The Business of Practice: Veterinary Well-Being Study Results 

In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, Cara Wright, DVM, MS, IVCA, shared the results from four veterinary well-being studies released by Merck Animal Health in partnership with the AVMA. These studies have tracked mental health, burnout, and well-being trends among U.S. veterinarians and their teams, guiding the development of support resources.

Wright reported that 74% of veterinarian respondents are satisfied with their careers, which is better than the general population’s career satisfaction. She said the data doesn’t support the narrative that most veterinarians are unhappy. Rather, it shows that although respondents were worried about how others were doing, they were doing well themselves. Wright shared data specific to the equine veterinary industry throughout the episode.

In closing, Wright stated that three factors are statistically tied to well-being: healthy stress management techniques, a healthy work-life balance, and the use of a financial planner.

About Dr. Cara Wright

Cara Wright, DVM, MS, IVCA, is currently a Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. Prior to veterinary school, she earned a master’s degree in animal science focusing on equine reproduction. Wright graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and then completed an internship in Florida, after which she was in equine private practice, including working as a relief veterinarian for many years until joining Merck in 2022. She is a graduate of and facilitator for the Decade One program, as well as a founding member of the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series. Outside of work, she enjoys training for and racing in triathlons.

Resources

• The Veterinary Wellbeing Collective: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.26.01.0076/javma.26.01.0076.xml
• Veterinarian Financial Advisors Network: https://veterinarianfinancialadvisornetwork.com/
• AAEP Health Practice Member Assistance Program: https://aaep.org/membership/my-membership/healthy-practice-member-assistance-program/
• Merck Well-Being Resources: https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/veterinary-wellbeing-and-scholarships/
• VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/
• VIN Foundation Peer-to-Peer Support: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
• Merck Leg Up Program: https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/horse-owners-and-professionals/resources/leg-up-program/
• MentorVet: https://www.mentorvet.net
• Decade One: https://www.decadeonevet.com/

Related Reading

• Perspectives on Entering Equine Practice
• Are You Burned Out in Equine Practice?
• Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Understanding Quality of Life Measures

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