What if the negative review was… right? 

In this brutally honest episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle one of the most difficult scenarios in veterinary medicine: how to handle legitimate complaints when your clinic or team actually did make a mistake.

With raw insight and hard-earned experience, the hosts examine how to manage everything from emotionally-charged one-star reviews to social media posts by staff that cross the line. 

They break down why the “we’re sorry this happened” template may no longer be enough and how transparency, empathy, and timely internal support can de-escalate even the most viral situations.

They also discuss the importance of leadership when things go wrong, the need for well-written social media policies, and the delicate balance between defending your team and holding people accountable. 

Remember when veterinary break rooms were covered in highlighted journals and sticky notes that said “READ THIS”? This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor explore how our learning habits have changed and what this means for clinic culture.

Are we still learning together… or just scrolling solo?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore how veterinary professionals consume and share clinical knowledge in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.

Gone are the days of dog-eared journals in the break room and article clippings on the clinic fridge. But what have we lost in this shift to screens and skimming? From the impact of algorithm-driven content and AI tools like ChatGPT to concerns about critical thinking and team collaboration, Dr. Ward and Beckie ask whether we're trading connection and depth for convenience and speed.

The episode questions whether the rise of digital isolation and the decline in communal learning have affected how veterinary teams function and bond. 

It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a call to reimagine how clinics can cultivate curiosity, unity, and a culture of continual education in a fragmented information landscape.

What do you do when a client trashes your clinic with a negative online review, then schedules another appointment as if nothing happened? In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack the emotional and professional complexities of accepting—or refusing—returning clients who’ve publicly criticized your team.

From understanding when a bad review crosses into abuse to learning how to initiate honest, respectful dialogue, this episode delivers actionable strategies for managing digital conflict, preserving team morale, and navigating tough conversations. 

The hosts also explore how evolving norms around online reviews have changed the client-vet dynamic, and why price complaints, while frustrating, may not always be personal. A must-listen for veterinary professionals dealing with the emotional toll of public feedback in an increasingly review-driven world.

Vaccine and surgery hesitancy isn’t just a human healthcare challenge; veterinary teams are seeing it more often in exam rooms across the country. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, cohosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, take a deep dive into the rising trend of pet parent hesitancy around core vaccines and routine surgical procedures like spays, neuters, and dental cleanings

The conversation covers how internet misinformation, personal beliefs, and changing cultural norms are driving some clients to question the necessity, safety, or ethics of traditional veterinary recommendations.

Dr. Ward and Beckie share practical ways veterinary professionals can respond with empathy while maintaining high standards of care. They discuss strategies to build trust, avoid confrontation, and reframe conversations to focus on animal welfare and preventive health.

Whether you're facing pushback about a rabies booster or a client declining a critical dental procedure, this episode offers clear guidance to help your team feel prepared and unified. If your practice is seeing more resistance during treatment plan discussions, this is a must-listen for every veterinary professional.

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle a timely topic that every veterinary professional should consider: how inflation, rising tariffs, and supply chain disruptions are affecting big purchasing decisions and clinic growth strategies.

As economic pressures mount, practice owners, managers, and technicians alike are asking: Should we buy that new piece of equipment now or wait? Dr. Ward and Beckie walk listeners through real-world examples — from deciding whether to replace aging digital radiology systems to concerns about the availability of surgical lasers and other high-ticket items due to supply chain slowdowns.

But this conversation isn’t just about purchases. It’s about strategy. The hosts encourage clinics to use slower economic periods to introduce new services, such as Class IV laser therapy, advanced dental care, acupuncture, or clinical weight management programs. They emphasize that investing in team training during slow periods, such as additional preventive care like heartworm and intestinal parasite education, can boost morale and better position a practice for future growth.

This week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle one of the most urgent and unsettling issues facing veterinary professionals: the growing instability in the profession driven by corporate layoffs, clinic closures, and public scrutiny. They discuss the recent, abrupt shutdown of My Pets Wellness clinics across multiple U.S. states, leaving veterinary teams and pet owners stunned and unemployed.

Adding fuel to the fire is a recent BBC investigative report examining rising veterinary fees in the UK, with claims that corporate-owned practices are pressuring veterinarians to upsell services and prioritize profits. These revelations have sparked renewed global concerns about how corporate influence affects client trust, team morale, and the future of veterinary care.

Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or practice manager, this episode explores how these economic and ethical pressures may impact hiring, compensation, burnout, and even the decision to stay in the profession.

In this timely and insightful episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, address one of the most pressing concerns facing veterinary professionals today: how to support your clinic team during economic uncertainty. As inflation rises, operating costs soar, and layoffs make headlines, veterinary practices—whether corporate or independent—must adapt quickly to protect their staff and patients.

Exotic animal pets captivate animal lovers, but their rising popularity brings complex ethical dilemmas for veterinary professionals. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the delicate balance between the desire to own exotic animals and the professional responsibility to ensure their proper care. 

Our co-hosts discuss a wide range of species—from saltwater fish and reptiles to birds and small mammals—and delve into the unique challenges these animals face regarding specialized diets, exact environmental conditions, and overall welfare. 

The conversation also examines the ecological impacts of the exotic pet trade, the consequences of poor husbandry, and the broader societal implications when ownership crosses ethical boundaries. 

With thought-provoking insights, Dr. Ward and Beckie encourage pet owners and veterinary professionals alike to consider critical questions about sourcing, care, and long-term animal welfare. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and join the dialogue on promoting responsible exotic pet ownership.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the complex topic of toxic leadership in veterinary practices. 

The duo delves into what truly constitutes a toxic boss versus a demanding or challenging manager, examining behaviors that range from a lack of self-awareness and inconsistent treatment to micromanagement and emotional abuse. 

The conversation unpacks how these negative traits can slowly erode team morale, lower job satisfaction, and ultimately impact patient care and client service. Listeners gain valuable insights on identifying red flags and understanding the subtle signs of a toxic workplace before the situation worsens. 

This episode also discusses practical approaches to address unhealthy dynamics, encouraging open communication and proactive measures to foster a supportive work environment. 

If you’re a veterinarian, vet tech, practice manager, or any support staff member concerned about workplace culture, this discussion offers essential strategies for self-advocacy and team improvement.

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, MPA, RVT, discuss how required continuing education (CE) content is selected for veterinary professionals. They delve into the changing landscape of vet conferences, where traditional academic excellence intersects with the modern impact of social media -- and dancing vets.  

The hosts investigate how influencer culture is transforming the selection of speakers and content, prompting crucial discussions about quality versus popularity. They address innovative CE formats, such as panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and even the possibilities of virtual reality, while warning against diminishing the educational rigor demanded by licensing boards. 

In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT, MPA, dive into the transformative world of veterinary mentorship with the inspiring founder of MentorVet, Dr. Addie Reinhard and Director of Learning and Development,  Mariel Hendricks, RVTg. 

MentorVet is tackling the profession’s toughest challenges—burnout, isolation, and career uncertainty—by providing evidence-based mentorship programs tailored for veterinarians, technicians, and other veterinary professionals.

Learn how MentorVet’s innovative peer support groups, mentorship matching, and mental health resources are making a tangible impact on well-being and career longevity. Whether you're an early-career vet, a seasoned practice manager, or a technician seeking guidance, this conversation will offer practical insights into navigating career stressors and thriving in veterinary medicine.

Dive into this week’s episode of “The Veterinary Viewfinder” with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, as they tackle a pressing topic for young veterinary professionals: mental health accommodations in practice. In this episode, the duo explores how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to veterinary settings, offering practical insights for navigating stress and anxiety on the job. 

Dr. Ward shares a real-world example of a young vet struggling with “difficult clients,” sparking a discussion on what “reasonable accommodations” look like—think flexible schedules or quiet decompression spaces. 

Meanwhile, Beckie opens up about her husband’s PTSD accommodation—an hour-late start that balances his needs with workplace demands—showing how creative solutions can work in high-pressure environments. 

Together, they emphasize empathy, clear job descriptions, and proactive mental health support, urging young vets to advocate for themselves. 

Whether you’re a new associate or a vet tech facing burnout, this episode delivers actionable advice and a fresh perspective on thriving in vet med. Tune in to feel empowered, understood, and ready to shape a healthier workplace—because everyone’s mental health matters!