Reviving Vet Med
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
Join Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist, as she explores the world of mental health and wellbeing, as it relates to veterinary professionals.
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Top 10 Reviving Vet Med Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Reviving Vet Med episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Reviving Vet Med for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Reviving Vet Med episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Resources for Supporting Veterinary Teams Through Suicide | Episode 48 | Reviving Vet Med
Reviving Vet Med
09/11/24 • 22 min
Addressing mental health challenges within the veterinary profession requires a proactive approach, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like suicide. In this episode, we explore crucial resources designed to support veterinary team members and enhance their wellbeing during the most difficult times.
We’ll dive into the AVMA’s After a Suicide documents and Suicide Prevention Document, as well as the AAVMC Suicide Prevention Awareness Toolkit. These resources offer comprehensive guidelines and practical tools for managing and supporting teams affected by suicide. Additionally, we discuss the importance of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing as a key component in providing immediate support and fostering resilience.
Join us as we break down these essential resources, focusing on their role in creating a supportive, informed, and resilient work environment. Whether you’re a veterinary team member, manager, or leader, this episode provides valuable insights into implementing these resources effectively and supporting your team’s mental health and wellbeing.
Resources
After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces (PDF): https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/After-a-Suicide-A-Guide-for-Veterinary-Workplaces.pdf
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (PDF): https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/After-a-Suicide-Veterinary-Colleges.pdf
Suicide Prevention Resource Guide for Veterinary Settings (PDF): https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/Suicide-Prevention-Resource-Guide-Veterinary-Settings.pdf
Suicide Prevention Awareness Toolkit (PDF): https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/AAVMC-Wellbeing-SuicidePrevention-Toolkit.pdf
QPR Suicide Prevention Training (60-min free virtual training): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
Episode 7: What You Can Do To Prevent Suicide (podcast): https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/10874181-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-suicide-episode-7-reviving-vet-med
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Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.c
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02/12/25 • 23 min
Timed to coincide with Canada’s Pink Shirt Day, we explore a challenge that many veterinary professionals face: managing rude client interactions. These behaviors, though often not personal, can profoundly impact veterinary teams, leading to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even decisions to leave the profession. By understanding the emotional and financial stressors that fuel client behavior, veterinary professionals can better navigate these challenging interactions.
The episode offers actionable strategies for handling rude clients with empathy and professionalism, including de-escalation techniques, boundary-setting, and active listening. Recovery is emphasized, with tips for debriefing with teammates, practicing self-compassion, and fostering positivity through mindfulness and gratitude.It also highlights the importance of creating a supportive practice culture through training, leadership, and celebrating team successes. By working together, veterinary teams can build a culture of respect and resilience that benefits both professionals and clients.
Resources
Pink Shirt Day: https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/
Ruminating on rudeness: Exploring veterinarians' experiences of client incivility: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34755345/
Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
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Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.
Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected]
09/14/22 • 19 min
When we learn that a fellow veterinarian has died by suicide, almost always the first question asked is “why?”. While there is rarely an obvious answer in each individual’s situation, there are risk factors for suicide that warrant discussion, as well as careful consideration of what we can do to prevent suicides in the future.
In this episode, and in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, I share what we know about veterinarian suicides based on recent studies, as well as the uncertainty that remains in every suicide situation. Reminders and resources for preventing suicides among all veterinary professionals are included.
If you are concerned about a friend or colleague, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), or 911.
Blog Posts
Why we need to be careful how we talk about suicides among veterinary professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2020/02/19/why-we-need-to-be-careful-how-we-talk-about-suicides-among-veterinary-professionals/
Let’s Do Our Part to Prevent Suicide Among Veterinary Professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/09/01/lets-do-our-part-to-prevent-suicide-among-veterinary-professionals/
When do coping strategies become harmful for veterinary care providers?: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/08/04/when-do-coping-strategies-become-harmful-for-veterinary-care-providers/
Related Articles
Suicide among veterinarians in the United States from 1979 through 2015 (JAVMA 2019): https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/254/1/javma.254.1.104.xml
Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014 (JAVMA 2020): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6933287/
Suicide Intervention Training
QPR (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
ASK (VetFolio): https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/ask-suicide-prevention-training
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
11/09/23 • 22 min
Stress, an inherent part of the veterinary profession, and one of the leading concerns among surveyed veterinary teams, can manifest both as eustress, beneficial for personal growth, and distress, leading to chronic exhaustion and overwhelming emotions. Research shows that veterinary professionals who have healthy strategies for coping with stress, are much less likely to experience psychological distress, which can manifest as symptoms of depression or anxiety.
