What happens when one veterinary clinic's personnel is rude or short with another? We're talking about when you call for records, they are not happy about it - and let you know how they feel! This week, we are talking about the benefits and risks of informing another clinic of the behavior of their staff. And what about giving clients medical records? How do you handle that? This week, we discuss these topics and a whole lot more on The Veterinary Viewfinder!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss all things medical records request on the episode. Dr. Ward begins with a scenario of a vet clinic receptionist who is repeatedly treated rudely when calling a nearby practice to request medical records. Should the clinic notify a manager or owner about the staff's bad attitude? If so, how? And what can the clinic reasonably—and realistically—expect to happen next? 

Beckie also shared a recent "medical records mixup" that left her frustrated, and our hosts discussed how to handle medical requests in general. 

Viewfinders, this week's podcast packs a powerful punch on several tough topics! Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so we can continue to reach more of our colleagues! Share your thoughts on this week's episode on our Facebook or Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.  

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What should you do if a competing vet clinic’s staff is rude when requesting records?

This week, we’re honored to have a conversation with the first veterinary technician elected as President of the Viticus Group (WVC) Board of Directors, Heather Prendergast, RVT!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, are joined by a friend and prior guest, Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR. Heather shares her story of starting as a would-be veterinarian, becoming a registered veterinary technician, managing a successful veterinary clinic, working in industry, and earning her CVPM and SPHR, NAVTA, and Viticus (WVC) Boards, and her recent election as President of the Viticus Board of Directors! Viewfinders, Heather’s story is inspirational in so many ways!

To learn more about Viticus and Heather:

https://www.viticusgroup.org
www.linkedin.com/in/heather-prendergast-rvt-cvpm-sphr-aa907048
www.synergie-llc.com

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

First Veterinary Technician Elected as President of Viticus Group (WVC) - Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR

Is your break area always a mess? Whose responsibility is it to clean it? And what about coffee? Do you pay? Or does your boss? This week, we discuss a multitude of messes that can occur in the common areas of a veterinary clinic. We also debate who should be on the hook for that special brand of coffee and tea that you like and more bread rook dilemmas.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of “when break rooms attack!” From messy tables to moldy leftovers to whether or not staff should nibble on client goodies, we delve into a multitude of potential snack and break room problems. 

Viewfinders, have you ever had heartbreak - or a heart attack - when dealing with food and drinks in your clinic? Who does the dishes? Do your refrigerated items have an expiration - or too-out - date? Share your thoughts and experiences on our Facebook or Instagram pages (@veterinaryviewfinder) or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Sad Triangles of Pizza and Moldy Leftovers: Veterinary Clinic Common Area Disasters

Happy Valentine’s Day, Viewfinders! This holiday, we want to share what we love most about the veterinary profession!

In this special Valentine’s Day 2024 podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, reveal the most beloved aspects of working as veterinary professionals. Hey, we can buy ourselves flowers! And we can hold our own hand, too!

Viewfinders, we hope you’ll find at least a few of our favorite things about vet med to be a welcome departure from, as Beckie puts it, “The Basics.” From professional autonomy to entrepreneurship to innovation and collaboration, to our amazing clients and patients (puppies! Kittens! No, we didn’t go there…), there’s something to remind everyone why we love the veterinary profession!

Please share your thoughts on our social media @VeterinaryViewfinder or email us at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What We Love About the Veterinary Profession - Valentine's Day 2024

Workplace violence. Natural disasters. Fires and floods. These stories dominate the news. This week, we discuss whether or not most veterinary clinics are really prepared in the event of an active shooter, power failure, or other emergencies. Viewfinders, this is a critical conversation.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, discuss their personal experiences with disasters in veterinary practice and workplace violence and the lessons they’ve learned. From creating emergency protocols to running drills with your team, this podcast hopes to inspire and guide you to prepare for any emergency.

Viewfinders, share your experiences and thoughts about veterinary practice emergencies with us on Facebook or Instagram @veterinaryviewfinder or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Is your Veterinary Clinic Really Prepared for an Emergency?

This week, we're proud to introduce you to an extraordinary veterinary technician, Sam Geiling, CVT. Sam has just been named the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Technician of the Year! Viewfinders, her journey is exceptional and sure to inspire!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, talk to Sam Geiling, CVT and Chief of Staff for the Animal Policy Group, about her career in veterinary medicine and some of her remarkable achievements. From serving in the Navy to being a classmate of Beckie's in vet tech school to practicing and teaching in Hawaii, to working with state legislatures and veterinary boards around the country, Sam is a vet tech force to be reckoned with! 

Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy her unique story as much as we did! 

