March 22, 2024

#117: Purpose, Passion, and Persistence: Creating Unicorns For A More Resilient Veterinary Profession. With Dr Geoff Wilson.

In this episode, Dr. Geoff Wilson reflects on the transformative power of resilience and passion within the veterinary profession, drawing on lessons from polar exploration and wilderness survival. He discusses his journey integrating these principles into veterinary training to combat burnout and improve industry culture. The conversation highlights the development of a unique resilience program for new veterinary graduates, designed to push mental and physical limits while instilling confidence and adaptability in high-pressure situations. Dr. Wilson also examines challenges within the veterinary profession, from selecting candidates with emotional intelligence to addressing toxic attitudes that deter young professionals. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining positivity, embracing a service mindset, and fostering a supportive environment to ensure the longevity and fulfilment of veterinary careers.

Show Notes
Guest Profile

'Resilience' can be a very loaded word: where is the line between 'toxic resilience' that relies mostly on stubborn grit and self-sacrifice, and a deep sustainable resilience that stems from a much deeper place?

Dr Geoff Wilson is intimately familiar with resilience: veterinarian down to the core, Dr Geoff lives a vast and varied life split between being a family man, veterinarian, practice owner, entrepreneur, and expeditionist. Highlights from Geoff’s adventurer career include completing the longest solo, unsupported polar journey in human history, the fastest solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica, the first to cross the Torres Strait by kiteboard, the first and only wind-assisted crossing of the Sahara Desert (2009), and the first wind-powered crossing of the Simpson Desert in Australia. Geoff’s newest adventure, Project Zero, is a net-zero docu-series documenting a voyage that explores some of the world’s most isolated and vulnerable environments and the visible impact of global warming on these landscapes, and engaging with the world’s leading climate scientists, advocates and initiatives.

You'd think that for someone like this, the challenges of working in veterinary science would be insignificant, but that's not the case. In this conversation Geoff takes us on a journey through the peaks and troughs of his own experiences in vet life, and beyond, shedding light on the dangers of pushing ourselves too far and the pitfalls of 'toxic resilience', vs utilising passion, purpose, and persistence to help shape true resilience. Geoff helps us explore how vulnerability, optimism and a service mindset support resilience, and he opens up about a unique program at his group of practices, VetLove, that is designed to cultivate 'unicorns' – exceptional vets who thrive under the weight of demanding expectations, and how they are trying to find that delicate balance of nurturing growth without breaking spirits.

Topic list:

03:29 From Polar Expeditions to Veterinary Practice: Jeff's Unique Journey

04:27 Cultivating True Resilience in the Veterinary Field

13:21 The Vet Love Resilience Program: Shaping Exceptional Veterinarians

35:49 Addressing the Challenges of Modern Veterinary Practice

35:49 The Importance of Support and Community in Veterinary Medicine

43:58 Navigating Difficult Clients: Zero Tolerance

45:38 Transforming Customer Service

46:55 Building a Positive Work Environment Amidst Challenges

51:44 Redefining Veterinary Education and Practice for Future Generations

54:20 The Power of Positivity

01:05:23 Balancing Passion with Personal Well-being

01:24:17 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Veterinary Profession with Optimism and Resilience

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Resilience in Veterinary Practice: Building Emotional and Physical Toughness

The veterinary profession is inherently challenging, demanding a unique blend of technical skill, emotional intelligence, and resilience. As discussed in our previous conversation, modern veterinary professionals face numerous pressures, contributing to high stress levels and a concerning suicide rate within the industry. Building resilience is not about becoming immune to challenges, but rather developing the capacity to navigate them effectively and emerge stronger. This episode highlights the importance of proactive resilience training, particularly for new graduates, to equip them with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in this demanding field.

Here's a deeper look at resilience in veterinary practice:

Understanding the Challenges: Why is Resilience so Crucial?

The "Blood Sport" Reality: This episode aptly describe veterinary practice as a "blood sport", acknowledging the inherent exposure to suffering, death, and difficult situations. This raw reality, coupled with demanding clients and long hours, necessitates a certain level of mental and emotional toughness.
Unrealistic Expectations and Negativity: The episode highlights a concerning trend of negativity surrounding the veterinary profession, often originating from within veterinary schools. Students are bombarded with messages about the job's difficulties, creating a sense of fear and apprehension before they even enter the workforce.
Selection Process Gaps: The current emphasis on academic achievement in veterinary school admissions often overlooks essential qualities like emotional intelligence and resilience. This results in graduates who may excel technically but struggle with the emotional and interpersonal demands of the job, increasing their vulnerability to burnout and compassion fatigue.

VetLove Tenacity Score: A Unique Approach to Building Resilience

The episode presents a unique approach to resilience training developed by VetLove, Dr Geoff's group of practices. Their "Set for Vet" program utilises a series of challenging physical activities to assess and cultivate resilience in new graduates. The "tenacity score is derived from these activities, which include:

Brick-holding deep squat
Weighted uphill sprint
Ice bath endurance

These challenges push participants to their physical and mental limits, revealing their baseline resilience and capacity for growth. While unconventional, this approach reflects a belief that physical toughness translates to mental fortitude, preparing graduates for the emotional rigours of veterinary practice.

