THE WELLNESS ISSUE IT'S TIME TO THRIVE - Veterinary School ...
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SPRING 2020
THE WELLNESS ISSUE
IT’S TIME TO THRIVE
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM MOLLY McALLISTER FEATURES SPRING 2020
Finding Your Balance
Dear Ross Vet Alumni,
A lot has changed since I walked across the stage in 2004 to accept my
4 Home, work, family, wellness... how do you do it all? Alumni
Drs. April and Bennett Deddens share their thoughts.
Sean Callanan, MVB CertVR
MRCVS PhD FRCPath DiplECVP
Dean
diploma at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Humanizing the Euthanasia Experience 4
6
Charles Wallace, DVM MS
Looking back at our profession over the past few decades, I am thrilled Often unspoken about, the impact of euthanasia on veterinarians
Dip ACVS
of the progress we have made, particularly around supporting the and pet parents is huge. Alumna Dr. Jocelyn Mason shares Associate Dean of Student Affairs
wellbeing of veterinary professionals. It is now widely recognized as a key how to ensure it is a dignified experience for all. and Alumni Relations Professor of
foundation to our health and sustainability, and we are seeing a concerted Large Animal Medicine
focus on this topic in our academic institutions, workplaces, and daily The One Health Impact
8
Nathalie Mather-L’Huillier, BSc
interactions with one another and members of our veterinary teams.
I have been especially impressed by the Ross approach to supporting
Veterinarians are truly at the center of it all: animal health,
human health and environmental health. Find out how one
6 (Hons.) MPhil PhD
Director of Accreditation and
veterinary students in their career journey, embracing the value of diversity Rossie is making a difference through One Health.
Alumni Relations
and inclusion as a critical building block for our future, and applaud your
efforts to provide tools and resources to support health and wellbeing CO N TR I B U TI N G WR ITE R S/E D ITO R S
The Role of Public Education & Zoonoses
throughout the path of student to tenured alum. I see parallels between
Ross and Banfield Pet Hospital in our shared effort to support our people
through creating a culture of holistic health and wellbeing through
10 Public education is at the heart of disease prevention. When
it comes to zoonoses, veterinarians are at the forefront.
8
Dentrecia Blanchette
Drs. Jennifer Bradtke and
Elpida Artemiou
Dr. Julie Cohen
programs, tools, benefits and services that get to the root of industry pain AVMA Resources
12
Drs. April and Bennett Deddens
points, such as high rates of student debt and mental health issues. The AVMA office for Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives Colleen Glenney
The future is uncharted. Uncharted can mean uncertain, and it can shares the resources that are available to veterinary Becky Holton
also mean that an exciting adventure or journey awaits. Upon entering this professionals. Find out what is available to you.
Dr. Jocelyn Mason
profession, we begin an incredible journey full of amazing possibilities. To Sandra Matel
seize upon those opportunities, it is important that we start with a strong Tips to Maintain Your Wellbeing
14 Nathalie Mather-L’Huillier
foundation of resilience and empowerment. Resilience being our ability to
manage through change, stress and turmoil. Empowerment being the knowledge
that we control our own lives and can influence where the journey takes us.
14 RUSVM’s Counseling Center have compiled 10 tips
for wellness and wellbeing in this tear out resource.
Use it, share it, pin it in your staff room.
Elizabeth Story
Dr. Jessica Taylor
M AG A Z I N E PROJ EC T M A N AG E R
Together, these foundational elements can help us thrive despite challenges.
Kristine Lester
Now, more than ever, veterinarians play a critical role in supporting THRIVE 16
public health through veterinary care. As we navigate the uncertainties of
the COVID-19 pandemic, we can be stronger together when we prioritize
our health and wellbeing and support one another so that we can safely
16 How do you practice wellness and wellbeing at work? Colleagues
from Thrive Affordable Pet Care share their philosophy.
DESIGN
Peter Gialloreto
Howard Design Group, Inc.
continue to offer high-quality, compassionate care to pets that rely on us. Inspirational Poetry
Princeton, NJ
I hope you find some useful knowledge and tools in this issue that help
you promote the health and wellbeing of yourself and veterinary team. 20 Borne out of trauma and grief, these words by alumna
Dr. Julie Cohen, will resonate with many of you.
20
Be well,
The Ross University School of Veterinary
Medicine Alumni Magazine is published
ALSO IN THE ISSUE by the Office of Alumni Relations
along with the Office of Marketing
and Communications. It is distributed
Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH 2 GET INVOLVED 19 WEST INDIES VETERINARY CONFERENCE to alumni, faculty, staff, students and
friends. For information or to send
Chief Medical Officer
name/address changes please contact:
Senior Vice President, Veterinary Affairs 3 JOB POSTING 22 #NEWBEGINNINGS
rusvmalumni@rossu.edu.
JOB POSTINGS
BE A ROSS VET ALUMNI AMBASSADOR
Do you have some free time to give to your alma
mater? Would you like to share the value of your LOOKING TO FILL INTERNSHIPS OR
education with prospective students and their families?
