#135: I Want To, But I Can’t: 3 Ways Moral Injury Differs From Burnout (And Why It Matters). With Dr Shannon Bass

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Do you ever feel just... flat? Not inspired, not excited, and certainly not energised. It might feel like burnout. Or is it compassion fatigue? Maybe it's neither.

You know those moments in veterinary medicine when you know the right thing to do, but external circumstances prevent you from doing it? That dissonance, that discomfort deep in your core: that’s moral injury.

In this episode, we unravel the complexities of moral injury with Dr. Shannon Bass, a leader in veterinary medicine and a passionate advocate for supporting veterinarians through the psychological challenges they face. Moral injury, often confused with burnout or compassion fatigue, is an under-discussed but critical issue in our profession. Together with Dr. Bass, we explore the distinctions between these terms, their impact on veterinary professionals, and how to address them effectively.

Dr. Bass brings over 20 years of experience in general practice, emergency veterinary medicine, and leadership to this conversation, where you’ll learn

• How moral injury manifests in daily practice
• The importance of differentiating it from burnout and compassion fatigue
• Why 'client bashing' can be a symptom of moral distress, and
• Practical steps to create healthier and more supportive veterinary work environments.

Topics and Time Stamps

1. Defining Moral Injury - 02:58

2. Differentiating Trauma, Moral Injury, and Burnout - 07:04

3. Moral Injury in Veterinary Practice: Subtle and Irresolvable Cases - 10:03

4. What’s New for the Vet Vault in 2025 - 16:33

5. Moral Injury vs Moral Distress - 21:18

6. Moral Injury vs Compassion Fatigue - 24:01

7. How Does Moral Injury Manifest? - 27:01

8. How to Address Moral Injury: Recognising and Implementing Solutions - 29:44

9. The Role of Vulnerability and Shared Experiences - 33:25

10. Communication, Community, and Support - 38:59

11. Shannon’s Podcast Choices - 46:29

12. Pass-Along Question - 49:30

Get in Touch

Email us at info@thevetvault.com if you want to find out more about Vet Vault/Vets on Tour 2025 in Wanaka, NZ, or about the Essential Consequence Management series for practice leaders with Rhonda Andrews.

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