A hot topic in veterinary medicine right now!

You’re thinking how can you be burned out from dealing with puppies and kittens all day?! True, if that is all a veterinarian had to deal with we would probably not have an excuse for burning out. However there is a lot within the veterinary industry that is not conducive to mental wellness. We are in the unique position to see patients from birth to end of life. We are responsible for the care and well-being of our patients as well as the continued success of our veterinary business. We have the relationships and interactions with owners that we must maintain. We typically work long hours and don’t earn as much as the general population would like to think.

There have been many a story of clients confronting their veterinarian accusing them of only doing things for money and not caring for the animal. As someone who has dedicated their life and time to the treatment of animal patients these can be frustrating and hurtful. As these situations are often emotionally charged it becomes draining and increasingly difficult to leave these feelings at work. We as veterinarians often will do everything we can with the resources we are allowed, sometimes some of us have resorted to pro-bono work. However we also rely on our skills and knowledge to live and sooner or later we will need to have a profitable business. This doesn’t mean we try to gouge clients but it also doesn’t mean things are free. Even though Ontario residents don’t pay for them (Thanks OHIP) check ups cost money, x-rays cost money. This is why pet insurance is so great, it helps alleviate this stress from both sides.

Suicide rates among veterinarians have been noted as one of the highest among professionals. As stated above we are often under criticism for only being in it for the money. We are often type-A personalities, always looking for perfection, making everyone happy. We take the bad and sad issues home with us after our long days at work. We often have large student debts out of school and have wages below that of teachers (usually no benefits, but this is slowly changing). A large percentage of veterinarians have said if asked they would not recommend going through to become a veterinarian.

I’m not trying to be totally doom and gloom, much of this requires us (veterinarians) to be more self aware. To practice mindfulness and self care and be the ones to ensure we have adequate work life balance. I am also not saying we need to be compensated more (although it is always nice) I just want there to be more awareness. Be kind to your veterinarian, they are working hard to save/cure/heal your pet and doing the most with the financial resources we have to work with.