Are you looking for a meaningful way to volunteer? FULL-TIME/PART-TIME POSITIONS
Become a Ross Vet Alumni Ambassador today!
AT YOUR PRACTICE?
Alumni activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• White Coat Ceremony Speaker • Speaker at College Fairs • Scholarship Donation
• Enrollment Webinar • Profile in Marketing Material • WIVC Speaker
• Prospective Student Outreach • Alumni Association Council Member And much, much more…
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine is happy to work to build relationships between
your organization and Ross Vet alumni. Listing your openings with Ross Vet can provide
you with increased exposure to quality practitioners from a variety of specialties. Support the
Ross Vet community of alumni and enhance your organization by recruiting and hiring fellow
If you are interested in the Alumni Ambassador program and would like Rossies. Please email RUSVMemployers@rossvet.edu.kn.
more information, please email us at rusvmalumni@rossu.edu.
2 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 3
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FIN DIN G SET TING GOALS: CHANNELING YOUR INNER NERD: GET TING BACK TO YOUR ROOTS:
U R
As veterinarians, one trait we all share Let’s face it, we’re all a bunch of nerds. As cool Most of us got into this profession because of our desire to help
O
Y CE
is the ability to accomplish goals and as we may have felt kicking back on “the strip”, animals. Often, we are unable to provide the kind of help we
complete seemingly insurmountable tasks, as wearing sick aviators, and tipping back Stags, when had envisioned due to forces outside of our own resources and
evidenced by the immense drive each of us we went home at night we still had to memorize the abilities. There are endless ways to rekindle that spark for animal
has demonstrated while earning a veterinary mechanism of action of lidocaine and which species welfare while helping your own community and others in need.
degree. We have both found it beneficial to have a bulbourethral gland. Practicing as a veterinarian
N
direct our inherent drive into other areas of our requires a lifetime of learning; however, directing April: Since I was little, I was always trying to save baby
L A
lives by setting personal goals for ourselves. that thirst for knowledge into something else you frogs from lawnmowers and bottle feed baby opossums. This has
BA
enjoy may help boost your mental well-being. transcended my passion for volunteering to help provide veterinary
Bennett: I’ve always pretty much despised care where it is needed most. Because of this, I volunteer yearly
exercising for the sake of exercising. With Bennett: For me, learning everything there is to with World Vets providing free veterinary care to some of the most
trail running, I’ve managed to eke out some know about climbing has become my biggest passion impoverished countries of the world. Not only does this allow me to
enjoyment from an activity that has the outside of raising a family and working. I used to rock feel like I’m really making a difference, but it also allows me to pursue
added benefit of keeping me healthy and climb with my dad as a kid, and a little bit here and travel, one of my other passions. I have been fortunate to travel
somewhat fit. I’m not looking to break any there over the years, but only recently did I allow it to all over Central America, South America, Asia, and soon will be
records, but organized trail races offer me become the center of my recreational universe. I’ve volunteering in Tanzania, Africa. I also volunteer with a local rescue
an opportunity to explore new beautiful, amassed a library of climbing manuals and guidebooks providing free spay and neuter for stray cats. Recently I became very
natural environments, and keeping a few to rival our library of veterinary texts in hopes of involved with a farm animal sanctuary where I not only get to learn
on the calendar helps keep me active. learning every little bit of climbing lore there is to know. about husbandry but have also been able to treat a variety of species,
By Drs. Bennett and April Deddens April: Running has always been a In the same way that Continuing Education helps us as well as learn how to do surgeries that I have never done before.
part of my life. I see running as a way to continue to practice good medicine, the benefits (of
F INDING RELIEF FROM THE STRESSORS zone out and clear my head, and for that throwing myself into my climbing books) are being Practicing as a veterinarian can be a very rewarding experience
inherent to the veterinary profession is essential for both reason running trails hasn’t been my thing. a safer climber and providing me the confidence to but not without taking its toll. We’re all goal-achieving,
our physical and mental well-being. We are sharing tips and Constantly dodging rocks and roots has a share my passion with friends and family. Climbing, knowledge-craving, compassionate people, or else we wouldn’t
strategies for striking a balance between our professional lives, way of spoiling the Zen that I’m looking for hiking, and camping are also a way to get our daughter have become veterinarians in the first place. Leveraging
raising a family, and nurturing personal wellness. Everyone is in a long run. Either way, we try to sign up outside in nature away from the incessant glow of those qualities into nurturing wellness in our daily lives is an
different and what works for us may not be the thing for you. for a few races together and look forward YouTube and just nerd out in the woods as a family. effective way of dealing with the strains of our profession. n
However, in writing this we’ve identified a few useful ways you to those rare occasions when two working
could add balance and wellness into your own life. parents get to spend a few miles together. Drs. Bennett ’15 and April Deddens ’13 are Veterinarians in North Carolina. They are married and have one daughter.