Here's a little more about Sam: 

Sam Geiling, CVT, is Animal Policy Group's project leader, working directly with clients and the entire APG team to oversee plans to ensure goals are successfully met.
She is a credentialed veterinary technician with over a decade of teaching experience at an AVMA-accredited vet tech program. She has passed state legislation recognizing veterinary technicians, and volunteers as co-chair on NAVTA's Government Relations Committee.
Sam lives in Minnesota with her husband and two sons. She enjoys summer days on the lake, grilling, and discovering new restaurants.

@animalpolicygroup
https://animalpolicygroup.com/ 

NAVTA's Government Relations Committee
Email: info@navta.net 

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

2023 Veterinary Technician of the Year - Sam Geiling, CVT

Are you overwhelmed by Slack, Teams, Groups, and Text work messages? Do you feel guilty when responding to a workplace thread late? Ever judge a teammate for not responding to a message? If so, welcome to the new world of 24/7/365 work messages!

In this week’s podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, tackle the tough topic of some of the potential benefits and pitfalls of how we communicate with our veterinary clinic teams in 2024. They discuss topics from setting time boundaries to curating appropriate issues and messages to share.

Dr. Ward shares how he expects AI to help us manage the growing number of interactions and platforms. Beckie offers advice on giving yourself grace when creating personal and professional messaging guidelines.

Viewfinders, this is a re-visit of a topic we tackled nearly seven years ago when confronting after-hours telephone calls. As technology and tools have progressed, these intrusions have amplified, and the rules of engagement need to be updated.   

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Overwhelming Veterinary Practice Messages: Healthy Use and Boundaries on Slack, Teams, and Groups

Training requires struggle and even failure at times. But how do we apply this principle when training veterinary medical personnel? 

In this podcast, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, MPA, delve into the importance of letting veterinary clinic employees struggle in order to improve. Our duo explores the concept of fostering growth through challenges, emphasizing the need for training guardrails and cultivating a culture of curiosity in veterinary clinics. 

They share tips on how allowing employees to navigate difficulties can lead to enhanced skills and resilience (“Don’t always jump in!”). They reveal strategies for implementing effective training frameworks while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and continuous learning. 

Viewfinders, we hope you enjoy this discussion on the vital balance between providing guidance and allowing room for struggle in a safe and effective manner, ultimately promoting professional development in the veterinary industry.

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

The Importance of the Training Struggle : How to Create Training Guardrails and a Culture of Curiosity

What happens when you promote a staff member to a new position or role and it doesn’t work out? What if the staff members want to return to their previous positions? How do we successfully expand our team members’ roles, responsibilities, and duties and “promote from within?” Viewfinders, we’ve got a lot to discuss in this episode!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of job promotions gone bad. More importantly, our podcasters provide you with a variety of ways to support, coach, and set yourself or your employees up for success in transitioning to a new job position.

The podcast begins with a real-life question Dr. Ward recently received about handling a veterinary technician struggling after being promoted to clinic manager. The veterinary practice owner feared she’d have to fire the employee after she failed to succeed in management. Our hosts have a lot to say about this, as well as tips for avoiding this sort of dilemma.

Beckie shares how to handle the potential vacancy left behind when you promote a staff member. Preparation, planning, and communication are critical elements of a successful job transition and promotion-from-within scenarios. 

Viewfinders, there’s a lot to learn in the podcast about helping people succeed in your practice. Please share your thoughts and experiences with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com. 

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

What Happens When Promotions Don't Work Out in a Vet Clinic?

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! On January 1, 2024, the first fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription in the state of California was performed. But is it too little too late? Will veterinary telemedicine be leapfrogged by AI-assisted telemedicine and beyond? This is one episode you'll want to share with your colleagues!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, start the new year off with a bang as they discuss the recent changes in veterinary telemedicine and artificial intelligence. 

Our hosts review the recent news of a virtual veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) being established in California and the potential impacts throughout the US. Both wonder if this move is too late to stop the emergence of AI-powered telemedicine and what AI-assisted veterinary care could be like in the next few years. 

Dr. Ward shares why the Star Trek Enterprise only had one chief medical doctor, Bones, and what this may portend for AI veterinary care, along with how his daughter recently benefited from AI-assisted pharmacy care. He also revisits his earlier concerns when he served on the AVMA Telemedicine Committee about legal liability and responsibility when AI medicine makes an error. 

Beckie argues that AI medicine is already pervasive and that the veterinary community is quickly diving into two opposing camps on its utilization. She also shares a story from her recent hospitalization of how AI medicine is changing patient care. 

Viewfinders, this is an important topic that will shape the future of our profession. Please share your thoughts on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com

"If a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can, too." Terminator 2: Judgement Day

#veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinary #podcast #veterinarypodcast #vettechpodcast #vetpodcast

Will Veterinary AI Replace or Augment Telemedicine?

