For 500 consecutive weeks, The Veterinary Viewfinder has shown up for the conversations veterinary medicine needs, from team dynamics and credentialed technician advocacy to urgent care, leadership, burnout, workplace culture, and the profession’s toughest debates.

In this milestone episode, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, reflect on nearly a decade of weekly podcasting without missing a single week. They look back at how the show began, why the veterinarian-and-technician perspective has shaped its voice, and what 500 straight weeks have taught them about consistency, respectful disagreement, psychological safety, and professional progress.

This episode is both a celebration and a reminder. Veterinary medicine moves forward when people are willing to listen, challenge assumptions, and keep difficult conversations going. 

Whether you’re a veterinarian, credentialed technician, practice manager, assistant, CSR, or industry leader, this milestone episode offers a thoughtful look at where the profession has been, what still feels stuck, and why showing up still matters.

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into an urgent issue facing veterinary professionals: the decline of preventive care visits and the growing trend of pet owners seeking wellness advice outside the clinic. As wellness exams, vaccinations, and senior care consultations decline, veterinarians are feeling the impact. With the rise of AI-driven tools, (questionable) social media influencers, and accessible online advice, pet owners are turning to alternative sources for preventive care tips and longevity strategies.

Dr. Ward and Beckie explore why this shift is happening and discuss how veterinarians can reclaim their role as the primary preventive care providers. They share practical tactics and communication strategies for engaging pet owners, emphasizing the value of early disease detection, quality of life improvement, and the unmatched expertise of veterinary professionals. Tune in to learn how veterinarians can reestablish their position in preventive pet care and enhance their relationship with clients amid a rapidly evolving pet care landscape.

Welcome to this spine-chilling episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder!” This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mosser dive into the eerie world of (allegedly) haunted veterinary clinics. With Halloween around the corner, we’re exploring the paranormal tales that have left many veterinary teams wondering if they’re truly alone during those late-night shifts.

From shadowy figures seen after-hours to strange, unexplained noises echoing through clinic halls, our colleagues across the country—and beyond—have shared their supernatural experiences. These ghostly tales range from curious spirits seemingly checking in on patients to spooky apparitions that might make even the bravest veterinarian shiver. Join us as we delve into these mysterious occurrences that some veterinary teams encounter, especially during Halloween.

This episode isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s a look at how these supernatural events can “shape” the “spirit” of teams working in veterinary practices, strengthening their “chains” as staff members share their creepy experiences. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will have you hooked—and maybe a little spooked! Tune in for a ghostly good time as Ernie and Beckie tackle one of the most “spirited” topics we’ve ever covered on “The Veterinary Viewfinder.”

Are you a veterinary influencer? Do you aspire to be called “an influencer?” If so, you may want to talk to Beckie first!

This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the rise of veterinary influencers. The duo discuss the controversies and opportunities of being a social media influencer, and their concerns over certain types of “veterinary influence.” Viewfinders, buckle up. This episode might get bumpy!

Beckie shares her concerns that some popular veterinarian influencers may be “driving a wedge” between veterinary professionals and pet parents. Dr. Ward muses that some veterinarians may be posting unprofessional or inappropriate content in an attempt to get more “likes.” Both hosts lament the promotion of uncredentialed, unlicensed, self-proclaimed pet experts to large veterinary CE keynote speakers. Told you it might be bumpy.

Viewfinders, this is an especially tough topic that deserves our profession’s attention. What do you think about the rise of veterinary and pet influencers? What are your suggestions for making sure we’re educating the pet loving public in a professional and responsible manner?

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

Okay, now that we've got that out of the way, our hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about the present challenges the veterinary technician/nurse (that's one of them!) profession faces today.

This conversation is timely and essential if the veterinary profession (DVM's, RVT's, CVPM's) are to thrive over the next decade. It’s also unapologetically raw, unfiltered, and will probably upset a few of our colleagues. Evolution and progress ain't necessarily easy sometimes.

While our hosts certainly celebrate the innumerable contributions veterinary technicians make in the pet and vet worlds, they also highlight areas for much needed improvement.

Improving diversity, increasing pay and benefits, standardizing credentials and nomenclature, and what rewards REALLY make an impact on your staff are just a few of the topics covered in this important podcast.

Viewfinders, how are you celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week? What did you think about some of these red-hot topics? Did we get it right, wrong, or somewhere in-between? We want to hear from you!

And, THANK YOU, you bunch of awesome animal-loving, science-loving, caffeine-craving fellow nerds out there!

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 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!