Veterinarian burnout demographics and organizational impacts: a narrative review

Assessing risk factors for drug storage practices in veterinary surgeries: A questionnaire study of UK veterinary professionals

Background

Safe drug storage practices are essential in veterinary practice to maintain optimal standards of animal care. Practical challenges in clinic may impact their uptake, which could affect drug efficacy and the success of treatment. The UK is presumed to provide high standards for animal care and welfare in the veterinary profession and may provide an interesting case study to assess veterinary drug storage practices.

Methods

An online survey with 184 practice participants assessed UK veterinary professionals' responses on drug storage practices. This included socio-demographic information and questions or statements that examined storage practices compliant with the requirements established by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulatory body for veterinary practice in the UK.

Results

Overall, practices followed RCVS-recommended measures, though there was clear selectivity for stock temperature checks (72.2%), over other measures, particularly, replacing stock (54.4%) and returning medications to refrigerated storage (52.5%). Clinical experience and practice type impacted most on drug storage practices, with more experienced clinicians and small animal practices showing greater uptake of best measures.

Conclusions

We suggest that practices should adopt all of the RCVS measures in relation to veterinary drug storage practices. Socio-demographic factors should be considered because they can act as risk factors influencing best practice in clinics. Our findings may have wider implications for the veterinary profession in general, given similar demographic trends in veterinary practice in many European countries.

Predictors of Burnout and Well-Being Among Veterinarians in Slovenia

Burnout is a major challenge for the veterinary profession and is closely linked to negative effects on mental health, reduced job satisfaction and impaired professional sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of burnout symptoms among Slovenian veterinarians and their association with factors such as work-life balance, ethical dilemmas and overall job satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024, to which all registered Slovenian veterinarians (N = 1250) were invited. The response rate was 38% (N = 473). Burnout was assessed using the Mayo Clinic Physicians Wellbeing Index, which captures both the traditional burnout dimensions and broader indicators of psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Results showed that 45.5% of veterinarians reported low burnout, 26.4% reported moderate burnout, and 28.3% reported high burnout. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that work-life imbalance, ethical conflicts and long working hours were significant predictors of burnout symptoms, with younger veterinarians and women being disproportionately affected. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the systemic and individual factors that contribute to burnout in veterinary practice. Tailored interventions that focus on improving work-life balance, enhancing ethical decision-making and promoting mental health awareness are recommended to mitigate the risks of burnout. These findings contribute to the growing literature on veterinarian well-being and provide valuable insight into the development of targeted strategies to promote veterinarians' mental health and career sustainability.

Career-Long Skills for Personal and Professional Wellness: A Staged Developmental Model of Veterinarian Resilience Training

Burnout and mental health concerns are widespread in veterinarians. Exposure to the suffering of animal patients and human clients and to the complex dynamics of providing care in a challenging system is inherently demanding. We must teach veterinarians skills for personal and professional wellness without pathologizing their distress. Existing approaches to resilience training are promising but limited in scope, depth, duration, sequencing, and implementation. We forward a staged, developmental, career-long model, introduced early in veterinary medical training, extending into post-graduate veterinary medical education, and integrated throughout professional training and continuing education. This framework proposes intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systems and sustainability skills that provide resources for veterinarians to cope with the common emotional, social, and physical impacts of care provision.

High prevalence of burnout in veterinary medicine: Exploring interventions to improve well-being

The veterinary profession faces a critical challenge: burnout. Long hours, emotional strain, financial pressures, and difficult client interactions contribute to stress and drive veterinary professionals from the field. This harms not only their well-being but also patient care and workplace morale. Research highlights the concerning mental state of veterinarians, with studies finding high rates of burnout, compassion fatigue, and burden transfer (stress from client challenges). Early-career and female veterinarians are most vulnerable. Several studies explore interventions to improve veterinary well-being. Educational programs targeting communication and acceptance of difficult clients show promise in reducing stress and burnout. Additionally, a web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program demonstrates effectiveness in reducing occupational distress. It is crucial to address the veterinary burnout crisis. By creating supportive work environments, prioritizing mental health, and implementing interventions like ACT training, we can retain veterinary professionals and ensure a thriving profession that provides optimal care for animals and their caregivers.