4 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 5
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HUMANIZING
Here are some tips to help improve the euthanasia process in your clinic or mobile practice:
TIP 1 TIP 2 TIP 4
Prepare your clients. A large percentage Prepare yourself. Use a material check Offer your clients grieving resources
of complaints to veterinary medical list* to ensure you have everything you such as local support groups or
the EUTHANASIA
boards are related to euthanasia, mainly need in the room prior to the appt. counselors.* Even if not utilized, your
due to a lack of client preparation. Is Include extra doses of sedation, extra concern and understanding of the pain
it a client’s first time experiencing a needles, etc. The last thing you want they are experiencing will be apparent.
euthanasia? We can gently explain to to do is to leave the room repeatedly
them what the procedure will entail using during the procedure. A client checklist* TIP 5
EXPERIENCE
terms that are gentle and less technical. is also beneficial. A list, containing Try adapting your vocabulary in a more
Reminding those that have gone through questions that the staff could ask the positive way. Instead of saying “He
the process before that every euthanasia family prior to the euthanasia, helps won’t suffer”, we can say “He will be
is different, is also important. Even ensure everyone is on the same page. more comfortable.” Instead of “You are
a slight twitch from the animal that making the right decision,” we can say
the owner wasn’t expecting can result TIP 3 “WE are making the right decision.”
in them leaving feeling distraught. Visit the crematorium your clinic uses. Finally, instead of “16 years is a good
Families are still worried where their age!” try, “They never live long enough.”
pets are going afterwards. It’s important
that you feel comfortable with whom
you are recommending, so that you can
relay this confidence to your clients.
by Dr. Jocelyn Anne Mason
W
ith compassion fatigue and burnout running rampant and Finally, ensuring that the pets body is placed into
suicide at an all-time high in veterinary medicine, it is a professional and respectful pet’s body bag, like
imperative that we start focusing on why we are headed EUTHABAG, rather than a plastic trash bag, is very
in this direction and how we can change this trajectory. important to most families. Over 80% of pet owners If you or someone
As veterinarians, we share a very special reality. We surveyed in 2019 would pay to ensure their pet is taken
are close witnesses to the extremely precious human- care of after euthanasia.**
you know may be
animal bond. However, we are often not as prepared as Simple actions like those described above can have a contemplating suicide,
we could be to go through one of the toughest and trying large impact on the clients experience, leaving both the call the National Suicide
times weighing in on that bond: euthanasia. veterinary staff feeling honored that they were able to
Aside from the cumulative stress factors we face provide this service to their clients and the families feeling
Prevention Lifeline at
professionally (high work expectations, long hours, supported. 1-800-273-8255, or text
tensions within our teams) and personally (family issues, Lastly, if you are ever having feelings of depression, HOME to 741741 for
health problems and financial stress...ahem, student loans), euthanasia can hopelessness, or are just having a difficult time in your life,
significantly contribute to deterioration of our mental health. please tell someone. Telling just one person can help you
the Crisis Text Line.
Even after performing thousands of euthanasias, there are still things we if/when it’s needed. Once you’ve started down the path of
can all learn to ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible, leaving depression, the odds of you reaching out for help decreases
us feeling fulfilled rather than depressed or guilty. significantly, and that help may not arrive in time. n
* visit euthabag.com (U.S.A) / euthabag.ca (Canada) to access these free Tools For Your Practice
** The importance of how a pet’s body is handled after death. Survey of 100 American Pet Owners, July 2019
6 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 7
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RACHEL VISTEIN, PHD, DVM ’18
The world is changing, and people
and places are more interconnected than
ever, which means the potential risks
for exposure increase. “I think clinical
veterinarians are in a fantastic position
to do public education. Sometimes it’s
“With global warming and climate the same person who is reticent to get
change, we’re seeing shifts and their flu vaccine or is nervous about
distributions of vectors and therefore of their human child being vaccinated,
parasites and diseases that can spread. that would accept a rabies vaccination.
As we are all more connected, it’s Veterinarians are in a great position to
something we’re at an increased risk educate, ‘this is what vaccines do, and
of. From that perspective, One Health this is their impact’. I think people care
is really bringing together the public about their animals so much that even
health dynamic, traditional human though they’re not engaged in primary
doctors, as well as animal impact.” clinical research, they can get excited
Part of doing research on vaccines about the science because it affects their
“In between graduate school and and trying to engineer them is to pets. It’s a slightly different route to
starting at Ross, my best friend, who analyze the immune response of share information and educate people.”
THE ONE HEALTH
was a Peace Corp Volunteer in Uganda, individuals who have either been “That really is part of the One Health
invited me to teach at a camp for infected or have had vaccines that led initiative. How are we all different? And
teenage girls. It was fantastic. I wasn’t to some level of protection. NIH is one how does all the commentary come
just tucked away in a resort somewhere of several groups that has begun to together to tell the same story? Well,
or a safari village. It was in a normal investigate using monoclonal antibodies you need the other voice to kind of
city, using public transit, and learning derived from these individuals balance out what the doctors are saying.
