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New members for WSAVA's Professional Wellness Group
Pictured: PWG Co-chair Dr Nienke Endenburg.
The PWG aims to improve the wellbeing of veterinary professionals globally.
 

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) Professional Wellness Group (PWG) has added three new members to assist with its work on improving the health and wellbeing of all veterinary professionals.

Veterinary professional's mental health has long been a concern, with the PWG's 2019 study into global veterinary wellness confirming that it is an issue across the world, with particular concern regarding Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. 

Co-chaired by Dr Nienke Endenburg and Derick Chibeu, the PWG's fist priority is to complete the development of the WSAVA's Global Guidelines for Veterinary Wellness, which will form an accessible and evidence-based set of tools and resources to support veterinary wellness.

The first of the new members is Dr Veerle van Geenhoven, a senior veterinary surgeon at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich. She has a particular interest in the integration of psychosocial competence in the profession, and adopts the Balint method from human medicine to understand psychodynamics in vet-pet-pet owner relationships. 

Second is Dr Elli Kalemtzaki, a veterinary surgeon who is also a certified profession coach. She helps veterinary surgeons develop their leadership skills, inspire their teams and engage with clients. 

Dr Debbie Stoewen is the third new member. She is a veterinary surgeon and social worker, and also created an accredited veterinary continuing education programme called 'The Social Side of Practice'. The programme focuses on the human-animal bond, veterinary wellness, communication, teamwork, organisational culture and leadership. 

Commenting on her new role with the PWG team, Dr Elli Kalemtzaki said: “I was very excited to find out about this role as I have a special interest in advancing the health and well-being of veterinary professionals globally. 

“Problems such as burnout, depression and anxiety account for a significant proportion of mental health issues in the veterinary profession. 

“I firmly believe that all veterinarians should be able to work in a supportive, professional and caring environment, where they are valued and respected.”

Co-chair Dr Nienke Endenburg added: “The PWG is working to support the well-being of the thousands of veterinary teams around the world who work, day in, day out, to care for animals and their owners. 

“I am delighted to welcome our three new members who bring new skills and who join us a time when our work has never been more important.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.