Impact of a Competency Training Course on the Job Profile of Veterinary Medicine Graduates in Northeastern Brazil

The present study identified professional training aspects in veterinary medicine at a federal public university in the Northeast of Brazil based on the graduates perception. The outcome of this study is anticipated to facilitate updating of pedagogical project execution of the courses in related areas to improve their curriculum. Hence, the course coordination started monitoring the graduates using an online questionnaire on the course webpage. The form consisted of questions about the graduate's sociodemographic information; academic training; professional performance; evaluation about the humanistic and technical skills; expertise and knowledge areas; job market perception; and curriculum evaluation. This survey was performed following the ethical criteria. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test (p < .05). Graduates work mainly in the Northeast region of the country, and are employed less than a year after graduation. Moreover, they are working in their training area with a compatible salary. They recognized the generalist profile of their training. They also believed that the course promotes articulation between teaching, and research and extension, as well as consider the discipline contents more theoretical than practical. Upon completing the course, 41% of the graduates felt prepared for the job market, especially in the area of animal health. The results obtained allowed us to understand the socioeconomic, demographic, and professional profiles of the trained professionals. Therefore, monitoring the trajectory of graduates can support decisions about the didactic-pedagogical adjustments aimed at promoting the quality of professional training, thereby meeting the job market demands.

Gender disparity in the impact of COVID-19 on childcare responsibilities and professional standing among specialty small animal surgeons

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on childcare responsibilities, mental health, and professional relationships of small animal surgeons.

STUDY DESIGN

Voluntary, non-incentivized, anonymized 40-question internet survey deployed November 2021-February 2022.

SAMPLE POPULATION

A total of 333 completed surveys from veterinary surgeons and residents in the USA.

METHODS

Respondents provided information regarding demographics, family composition, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on childcare, impact of work-life balance changes on mental health, and interpersonal work relationships. The influence of variables such as age and gender on these data was analyzed. Associations between demographics and responses were analyzed (p < .05).

RESULTS

Families were most commonly categorized as "children and a partner" (139/312, 44.6%), followed by "partner and no children" (100/312, 32%). A total of 46.5% (67/145) of respondents reported disruptions in school schedules affected their work schedule. Female respondents were most likely affected (OR = 2.2, p = .047). Respondents experiencing stress due to disruptions in work-life balance reported three or more feelings of mental distress and were more likely to be female (p < .001). Female gender was associated with a delay in promotion, adverse effects on relationships with colleagues, and negative effects on relationships with administration (p = .016, p < .001, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic affected childcare responsibilities, professional standing, and the mental health of veterinary surgeons. Female gender was the most common variable associated with dysregulation of work-life balance.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Identifying variables assists in creating strategies that improve job satisfaction and serve as a foundation for enhancing the profession's preparedness for future disruptions.

A picture of purpose: exploring veterinary students' motivations through photo elicitation

Understanding the motivations that drive veterinary students is essential for supporting their academic success, wellbeing, and professional satisfaction. This qualitative study utilized photo elicitation, a visual and narrative research method, to explore the personal, emotional, and professional "whys" of 14 veterinary students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Participants submitted photographs and reflective narratives describing their motivations and how these motivations supported their journeys. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: (1) Deep Emotional Bonds with Animals, (2) Overcoming Personal Adversity, (3) The Influence of Role Models, (4) Desire to Make a Difference, and (5) Community and Service. These findings highlight the central role of formative experiences, relationships, and values in shaping students' aspirations and perseverance. The study underscores the potential for reflective practices, such as photo elicitation, to reconnect students with their intrinsic motivations, fostering resilience and long-term satisfaction in veterinary practice. Integrating principles such as compassionate advocacy, spectrum of care, and community engagement into veterinary education may better align training with students' values, enhancing their preparation for impactful and fulfilling careers.

A call to action: Ameliorating moral distress among veterinarians

Veterinarians have higher incidences of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than the general population. In a survey, 1/6 veterinarians had contemplated suicide, with psychological distress a key predictor of suicidal ideation. Availability of lethal means, habituation to death, student loan debt, and other causes may contribute. Several studies have considered the individual agency of veterinarians, well-being initiatives, and selection biases in veterinary school admission. However, there is growing consideration of the moral distress, moral injury, and moral residue that afflict and destabilize veterinarians and may promote suicidal ideation and suicide. Moral distress, a historically elusive concept in veterinary medicine, is undergoing rapid delineation and analysis. This article discusses moral distress in human and veterinary healthcare professionals and how it is measured. Identification of emerging moral stressors may result in designation of broad veterinary moral distress categories and measurable moral distress scales, with an aim to predict and ameliorate moral distress. Finally, 2 tools are proposed to identify and address deleterious effects of moral distress in veterinarians.

Factors influencing equine veterinarians' job satisfaction and retention: A focus group study

BACKGROUND

There is a shortage of equine veterinarians. Understanding what factors are associated with job satisfaction in equine veterinarians can inform interventions to increase retention in equine medicine.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prominent factors causing work dissatisfaction and burnout in equine veterinarians.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative research study consisting of semi-structured focus groups.

METHODS

Thirty-seven current and former equine veterinarians across the United States were recruited via snowball and convenience sampling to answer questions on work history, work-life balance, and perceptions of equine practice. Transcripts were analysed in Delve and coded in the context of the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. A card sorting activity was used to rank the four types of resources in the COR theory (condition, object, energy, and personal).

