A positive trend in veterinary practice and professionals taking a more proactive approach toward mental health has been underscored in a recent study.
Conducted by Merck Animal Health, in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Veterinary Wellbeing Study examined the well-being and mental health of U.S. veterinarians and support teams following the pandemic and its impact on veterinary professionals.
“There are many positives coming out of the study, including high levels of job satisfaction and pride in work across veterinary teams. This must be balanced with the understanding that there are also challenges within the veterinary profession, including a shortage of qualified veterinary team members as well as burdensome student debt that causes stress,” says Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health.
The study expanded its focus this year to include veterinary team members, gathering significantly more responses than the 2021 survey. The objective remained to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterinarians and support teams and highlight how they cope with the help of partners like Merck Animal Health and AVMA.
“It is encouraging to see an increase in practices and professionals that are addressing team culture, wellbeing, and mental health,” adds Dr. Royal. “We remain committed to advocating for and providing resources to veterinary professionals no matter the individual’s role or title.”
Rena Carlson, DVM, AVMA president, expressed the association’s commitment to bring critical awareness to the challenges veterinary professional face and endure and ensure they have the appropriate tools and resources to help support mental health and wellbeing.
Some key insights include:
On increase in mental health resources for professionals
- 38 percent of clinics now offer an employee assistance program (EAP), which is a jump from 31 percent in 2021 and 27 percent in 2019
- 98 percent of veterinarians and 92 percent of veterinary team members (92%) note they are invested in their work and take pride in doing a good job.
- More than 80 percent believe the work they do makes a positive contribution on other people’s lives.
- Over three-quarters of veterinarians and veterinary team members cite having a warm, friendly, and supportive relationship with their co-workers, a critical foundation for this important dialogue to advance
The results aim to provide insight on the progress made and the areas that need additional attention. Initiatives, such as MentorVet, which creates evidence-based programming to empower individuals to thrive within veterinary medicine, help facilitate guidance and support for veterinary professionals and continue to play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment within the industry.
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