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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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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.