This week we’re honored to share the microphone with the 2020 American Humane Veterinary Nurse Hero winner, Julie Nettifee, RVT, BS VTS (Neurology). Visit http://herovetawards.org/ to learn more or nominate a veterinary hero in your life!

Julie has been on the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine veterinary technician nursing staff for over 20 years. Julie shares her journey from childhood to present day specialization, how her passion for neurology has given her professional resilience and career longevity, and offers inspirational messages for how to stay in love with our vocation. Viewfinders, grab your hankies.

Beckie also tells us about a special COVID-19 holiday program she’s kicking off to help our colleagues severely affected by economic challenges this year. Check out the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/682336046035250/

Viewfinders, if you haven’t already, VOTE! That’s all. Just VOTE! See you next week!

Arguably one of the most challenging exam parameters for veterinary patients is body temperature. We have traditionally performed this rectally. So there’s that.

But how accurate is a rectal temperature anyway? And how were those “normal temperature ranges” determined? Have we been taking pet’s temperatures wrong?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor are joined by two of Mella Pet Care’s co-founders Yale Chang and Anya Babbitt to discuss “all things temperature” - and a whole lot more! (Mella.ai)

The quartet muse on the current limitations and challenges of rectal temperature in animals, why the “standard” thermometer may not be as good as we’d like to believe, and Mell’s approach to in-home diagnostics.

Dr. Ward and Yale postulate on the future of in-home diagnostics, how this will impact telemedicine, and what this means for veterinary clinics.

Beckie challenges the notion that in-home testing performed by pet parents will threaten the veterinary profession and makes an astute observation on pediatricians, babies, and, well, body temperatures and veterinary businesses. You have to listen to find out more! Brilliant!

This is an important discussion because it speaks to the accelerating trend of what Dr. Ward calls, “The democratization of diagnostics.” We think you’re going to love this conversation!

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!

Many of us in the United States choose “Made in the USA” or “US Owned and Operated” whenever given a comparable choice. But what about businesses founded, owned, or operated by our colleagues? Does that affect our choices? Should it influence our decisions if the products or services are similar in quality and price compared to non-vet professional businesses?

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the importance of supporting our entrepreneurial colleagues.

With a torrent of new pet businesses and products, who is behind some of the most buzz-worthy trends? How can we encourage innovation by our colleagues?

The duo share their experiences as entrepreneurs, clinicians, and consultants to provide the Viewfinders with a unique perspective.

We believe this is an important topic our profession needs to tackle. With so many new businesses entering our industry and profession, we believe it is essential veterinary professionals are involved in establishing the culture, ethics, and vision of the companies responsible for creating foods, drugs, and lifestyle accessories for the pets and pet parents we love to serve.

Viewfinders, what do you think about this? Do you seek our businesses owned or operated by colleagues? Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have a unique service or product you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comments!

We talk a lot on the Veterinary Viewfinder about the importance of self-care and wellness, including taking time off for yourself. Even though we may escape our veterinary clinics from time to time, how to we truly disconnect from the incessant text questions, prescription approvals, and myriad of other interrupters during “time off?”

This week co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT Maher their tips and advice for setting boundaries when taking time off work. Beckie shares her recent vacation experience and how she dealt with requests while she was celebrating her 10-year wedding anniversary.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who manages or owns a veterinary practice. As Dr. Ward says, “Respecting time off begins with leadership and leads to workplace culture.”

If you know someone or are struggling yourself with “time-off guilt” or unsure how to disconnect without missing out or letting down your team, this episode is meant for you!

Viewfinders, thank you again for your loyal listening and helping us reach tens of thousands of downloads each month! 200!!

How do you prepare for vacation or taking a long weekend? Do you have “time-off guilt?” We want to hear from you!

Many veterinary professionals are beginning to plan for their 2021 Continuing Education requirements. Many of us have questions and concerns about coronavirus and conferences. Is it safe? How are the facilities disinfecting? Are masks required? How full will the lecture rooms and exhibit halls be? Will food be served? This week, we have an exclusive conversation with NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill and the Executive Director for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Mark Tester to answer these questions and more.

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is flying solo this week as co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT is on vacation - and on the mend after injuring her knee - this week.

Dr. Ernie and his guests go deep on the cleaning protocols of the OCCC and VMX 2021, how VMX has created new policies regarding attendance, room capacity, and movement in the OCCC. Needless, to say, the 2021 VMX will look very different from previous conferences. Dr. Ernie also inquires about the VMX’s historical “ladies bathroom shortages” and how the conference is adjusting this year.