Happy New Year, Viewfinders! This week, we have a special expert guest to offer advice and strategies for setting - and achieving - our New Year’s Resolutions!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, are joined by special guest Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT, the Wellbeing Coordinator, for the Veterinary Technology Program at Appalachian State University, to unravel the secrets of setting achievable New Year resolutions for veterinary teams, vet professionals, and personal goals. 

Discover practical strategies to navigate career aspirations and prioritize self-care with Rebecca's expert guidance. Uncover the keys to unlocking personal and professional success while gaining valuable insights from the dynamic trio. 

Tune in to the last Veterinary Viewfinder episode in 2023 (#369!) for an engaging conversation that resonates with veterinary team members across all age groups, offering a roadmap to a fulfilling and balanced year ahead. Don't miss out on this empowering blend of veterinary wisdom and personal growth tips!

Rebecca’s recommended resource we discussed in the podcast:

VIA Character Strengths Survey  - consider a strengths-based approach to New Year's resolutions. Discover your top 5 character strengths and choose one that could use extra nurturing in 2024.

Writing SMART Goals

The Psychology Behind Successful New Year's Resolutions

The Best Way to Follow Through on Your New Year's Resolution? Make an "Old Year's Resolution"

Happy New Year! Setting Resolutions for Your Best Self with Rebecca Newman, PsyM, CVT, RVT

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! This week, we continue our annual Veterinary Viewfinder tradition of bringing you a special veterinary rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, read Beckie’s poem that describes an all-too-familiar scenario for those of us who work in veterinary clinics!

We hope you enjoy this fun retelling of a holiday standard!

Check out the full lyrics at https://www.drernieward.com/veterinaryviewfinder

'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Veterinary Clinic - 2023 edition

It's the season of expectations! In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of managing expectations within veterinary clinics. We address common scenarios, such as dealing with a new graduate who might be spending an extended amount of time in the exam room while questioning if our expectations are realistic and exploring ways to improve efficiency. 

Additionally, we tackle the challenge of colleagues who may be struggling to meet their responsibilities or display the necessary skills. How can better communicating our expectations help them succeed and decrease our frustration?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, examine the fundamental role of expectations in shaping our interpersonal interactions. They explore the significance of expectations as the foundation for how we relate to one another and offer insights into building stronger connections with colleagues. They tackle the intricacies of expectations, providing their experience and perspectives on fostering more robust and positive relationships in your work environment.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of distinguishing between realistic and unrealistic expectations and provide insights on effectively communicating expectations, especially when it comes to performance reviews and reprimands. 

Viewfinders, we'd love to hear your thoughts on how you manage and communicate your expectations in your clinic!

VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com or Facebook and Instagram!

’Tis the Season of… Expectations? How to better communicate expectations to avoid frustrations!

Currently, 17 US states have reported a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs. As hype escalates on social media, fueled by TikTok and TMZ, how should veterinary professionals educate their pet parents and keep their pet patients safe during this holiday season?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of how to address an unknown newsworthy canine respiratory illness and practicality and medically. Our hosts also have advice for “veterinary influencers” seeking to capitalize on the issue and steps more reasonable veterinary medical professionals can take to combat excessive sensationalization (and potentially capitalization) on a serious pet health issue. IYKYK

Viewfinders, this is a serious topic that needs more tempered and measured responses from the veterinary medical community. How are you dealing with your clients’ questions, and what safeguards are you enacting this holiday season to keep your pet patients safe during the holidays? Share your advice on our Facebook and Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or drop us a line (and Beckie a “Get Well Soon” note) at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

Mystery Dog Respiratory Illness - Dealing with the Hype this Holiday Season

This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, celebrate seven years of never missing a weekly podcast - from the hospital! Viewfinders, tune in to learn why Beckie has been hospitalized for the past three weeks!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, update us on the past three weeks of Beckie’s life after the accident and reflect on the previous seven years of podcasting. I’m not crying; you’re crying. 

Viewfinders, thank you for your loyal listening over the past seven years (365.29 weeks). We’re proud to share our thoughts with you each week and are grateful for the time we spend together. 

If you’d like to wish Beckie a speedy recovery, drop her a note at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

To help a colleague in need, or if you need assistance, check out Beckie’s amazing non-profit created to help our veterinary colleagues, the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree - www.veterinarygivingtree.com/. 

Thank you, Viewfinders! 

Beckie, get well soon!

The 7-Year Crash: Celebrating Our 7-Year Anniversary from the Hospital!

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States this week, and that means the holiday season has begun. Besides family, food, and fun, the holidays can also bring stress, anxiety, and dread. This week, we’re joined by Liz Hughston, MEd, RVT, LVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC) to discuss tips and tactics to help you survive the holidays with a smile.