IMPACT
how differently people interacted with directly as preventive medicine. It’s research and then it’s telling the
livestock and other domestic species, “Our lab is trying to apply this story. Animals are a fantastic conduit
Rachel Vistein, PhD, DVM ’18 is not your average as well as interacting with wildlife. I to malaria. There are hundreds of to talk to people about the choice they
Ross Vet alumni story. Dr. Vistein first pursued an also got to know the girls, who just, thousands of clinical cases of malaria are making. Because we invest so
undergraduate degree in biology, minoring in chemistry throughout their lives, were impacted reported every year, and more that much care into our animals, (there’s the
and getting her first research experience. She continued by infectious diseases that you don’t go unreported. And it’s diminishing belief) that the things that are good for
with her PhD, focusing on the cell biology at the basic often see in the United States.” people’s ability to work and take care of our animals are good for ourselves.” n
science level. The work she was doing exposed her to Due to both the experience of themselves. There are tens of thousands
a science department undertaking research across the volunteering followed by the experience of deaths every year and most of those
spectrum from biochemistry to clinical trials, sparking of being a Ross Vet student, Dr. Vistein are small children. So, the idea is, if we EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Vistein holds her
further interest in pursuing research as a career. While gained an appreciation for vector-borne get these monoclonal antibodies as a bachelor’s degree from the University of
By Becky Holton entering the DVM program with a PhD may not be your disease, particularly with mosquitos. way to protect individuals, it’s another South Florida and PhD from Carnegie
typical educational path, it offers a distinctive point of She currently works as a postdoctoral tool in the toolbox to help eradicate Mellon University. Dr. Vistein was
view when it comes to research impacting public health. fellow at the National Institutes of malaria. You know, everybody has had a recently matched with Johns Hopkins
“I got into science and biology with a very biochemistry Health Vaccine Research Center. viral infection that they wish they didn’t University and will begin a four-year lab
focus, but over the course of grad school started to “I’m on the team working on have to go through or have lost relatives animal/research residency this summer.
see a huge connection in the spectrum of research. At malaria, a vector-borne disease that or friends to disease. The research (I do) Dr. Vistein’s comments are personal
the same time, I had been volunteering at an animal currently has no effective vaccine. is a great way to get people interested opinions and do not necessarily reflect
shelter throughout the program. I know that I really There has been one released, it doesn’t in science because it so easily touches any stances NIH currently takes.
enjoyed working with animals. So, I started looking have a long range of protection our lives. And I think it’s inherently
at veterinary schools with the idea of doing laboratory that you would like a vaccine to exciting when you hear about new ways
animal medicine. I have this very keen research interest have that would make it better than that we’re working on (overcoming or
as well as a lot of consideration for animal welfare.” taking available medications.” preventing diseases) to do just that.”
8 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 9
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THE ROLE MAKE A
6 out of 10 DIFFERENCE WITH
OF PUBLIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN
PEOPLE ARE ZOONOTIC
ONE HEALTH
EDUCATION & 2.5
Ross Vet is pleased to announce new start terms for
our One Health programs:
ZOONOSES
MSc in One Health
Fall (September) Term—Apply by July 1
r BILLION
HUMAN ILLNESS Certificate in One Health
SHERRYDON PRINGLE Spring (January) Term—Apply by Nov. 1
Summer (May) Term—Apply by March 1
By Becky Holton Fall (September) Term—Apply by July 1
2.7 r Turn your passion into impact with an MSc or Certificate in
One Health, and earn continuing education (CE) credits as you
I
go. Coursework is AAVSB RACE®-approved for CE credits in
MILLION veterinary medicine.
t is estimated that zoonoses to achieve optimal health outcomes, HUMAN DEATHS
are responsible for 2.5 billion recognizing the interconnection Visit veterinary.rossu.edu/postgraduate to learn more about
cases of human illness and 2.7 between people, animals, plants, and our One Health programs.
million human deaths worldwide their shared environment. Both the One
each year. Six out of every ten Health Certificate program and the MSc
infectious diseases in people are in One Health develop the knowledge practice good hygiene, and keep your “There isn’t a lot of available data about
zoonotic, which makes it crucial and skills for our students to work pet healthy. “(The goal of my research) how the information is used to reduce the
that communities strengthen collaboratively across health and social was trying to determine how frequently risk of transmission within pet-owning
their capabilities to prevent and science professions to prevent and treat the topic of pets and diseases were and non-pet owning households.”
respond to these diseases. As animal diseases and help maintain discussed in households. The human- The potential research findings
infectious disease outbreaks the quality of our environment. animal bond is increasingly growing. from Pringle’s research underscores the
such as the current coronavirus MSc One Health student Sherrydon However, people’s awareness of pet- importance of the One Health initiative.
