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.
World Pet Obesity Week Special: Expert Insights on Obesity, Nutrition, and Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
This week, we focus on two critical issues. First, it’s World Pet Obesity Awareness Week, October 7–13, 2024, and we need your help, veterinary professionals, to participate in our biennial Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey by signing up at PetObesityPrevention.org.
Joining us this week is board-certified veterinary nutritionist Martha Cline from Purina to dive into the communication challenges surrounding pet obesity, discuss spectrum of care issues with nutrition and obesity, and explore cutting-edge research on metabolomics and its relevance to joint disease and obesity treatment.
But that’s not all. We’ll also address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Southeast, including parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Registered Veterinary Technician Beckie Mosser will share ways you can help, as well as some local relief efforts that are making a difference. Links below.
World Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 11, 2023 - A Conversation with Purina Clinical Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Jason Gagné
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced World Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11, 2023. Up to 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This week, we have a clinical nutrition expert to discuss a recent pet owner survey and how you can help your pet patients seeking to achieve a healthy body condition.
We’re pleased to share the mic with Dr. Jason Gagné this week. Dr. Jason Gagné is Purina’s Director of Veterinary Communications. He leads a fantastic team of veterinarians and veterinary product advisors who provide university engagement and sales, marketing, and educational support to the US market.
Dr. Gagné was instrumental in Purina Pro Plan becoming APOP’s first Charter Sponsor to help their ongoing research and outreach efforts to combat pet obesity. On behalf of APOP, Dr. Ward would like to extend a warm welcome and a HUGE thank you to Purina Pro Plan!
Drs. Ward and Gagné take a deep dive into a recent Purina research survey to explore dog owners’ attitudes around feeding, treats, table food, “scraps,” and obesity.
Dr. Ward shares APOP’s years of similar surveys, and both vets offer practical advice for veterinary professionals to share with their clients and patients.
Viewfinders, this is a fast-paced discussion on the complexities of pet obesity. We believe you’ll enjoy it - and hopefully learn a thing or two!
Please visit petobesityprevention.org to sign up to participate in this year’s online surveys. We need veterinary professionals and pet parents to take our brief Pet Weight, Nutrition, and Pet Food Survey. Your opinions (and clients) help us shape future research and resource development.
For more information and resources to share with your clients, visit petobesityprevention.org or worldpetobesity.org
Visit the Purina website and Purina Institute Centre Square for dog owner survey, BCS tools, and more:
https://www.purinaforprofessionals.com/brands/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/om-weight-management?utm_campaign=vdp-professional2023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=october_newsletter&utm_content=cr-om_jm_pt-na&utm_term=
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