CVMA World Veterinary Day press release
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is proud to celebrate its members and recognize the accomplishments and importance of the veterinary profession during annual World Veterinary Day (WVD) on Saturday, April 30.
Initiated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000, World Veterinary Day was established to recognize veterinary professionals and highlight their accomplishments while emphasizing the important role that these individuals have in keeping our beloved family pets safe and healthy. WVD is always celebrated on the last Saturday in April.
Each year, WVD takes on a new theme and this year’s is “strengthening veterinary resilience.” This theme recognizes the importance of veterinary professionals identifying ways to cope with job-related stresses that come with caring for animals with varying health issues and challenges while encouraging them to practice self-care, seek professional help when needed, and strive for work-life balance.
Chicago Veterinary Medical Association also recognizes significant stresses of the profession
“While we celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of veterinary professionals, we acknowledge the human side of their work that potentially leaves them vulnerable to stress and suicide,” explained Ray McGury, CVMA Executive Director. “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), veterinarians experience an increased risk of suicide, with female veterinarians being 3.5 times as likely and male veterinarians being 2.1 times as likely to die from suicide compared to the general population.”
Dr. Kirsten Plomin, CVMA Board President explained, “We need to do whatever we can to support our veterinary professionals and demonstrate the work they do is so integral to our families and the animals we love, not just on World Veterinary Day, but always. Just saying thank you, or letting your vet know they made a difference in your pet’s life and yours can have a positive impact.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.