This week we’re delighted to be joined once again for an exclusive interview (and special surprise!) with Northe American Veterinary Community (NAVC) CEO Gene O’Neill.

Gene gives hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT an update on the 2021 VMX conference June 5-9, 2021, the health and safety precautions that will be in place, and what you can expect when you arrive.

Gene then discusses the strategic shift and focus for NAVC. Gene reveal his vision to make NAVC a year-round veterinary CE destination accessible to all veterinary professionals. The focus on “micro-learning” opportunities, regular and monthly CE events, and the ability to engage with experts both in-person and virtually are just a few of the exciting initiatives we can expect from NAVC over the next couple of years.

Gene then takes Dr. Ward and Beckie on a virtual tour of the upcoming NAVC immersive 3D CE platform. He teases the coming expansion of veterinary CE into virtual reality (VR) and explains why the virtual platform matters for a more enjoyable and effective educational experience.

Dr. Ward likens the experience to the Oasis from “Ready Player One” and expresses how “familiar” the 3D experience is to him. Beckie emphasizes the importance of fostering community, whenever online or in real life. Both our hosts left the simulation impressed and excited for the future of a “Virtual NAVC.”

Viewfinders, what do you think about virtual CE? Is it here to stay or will it disappear as soon as the pandemic is over? Are you interested in a 3D immersive CE experience? Did you read or watch "Ready Player One?" How about "Armada" or "Ready Player Two?" Asking for a friend... Share your thoughts!

Happy Holidays, Viewfinders! This week we’re sharing your holiday shoutouts to your colleagues, friends, and family. While 2020 has certainly challenged the veterinary profession in unprecedented ways, in this episode we take a few minutes to celebrate the power of our resilience and recognize listeners who were nominated by their peers.

Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy this holiday season safely. Take time to care for yourself and remember the positive things that you’re grateful for this year.

Thanks again to everyone who commented and messaged us on social media. If you have a special someone you’d like to shoutout and give praise to, drop us a note or comment!

We’ll see you next week for a special year-end episode you don’t want to miss!

Arguably one of the most challenging exam parameters for veterinary patients is body temperature. We have traditionally performed this rectally. So there’s that.

But how accurate is a rectal temperature anyway? And how were those “normal temperature ranges” determined? Have we been taking pet’s temperatures wrong?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by two of Mella Pet Care’s co-founders Yale Chang and Anya Babbitt to discuss “all things temperature” - and a whole lot more! (Mella.ai)

The quartet muse on the current limitations and challenges of rectal temperature in animals, why the “standard” thermometer may not be as good as we’d like to believe, and Mell’s approach to in-home diagnostics.

Dr. Ward and Yale postulate on the future of in-home diagnostics, how this will impact telemedicine, and what this means for veterinary clinics.

Beckie challenges the notion that in-home testing performed by pet parents will threaten the veterinary profession and makes an astute observation on pediatricians, babies, and, well, body temperatures and veterinary businesses. You have to listen to find out more! Brilliant!

This is an important discussion because it speaks to the accelerating trend of what Dr. Ward calls, “The democratization of diagnostics.” We think you’re going to love this conversation!

Many of us in the United States choose “Made in the USA” or “US Owned and Operated” whenever given a comparable choice. But what about businesses founded, owned, or operated by our colleagues? Does that affect our choices? Should it influence our decisions if the products or services are similar in quality and price compared to non-vet professional businesses?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the importance of supporting our entrepreneurial colleagues.

With a torrent of new pet businesses and products, who is behind some of the most buzz-worthy trends? How can we encourage innovation by our colleagues?

The duo share their experiences as entrepreneurs, clinicians, and consultants to provide the Viewfinders with a unique perspective.

We believe this is an important topic our profession needs to tackle. With so many new businesses entering our industry and profession, we believe it is essential veterinary professionals are involved in establishing the culture, ethics, and vision of the companies responsible for creating foods, drugs, and lifestyle accessories for the pets and pet parents we love to serve.

Viewfinders, what do you think about this? Do you seek our businesses owned or operated by colleagues? Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have a unique service or product you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comments!

Many veterinary professionals are beginning to plan for their 2021 Continuing Education requirements. Many of us have questions and concerns about coronavirus and conferences. Is it safe? How are the facilities disinfecting? Are masks required? How full will the lecture rooms and exhibit halls be? Will food be served? This week, we have an exclusive conversation with NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill and the Executive Director for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Mark Tester to answer these questions and more.

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT is on vacation - and on the mend after injuring her knee - this week.

Dr. Ernie and his guests go deep on the cleaning protocols of the OCCC and VMX 2021, how VMX has created new policies regarding attendance, room capacity, and movement in the OCCC. Needless, to say, the 2021 VMX will look very different from previous conferences. Dr. Ernie also inquires about the VMX’s historical “ladies bathroom shortages” and how the conference is adjusting this year.

We also discuss how VMX 2021 is going virtual on the internet and why this is important for the global veterinary community. In addition, listen closely as Gene explains special incentives, benefits, and their flexible cancellation policies for 2021.

Viewfinders, this is an excellent conversation from two people who have a lot a stake - and a lot of people’s health and safety on their minds - during this pandemic. I think you’ll find the steps they’re taking and the seriousness with which they perform their duties comforting. This is another tough COVID-19 conversation for the veterinary profession, but one that will surely leave you hopeful for 2021.

Viewfinders, are you planning on attending VMX 2021 in Orlando in January? What about other conferences? Is COVID-19 influencing your CE decisions? We want to hear from you!

Thank you again for your loyal listening. This marks Episode 199! Stay safe and we’ll see you next week.