Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast Podcast By Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor RVT cover art

Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

By: Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor RVT
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About this listen

 Weekly podcast dedicated to "tackling the toughest topics in veterinary medicine." Hosted by veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor. Candid, irreverent, provocative, educational, and occasionally funny conversations about issues that impact the veterinary profession. Non-stop since 2016.Copyright Dr. Ernie Ward & Beckie Mossor, RVT Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • The Hidden Cost of Undervaluing Vet Techs: Burnout, Turnover, and a Profession at Risk

    The Hidden Cost of Undervaluing Vet Techs: Burnout, Turnover, and a Profession at Risk
    Jun 25 2025
    What happens when veterinary technicians are overworked, underpaid, and still fighting for recognition? The 2024 NAVTA Demographic Survey reveals the harsh reality, and this week on The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, unpack what it all means for the future of veterinary medicine. Despite their essential role, most vet techs still earn significantly less than comparable healthcare professionals. Worse, they’re burning out fast. Many are working second (or even third) jobs to make ends meet. Only 8% report being “extremely satisfied” with their current role, and more than half are actively considering leaving the profession within the next five years. Dr. Ward and Beckie explore how low wages, chronic underutilization, and the continued lack of legal title protection are driving professionals out of the field. They break down the downstream impact on patient care, clinic morale, and team dynamics, and challenge veterinary leaders to stop ignoring the growing crisis. This episode isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about purpose, protection, and survival. If we don’t act now to support our veterinary technicians, we risk losing the very backbone of our clinics. Read the NAVTA Report here: https://navta.net/news/navtas-2024-demographic-survey-reveals-strong-feelings-on-title-protection-income-role-clarity-and-wellness/ #VetTechLife #VeterinaryTechnician #VetMed #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechBurnout #SupportVetTechs #ProtectTheTitle #CredentialedNotConfused #VetTechPride #VetTechStrong #WorkforceWellness #VeterinaryLeadership #TitleProtection #VetMentalHealth #BurnoutAwareness
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    32 mins
  • Are Vet Techs Nurses? Why the Internet Erupted—and What the Real Debate Is About

    Are Vet Techs Nurses? Why the Internet Erupted—and What the Real Debate Is About
    Jun 18 2025
    A viral video from a popular “human nurse” influencer asking if veterinary technicians are “nurses” recently sparked a social media firestorm, but the outrage may be missing the real issue. In this episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, go beyond the headlines to explore what’s truly at stake in the “vet nurse” debate: professional identity, title protection, and the public’s understanding of veterinary medical roles. While thousands weighed in online, some supporting the comparison, others fiercely rejecting it, Ward and Mossor ask whether these internet debates are distracting from the bigger, systemic problem: the lack of legally protected titles for credentialed veterinary technicians in many U.S. states. They explore the emotional responses from both veterinary and human healthcare communities, examine the practical implications of inconsistent terminology, and call for stronger advocacy, unity, and legislative engagement. This episode challenges listeners to move past online outrage and toward meaningful real-world change. If you’ve ever wondered why words like “veterinary technician,” “nurse,” and “assistant” matter so much, or what we can do to protect and elevate our profession, this conversation is a must-listen. As Beckie suggests, skip watching this nurse influencer’s videos and join NAVTA and contact your state veterinary medical Board to demand title protection for credentialed veterinary technicians. #VetTechLife #VeterinaryTechnician #VeterinaryMedicine #VetMed #VetTechProblems #VetTechPride #VetNurse #TitleProtection #CredentialedNotConfused #SupportVetTechs #ProtectTheTitle #VetTechAdvocate
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    31 mins
  • Hey, can I get a discount? When vet clients, colleagues, and friends push the line

    Hey, can I get a discount? When vet clients, colleagues, and friends push the line
    Jun 11 2025
    Should veterinary professionals, their colleagues, distributors, pharmaceutical representatives, and community heroes receive a discount? And what happens when they ask? In this provocative episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the emotional and financial complexities of veterinary discounts. Prompted by Beckie’s personal experience navigating an expensive emergency bill for her own pet, the duo delves into topics ranging from professional courtesy and price transparency to client entitlement and business boundaries. With a little humor and a lot of honesty, our hosts ask tough questions: * When is it appropriate to offer a discount, and when does it erode profitability? * Do corporate policies make it easier to say “no”? * And how do you handle requests from vendor reps, military families, or your lead vet tech’s cousin? From professional courtesy and corporate policy to profitability and emotional boundaries, this episode is a must-hear for practice leaders navigating pricing transparency and culture. This episode is more than a veterinary business conversation; it’s a reflection on fairness, empathy, and the complex social dynamics of money in veterinary medicine. Whether you’re setting policy, enforcing it, or simply trying to survive the awkwardness, this one will hit home. #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife #VetDiscounts #ClinicCulture #PracticeManagement #VetBiz #VeterinaryLeadership #PricingStrategy #VeterinaryPodcast #VetTechPodcast #VetMedPodcast #VetPodcast #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife
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    26 mins
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