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.
Tik Tok Vets and 30-second Pet Education: Is the social media experiment helping or hurting pets and veterinary professionals?
Pet parents and veterinary professionals are increasingly getting their news, information, and even medical advice from social media. With the trend toward shorter forms of content, is this helping or hurting pet care and veterinary professionals?
This week our co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the impact Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat are having on the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet parent. What effect is this global “social experiment” of social media having on the quality of life, health, and overall wellbeing for both people and pets?
The pair offer solutions for veterinary professionals interested in learning more about what pet parents are asking about online (Dr. Ward describes how he uses “social listening”) and Beckie explores the pros and cons of super-speedy scrolling and “meme learning.”
Viewfinders, this is a candid conversation about a topic that continues to affect the world. How are you using social media, especially short-form media in your practice? What do you think about veterinary professionals and pet parents using these platforms as their primary means of information? What are some of your favorite - and unfavorite - influencers?
Viewfinders, thank you again for your loyal listening as we near our FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! Stay safe and give your pets a hug from us! See you next Wednesday!
COVID-19 Crappy to Happy: How Veterinary Professionals Can Escape the Pandemic Misery Rut
COVID-19 has been emotionally, physically, and spiritually rough for many veterinary professionals. Many of us find ourselves in a “pandemic misery rut.”
This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about self-care and building mental and emotional fortitude to deal with the onslaught of confrontational veterinary clients, long hours, and the total chaos that we are calling the “next normal.” It gets better.
Our duo dive deep into the simple daily habits they rely on to stay focused and remain positive during these challenging times.
Restorative rest, sleep tracking, healthy hydration and nourishing nutrition strategies, exercise hacks, and why your personal relationships matter more than ever to your well-being are all part of today’s conversation.
If you’re struggling to find the silver lining in today’s pandemic, give this episode a listen (or twice!). If you know a friend or colleague looking for help, share this week’s podcast.
Reach out to us on social media @VeterinaryViewfinder.
Thanks again, Viewfinders, for helping us make it to episode 196! Stay safe - and positive - out there! See you next Wednesday!
The conversations behind the care
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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.