In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Marie Holowaychuck, a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist with a compelling story of overcoming burnout and advocating for veterinary team well-being.

Dr. Holowaychuck opens up about her journey through veterinary medicine, from growing up with veterinarian parents to facing the immense challenges of burnout and mental health. She shares transformative experiences, including a life-altering car accident, that shifted her focus toward mindfulness, self-care, and advocating for systemic changes within veterinary practices.

This episode provides valuable insights into the impact of work culture on well-being and offers practical advice for veterinarians seeking balance and support in their careers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Journey and Challenges:

- Dr. Holowaychuck shares her path from early exposure to veterinary medicine through her parents to becoming a specialist in small animal emergency and critical care.

- She discusses her academic and professional experiences, including her passion for teaching and mentorship at prestigious institutions.

- Marie candidly reveals her struggles with burnout and mental health, leading to significant career changes and a new focus on veterinary team well-being.

2. Impact of Work Culture on Well-Being:

- The episode delves into the challenges faced in academia and veterinary practices, such as demanding on-call schedules and blurred boundaries between personal and professional life.

- Marie highlights the critical lack of training in communication and mental health during academic years, contributing to unawareness of burnout symptoms and mental health stigma.

3. Transformative Experiences and Self-Care:

- A pivotal car accident forced Marie to slow down, leading to a period of self-discovery, mindfulness, and yoga practice.

- This transformative experience inspired her to teach these principles to others, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mindfulness in high-stress professions.

4. Advocacy and Systemic Issues:

- Marie discusses systemic issues within veterinary practices, such as non-compete clauses and their impact on veterinarians' careers.

- Recent legislative changes in the U.S. making non-compete clauses illegal could lead to better work environments as employers strive to retain employees who now have the liberty to move to more favorable jobs.

5. Supporting Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine:

- The episode underscores the broader implications of supporting mental health in the veterinary profession, highlighting the critical role veterinarians play in human happiness and societal well-being.

- Marie emphasizes the importance of gratitude, connection, and reaching out for support, offering practical advice for veterinarians feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

6. Gratitude and Connection:

- The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on the value of communication and reaching out for support, encouraging veterinarians to speak up and seek help when needed.

- Marie shares her personal love for music, adding a personal touch to the conversation and underscoring the importance of finding joy and balance in life.

Tune in to hear Dr. Holowaychuck’s inspiring journey, her advocacy for better work-life balance, and the importance of supporting the well-being of veterinary teams for the betterment of pets and their owners.

Get in touch with Dr.Holowaychuck:

FB: @drmarieholowaychuk

LI: @drmarieholowaychuk

https://revivingvetmed.com/