In this episode, we differentiate eustress from distress, and share information from the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study III that uncovers the importance of having a healthy method for coping with stress. We unpack some of those methods, why they are beneficial, and offer strategies to help you incorporate those activities into your daily life.
Resources
Navigating the Stop Stressors in Veterinary Practice (Blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/navigating-the-top-stressors-in-veterinary-practice/
Executive Summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III and Veterinary Support Staff Study (Journal Article): https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/260/12/javma.22.03.0134.xml
Volunteering Fosters Mental Health and Wellbeing (Podcast): https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/10874177-volunteering-fosters-mental-health-and-wellbeing-episode-11-reviving-vet-med
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to my e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about my 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, including my popular program Building Better Boundaries, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
Identifying Unhealthy Boundaries in Veterinary Medicine | Episode 39 | Reviving Vet Med
Reviving Vet Med
06/19/23 • 24 min
If you have ever given your cell number to a client when you didn’t want to, covered a shift for a team member when you felt exhausted and overwhelmed, or said yes to a neighbor who asked you for a work-related favor on your day off, then you are not alone. Unhealthy boundaries are common among veterinary team members and not only impact our relationships with others, but set us up for burnout and poor mental health.
In this episode, we discuss the different types of unhealthy boundaries commonly experienced by veterinary professionals, as well as strategies for recognizing those boundaries if they aren’t obvious to you. Practical tools and strategies for identifying unhealthy boundaries in the moment by tuning into feelings, thoughts, and sensations are also covered.
Listen now and unlock your potential for a healthier, balanced, and fulfilling veterinary career!
TOPICS COVERED:
- Recognizing and honoring our needs and limits
- Reflection on daily non-negotiables for setting boundaries
- Unhealthy boundaries leading to resentment and physical discomfort
- Examples of unhealthy boundaries
- Unhealthy boundaries around time, tasks, and technology
- Impact on mental health
Resources
Quiz: Are your boundaries healthy or unhealthy? https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/survey/boundaries
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
02/18/22 • 36 min
Everyone has witnessed or been the victim of an online critic or cyberbully attack. Veterinary team members are more vulnerable to these incidents with public access to online review sites and social media pages. These situations can have devastating consequences for individuals and deeply impact the wellbeing of the entire veterinary team.
During this episode, I review the different means by which veterinary teams are exposed to online critics or cyberbullies, as well as what to do when they occur. Practical tools for protecting mental health and wellbeing under these circumstances are covered.
Video Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rngXMf8D1vM&list=PLSg17Xf-rT1-e4zMj5UhYf_ecmYdqO4k7&index=6
Resources
How common is cyberbullying among adults? (NZ 2019 Study): https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cyber.2019.0146
Experiencing online harassment (USA 2014 Study): https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/10/22/part-1-experiencing-online-harassment/
Blogs
How to deal with cyberbullying on social media? (LifeLearn)
https://www.lifelearn.com/2015/09/04/how-to-deal-with-cyberbullying-on-social-media/
Five Simple Steps for Responding to Negative Online Reviews (Marie Holowaychuk) https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/02/02/five-simple-steps-for-responding-to-negative-online-reviews/
Other Resources
AVMA Online Reputation Management (Members Only): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/practice-management/reputation/monitoring-your-online-reputation
Australian E-Safety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Check out my online program “From Burnout to Balance” for more information and to register: www.marieholowaychuk.com/burnout
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
12/16/21 • 19 min
Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of volunteering, especially among individuals who believe others will benefit from their contributions and that they are being appreciated for their efforts.
During this episode, and in honour of International Volunteer Day, I review the positive impact of volunteering on mental health and wellbeing, and share strategies for optimizing volunteer opportunities in and outside of the veterinary profession. The importance of establishing boundaries in the context of volunteering time and energy is also discussed.