The 3 Ps of Resilience: Passion, Purpose, and Persistence

The episode emphasize three key pillars of resilience development:

Passion: Amplifying the inherent passion for animal care that drives most veterinary professionals. This involves fostering a love for the profession despite its challenges and celebrating the positive aspects of the job.
Purpose: Cultivating a strong sense of purpose by connecting with the "why" behind the work. This means understanding the profound impact veterinary professionals have on animal lives and families, reinforcing the value and significance of their role.
Persistence: Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. This involves embracing a "never give up" attitude, knowing that tough days are inevitable, but the ability to rise above them is what defines true resilience.

Finding the Balance: Avoiding Toxic Resilience

While promoting resilience, the episode also cautions against the dangers of "toxic resilience". This concept refers to the detrimental effects of pushing oneself beyond healthy limits, ignoring warning signs of burnout, and perpetuating a "just keep going" mentality without allowing for rest and recovery.

The episode advocates for a balanced approach, recognising that true resilience involves:

Self-Awareness: Learning to recognise personal limits and warning signs of burnout.
Vulnerability: Being able to express struggles and seek support when needed.
Prioritizing Well-being: Making time for self-care, rest, and activities that foster mental and emotional health.

Key Takeaways: Building a More Resilient Veterinary Profession

Shift the Narrative: Challenge the negative messaging surrounding the profession by highlighting its positive aspects and the incredible impact veterinary professionals have.
Prioritize Holistic Selection: Advocate for veterinary school admission processes that consider emotional intelligence, communication skills, and resilience alongside academic achievements.
Invest in Resilience Training: Support the development and implementation of resilience training programs that equip new graduates with the tools to navigate the challenges of the profession.
Foster Supportive Environments: Cultivate a culture of open communication, vulnerability, and support within veterinary practices, creating safe spaces for individuals to express their struggles and seek help when needed.
Promote a Balanced Approach: Encourage a healthy approach to resilience, acknowledging the importance of self-care, rest, and recognising personal limits while fostering a strong sense of purpose and passion for the profession.

By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to burnout and promoting a culture that values both technical expertise and emotional well-being, the veterinary profession can build a more resilient workforce capable of thriving amidst the inherent challenges of this rewarding but demanding field.

Combating Negativity and Burnout in the Veterinary Industry

The veterinary profession, while deeply rewarding, is grappling with pervasive negativity and alarming rates of burnout. The episode paints a stark picture of the challenges, highlighting the emotional toll and the need for a cultural shift to protect the well-being of veterinary professionals.

Here are key strategies to combat negativity and burnout, drawing on the sources and our conversation:

1. Shift the Narrative: Vet is Life!

The episode passionately advocate for replacing the prevailing negativity with a message of hope and positivity: "Vet is Life!". This involves:

Celebrating the Positives: Actively highlighting the rewarding aspects of veterinary work, focusing on the impact made on animal lives, the human-animal bond, and the privilege of making a tangible difference.
Challenging Negative Voices: Confronting negativity head-on, whether it comes from educators, colleagues, or even oneself. Refusing to let cynicism and pessimism dominate the conversation is crucial.
Sharing Success Stories: Amplifying stories of resilience, passion, and fulfilling careers within the industry to inspire and encourage both current and future generations of veterinary professionals.

2. Rethink Selection: Prioritise EQ and Resilience

The episode argues that the current emphasis on academic achievement in veterinary school admissions often overlooks crucial traits like:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to understand and manage emotions, both one's own and those of others. This is vital for navigating challenging client interactions and building strong team relationships.
Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from setbacks, cope with stress, and maintain well-being in demanding environments.

Implementing a more holistic selection process could involve:

Personality Assessments: Incorporating questionnaires or interviews that assess personality traits and identify individuals with strong EQ and resilience.
Evaluating Life Experiences: Considering applicants' involvement in activities that demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and the ability to handle pressure.

3. Invest in Resilience Training: Equip Graduates to Thrive

The episode strongly advocate for integrating resilience training into veterinary education and professional development. This could involve:

Workshops and Programs: Providing practical skills and strategies for managing stress, building emotional resilience, and developing effective coping mechanisms.
Mentorship and Support Networks: Connecting new graduates with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss challenges.
Promoting Self-Care: Educating veterinary professionals about the importance of prioritising their well-being through activities like mindfulness, exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

4. Foster Supportive Cultures: Build Strong Teams

Creating positive and supportive work environments is crucial for combating burnout and fostering resilience. This involves:

Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about challenges and struggles, creating a safe space for vulnerability without fear of judgment.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Building strong team dynamics where colleagues support and encourage one another, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Recognizing and Addressing Burnout: Providing resources and support for individuals experiencing burnout, intervening early to prevent escalation and promote recovery.

5. Lead by Example: Be the Change You Want to See

Veterinary leaders and educators play a critical role in combating negativity and fostering resilience. They must:

Embrace the "Vet is Life!" message: Actively promote positivity and celebrate the profession's impact.
Model healthy behaviours: Prioritise their own well-being and demonstrate effective coping strategies.
Create supportive environments: Foster open communication, teamwork, and a culture that values resilience.
Advocate for change: Push for systemic changes in education and training to address the root causes of burnout.

By shifting the narrative, prioritising resilience, and fostering supportive cultures, the veterinary industry can create a brighter future for its professionals and ensure the continued well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for animals.