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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Life Lessons from a Vet Tech Leader - Paige A. Allen, MS, RVT
This week we’re proud to bring you a conversation with a fundamental change agent within the veterinary profession, Paige A. Allen, MS, RVT. Paige has guided both veterinary technician organizations and held the highest office in the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) - FOR TWO TERMS! This week she shares her story and vision for the future of veterinary medicine. Prepare to be inspired!
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, discuss how Paige became interested in the veterinary technician profession, her progression as a leader, and what changes she thinks the next generation of veterinary technicians (and veterinarians) needs to make to improve veterinary practice. From title protection to the term “veterinary nurse” to her experiences of being told she couldn’t become a veterinarian “because she was a woman,” this conversation will brighten your day!
Viewfinders, share this podcast with someone who needs a lift or is facing a challenge. Hopefully, you’ll find the nudge you need to make positive changes in your world after listening!
About Paige Allen, MS, RVT
Paige started her career in 1984 in a mixed animal practice in Nebraska. In 1986, she came to Purdue University, where she held several positions in Purdue’s Veterinary Hospital, including Food Animal Technician, Large Animal Anesthesia/Surgery Technician, and Director of Central Supply. She helped to start Purdue’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program and is now the Assistant Director for Academic Advising for Purdue’s Veterinary Nursing Program. She has a fantastic husband, three outstanding children, and five terrific grandchildren! Darrell and Paige live in the country and have two cats, Mac & Cheese. She is always looking for new adventures and challenges, personally and professionally.
Many veterinary teams have one: the colleague who runs to management about every minor mistake or late trash bag. But when does necessary reporting turn into destructive tattling?
This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack one of the profession’s most frustrating dynamics: coworkers who undermine team culture by excessive fault-finding.
Hosts Dr. Ward and vet tech Beckie Mossor examine how tattletale behavior often stems from insecurity, perfectionism, or even underlying issues like OCD, yet still chips away at psychological safety and trust. They discuss the difference between legitimate reporting and gossip, and why managers must address patterns early before morale collapses. Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away; it drives good employees out while problem behavior festers.
Listeners will learn practical strategies, such as anonymous “concern boxes,” structured feedback models (SBI: Situation, Behavior, Impact), and defining gossip as “talking to someone who can’t solve the problem.” The hosts also share real-life examples where unchecked tattling escalated into fractured teams, cover-ups, and even departures of top performers.
Whether you’re a manager navigating a chronic complainer or a technician tired of walking on eggshells, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you reclaim a healthier clinic culture. Because in veterinary medicine, trust isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of patient care.