In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, we talked to Alexis Baney, DVM, and Chrissie Schneider, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, cVMA, about their experiences with burnout in clinical equine practice. In the episode, they discussed how they recognized they needed help, how they healed, and their recommendations for other veterinarians in similar situations.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a work-related syndrome resulting from chronic exposure to job stress. It typically has three distinct signs: exhaustion, with profound physical, cognitive, and emotional fatigue; cynicism and depersonalization, which is essentially a psychological distancing from your work as a result of overworking, conflict, or unfairness; and a reduced sense of professional efficacy and personal accomplishment. Burnout can occur in any profession.
Identifying and Recovering From Burnout
Baney and Schneider explained how they recognized they were experiencing burnout and how they felt during that difficult time. They discussed the steps they took to recover, which involved self-awareness, therapy, setting better boundaries, and feeling less judgmental of themselves. They said it took six to 12 months for them to recover from burnout.
Both doctors ultimately changed their jobs. Their priorities are now more aligned with their values. ln closing, they reminded others who are experiencing burnout that they are not alone. They said regardless of what they need to feel happier, it doesn’t mean they don’t belong in equine veterinary medicine somewhere.
If you would like to talk with either of our guests about burnout, you can reach Baney at abaneydvm@gmail.com and Schneider at
chrissie.schneider@merck.com.
About Dr. Alexis Baney
Alexis Baney, DVM, grew up in central Pennsylvania. She rode hunter/jumpers competitively while growing up and developed a love for the equine world. A personal tragedy with her own horse fueled her passion to become an equine veterinarian. Baney received her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while working as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic. Baney received her degree in veterinary medicine in 2014 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship at Brandon Equine Medical Center in Florida. In 2015, Baney returned to Pennsylvania to join Allegheny Equine, in Murrysville, where she practiced for six years and developed a special interest in equine performance, lameness diagnosis, and diagnostic imaging. In 2023, Baney opened her own sports medicine practice, Equine Performance Veterinary Services.
About Dr. Chrissie Schneider
Chrissie Schneider, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, cVMA, has been a Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian at Merck Animal Health since 2020. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, and she is board-certified in equine practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Prior to joining Merck, Schneider was in clinical equine practice for 11 years, including an equine internship, an American Board of Veterinary Practitioners residency at The Ohio State University, and six years as an associate at an equine-exclusive ambulatory practice in central Ohio. She is an AAEP member, serves as a facilitator in the Starting Gate branch of Decade One, and is a mentor in MentorVet.
Related Reading
- Resilience and Boundaries for Equine Veterinarians
- How Equine Veterinarians Can Conquer Incivility in the Workplace
- Incorporating the 9 Dimensions of Wellness into an Equine Internship to Avoid Burnout
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