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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th February 2012
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VBF survey reveals stress issues
Charity identifies professional challenges

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has published the results of a survey which investigated the veterinary profession's responses to the realities of professional life. When asked 'What are the key issues, if any, for the veterinary profession?' and told to select up to five answers from a list, a pool of 400 veterinary surgeons returned the following responses:
  • Stress management (18.7%)
  • Balancing work and family life (16%)
  • Depression (10.9%)
  • Relationships at work (8.4%)
  • Managing personal finances/debt etc (8%)
  • Career development (8%)
  • Other life/work balance issues (7.4%)
  • Employment disputes (4.8%)
  • Difficulties returning to career after family break, sickness or accident (3.2%)
  • Addictions (3.1%)
  • Bullying (2.8%)
  • Other (2.3%)
  • Assertiveness (2.2%)
  • Accessing support services outside normal hours (2%)
  • Other mental health problems (1.2%)
  • Redundancy (0.7%)
  • None of these (0.3%)
Commenting on the survey's findings, VBF President Dr Lydia Brown said "The findings of this survey are significant for all us of working in the veterinary profession today and many of us will recognise the emerging themes. I am very grateful that so many members of the profession responded to the survey.”

"While we train hard for our chosen career and many go on to find fulfilment, it's clear that in today's challenging environment, the reality of life in practice can prove a strain. The effect on relationships both at home and at work can be traumatic and yet, as a profession we can be reluctant to seek help or advice."

"Ensuring the wellbeing of all those working in the profession is our goal and we will look to increase the support we can provide in 2012. We greatly appreciate involvement and support from the profession and from industry to sustain our vital work and would ask anyone interested in helping us or getting involved to contact us."

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com