make headlines, it’s often difficult Pringle, under the supervision of associated disease risks is overlooked.” It reinforces the need for collaboration
to discern fact versus fiction. While Ross Vet faculty Dr. Anne Conan, There is plenty of evidence to across the science fields to understand
many of these diseases can be deadly, is completing research to assess support the importance of public and manage the public health risks
like rabies, many others are not, but the knowledge of zoonoses related education in reducing the risk of surrounding zoonotic diseases, and
can still make you sick and can be to hygiene practices in DeKalb infectious disease transmission the importance of developing relevant
severe in immunodepressed people. County, Atlanta, Georgia. between human and animals. However, policies, strategies, and sustainable
Ross University School of The risk that you or a loved one where and how individuals are programs that better educate the average
Veterinary Medicine is committed to a becomes infected is very much receiving educational information person in prevention, risk reduction,
One Health, transdisciplinary approach decreased if you use common sense, about it is less apparent. and potential outbreak management. n
1 2
www.cdc.gov/eid/article/23/13/17-0418_article www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0506-zoonotic-diseases-shared
10 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 11
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PROTECTING,
PROMOTING, AVMA Wellbeing Resources
AND ADVANCING Explore AVMA’s wellbeing tools and resources that
empower veterinarians and all team members to
prioritize self-care and make the short- and long-term
WELLBEING
investments needed for personal wellbeing. Learn how
to manage stress in healthy ways, practice self-care,
lend a hand to struggling peers, and more.
V
By Dr. Jennifer Brandt
PERSONAL WELLBEING WORKPLACE WELLBEING PROGRAMS MY VETERINARY LIFE
eterinary professionals to help veterinary colleges support
ASSESSMENT Learn how to build a more cohesive and AVMA launched MyVeterinaryLife.
make outstanding the emotional wellbeing of students, Start your journey to improved collaborative staff unit while helping your team com to provide tools and resources
contributions to the faculty, and staff in the aftermath wellbeing with the Professional Quality communicate more efficiently, overcome that support students and early-
profession and their of a student’s death by suicide. of Life (ProQOL) assessment. This challenges, and grow together. AVMA has career veterinarians, with an entire
communities every We also introduced the Workplace test helps you measure your current tools to strengthen your veterinary team, section dedicated to wellbeing. All of
“From our wellbeing day, and that important Wellbeing Certificate Program last year. balance of positive and negative including the Workplace Wellbeing Certificate the information is organized based on
webpage on avma.org to work can potentially The program can be found on AVMA personal and work-related experiences. Program offered through AVMA Axon. career stage, so it’s easy to find the
our MyVeterinaryLife. take a toll on our Axon and provides participants the Use the results as a starting point to most relevant content for your life.
create a self-care plan and pinpoint avma.org/WorkplaceWellbeing Be sure to check out the associated
com website, the AVMA physical and mental opportunity to earn up to four hours
areas to incorporate health and My Veterinary Life podcast, which
has myriad resources to wellbeing. That’s why of CE credit. Its five modules provides
the AVMA is committed veterinarians and veterinary teams the wellbeing improvements into your life. focuses on personal stories from
help both veterinarians across the veterinary profession.
to offering a wide knowledge and skills to create a culture
and students nurture range of resources that help protect and of wellbeing in their workplace.
100 HEALTHY TIPS WELLBEING CE
their wellbeing, and I Get 100 practical suggestions to AVMA Axon offers CE courses that focus MyVeterinaryLife.com
maintain mental health. From easily- In addition to these programs for support healthful living at work and at
encourage you to take a on all aspects of wellbeing, diversity, and
accessible online tools to guidance for veterinary teams, the AVMA has home. AVMA’s guide offers steps for inclusion—interconnected areas that are
look. We are continuing specific veterinary demographics, the created resources specific to veterinary both individuals and organizations to crucial to health and success. Topics cover
to make progress in better AVMA strives to support wellbeing students, including dedicated tools on take in nine dimensions of wellbeing. stress management, workplace culture, REACH OUT
understanding the issues across the entire profession. MyVeterinaryLife.com for navigating community support, team building, and more. Knowing when to reach out for
facing our profession Last fall, the AVMA hosted the the challenges of veterinary school and CYBERBULLYING RESOURCES
help—and doing it—might be the
and how we can best help Being bullied online has become a real avma.org/Axon
2019 Veterinary Wellbeing Summit, post-graduation life. And, this year,
cause for concern among veterinary
most important part of your wellbeing
address them. The AVMA which convened practitioners, team graduating SAVMA students will receive
professionals. Cyberbullying can
plan. No one can do everything
remains focused in our members, students, educators, and mental the Out of the Crate (or Gate) booklet
be both emotionally distressing and
alone, and this is especially true
ongoing efforts to make health experts to highlight actionable containing wellbeing information disruptive to our lives and businesses.
where mental health is involved.
strategies and tactics that foster inclusive tailored for graduating students. SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING If you believe that you’re in crisis,
the veterinary profession The AVMA has tools to help, including
please get help immediately by calling
academic and work environments and These initiatives support and a 24/7 cyberbullying hotline, reputation Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
as strong, healthy, and gatekeeper training has been provided by 1-800-273-8255 or contacting
promote individual, team, practice, complement the variety of other management resources, and more.
inclusive as possible.” and organizational wellbeing. wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion the AVMA since 2016 and is offered free of the National Suicide Prevention
At the time of the summit, a new resources provided by the AVMA. avma.org/Wellbeing charge to AVMA and SAVMA members. It Lifeline’s Crisis Chat team.
