2025 THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium wrap up

As I look back on the 2025 THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium, I am filled with hope for our profession. THRIVE events offer us the chance to come together, to learn and challenge ourselves, and this year was no exception. The 2025 THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium was proudly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Provet Australia.  

Dr Alicia Kennedy summarised her thoughts on the event: 

“I welcome the opportunity to participate in THRIVE events. I always leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexity of issues and challenges we face as a profession to ensure the wellbeing of our teams and ourselves. THRIVE is evolving, and with it, our profession is becoming culturally better for our present and future veterinary teams.” 

Building on the success of the AVA’s Cultivating Safe Teams Pilot Program, this year’s Symposium took a deep dive into what truly makes a workplace well. We explored psychological safety in practice, the latest in suicide prevention research, neurodivergence, incivility, menopause, and the central role of vulnerability in creating inclusive workplaces. 

Our panel discussions were fantastic. Everyone actively engaged in brave and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. As our MC Dr Diana Barker said, “it was raw, it was real, it was a little uncomfortable – and that’s where the good stuff happens.” 

Rick Read’s session reminded us that “discomfort is the price we pay for a meaningful life.” Stepping into our own vulnerability and challenging our assumptions about other people is essential if we are to create safe spaces for everyone in veterinary medicine. 

I was left reflecting on positive parenting (and pet behaviour??) styles where we focus on regulating behaviours, not changing people.    

In the words of Victor Frankl: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space, is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” And it seems that participants agreed - with many pledging to take time to pause regularly throughout their days. Not only is pausing good for the individual it is also good for teams.  

Rules around civility and inclusion cannot be static, teams and their needs evolve, and so must our approaches. A practical action teams can take to make their workplace safe is to collaborate annually to describe workplace rules for behaviours that are “in” and “out” that work for them. Allowing for “the devil’s advocate” in these discussions encourages us to safely challenge the status quo as our teams and workplaces evolve. One clinic shared they have already implemented this approach into their veterinary practice. 

Some further feedback from attendees: 

“Great day, with so much info across so many areas delivered, great speakers, I found it so inspiring.” 
—Leanne Pyne, Flynn’s Walk 

“The THRIVE Symposium is a great opportunity to delve into what your workplace safe and what makes your workplace great!” 
—Michael O’Donoghue, People and Pets 

“The THRIVE Symposium was excellent. The information on improving wellness in the workplace was accessible, interesting and informative. I have so many ideas that I will implement in our workplace to improve wellness, inclusivity and reduce the risks of psychosocial injury and suicide. Thanks to the speakers, the AVA THRIVE team and the sponsors.” 
—Kate Pickles, Director, Molonglo Veterinary Clinic 

“Fabulous day, very informative and great speakers. A place for vulnerability and connection.” 
—Pip Molnar, Practice Owner 

As we review feedback and begin planning for next year, I am more confident than ever that together, we can cultivate safe and thriving veterinary teams. I invite anyone with ideas or interest in speaking at the 2026 AVA Conference in Brisbane (18–21 May) to contact me directly at rebecca.faris@ava.com.au or submit a speaker expression of interest. 

Dr Rebecca Faris  

AVA Executive Officer – Wellness