The Crossroads of Compassion: Reclaiming Well-being and Elevating Care in Veterinary Medicine

 

The veterinary profession finds itself at a critical juncture. Driven by an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and fueled by the ever-strengthening human-animal bond, the demand for veterinary services has reached unprecedented levels. Yet this surge has cast a long shadow: the insidious creep of burnout, threatening the very heart of our practices and the well-being of our dedicated teams. 

According to Merck Animal Health survey findings released at VMX 2024 (per the AVMA), 82% of veterinarians reported low to medium levels of burnout, and it was roughly the same for veterinary technicians (69%), veterinary assistants (76%), and both hospital managers and CSRs (80%). 

While levels of low to medium burnout for veterinarians are similar to the general population (84%), the higher levels of exhaustion are far more significant – 61% for veterinarians versus 32% of the general population.

The statistics are stark, the anecdotes even more so. We witness firsthand the erosion of joy and quiet resignation in the eyes of colleagues who once radiated passion. I vividly remember a conversation etched in the early years of my career, a time when I felt like I was perpetually treading water, just trying to keep my head above the waves of new cases and demanding clients. Dr. Maribeth Shea was my mentor then (and now, too, if I’m being honest) — a figure I held in such high esteem. To me, she was the epitome of the seasoned veterinarian: clinically sharp, unflappable in emergencies, and seemingly possessing that elusive work-life balance everyone preached but few achieved. I genuinely believed she had it all figured out.

Then came that afternoon. We were catching up after a chaotic morning – kind where you felt like you’d run a marathon before lunchtime. I was tentatively voicing some of my own struggles: the gnawing anxiety about missing something, the exhaustion that seeped into my weekends, the quiet questioning of whether I was truly cut out for this relentless pace. I expected the usual encouraging advice–the kind that reminds you it gets better with time.

Instead, Maribeth leaned back in her chair and let out a sigh. Her usual vibrant eyes held a flicker of something I hadn’t seen before – a weariness that mirrored my own.

“You know,” she said, her voice softer than usual, “sometimes I feel like I’m just holding on by my fingernails too.”

My jaw dropped. Maribeth? The rock-solid Dr. Shea? Struggling? It felt like the foundations of my understanding of veterinary life had just shifted. “But… you always seem so… together,” I stammered, genuinely bewildered.

A wry smile touched her lips. “That’s the performance, isn’t it? Years of practice, both clinically and in projecting an image of competence. But underneath? There are days, weeks, months even, where the emotional toll is immense. The weight of responsibility, the constant exposure to suffering, the impossible demands we often place on ourselves and so do our clients. It all adds up.” 

She went on to share some of her recent struggles: a heartbreaking case that had lingered with her; the constant juggling act of practice and family life;  the nagging feeling that she wasn’t always doing enough, either for her patients or loved ones. It was a raw, honest admission that shattered my preconceived notions and dismantled the myth of the invincible veterinarian.

More importantly, it validated my own struggles. It was a powerful reminder that no matter how seasoned or seemingly together someone appears, the unique pressures of veterinary medicine can touch us all.

Truth Bomb: Burnout Is Not the Status Quo

Recognizing the early signs of burnout in our colleagues is a crucial step in building a resilient and supportive workplace. Burnout often doesn’t announce itself loudly. Instead, it can manifest in subtle shifts in behavior and demeanor. Pay close attention to changes in your teammates: Are they becoming withdrawn or irritable? Are they exhibiting negativity or cynicism towards their work? Are they frequently calling in sick or consistently arriving late? These can be signs that a colleague is struggling under the weight of accumulated stress.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that chronic exhaustion and disengagement are not normal or acceptable aspects of the job.  We need to move away from the notion that constant exhaustion is a badge of honor. Openly acknowledging the unique stressors and ethical dilemmas of our profession – the emotional burden of euthanasia, the expectations of clients, and the affective whiplash of navigating intense highs and lows – is crucial. By creating a safe space where colleagues can share their challenges without fear of being labeled as weak or incapable, we pave the way for early intervention and support. 