DR. JOHN HOWE
AVMA PRESIDENT toolkit was launched in collaboration Wellbeing is crucial to the veterinary helps to heighten awareness and gives those
without a mental health background the SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
with the American Foundation for profession—and it’s a key focus
tools to identify and refer at-risk colleagues.
Suicide Prevention and the American for the association representing
Academy of Veterinary Medical Colleges the nation’s veterinarians. n avma.org/QPR
12 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 13
Remove this
spread and use
in good health! TIP #1 T I P #2 T I P #3
Consider beginning a daily gratitude practice. Identify a positive Unplug from social media or take a break
Gratitude improves your psychological and affirmation that you can from the news. The news cycle repeats
physical health, and increases your self- repeat throughout the day. worst-case-scenario stories that may
esteem. Before you head in to your office/ For example, ‘I am deserving increase your stress levels. Or better yet,
clinic, jot down what you are grateful for. of the good things in my life!’ take a break from technology all together.
TIP #4 TIP #5 TIP #6 TIP #7
Pet a friendly patient at Breathe in; breathe out! Practice Choose nutritious foods rather Stay hydrated!
work. There are great health 4-7-8 breathing: 4 seconds in than foods high in processed Give your body what
benefits that stem from through nose, 7 seconds hold, sugar. Remember, ‘eat like a it needs to support
the human-animal bond. 8 seconds out through mouth. rainbow’ when you are shopping! a healthy mind.
It helps to keep you calm!
TIP #8 TIP #9 TIP #10
Your work is incredibly meaningful and
sometimes it can be overwhelming. Here
Stay connected with friends, Monitor your emotions and Develop a bedtime ritual for better
are our top 10 self-care hacks to ensure family and neighbors. Talk to moods daily by regularly sleep. Whether it’s taking a bath or
that you maintain your wellbeing! those who you are close to or with checking in with yourself. listening to calming meditations,
your personal therapist about a sleep ritual prepares your body
your successes and challenges. to get a good night’s rest.
14 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 15
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VISION
To create a campus culture that encourages and supports healthy living.
MISSION
EMOTIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
To promote the overall wellness of the Ross University
School of Veterinary Medicine community in support
of the institution’s academic mission.
FINANCIAL INTELLECTUAL
GOALS
Encourage wellbeing;
A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness Educate the community on healthy lifestyles;
Develop wellness activities and programs;
Maximize campus outreach through collaboration.
Here’s the thing—a strong community cannot exist environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational,
OCCUPATIONAL PHYSICAL
without healthy colleagues and students. That’s why physical, social, and spiritual wellness.
VALUES
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Why so many facets? Because wellness is much
(RUSVM) decided to take a holistic approach more than physical health. When you strive to The significance of total health—mind and body;
to foster wellbeing on a community level. improve these areas of your life, you will have better The potential for growth of all individuals;
The University launched Thrive—the RUSVM relationships, handle adversity more easily, and have a The inherent worth of all people—deserving respect and dignity;
wellness program. This program covers emotional, greater sense of purpose. Essentially, you will thrive! SOCIAL SPIRITUAL The importance of collaboration and community.
16 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 17feature
WELLNESS WELLNESS, SAVE THE DATE
IN ACTION WELLBEING,
WEST INDIES
VETERINARY
CONFERENCE
Dr. Jessica Taylor, THRIVE Affordable Vet Care
…WIVC! NOVEMBER 1–6, 2020
Mark your calendars for the
S
elf-care, wellness, and 3. RESPECT Honoring time off as
well-being are all phrases truly time off, supporting and allowing RUSVM IS A HUGE ADVOCATE 2020 West Indies Veterinary
OF WELLNESS AND WELLBEING
that have moved to
the forefront of many
for diverse needs for family time, and
rewarding healthy habits and actions are as shown in this edition of the magazine. West Conference on the beautiful island
discussions in veterinary ways that an employer shows respect for Indies Veterinary Conference is no different and of St. Kitts—an expert program of
medicine. Hearing the employee. Conversely, being present over the years, we have developed, based on your
feedback, a program of CE complemented by
continuing education for veterinary
them, they sound easy and focused during scheduled work,
enough, and certainly something we offering feedback and new ideas, and wellness activities, both social and fitness. Fear professionals and technicians.