RESULTS

Condition resources were the most frequently mentioned reasons for work dissatisfaction. These included issues with discrimination or bias due to age, race/ethnicity, and gender, unpredictable and long hours, and heavy workloads. Object resources, such as equipment, were rarely mentioned. Energy resources, including pay and student loan debt, were influential, with most participants feeling that equine veterinarians are underpaid. Personal resources, such as problem-solving skills and enjoyment in helping others, improved job satisfaction.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Although recruiting efforts prioritised perspectives of black, indigenous, and people of colour, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus identities, and members with disabilities, demographic information was not directly collected.

CONCLUSIONS

The main barriers to equine veterinary retention included a lack of work-life balance, long hours, lower-than-expected pay, and issues with discrimination and bias. This study highlights areas for intervention to improve the equine veterinary field, such as higher pay, rural practice incentives, and effective diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts. A shift toward caseload-sharing between veterinarians could help alleviate excessive emergency on-call and burnout.

The future of flourishing in veterinary medicine: a systems-informed positive psychology approach in veterinary education

Individuals in the veterinary profession are experiencing significant mental health and wellbeing challenges. A holistic view of wellbeing, which encompasses both physical and mental health, underscores their interconnected nature. This integrated approach reduces the artificial separation of wellbeing facets, and highlights how mental states influence not only individuals, but also their interactions with animals, the environment, and others in the workplace. Wellbeing challenges in veterinary medicine may contribute to negative impacts in animal, human, and environmental health. Veterinary education institutions and systems are also experiencing complex challenges as they adapt to rapidly changing societal, workforce, and professional wellbeing related pressures. This review paper explores the field of positive psychology and its application in educational contexts, commonly known as positive education. A thorough exploration of the systems-informed positive education approach and ways in which it can proactively enhance veterinary professional wellbeing from within the veterinary education ecosystem are presented. It is important to recognize that individual self-care, while valuable, cannot compensate for systemic dysfunctions such as poor team dynamics, ineffective leadership, or organizational culture issues. Addressing these systemic factors is critical for creating environments that support sustained flourishing. Positive psychology interventions delivered through the pathways of individuals, groups, and organizations specifically within a veterinary education context are discussed. Limitations, considerations, and proposed measurement strategies are reviewed. The implications of implementing a systems-informed positive psychology approach to enhance wellbeing in veterinary education include creating curriculum and cultures that enable flourishing within veterinary education institutions. Strengthening the individual and collective wellbeing of veterinary professionals has the potential to enhance the quality of care provided to animals, which has myriad positive implications for animal caregivers, their communities, the environment, and society.

Compassion Fatigue Rounds (CFR): A Proactive Brief Intervention to Introduce Mental Health Awareness in a Veterinary Clerkship

The mental health and well-being of veterinary students and graduate veterinarians is a critical area of concern. Veterinary students experience high levels of psychological distress, particularly during transitional periods such as clinical training. While mental health interventions typically target pre-clinical years, the unique challenges faced by clinical students are often overlooked, resulting in inadequate support during important periods of professional development. To address this gap, Compassion Fatigue Rounds (CFR) were introduced. CFR is a proactive, integrated intervention within one clinical clerkship program. The rounds address compassion fatigue, burnout, and self-care practices through a small group discussion facilitated by the clinical instructor. An evaluation of CFR was conducted through anonymous online student surveys administered between March and September 2023. Following CFR, students self-reported an increase in knowledge, confidence, and preparedness regarding the mental health challenges in veterinary medicine. Students overwhelmingly reported positive experiences, pointing to the potential effectiveness of CFR in educating, engaging, and supporting clinical students on mental health well-being. This study offers preliminary evidence for integrating mental health education into the clinical year curriculum and serves as a practical guide for clinical instructors.

Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering

INTRODUCTION

Individuals working in veterinary field suffer significantly from mental health problems, and research has extensively focused on psychological and work-related predictors of psychological distress. This study intended to approach psychological distress through a positive lens by investigating the predictive role of life satisfaction on psychological distress in veterinary staff, and the mediating effect of compassion satisfaction, resilience and perceived social support.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 868 veterinary staff (i.e. veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants and veterinary administrative staff) completed a web-survey assessing life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction, resilience, and social support.

RESULTS

Life satisfaction negatively predicts psychological distress, and compassion satisfaction and resilience showed a mediation effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological distress, with compassion satisfaction explaining 59% and resilience 6.4% of the effect of life satisfaction on psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Current data support the role of life satisfaction as a protective dimension on psychological distress within a broader sample population of veterinary staff in Portugal, highlighting the role of compassion satisfaction and resilience in contributing in minimising distress among veterinary staff.