Here are some practical, easy ways to check in with colleagues who might be struggling:

• Simply reach out. Just knowing someone cares can be incredibly validating.
• Ask how they are doing and actively listen without offering immediate solutions or minimizing their feelings.
• Encourage them to take breaks, utilize their time off, and prioritize their well-being.
• If practice culture allows, adjust tasks or workloads. If possible, hire additional team members.
• Connect your team with low or no-cost mental health counselors and therapists, as well as resources like Not One More Vet (NOMV), Project WAG, the AVMA, the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, and employee assistance programs.

While you’re not their therapist, being a supportive colleague can be a vital lifeline. By actively looking out for one another, we can collectively build a more resilient and joyful veterinary community.

The Internal Battle: De-Shaming Your Own Experience

The experience of burnout is deeply personal and manifests differently in each individual. You might notice a creeping cynicism towards cases you once found engaging, a sense of dread before starting your workday, or a persistent feeling of emotional depletion even after rest. Sleep patterns may become erratic, physical ailments might surface more frequently, and once-joyful hobbies and activities may lose their appeal. 

Sound familiar yet? Recognizing these personal warning signs is the first step towards prioritizing your own well-being. Experiencing these feelings doesn’t make you weak or inadequate; it makes you human in a demanding profession.

De-shaming your burnout means acknowledging your struggles without judgment, recognizing that you are not alone in these feelings, and giving yourself permission to prioritize self-care. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Incorporate strategies into your daily life that help you to replenish your reserves.
• Explore what nourishes you outside of work – spending time in nature, creative pursuits, or connecting with loved ones.
• Prioritize regular physical activity, nourishing food, and sufficient sleep as non-negotiable aspects of your life. Reconnect with your “why” – the initial passion that drew you to veterinary medicine.

Preventing Future Flare-Ups: Proactive Protection

Preventing burnout requires a proactive investment in solutions that address its root causes. Don’t wait for the warning signs to escalate. That conversation with Dr. Shea all those years ago taught me the invaluable power of human connection and shared understanding. It’s a lesson I like to think I carried forward. 

In today’s world, fostering connections and creating a supportive environment extends beyond in-person interactions. Additional solutions include flexible work policies, mentorship programs, mental health initiatives, strong support networks, and even technology, which may be the surprising dark horse in this list. Technology can play a crucial role in proactively supporting our teams and strengthening relationships in a number of ways:

• A vet-designed PIMS can alleviate administrative burdens that contribute to burnout. For example, Shepherd offers automated appointment scheduling, billing, communication, and record-keeping that streamline workflows so we can dedicate more energy to what truly matters: patient care. Oh yeah, and getting home on time for family dinner, too.

• Also consider the power of proactive client education and clinical support tools like LifeLearn’s ClientEd and Sofie AI. LifeLearn’s robust suite of practice solutions helps veterinary practices improve practice efficiency, strengthen client relationships, and save time. 

The real magic happens when we see efficient practice management software working hand-in-hand with user-friendly client education tools. Shepherd and LifeLearn are accomplishing just that– a symbiotic relationship that gives clients clear, comprehensive information about their pet’s health. This leads to more informed partners in care, fewer frantic phone calls, increased client understanding, and ultimately, a less stressful experience for everyone. 

Integrating innovative solutions into our daily workflows doesn’t just improve efficiency. It also creates a practice environment where technology supports compassion, allowing us to invest in team well-being and strengthen client bonds.  We’re actively building a future where support is readily accessible, and where the joy of veterinary medicine is celebrated and allowed to thrive.

About the Author

Lauren Jones, VMD, is a veterinarian, practice owner, industry innovator, and the Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Solutions. A proud University of Pennsylvania graduate, she’s spent her career helping veterinary teams work smarter, not harder. Dr. Jones blends clinical know-how with business savvy to empower veterinarians, streamline operations, and fight burnout. She’s passionate about making technology work for vets (not the other way around) and helping practices thrive while delivering top-notch patient care.