all want to achieve, but what does this honoring set expectations are ways that not, the snorkeling catamaran trip to Nevis is
look like in every-day practice? How an employee respects their organization. very much part of that! But we have added yoga,
do veterinarians and veterinary staff including a new experience for 2020, meditation,
achieve a level of awareness and harmony
to sustain a healthy career and life
4. RESOURCES Companies and
practices can work to partner with
A BOU T T H E AU T HOR:
Dr. Jessica Taylor serves as Regional
running, reunions and social gatherings. Feedback
from our attendees tells us this is important and REGISTRATION IS
OPEN NOW
outside of work? What are some values health services that provide Employee adds a dimension to the conference which makes
Medical Director at THRIVE
and actions that reflect these goals? Assistance Programs for mental health it unique, allowing mingling, making new friends
Affordable Vet Care, where she and networking around a variety of activities,
support and choose plans that promote
1. OPTIMISM Boarding a sinking ship preventative care. The leadership of builds teams of compassionate whatever your interests!
is tough, even if only one person thinks each team can help guide employees veterinary professionals across
it is going down. Infusing optimism to these services when needed. the US. Want to join her team? We all know how much self-care is crucial to our
into daily tasks encourages teamwork, See current career opportunities daily lives and veterinarians know it better than
problem solving, and reflection on Who ensures the values are maintained? at www.thrivevet.com/careers anyone. In these challenging times, we all have to
what has been accomplished. Turning In small practices, it can start with At THRIVE Affordable Vet come together to promote wellness and wellbeing
“this is broken and I can’t do my the veterinarian, practice manager, or Care, the vision for the company so we cannot wait to show you what the conference
job” into “how can we work together medical director. In larger organizations, begins with our executive team and has in store this year!
to overcome this hurdle” can be the the vision for the company may begin reaches our employees through the TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER, VISIT:
difference in a day of frustration and with an executive team and fan out by support and guidance of our local veterinary.rossu.edu/WIVC2020
a day of celebrating teamwork. Words region and market, translated by many leadership. We view leadership
matter, so we choose words that are local leaders. However, leadership is not a not as a title, but rather an action.
positive and encourage optimism. title, but rather an action. If all members We work to guide our practices to
of the veterinary team can strive for embody our core values, among
2. GROWTH Providing the resources these values, among many others, we many others, and work toward
and opportunity to learn new skills, can work toward having a healthy work having a healthy work environment
develop in one’s role, and contribute to environment that promotes wellness, that promotes wellness, both
teaching others can bond employees both within the workday and beyond. n within the workday and beyond.
to their company and their coworkers.
Setting an expectation that all members
of the workforce can and need to Learn more about THRIVE
grow helps deconstruct hierarchies at www.thrivevet.com
and develop a healthy team.
18 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 19GET HELP
By Julie A. Cohen, DVM
Being faced with the loss of a dear friend and
colleague, alumna Dr. Cohen started to create
poetic pieces which can be resources for those who What do you need? Some of us aren’t sure how to live
struggle. Here, she shares “Get Help”, a powerful Do you need to get some help? Afterall, we end lives for a living
expression of recognizing struggle and of the need Or do you just need a little more sleep? And people tell us it’s a gift we are giving
to reach out. We know it will resonate with many. And that is so exhausting
So you find a therapist Vet med can be traumatizing
And talk about your demons
And you face your battles So we have to stand together
It’s been a long day And keep talking about your demons And we have to take care of each other
All you want to do is go to bed
But you can’t And you keep on going and you persevere Listen to your colleagues
You’re on call You finally get the help you really needed in vet school first year Be present for them
And the phone is always fake ringing in your head Don’t let them be lonely in their melancholies
So now that’s done It’s okay to ask them a direct question
So you stay up late And even when it doesn’t feel okay
Save some lives throughout the night You have the support to lean on Like “are you okay?”
Just to start all over the next day You still have the strength to move through those tough days Or tell them “I’m here with you.”
And you’re up before it’s light And sometimes all it takes
Look around you Is for you to say “I hear you”
Now your fire is gone There are others who felt or feel the same
And you feel a little lost They talk about lending hands And you may not know exactly what to do I know there’s a stigma
You’re not sure how to move on And helping others around us But you could maybe start with saying: Getting help is not a bad thing
You wonder, was it really worth all it cost? And that stuff is great, it really is You are not a worthless enigma
But we have to help ourselves, Look at this life you’ve known You are not weak or nothing
Even the sun takes a rest before the others around us Look at how much you’ve grown Please take care of yourself
And just like us, it burns all day And I know you feel so prone Keep up with your self-care
But every evening the sun sets So, just like on the plane Like pain is all you’ve known The AVMA, your employer—they can actually help
And we, too, should learn to live our lives that way “help yourself before assisting But you don’t have to do this alone Don’t wait until there’s no more you can bare
those around you” You don’t have to be on your own
And it has always been this way Don’t lose yourself or go insane Your therapy, friends, colleagues—WE ARE a judgement-free zone So please don’t leave
We keep burning and burning Getting your own help should I’ve got a listening ear
Until one particularly difficult day be the first thing you do We do go through a lot each day Don’t take yourself from this world, please
We say “enough, I’ve burnt out” and we decide to do something Listen to yourself Give yourself some credit for the lives you save We all want you to stay here
20 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 21#NEWBEGINNINGS
Dr. Lori Arrison-Mathews is a 2008 Dr. Caroline Leisz (RUSVM 2017) Charmel Rodick, DVM, a 2005 Ross
Ross graduate. She is practicing in and her husband Alan are delighted Graduate and co-owner of Deer Park
Troy, OH, and opened Green Valley to announce the arrival of lovely Animal Hospital, near Houston, TX.