Video Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbxtdpmUxGs&list=PLSg17Xf-rT1-e4zMj5UhYf_ecmYdqO4k7&index=8
Resources
Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study (2020): https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/veterinary-and-consumer-affairs/article/veterinary-wellbeing-study-2020
Motives for volunteering are associated with mortality risk in older adults (2012): https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-17888-001
Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
Compassionate Communication Strategies for Team Wellbeing | Episode 44 | Reviving Vet Med
Reviving Vet Med
02/14/24 • 22 min
The ways in which veterinary teams communicate can have a tremendous impact on their wellbeing. Research demonstrates that team members that work within an environment with effective communication have lower burnout scores and higher levels of job satisfaction compared to those who work in an environment with ineffective communication. Likewise, candid and open communication among team members is one of the four main components of a healthy work environment identified in the Merck Animal Health Wellbeing Study III, which is also linked with lower burnout and psychological distress among team members.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of healthy team communication and how to achieve that with curiosity and compassion. We cover different strategies for compassionate communication, as adapted from the non-violent communication model. From empathy to genuine apologies, there are helpful strategies here for all veterinary team members to apply in their work and home lives.
Resources
Article: The role of veterinary team effectiveness in job satisfaction and burnout in companion animal veterinary clinics (JAVMA 2014): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25148093/
Article: Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III and Veterinary Support Staff Study (JAVMA 2022): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35943942/
Book: Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life (by Marshall Rosenberg).
To Watch the Video Version of this Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcMSIENw6YI
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
07/14/21 • 24 min
People-pleasing is something that many veterinary professionals (and others) struggle with. While it might feel better in the short-term to say yes and appease others, putting the needs of everyone else first erodes wellbeing over time.
During this episode, I discuss how to know if you are a people-pleaser and share five strategies for reducing this tendency.
Video Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExaL-pp9Kok
Resources
5 Strategies to Stop Being a People Pleaser
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]
Coping with On-Call Responsibilities in Veterinary Practice | Episode 54 | Reviving Vet Med
Reviving Vet Med
11/28/24 • 28 min
Being on-call is a reality that many veterinary professionals face, often bringing long hours, interrupted sleep, and the pressure of urgent decision-making. The unpredictability of being on-call can disrupt personal lives, creating tension between professional responsibilities and the need for rest and recovery. This constant state of readiness can also lead to burnout and impact mental health, making it challenging to maintain work-life balance and focus on self-care.
In this episode, we explore the impact of on-call shifts on wellbeing and share strategies for managing the unique stressors of this demanding role. We'll discuss actionable ways to set boundaries, prioritize rest, and protect mental health, offering tools to help veterinary professionals not just cope, but thrive. Whether you're navigating on-call shifts yourself or supporting a team that does, this episode provides valuable insights for cultivating resilience and sustainability in your career.
Resources
On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34778429/
Retaining vets in farm animal practice: a cross-sectional study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26002092/
Risk factors associated with veterinary attrition from clinical practice: a descriptive study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34389973/
Support needs of veterinary surgeons during the first few years of practice: perceptions of recent graduates and senior partners (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11888109/
Factors associated with the career path choices of veterinarians in western Canada (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19721783/
'No-one knows where you are': veterinary perceptions regarding safety and risk when alone and on-call (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31611295/
Sleep patterns, fatigue, and working hours among veterinary house officers: a cross-sectional survey study (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35429371/
Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo
Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.
Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: [email protected]
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FAQ
How many episodes does Reviving Vet Med have?
Reviving Vet Med currently has 58 episodes available.
What topics does Reviving Vet Med cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Resilience, Mental Health, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Wellbeing, Veterinary Medicine and Communication.
What is the most popular episode on Reviving Vet Med?
The episode title 'BONUS Episode: Recognizing and Addressing Toxic Workplace Culture with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk | Episode 40 | Reviving Vet Med' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Reviving Vet Med?
The average episode length on Reviving Vet Med is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of Reviving Vet Med released?
Episodes of Reviving Vet Med are typically released every 14 days, 9 hours.
When was the first episode of Reviving Vet Med?
The first episode of Reviving Vet Med was released on Jun 17, 2021.
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