We also discuss how VMX 2021 is going virtual on the internet and why this is important for the global veterinary community. In addition, listen closely as Gene explains special incentives, benefits, and their flexible cancellation policies for 2021.

Viewfinders, this is an excellent conversation from two people who have a lot a stake - and a lot of people’s health and safety on their minds - during this pandemic. I think you’ll find the steps they’re taking and the seriousness with which they perform their duties comforting. This is another tough COVID-19 conversation for the veterinary profession, but one that will surely leave you hopeful for 2021.

Viewfinders, are you planning on attending VMX 2021 in Orlando in January? What about other conferences? Is COVID-19 influencing your CE decisions? We want to hear from you!

Thank you again for your loyal listening. This marks Episode 199! Stay safe and we’ll see you next week.

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!

Crowdsourcing has become a routine decision-making tactic for many veterinary professionals. Whether asking for advice on social media, posing a challenging case on a medical forum, or asking for help with a personal issue, throwing our questions and concerns into the internet has become increasingly popular and practical.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the pros and cons of asking the internet for help. The pair share their own experiences with seeking assistance from both traditional mentors and friends as well as the internet.

Dr. Ward expresses his deep belief in the power of interpersonal relationships and networks while Beckie reviews the tremendous potential of remote advice, especially for veterinary professionals living in rural areas.

This is a complex and nuanced issue, and we hope we’ve provided a little more clarity on how you can optimize your online advice experiences and avoid the potential pitfalls.

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!

Millions of pets have become "Pandemic Pets" as quarantined homes welcomed furry friends to help ease the stress of disruptions caused by COVID-19.

This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the topic of whether or not these pandemic pets are receiving proper veterinary preventive care and if this puts these newly-adopted dogs and cats at greater risk of preventable diseases.

The duo share real-life stories and offer solutions to the causes of this surge in pets at potential risk.

They also reveal unexpected lifestyle risks associated with the novel coronavirus pandemic and how veterinary professional scan be proactive at connecting with pet parents and protecting dogs and cats.

This is an important discussion we hope the Viewfinders enjoy. Dr. Ernie and Beckie highlight several pet care issues that have been largely unacknowledged need more attention from our profession.

Viewfinders, what have your experiences been? How are you winning at relations with shelters and foster groups? What steps are you taking to communicate with pet parents? We want to hear from you!

Thank you again for your loyal listening! Let us know if there's a tough topic you'd like us to tackle! Stay safe!

Veterinary clinics around the country are reporting more confrontations with angry pet parents. This week, we dive into why this may be happening and what your veterinary team can do to help.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge veterinary professionals around the world. On disturbing trend is increased conflict with frustrated and angry, sometimes violent, clients.

This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle why veterinarians may be seeing more angry clients and steps to de-escalate a tense client interaction.

Viewfinders, this is an excellent discussion on a wide range of topics and tactics concerning conflict resolution. Please share it with your team or colleagues you think could use a little help or inspiration.

If you have a tough topic you’d like us to tackle, let us know on Instagram (@VeterinaryViewfinder) or Facebook (/VeterinaryViewfinder)!

The current COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly accelerated many changes within the veterinary and pet care professions. This week, we tackle the emerging trend of pet parents purchasing veterinary medical devices and in-home diagnostics and what this means for our profession.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss a quiet shift in pet parents beginning to do more in-home self pet care due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both agree there are plenty of opportunities and upsides for the veterinary profession, but there are potential risks, too.

Dr. Ward shares his recent experiences replacing cars lost during Hurricane Isaias and how there are lessons to be learned by veterinarians. He also explains why he believes Carvana can teach veterinary clinics how to provide better service for pet parents.

Beckie reviews her recent discussions with veterinary medical device manufacturers and what the next couple of years may hold for in-home veterinary medicine.

Viewfinders, this is another important topic that few are talking about. We believe it’s important to inform you about these issues and for our profession to be proactive in communicating with pet parents.

What do you think about this trend? Asset or liability? Benefit or detriment?

As Beckie says, “If the pet benefits, it’s our duty to figure out a way to help them get it.”

Thanks for listening, Viewfinders! If you have a tough topic you’d like us to tackle, let us know! Stay safe and give your pets a hug from us!