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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World Pet Obesity Week Special: Expert Insights on Obesity, Nutrition, and Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
This week, we focus on two critical issues. First, it’s World Pet Obesity Awareness Week, October 7–13, 2024, and we need your help, veterinary professionals, to participate in our biennial Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey by signing up at PetObesityPrevention.org.
Joining us this week is board-certified veterinary nutritionist Martha Cline from Purina to dive into the communication challenges surrounding pet obesity, discuss spectrum of care issues with nutrition and obesity, and explore cutting-edge research on metabolomics and its relevance to joint disease and obesity treatment.
But that’s not all. We’ll also address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Southeast, including parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Registered Veterinary Technician Beckie Mosser will share ways you can help, as well as some local relief efforts that are making a difference. Links below.
World Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 11, 2023 - A Conversation with Purina Clinical Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Jason Gagné
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced World Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11, 2023. Up to 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This week, we have a clinical nutrition expert to discuss a recent pet owner survey and how you can help your pet patients seeking to achieve a healthy body condition.
We’re pleased to share the mic with Dr. Jason Gagné this week. Dr. Jason Gagné is Purina’s Director of Veterinary Communications. He leads a fantastic team of veterinarians and veterinary product advisors who provide university engagement and sales, marketing, and educational support to the US market.
Dr. Gagné was instrumental in Purina Pro Plan becoming APOP’s first Charter Sponsor to help their ongoing research and outreach efforts to combat pet obesity. On behalf of APOP, Dr. Ward would like to extend a warm welcome and a HUGE thank you to Purina Pro Plan!
Drs. Ward and Gagné take a deep dive into a recent Purina research survey to explore dog owners’ attitudes around feeding, treats, table food, “scraps,” and obesity.
Dr. Ward shares APOP’s years of similar surveys, and both vets offer practical advice for veterinary professionals to share with their clients and patients.
Viewfinders, this is a fast-paced discussion on the complexities of pet obesity. We believe you’ll enjoy it - and hopefully learn a thing or two!
Please visit petobesityprevention.org to sign up to participate in this year’s online surveys. We need veterinary professionals and pet parents to take our brief Pet Weight, Nutrition, and Pet Food Survey. Your opinions (and clients) help us shape future research and resource development.
For more information and resources to share with your clients, visit petobesityprevention.org or worldpetobesity.org
Visit the Purina website and Purina Institute Centre Square for dog owner survey, BCS tools, and more:
https://www.purinaforprofessionals.com/brands/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/om-weight-management?utm_campaign=vdp-professional2023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=october_newsletter&utm_content=cr-om_jm_pt-na&utm_term=
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.