Replay - watch the R U OK? Day 2022 webinar: Words, gestures and psychological safety - the hidden power of communication

September 8 is a day dedicated to asking our friends, family members and work colleagues: R U OK?

For RUOK? Day 2022 on September 8, the AVA presented a webinar on the importance of psychological safety. The webinar, which was open to all AVA members and non-members, was hosted by AVA president Dr Bronwyn Orr and featured speaker Dr Olivia (Liv) Oginska. Dr Oginska discussed the concept of incivility, how vets can support themselves and their colleagues when experiencing it, and the impact that incivility can have on work/team culture.

Dr Oginska has a deep understanding of the pressures of being a veterinarian. Not only is she a qualified veterinarian, she is also a positive psychology practitioner, a Certified Workplace Conflict Mediator and an Emotional Intelligence and Dignity Coach. She has a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from Anglia Ruskin University and founded her business, VetGoneReal, promoting mental health and wellbeing for veterinary professionals, in 2020.

During the same session, we also featured shared stories from veterinary colleagues on how they have been supported and how they have supported others when facing life challenges.  We thank the veterinarians and veterinary students who contributed to this important message - Dr Janet Murray, Dr Reggie Shenouda, Elizabeth Khor, Paul Christensen, Dr Anne Quain, Dr Pieter Theron, Dr John Anstee and Dr Geoff Golovsky.

The AVA would especially like to thank Dr Olivia (Liv) Oginska for making time to share her insights with us. If you would like to connect with her, please visit the VetGoneReal website.

See below to watch a replay of the webinar 'Words, gestures and psychological safety - the hidden power of communication'.