Instructor Development and Support at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Health science schools are increasingly promoting teaching training among their faculty. Reported challenges for such programs revolve around lack of time and lack of support for faculty and other teaching staff to pursue such training. This is a description of the components of a teaching training program that is available for all instructional faculty and staff at a veterinary college. Components described include a formal teaching development program with information about participant satisfaction, an educational support website, an annual Education Day, and ancillary programs available throughout the academic year to provide just-in-time support for teaching.

Empathy and mental health in veterinary medicine

In veterinary medicine, the relationship between empathy and mental health presents a complex and important aspect of professional well-being. Veterinarians are frequently exposed to numerous work-related stressors and are therefore more likely to experience mental health disorders and commit suicide. Due to the specific nature of the profession, veterinarians deal with negative patient outcomes, inform owners of unfavourable news, handle heavy workloads, and professional isolation. Psychological stress is a result of all these factors coming together, and it can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and even frequently reported suicide. Animal euthanasia has been recognised as a unique professional risk factor that can have harmful psychological effects on veterinary professionals.This paper explores the role of empathy in the mental health of veterinarians and other veterinary staff, and how this might contribute to their vulnerability to psychological stress and suicidal ideation. Empathy plays an important role in interpersonal interactions, while also influencing human-animal relationships, which adds a whole new level of complexity to the doctor-patient dynamic in this field. Veterinarians are responsible for providing compassionate care for both the animals they treat and their owners. They must manage the emotionally demanding work while preserving their mental health by balancing between providing empathetic care and sustaining their own emotional boundaries. To alleviate the negative effects of psychological stress, veterinary professionals require interventions such as peer support groups, stress management training, and mental health support programmes.

A comparison between veterinary small animal general practitioners and emergency practitioners in Australia. Part 1: demographic and work-related factors

Occupational stressors are commonly encountered in small animal veterinary practice and have been associated with burnout. The working context of veterinarians differs by specialty, and this can potentially lead to variable exposures to risk factors for burnout. The aim of this study was to explore differences in demographic and working conditions of veterinary general practitioners (GPs) and emergency practitioners (EPs) to compare exposure to different potential stressors. An anonymous, online survey was administered to veterinary GPs and EPs practicing in metropolitan regions of Australia. In total, 320 participant responses were analyzed (n = 237, 74.2% GPs and n = 83, 25.9% EPs). Significant differences (P < 0.05) in the demographics and work-related exposures were found between the two groups. GPs were found to be older than EPs with a greater number of years of experience in their field (P < 0.001). Most veterinary GPs worked only day shifts (207/236, 87.7%); where EPs worked a greater variety of shift patterns, with "only day shifts" being the least common shift pattern (P < 0.001). Most GPs worked a set and predictable roster pattern (195/236, 83.6%), while most EPs did not (51/83, 61.5%). EPs worked more weekends and public holidays (P < 0.001). The EP group performed more hours of work each week but worked less overtime. The main contributing factors for overtime were scheduling factors for GPs and staffing issues for EPs. EPs were commonly not able to take meal-breaks and GPs' meal-breaks were commonly interrupted by work. EPs were more frequently exposed to patient death, euthanasia (including for financial reasons), emotionally distressed clients and delivering negative news (P < 0.001). Both groups indicated that most work environments were collegiate and supportive, and a minority reported toxic colleagues (11.8%) or management teams (26.9%). Just under one-half of respondents reported having witnessed or experienced workplace bullying. Of our respondent group, 52.0% (166/319) were not satisfied with their remuneration. Desire to leave their principal area of practice was prevalent among this survey group (192/319, 60.2%) with approximately one-third considering leaving the veterinary profession. We discuss the implications of these workplace factors, including mitigation strategies.

Veterinarian-Chasing A Dream Job? A Comparative Survey on Wellbeing and Stress Levels among European Veterinarians between 2018 and 2023

Whilst recognizing the abundantly positive aspects within the different domains of the veterinary profession, the challenging socio-economic and cultural working climate has been identified as a source of veterinary mental wellbeing issues. This mixed methods study provides an overview of the mental state of veterinarians across Europe via two cross-sectional surveys in 2018/2019 (n = 14,559 veterinarians) and in 2022/2023 (n = 12,393 veterinarians). Mental wellbeing was assessed using 3 indicators: self-reported stress levels, the need for medical leave due to reduced mental wellbeing (22% and 23%, resp., in 2018/2019 and 2022/2023) and the seven-question Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (2018/2019: 25, 2022/2023: 24.8). In both surveys, important differences were spotlighted between countries, but early-career veterinarians and female veterinarians were most at risk of decreased mental wellbeing all over Europe for all indicators. In conclusion, stress levels and need for medical leave due to reduced mental wellbeing remained at comparatively high levels across the two surveys and standardized mental wellbeing scores remained equally low. Notwithstanding the increased attention given to veterinary wellbeing in the last decade, our results underline that major efforts remain necessary, by creating more supportive and attractive workplaces that prioritize wellbeing, a good work/life balance, and providing job satisfaction.