If you’ve got a pet at home, chances are you have visited your local veterinarian once or twice (or many times with an inquisitive puppy). You’ve probably heard that veterinarians experience high stress, challenging work conditions, and long hours. You may even know that veterinarians are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. But do you know what makes them feel good at work, beyond just working with animals?

This TEDx Talk will provide all animal lovers with an empathetic view of veterinary work, an investigation into sources of pleasure in their work and extrapolation with new research. By focusing on what contributes to vets experiencing positive emotions, we can better understand how to improve their wellbeing. At a time in Australia when there are national shortages of vets, it’s important to focus on what can be done to retain those in the profession and attract more people to the field. Veterinarian work is a rewarding profession and it’s important to share the many positives with new veterinarians and those in training as reassurance, and to encourage others to join the profession.

At the conclusion of this event, attendees will be able to:
- Describe key sources of pleasure for veterinarians in their work using the Job Demands-Resources model
- Define the risks associated with the veterinary profession
- Differentiate between hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing and the application to veterinary work
- Understand how to better interact with their own veterinarian to enhance their wellbeing

Clise, Madeleine H; Matthew, Susan M; McArthur, Michelle L.