The Veterinary
Viewfinder

Candid conversations on the issues shaping veterinary medicine.

Hosted by Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT
New episodes weekly · On the air since 2016

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.

Listen to the Latest Podcast

Add your audio player in the block directly below this one.

Your Hosts

Two perspectives, one profession

Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM

Veterinarian · Author · Advocate

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

Veterinary Technician · Educator

A registered veterinary technician, educator, and advocate known for advancing the technician profession and for practical, people-first conversations about everyday veterinary work.

Featured

June 10, 2026

America’s 250th Means More Booms, More Noise, and More Vet Med Prep

June 10, 2026

America’s 250th birthday is not shaping up to be a typical one-night July 4th celebration. With fireworks and community events expected to stretch across July 3, 4, and 5 (and expect some noise even earlier), Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, are urging veterinary teams to prepare now for an extra-long, extra-loud holiday weekend.

This episode focuses on what clinics can do before the booms begin: check medication inventory, reach out to clients early about noise-aversion plans, remind pet owners not to wait until the last minute, and prepare for closed clinics, overwhelmed ERs, and staffing challenges.

Ernie and Beckie also discuss holiday risks beyond fireworks, including lost pets, outdated microchip information, travel stress, barbecue hazards, cannabis exposure, and pets in unfamiliar vacation environments.

It’s a timely reminder that this year’s July 4th isn’t just July 4, and vet teams can help clients, patients, and colleagues avoid preventable chaos.

Tough Topics and Trends in 2022 for the Veterinary Profession

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week our hosts preview the veterinary profession’s toughest topics and trends we predict for 2022!

Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT join in a rapid-fire discussion of the top challenges they foresee for 2022 (and beyond).

Some of the issues they discuss include:

Veterinary workforce shortages
Mental health issues (burnout, depression, compassion fatigue, substance abuse, etc.)
Veterinary staff wages and benefits
Student loans an date rising cost of DVM/RVT degrees
Inflation of vet services and products - what impacts will inflation have on patient care and client communications?
Social media complaints - We’re seeing reports of vets being charged with ethics and professional behavior violations when they engage clients online. Yikes!
Corporatization vs Independent Practices: How can we get along and compete?
Core vaccines - potential challenges post-pandemic vaccine controversies?
Politics - Veterinary Practices and 2022 Midterms
What happened to the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI)? Our continuing plea for veterinary technician Title Protection
Telemedicine - Muddy waters ahead or smooth sailing?
Brachycephalic breeds - Will US veterinary professionals speak out as they are in the UK?
CBD - definitely maybe?
Climate change
Animal welfare and Food animal production, ventilation Shutdown (VSD)

Looks like 2022 is going to be an exciting and promising year! Happy New Year, Viewfinders!

The conversations behind the care

Practice culture & leadership

Client communication

Clinical controversy & ethics

Veterinary technician careers

Technology & the future of care

Wellbeing in the profession

Guests, topics & feedback

Have a guest or topic idea?

Suggestions, questions, and guest pitches are always welcome. The fastest way to reach the show is by email.

DrErnieWard@gmail.com Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify