The Lighter Side: 'Empathy'April 19, 2025“The Lighter Side” is a monthly cartoon feature by Greg Bishop, DVM, that highlights the humorous and light-hearted perspectives in the world of animals and veterinary care. Visit sasquatchpaw.com for more of Dr. Bishop’s work.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveTech Talk: Don't put your self (care) on the shelfDecember 13, 2023By Jamie Rauscher, LVTVeterinary medicine is a whole different ball game. October, leading into November, starts a crazy time for us that is second only to the hectic days of summer. So, many of us dread the holidays and the stress that comes with it. For those of us who work in general practice, our stressors are different than those who work in emergency medicine or even those that work remotely. Those in academia experience their own woes, as well. We all have our holiday horror stories to share with our co-workers.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveRaising Resilience: How to Avoid Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Moral DistressFebruary 28, 2023In this session Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, defines compassion fatigue, moral distress, and occupational burnout. She covers the relationship between these monsters and strategies that, if practiced, will consistently protect you and your organization from all three.
Brain Teaser: Compassion fatigue vs. burnoutOctober 1, 2021Compassion fatigue vs. burnout: Do you know the differences?
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCompassion without the fatigueSeptember 23, 2021By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBANever before, it seems, have we been forced to contend with such problematic client conduct.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveManaging pet loss grief and sadnessAugust 19, 2021There are techniques we can use within the practice to help prevent euthanasia and pet deaths from harming or causing long-term fatigue in clients and ourselves. One of those ways is by helping join pet owners in their grief without internalizing their trauma for ourselves. We need to remember we are not grieving for that pet in that moment, but instead we are empathizing with that owner’s sadness.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAre you burned out?August 5, 2021Many times, we lack the ability to set boundaries. We say yes every time we are asked to take on an additional shift, and managers answer every call or text received from the team (even when there is another manager working). We are taught working longer and harder is like a badge of honor and “martyrdom” is something to strive for. I am here to tell you it isn’t.
Living with PTSD in a post-COVID worldJune 1, 2021There is no denying the COVID pandemic has changed the way we conduct our everyday lives at home, in public, and at work.
BluePearl,UT collaborate on field learning for veterinary social workersAugust 28, 2019BluePearl and the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine are partnering up to train social workers for careers in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine. As part of UT's Postgraduate Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program (VSWCP), students will gain hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals across the U.S., with a focus on four key areas: the link between human and animal violence; animal-related grief and bereavement; animal-assisted interactions; and compassion fatigue and conflict management. Students must complete a keystone project requiring at least 250 hours of field learning. The collaboration makes BluePearl the first private practice in the country to offer field placements for students enrolled in this program. "This exciting collaboration serves two functions," explains Lori C. Harbert, LCSW program manager, veterinary social work at BluePearl. "Students will benefit from having access to advanced training, working closely with veterinarians and clients in a large, 24/7 specialty and emergency pet hospital, and BluePearl associates will benefit by having some level of in-house support and wellness training. "Bringing in these students doesn't solve all the industry's problems, but it certainly says to BluePearl staff that we care about you, and says to the veterinary social work community that you matter, you …
Are you protecting your passion for veterinary medicine?January 5, 2018 Compassion fatigue and burnout—everyone is talking about it. Try picking up any veterinary publication or attending any conference without seeing this subject appear at least once. There is a reason the subject is everywhere—it's because they are real and our colleagues are suffering. I wish to continue the conversation based on recent experiences. We've all seen the stats and certainly agree they are alarming. I do not claim to be an expert in these matters, but I have made the commitment to learn about it so that I can help my team and peers stay rooted in the passion that first brought them to the profession that they love. Veterinary professionals are kind, compassionate, and selfless people. It's a double-edged sword when that selflessness turns into fatigue and anxiety from pushing too hard, too long without enough self-care. I recently participated in a six-week online course called Compassion Fatigue RX. Hosted by Julie Squires, certified compassion fatigue specialist and certified life coach, this course was part of her efforts to help individuals and teams thrive in the midst of challenging and stressful work environments. I found this course to be an incredibly helpful and enlightening …
