BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

The Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study, in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), queried approximately 4600 veterinarians in the United States to explore mental health and general wellbeing. The results were more positive than previously believed. 

Among veterinarians under 55 years of age in practice, less than 2.5% feel they are likely to leave the profession within the next two years. The majority (74%) of veterinarians have overall career satisfaction. More than half feel they are flourishing in their career and have a high level of wellbeing. The flip side of these findings is that younger veterinarians and those with a high debt load often struggle more with wellbeing. Companion animal veterinarians struggle with burnout more than food animal veterinarians and practice owners.

These findings counter earlier assumptions that veterinarians were leaving the profession in masse. Compared to the first veterinarian wellbeing study conducted by Merck in 2017, veterinarians have vastly improved in terms of metal health, wellbeing, and burnout. Veterinarians are more comfortable with the topic of mental health and accepting of treatment and more aware of people suffering with mental health issues. In addition, more resources are available through employers and health insurance companies for those seeking mental health treatment. 

The AVMA also has a set of tools available to support wellbeing for the veterinary team. There is also a program to connect team members with mentors. Resources for financial planning and debt management as well as suicide prevention are also available. The AVMA also offers work place wellbeing certificate programs through AVMA Axon. These resources can be found at avma.org/wellbeing.