Host Dr. Ernie Ward is missing co-host Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, as she is recovering from an accident. Beckie is doing well, and we’ll share the full story soon. Meanwhile, drop her a “Get Well Soon” message on our socials or email at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com.

Liz and Ernie begin by tackling the problematic origins of Thanksgiving in the United States and offer how they’re reconciling the holiday with history. The pair then discuss their different gratitude practices and why gratitude is good for your mental well-being.

Liz shares how some veterinary practices incorporate gratitude into their daily huddles. Dr. Ward explains why he believes we must be more openly positive in our business and personal lives. Both reveal how they deal with criticism over being too optimistic (or pushing for change) and why everyone needs to, in Dr. Ward’s words, “start each day tilted toward optimism.” 

Viewfinders, this podcast has loads of practical tips and real-life stories. We recommend you listen to it before your Thanksgiving visits or immediately afterward to decompress. Regardless of when you listen, we hope you’ll find something to make your holidays a little brighter!

Beckie, get well soon! We miss you!

Holiday Gratitude - How Being Thankful Can Help You Survive This Holiday Season

This week, we’re delighted to host Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan of the VetTech Cafe podcast to talk about podcasting, their journeys to vet tech specialization, and the challenges and future of the veterinary profession, Viewfinders, this is one podcast mashup you don’t want to miss!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, share the mic with the two veterinary technician specialists behind the Vet Tech Cafe podcast, Dave Cowan BA, CVT, VTS(ECC) and Jeff Backus, CVT, RVT, VTS(ECC). They share the nontraditional paths they took to become credentialed veterinary technicians and why and how they chose to pursue specialization.

Viewfinders, we’d like to thank the Vet Tech Cafe for serving as our Complaint Department for the past couple of years. Remember, if there’s something you don’t like on our podcast, please inform Dave and Jeff! 

To learn more about them and their huge Spotify deal worth millions, visit www.vettechcafe.com.

Thanks, Dave and Jeff, for making this an amazing episode!

Vet Tech Cafe Podcast Mashup - Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan

It’s estimated that there are 6 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Cancer is by far the single most common cause of death in adult dogs. Similar to human cancer risks, dogs have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of getting cancer. This week, we talk with a veterinary oncologist and co-founder of PetDx, a revolutionary company bringing noninvasive blood tests to detect cancer early in dogs.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, welcome Andi Flory, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at PetDx to discuss how early detection of canine cancer is changing how we think about veterinary cancer treatment.

Viewfinders, this is a fascinating conversation on a genuinely groundbreaking diagnostic test. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

To learn more about PetDx and their OncoK9 test, visit www.petdx.com or call 833-464-7297

Thank you, Dr. Flory and PetDx, for bringing this vital information to the Viewfinders!

PetDx Early Canine Cancer Detection - A Conversation with Veterinary Oncologist Dr. Andi Flory

Recently, Amazon announced it was considering offering veterinary telemedicine services to augment its position as a top pet supplies and pharmacy provider. This move would allow them to compete in veterinary telemedicine against competitors like Walmart, Chewy, etc. This week, we discuss the pros and cons and potential impacts this could have on independent veterinary clinics and the veterinary profession.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, review the recent news that Amazon was considering offering veterinary telemedicine. Beckie shares why this is no surprise and that there may be a silver lining for independent veterinary clinics.
Dr. Ward expresses his concerns along with several steps veterinary professionals should be taking to ensure continued success in the future. 

Viewfinders, there’s much more to this issue than simply, “Oh brother, here’s another competitor!” We’d love to hear your thoughts and how you’re addressing this issue.

Amazon Considers Offering Veterinary Telemedicine - What It Means for Veterinary Clinics and Team Members

Medical gaslighting has become a hot topic in human medicine. This week, we tackle the topic and debate whether or not it exists in veterinary practice.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, examine the behaviors and attitudes that veterinary professionals need to be vigilant about to prevent unintentionally dismissing, discounting or discrediting their clients. 

Throughout this week’s candid conversation, our hosts emphasize the importance of empathy, effective communication, and active listening, urging veterinary professionals to put themselves in their client’s shoes and provide the best possible care.

Dr. Ward also shares how he believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help physicians and veterinarians avoid medical gaslighting. Both hosts discuss why being open-minded when it comes to diagnosing patients and appreciative of pet owners’ research, regardless of how accurate or applicable, is essential to providing optimal patient care. 

Stick around to the very end to hear Beckie tell an interesting (and hilarious) story from a recent conference where she presented. We love it when you tell us you listen to the podcast!

Viewfinders, this is another emerging topic that needs more attention. Tell us your thoughts! @VeterinaryViewfinder or VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com

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