Wellness Resources for Veterinary Professionals
The veterinary field is vastly interesting and rewarding, but it can also be extremely challenging. Multiple studies have shown that the suicide rate among veterinary professionals is several times higher than that of average Americans. It can often feel like we are just waiting to hear news of the latest loss or tragedy. Please remember that you are valued, you are worthy of rest and care, and the world desperately needs you to take care of yourself FIRST, even when it seems like the need for our services is endless. Do not wait to start prioritizing your own health, and do not hesitate to reach out if you suspect someone needs intervention.
Suicide Prevention Training
QPR training, also known as gatekeeper training, teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help. It is not a substitute for professional assistance, but it can be a critical tool to save lives – and it's something that any veterinary professional can learn to do.
.png)
ErgoVet
ErgoVet is a website and blog published by Dr. Sara White, DVM, MSc.
"Working with animals can be intensely physical work, so physical ergonomics is obviously important throughout veterinary practice. Many veterinarians experience musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) related to their work, and good physical ergonomics could likely improve this situation. But ergonomics is a systems science, so the relationship between ergonomics and veterinary medicine goes far beyond the individual person and their physical workspace."
Her website includes resources covering individual ergonomics, organization and cognitive ergonomics specifically for veterinarians, about which she has conducted and published numerous papers.
Research on Veterinary Staff Mental Health 2020
Merk Animal Health Research Summary from 2020, entitled:
Significant Study on Veterinary Wellbeing Reveals Importance of Continued Focus on Personal and Professional Health and Well-Being Among Veterinarians
"In this study, veterinarians rated job satisfaction highly, saying “I’m invested in my work and take pride in doing a good job” and “My work makes a positive contribution to people’s lives.”
Conversely, the study found that veterinarians were very concerned about high stress levels (92%), high student debt (91%) and suicide (89%) in the profession. Despite new awareness around wellbeing and mental health in veterinary medicine, the study showed veterinarian wellbeing on average has not improved since a similar study was conducted in partnership with the AVMA and funded by Merck Animal Health in 2017."