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.
What We Are (and Are Not) Looking Forward To in 2019 for Veterinary Professionals
Happy 2019! This week we share some of the things we are - and are not - looking forward to in 2019 for veterinary professionals. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss the veterinary nurse initiative (VNI), telemedicine, organized veterinary medicine, corporate practices (and find out why Dr. Ward calls the future of veterinary medicine “the ‘Walmartization’ and ‘Amazonation’ of the profession”) and upcoming medical advancements. Dr. Ernie Ward shares why he believes veterinarians need to fight for animal welfare (and end factory farming!) and cautions about economic uncertainty in 2019. Find out which host’s family may be expanding, and which may be contracting!
Holiday Hassles in Veterinary Practice
Happy Holidays! It’s the “most wonderful time of the year” in veterinary practice! Or is it? This special holiday edition of our podcast, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney, along with registered veterinary Technician Beckie Mossor detail veterinary clinic staff holiday scheduling drama, co-worker gift dilemmas, party alcohol rules, and how to remain cheery when our clients are dreary! If you’re searching for your lost sanity, pop in your earbuds and give this episode a listen!
Socialization for Veterinary Professionals - Finding Friends Outside Work
Are you socialized? How do you find friends as adults? Are we expanding our social networks beyond the veterinary profession? This week, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk about making friends and finding fulfillment outside work. The trio share tips on maintaining friendships, online communities to meet new friends, and the benefits of socialization. And find out Cyndie’s plans to write a book about, “How to Date other Moms.”
Enough is Enough! Saying No and Setting Boundaries in Veterinary Practice
When is enough too much? When (and how) is it okay to say, “No”? Is it clear or murky? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss establishing healthy boundaries with veterinary bosses and co-workers, clients, and friends and family. Failure to set boundaries is an issue that leads to veterinary professional burnout, poor patient care, and lower job satisfaction. Share this episode with the entire team!
Reclaiming Control of Your Veterinary Work & Personal Life
Feeling out of control? Ever felt like you weren’t being listened to at work? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor question what it means to be in control of your professional career and personal life, how to regain control, and why collaborative decision-making can benefit your veterinary team.
Veterinary Cost versus Care Conversations - Are We Talking about Money Too Much or Too Little?
Once again we tackle one of profession’s most challenging topics: MONEY! The tension between providing the best veterinary care and the cost of providing that care causes tremendous conflict and confusion among our colleagues (and us!). Are we talking too much - or too little - about money with pet owners? What impact do recent human healthcare and insurance changes have on the perception and value of veterinary services? If we strive for increased transparency regarding charges, are we overemphasizing cost and diminishing care? This week Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore the controversial world of money in the veterinary profession.
Making Work/Life Balance Work in the Veterinary Profession - Does it Work?
Feeling stressed? Overworked? Lost your mojo? Losing the romance? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor take a candid look at work/life balance in the veterinary profession. From real-life struggles and tribulations to practical tips and advice, this episode is packed will help restore your sanity and release you from "perfect" and into "for reals."
Should Veterinary Clinics Sell Products? The Impact Of Retail Sales
The question of whether or not a veterinarian or veterinary clinic should sell non-medical products has perplexed generations of practitioners. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor question whether or not vets should sell "stuff," how to choose the best products if you're going to sell "stuff," and the tricky ethical lines veterinary clinics tread when selling "stuff." This is a wide-ranging, candid, and brutally honest conversation about the impact retail sales have on the veterinary profession.
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Veterinary Support Staff Suicides: An Issue We Need to Discuss
A recent North Carolina veterinary technician's death by suicide prompted us to explore the issues of depression, substance abuse, and suicide within veterinary support staff. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor share their thoughts and experiences with veterinary staff suicides, what our profession can do to help, and what you can do to help a colleagues. Please share this podcast with anyone you think could benefit.
EPISODE 100! Recaps & Favorite Moments from our First 100 Podcasts!
OUR 100TH PODCAST! It's hard to believe we've recorded 100 episodes of our podcast! We owe it all to you, our loyal listeners and colleagues. This week we celebrate by recapping behind-the-microphone stories and share some of our favorite moments of the past two years. Welcome to our podcast party!
Chernobyl Veterinarian Dr Jennifer Betz
This week we expose you to a radioactive topic: What happened to the dogs and cats left behind in Chernobyl? Our guest, Dr. Jennifer Betz, knows firsthand the current conditions of the canines and felines living in the Chernobyl disaster area. We were positively radiating during this episode, and the fallout of our conversation will leave you glowing! (I’ll stop now.) YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE!
Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!
A special podcast THANK YOU to the AMAZING, FABULOUS, INCREDIBLE, DEDICATED, COMPASSIONATE, and WONDERFUL VET TECHS IN OUR LIVES!!
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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.