Category
Pet Lifestyle, The Vet Consultancy
Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
This second blog in our series, “Navigating Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession,” examines the significant issues of burnout and dropout rates among veterinary professionals, an area of concern that affects not just the individuals but the industry at large.
The Statistics Behind the Struggle
Burnout and dropout rates in the veterinary profession have been well-documented, with various studies highlighting the intense pressures vets face daily. According to a 2021 RVA report, up to 30% of vets consider leaving the profession within their first three years after graduation, a statistic that brings the issue into sharp focus.
Rosie Allister, speaking on The Consult Room podcast, emphasizes the impact of how these figures are reported in the media. If the challenges are constantly framed negatively, it can create a daunting picture for those entering the field and those already practicing.
Exploring the Causes
The causes of burnout are multifaceted, stemming from long hours, emotional stress, financial pressures, and often a work environment that may not always be supportive. Dropout, similarly, can be influenced by these factors but is also deeply affected by the individual’s expectations of the profession versus the reality they face.
Veterinary students and new graduates may enter the field with a passion for animal care, only to find the emotional and physical demands of the job overwhelming without adequate support. This dissonance between expectation and reality can lead to disillusionment, which if not addressed, leads to high dropout rates.
Addressing the Issues
The podcast highlights the importance of realistic job previews and mentorship programs in veterinary education and practice. These initiatives can help bridge the gap between expectations and reality, providing new vets with a more accurate picture of the profession and the coping mechanisms needed to thrive.
Moreover, improving workplace environments, including better management practices, enhanced communication, and fostering a culture of support, can make significant strides in reducing burnout and retaining talent within the veterinary field.
A Call to Action for Better Support
Veterinary associations, educators, and employers are called to action to implement these changes. Encouraging open conversations about mental health, providing resources for stress management, and creating a supportive community are essential steps toward improving the wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to explore the mental health landscape of the veterinary profession, stay tuned for our next blog post where we discuss the challenges of recruitment and retention, and the less talked about issues of diversity and discrimination within the field.
For more information catch the podcast on this series below:
