Multiple surveys have revealed the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among veterinary students and professionals. Now, there’s an opportunity to do something about it.

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) will lead the fourth annual AAVMC Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit, Reaching New Heights, on Nov. Nov. 4-6 at Colorado State University (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Fort Collins, Colo.

The purpose of the event, geared to students, administrators, and practitioners, is to raise awareness about factors that may undermine veterinary productivity, career longevity, and enjoyment in practice.

It is also to identify best practices and concrete steps that individuals and the industry may take to improve mental health and a sense of well-being among veterinary students and professionals.

“This is one of the biggest challenges we face in the veterinary profession,” said Mark Stetter, DVM, and dean of the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

“As a community, we realize that wellness and mental-health issues are affecting people throughout the profession, and we are talking about next steps to help address this problem in our veterinary schools and across the industry.”

For more information or to register, please visit the wellness summit website. 

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