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.

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Ernie and Beckie also discuss holiday risks beyond fireworks, including lost pets, outdated microchip information, travel stress, barbecue hazards, cannabis exposure, and pets in unfamiliar vacation environments.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

Controversial Vet Tech Program in Washington State

The Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors (WSVBG) recently voted to approve a private veterinary practice’s proposal to establish a self-serving apprenticeship program as an alternative pathway to licensure as a Veterinary Technician in the state. The Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT), NAVTA, AVMA, and several other veterinary groups opposed the change. This week we have two leaders from the WSAVT, Ryan Frazier, BS, LVT, and Ashley Byrne, LVT, to bring the Viewfinders up to speed and explain why this matters to everyone in veterinary medicine.

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT, is traveling. Ashly, Ryan, and Dr. Ward have a spirited discussion on how this change occurred, what the nationwide implications could be, and what happens next.

Viewfinders, this legal change could prove significant if enacted in other states. Thank you to Ryan and Ashley for sharing their concerns with the Veterinary Viewfinders! I encourage you to share this conversation with your state’s veterinarian and veterinary technician leaders.

To learn the latest news on this issue, visit https://www.wsavt.org/news.

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.

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