September 2021

Research findings and next steps: webinar invitation

A message from the AVA President, September 2021

[Webinar registrations now closed - link removed]

I am so excited and pleased to report that much has happened since my last veterinary wellness update to the profession. We have now reached the final leg of the strategy development journey, and are now able to present the combined results from our whole of profession stakeholder research into veterinary mental health and wellness.

This brings us significantly closer to the finish line, in developing a comprehensive mental wellness strategy for the entire profession, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to deliver this news just days away from Mental Health month. Whilst we continue to witness the effects of mental health issues on our beloved profession, we remain so incredibly aware of the urgent need for positive, meaningful and sustainable change. With the research component of strategic development complete, we now have the means to begin implementation of this change.

The response to our focus group discussions, one on one interviews, and industry-wide stakeholder survey has been overwhelming, with over 2500 respondents from all corners of the profession providing us with the rich data that we require, to ensure that the wellness strategy developed is one which accurately addresses the current state of play, and truly represents the voice of our profession.  

I would like to extend an invitation to every person in the veterinary profession to attend our upcoming webinar which will take place on Tuesday 26 October, 7:30pm - 9:00pm (AEDT), presented by myself, and Carly Webster, Solutions Manager, Health and Wellbeing Professional, Superfriend.

We will share the findings from our research activities to date - presenting key insights into contributing factors to mental illness, workplace impacts on mental health including psychosocial risk and protective factors, ‘help seeking’ attitudes and behaviours, and practical solutions to improve the mental health of the profession. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A at the conclusion of the presentation.

I cannot stress enough, the importance of a united approach in tackling not only veterinary wellness, but all issues affecting the livelihood of veterinarians. I encourage every individual in this great profession to join us, so that together, we can secure ourselves a thriving and sustainable future. Together, we are stronger on all fronts.

Please be sure to put a placeholder in your diary for one of the most important webinars you will attend this year: Tuesday 26 October, 7:30pm - 9:00pm (AEDT).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Dr Warwick Vale
AVA President