Veterinary Care in May 2019. little Gwyneth (Gwinnie for short). The practice had a grand opening of
Big sister Leanora, who spent their newly relocated veterinary facility
the first 2 years of her life on St. in May 2019. They will be recognized
Newly appointed Medical Director, Dr. Luz Rodriguez (RUSVM Dr. Frank Akawi (RUSVM 1999), Kitts, cannot wait to show Gwinnie with one of the 2020 dvm360 Hospital
Natalie Hoepp (RUSVM 2011), DVM, 2020) joined Atlas Pet Clinic, Integrative Veterinary Medicine where she grew up when the family Design Merit Awards. They currently
DACVP has launched a new venture, Clermont, FL, in February 2020 as practitioner, has launched a new book: returns to island for WIVC2020. have 7 total veterinarians employed,
Scopio Labs, a digital microscopy an associate veterinarian. The clinic “Acupuncture Saved My Life”. Published three of which are Ross Graduates.
platform for hematology and cytology is part of the American Veterinary by Lulu.com, this new book covers the
samples, providing access to rapid Group where another 9 graduates use of alternative medicine including
diagnostic tools not available before. (including Alumni Council member acupuncture and herbs on dogs and cats
Dr. JP Carew) also work. to cure chronic and terminal diseases.
Dr. Grace Gryncewicz married
PJ Nastasi in Safety Harbor, FL, in
February 2020. Once again, Rossies
were there to help celebrate (and before
that at her bachelorette cruise party).
Congratulations to Dr. Jean Heppner Jennifer and Andrew Altvater
(RUSVM 2014) on her promotion (both RUSVM 2017) are delighted to
to co-Chief of Staff at North Austin announce the arrival of their daughter
Animal Hospital and Dr. Kat Judd Olivia. Jennifer and Andrew practice
Dr. Katie Behm (RUSVM 2020), who Dr. Nick Avis (RUSVM 2007) is Dr. Nam Kyun Kim (RUSVM 2016) (RUSVM 2012) formerly a veterinarian in Florida where Andrew is from.
recently graduated and is the Student pleased to announce the opening married Doyeon Ko, in October 2019, at the North Austin, on her promotion
AVMA’s past Economic Officer, has just of his new hospital, Southern Wind in South Korea where the couple to Chief of Staff at Rosedale Veterinary
made her first steps into the profession. Animal Hospital in Palm Coast, is originally from. Dr. Kim and his Clinic, also in Austin, TX, and under the
Katie joined Scottsdale Veterinary FL. The practice is a lifelong dream wife live in the Chicago area where regional leadership of Dr. Chad Harris
Hospital in Vancouver, BC, in January of Dr. Avis who, with his team, is he is a small animal veterinarian. Alumni Ambassador Dr. Alex Adler (RUSVM 2012).
2020 as an associate veterinarian. also involved in local community (RUSVM 2014) was surrounded by
events such as beach clean ups. Rossies when she tied the knot to her
husband Sean McGrath in January 2020,
in Orange County, NJ. The couple were
engaged in St. Kitts in 2019 and recently
returned to the island to attend WIVC2019.
22 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Magazine: Spring 2020 | 23CONTINUING
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NEW YORK • CHICAGO • WILD WEST
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April 20-21, 2020 May 13-15, 2020 June 19-20, 2020 October 7-10, 2020 November 5-6, 2020
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24 | Ross University School of Veterinary chicago.vetshow.com
Medicine washingtondc.vetshow.com wildwest.vetshow.com newyork.vetshow.comOffice of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations TELEPHONE: 732-898-0002
630 US Highway One, Suite 2031 EMAIL: rusvmalumni@rossu.edu
North Brunswick, NJ 08902 WEBSITE: veterinary.rossu.edu
RossVetSchool
We are so proud of all of our alumni
who continue to provide essential
veterinary care to our communities
during the COVID-19 pandemic
and those who are directly involved
through research, public health,
and emergency responses. We
also want to acknowledge those
who have continued to provide
education to aspiring veterinarians
during these challenging times.
#CommitToCaring #WeAreRossVet
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM degree program is accredited
by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE)
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173
© 2020 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. All rights reserved. Tel: 800.248.2862 | Email: MMaresh@avma.orgYou can also read
