New training program addresses mental wellness for disaster relief volunteers

A mental health training program for new volunteers with Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) has been developed by the nonprofit organization in partnership with veterinary staffing company IndeVets. The program is the first of its kind for VWB, which provides disaster relief and humanitarian work through volunteers, and will be required for veterinarians to serve in needed areas around the world.1

The new training program is part of VWB/VSF’s commitment to improving well-being in the veterinary community. According to recent research, approximately half of veterinarians report moderate to high burnout, indicating a need for proactive mental health support in the profession, the partners noted in a news release.2 

Among the research, caseloads that are too high are associated with decreased participation in educational activities and increased fatigue-associated medical errors. Meanwhile, 40% of veterinary residents in a survey cited by investigators expressed concerns about making major medical errors.2

“The well-being of our volunteers is essential to the success of our mission,” Janine Mitchell, executive director of VWB/VSF, said in a news release.1 “This partnership with IndeVets helps ensure our teams are prepared for the realities of the field—not only technically but [also] mentally and emotionally. We’re grateful for IndeVets’ leadership and commitment to supporting those who serve in some of the world’s most challenging environments.”

The mental health training program was created by Dave Shuey, LMSW, DMA, RVT (ret.), a veterinary social worker with IndeVets. The goal of the online program is to prepare VWB/VSF’s staff and volunteers for emotional and psychological challenges that they may face while working in crisis and disaster environments. The Pre-Departure Mental Health Survival Guide session is now available to all volunteers new to VWB/VSF.1

The training, which is also led by Shuey, addresses key topics such as moral injury, resilience, and social support, with an emphasis on cultural humility and decolonization. It aims to support volunteers navigating stress while maintaining emotional health and fostering genuine connection and understanding in diverse and challenging locales.1 

“[VWB/VSF] volunteers do incredibly difficult and compassionate work under conditions that most of us can hardly imagine,” Shuey said in a news release.1 “It’s an honor to support them with tools to stay grounded, connected, and human in the face of extraordinary stress. We hope this training makes a meaningful difference for those who give so much of themselves in service to others.”

For IndeVets, the partnership with VWB/VSF is part of the company’s broader mission to make veterinary medicine better for doctors, practices, and pets. This mission includes prioritizing mental health and well-being within the profession. By offering the expertise of an in-house veterinary social worker like Shuey, IndeVets is working to create a culture of care that extends far beyond the clinic, according to the company.1 

RELATED NEWS: Veterinary relief organization earns NOMV certification for mental wellness

References

1. IndeVets launches first mental health training for Veterinarians Without Borders volunteers to strengthen global veterinary resilience. News release. IndeVets and Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord. January 27, 2006.
2. Steffey MA, Griffon DJ, Risselada M, et al. Veterinarian burnout demographics and organizational impacts: a narrative review. Front Vet Sci. 2003;10:1184526. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1184526