemedicine be leapfrogged by AI-assisted telemedicine and beyond? This is one episode you’ll want to share with your colleagues!
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, start the new year off with a bang as they discuss the recent changes in veterinary telemedicine and artificial intelligence.
Our hosts review the recent news of a virtual veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) being established in California and the potential impacts throughout the US. Both wonder if this move is too late to stop the emergence of AI-powered telemedicine and what AI-assisted veterinary care could be like in the next few years.
Dr. Ward shares why the Star Trek Enterprise only had one chief medical doctor, Bones, and what this may portend for AI veterinary care, along with how his daughter recently benefited from AI-assisted pharmacy care. He also revisits his earlier concerns when he served on the AVMA Telemedicine Committee about legal liability and responsibility when AI medicine makes an error.
Beckie argues that AI medicine is already pervasive and that the veterinary community is quickly diving into two opposing camps on its utilization. She also shares a story from her recent hospitalization of how AI medicine is changing patient care.
Viewfinders, this is an important topic that will shape the future of our profession. Please share your thoughts on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com
"If a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can, too.” Terminator 2: Judgement Day
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Amazon Considers Offering Veterinary Telemedicine - What It Means for Veterinary Clinics and Team Members
Recently, Amazon announced it was considering offering veterinary telemedicine services to augment its position as a top pet supplies and pharmacy provider. This move would allow them to compete in veterinary telemedicine against competitors like Walmart, Chewy, etc. This week, we discuss the pros and cons and potential impacts this could have on independent veterinary clinics and the veterinary profession.
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, review the recent news that Amazon was considering offering veterinary telemedicine. Beckie shares why this is no surprise and that there may be a silver lining for independent veterinary clinics.
Dr. Ward expresses his concerns along with several steps veterinary professionals should be taking to ensure continued success in the future.
Viewfinders, there’s much more to this issue than simply, “Oh brother, here’s another competitor!” We’d love to hear your thoughts and how you’re addressing this issue.
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