Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This qualitative study explored the positive and negative impacts of veterinary work on well-being from the perspective of clinical veterinarians practicing in Canada. Factors related to veterinarians’ coping and resilience (i.e., personal and contextual resources) were also examined. A career in veterinary medicine is generally considered to be highly demanding and rewarding, and many veterinarians are drawn to the profession by their love of animals and core desire to make a difference in a meaningful way. There is a gap in research on the well-being of veterinarians, as most studies have focused on identification of job-related stressors and poor mental health outcomes. However, many veterinarians are satisfied by their work, and when examined through the lens of positive psychology, veterinary work can potentially tap into well-being through experiences such as meaning, fulfillment, connectedness/relatedness, and personal growth/self-actualisation. The current research gap makes it challenging to understand how to best support the well-being of veterinarians and foster resilience, as these constructs are more than the absence of stress or illness. A total of 19 Canadian veterinarians (primarily in small and mixed-animal practice) were interviewed remotely to explore how they experience work-related well-being from a positive perspective, and to explore current stressors and coping methods. Using thematic analysis, the data revealed six broad themes: (1) career progression, (2) stressful aspects of veterinary work, (3) euthanasia, (4) coping strategies, (5) positive work environments, and (6) positive work experiences and well-being. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for supporting the well-being of veterinarians in university and training, the workplace, and through professional supports such as therapy/counselling.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Creary, Patricia
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Speech and Hearing
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7148179423