The Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), in collaboration with Blue Buffalo, has launched an exciting new well-being program called “Inspire by FVMA,” designed to support veterinary professionals by reducing barriers to mental health care and fostering healthier work environments in veterinary practices.
Dr. Phil Richmond, FVMA Professional Well-being Committee chair, knows firsthand how difficult it is to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially for professionals new to the field. “As a new graduate veterinarian, perfectionism, a lack of effective tools, and poor emotional regulation in the face of self-imposed burnout overwhelmed me. I am alive today because of veterinary professionals who cared about me as a person and knew what programs were available to help me.”
A Path to Mental Wellness
“Inspire by FVMA” offers a comprehensive range of services, starting with up to three free therapy sessions with veterinary-informed licensed counselors, as well as access to social workers who are also veterinary professionals, and therefore understand the unique stressors of the field, such as long hours, compassion fatigue, and the emotional toll of caring for sick animals. The program also includes options for extended therapy and access to workshops through an employee assistance program (EAP).
Jim Naugle, the FVMA’s executive director, said, “By offering resources like mental health support, we aim to reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and create a supportive environment where veterinary professionals can excel.” The program’s ultimate goal is to tackle the specific challenges of the veterinary profession and enhance both personal and professional outcomes for veterinary teams across Florida.
Supporting Florida’s Veterinary Community
The “Inspire by FVMA” program is making an impact statewide by working within local communities and offering access to a team of certified “veterinary well-being champions.” These individuals are trained to address critical workplace issues such as burnout, psychological safety, and emotional risks in the veterinary profession. By providing tailored, evidence-based strategies, the program helps create more fulfilling work environments while lowering costs and offering professionals access to counselors who truly understand the unique demands of veterinary care.
A Commitment to Well-being
Blue Buffalo, a trusted partner in the veterinary space, shares FVMA’s vision for a healthier, more supportive work environment. Dr. Alex Miller, General Mills’ manager of veterinary services, said, “Blue Buffalo firmly believes that veterinary professionals are as entitled to health and well-being as the animals they care for, and we are committed to supporting that endeavor through evidence-based programming.” As statistics around veterinary mental health grow more alarming, this partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the crisis.
Elevating Veterinary Care
For more than 95 years, the FVMA has been at the forefront of advancing veterinary medicine in Florida. Now, with “Inspire by FVMA,” the association continues to elevate the profession by focusing on the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to animal care. By providing essential mental health resources, the FVMA is helping veterinary professionals thrive—ultimately leading to better care for animals across the state.
For more information on the “Inspire by FVMA” program, visit www.fvma.org/inspire.