Merck Animal Health reported “many positives” in its fourth veterinary well-being study, a collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Among the improvements, said Dr. Christine Royal, a Merck vice president, are “high levels of job satisfaction and pride in work across veterinary teams.”
“This must be balanced with the understanding that there are also challenges within the veterinary profession, including a shortage of qualified veterinary team members, as well as burdensome student debt that causes stress,” Dr. Royal said.
The study surveyed 4,636 veterinarians and 2,271 veterinary team members. Among the highlights:
- Almost three-fourths of veterinary professionals express personal career satisfaction.
- More than 50% of veterinarians over age 45 are satisfied with their jobs.
- 92% of respondents take great pride in their work.
- More than 53% of respondents have a high level of well-being and are flourishing.
- Veterinarians’ burnout level is similar to the general population’s, but their exhaustion levels are higher.
- More than 80% of respondents believe their work contributes positively to other people’s lives.
- More than three-fourths of respondents said their relationship with co-workers is warm, friendly and supportive.
- 52% of veterinary team members have mental health insurance, up from 44% in 2017.
- 38% of veterinary team members can access employee assistance programs, an increase from 21% in 2017.
Merck Animal Health has conducted well-being studies every two years since 2017 to understand veterinary professionals’ mental health challenges better and address the issues.
AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson said the steps taken lead to greater career satisfaction.
“We understand that to sustain the health of animals, we need to ensure the well-being of their caretakers,” Dr. Carlson said. “The results of the latest veterinary well-being study indicate our efforts in conjunction with Merck Animal Health are working and resulting in healthier and more satisfying careers for veterinary teams.”
MentorVet is an example of a Merck-supported initiative designed to help veterinary professionals cope with stress, frustration, and burnout, said Dr. Addie Reinhard, MentorVet’s founder and CEO.
“Merck Animal Health has demonstrated an unwavering, longstanding commitment to support the mental health and well-being of the veterinary profession through their research and their long-term support of MentorVet and other well-being initiatives,” Dr. Reinhard said.