A Compassionate Calling offers an unflinching and deeply personal look into the realities of the veterinary profession.
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, a veterinary specialist with experience in academia, emergency and referral hospitals, and general practice, weaves candid personal stories with evidence-based insights from published research. In 40 concise and thought-provoking chapters, she explores the hidden curriculum of veterinary school, the toll of on-call work, the emotional impact of euthanasia, the challenges of practicing during a pandemic, and many other important topics. Marie also tackles pressing issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and the evolving dynamics of pet insurance and corporatization in veterinary medicine.
Despite nearly 90% of pet owners viewing their animals as family members, few truly understand the challenges veterinarians face daily. This book pulls back the curtain to address questions such as:
- Why dont many veterinarians recommend the profession to others?
- How do distressing events, like euthanasia and moral stress, affect veterinarians mental health?
- What do veterinarians wish pet owners knew about the emotional and mental toll of caring for their animals?
With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and practical insights, A Compassionate Calling is essential reading for pet owners, aspiring veterinarians, and anyone curious about the veterinary profession. Practicing veterinarians will also find comfort and connection in its honest exploration of the joys and struggles of veterinary life.
A Compassionate Calling offers an unflinching and deeply personal look into the realities of the veterinary profession. Dr. Marie Holowaychuk weaves candid personal stories with evidence-based insights from published research in 40 concise and thought-provoking chapters.
PART
1. Journey of a Veterinary Critical Care Specialist
1. Pursuing a
Lifelong Calling
2. Between Pre-Vet and Practitioner
3. The Path to
Veterinary Specialization
4. The Challenges and Realities of a Residency
5.
Adventures in Veterinary Academia
6. A Departure from Academic Life
7.
Transforming Overwhelm Into Opportunity
8. From Crisis to Compassion PART
2.
What I Learned About Veterinary Medicine Along the Way
9. The Road to
Becoming a Veterinarian
10. Veterinary Education's Debt Crisis
11. The Hidden
Curriculum of Veterinary School
12. Meeting the Demand for Veterinary
Specialists
13. Stories from Veterinary Intensive Care
14. Navigating
Euthanasia in Veterinary Medicine
15. Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Stress
16.
The Paradox of Compassionate Veterinary Care
17. Compliments, Complaints, and
Client Incivility
18. Examining Toxicity in Veterinary Practices
19. The
Burden of On-Call PART
3. What We Now Understand About Veterinarians
20.
Professional Identify
21. Playing the Veterinary Victim and Martyr
22. The
Hidden Struggles of Perfectionism
23. The Human Side of Veterinary Mistakes
24. Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession
25. Recognizing Mental Health
Stigma
26. Confronting Compassion Fatigue
27. Addressing Burnout Among
Veterinarians
28. Finding Balance With Boundaries
29. Unveiling the Tragedy
of Veterinarian Suicide
30. Realities and Resilience Amidst the Pandemic PART
4. What the Future Holds for Veterinary Medicine
31. The Rise of Veterinary
Corporatization
32. Insights Into Pet Health Insurance
33. Transformative
Technologies Including Telemedicine
34. Striving For Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion
35. Redefining Veterinary Education for a Dynamic Profession
36.
Exploring Veterinary Frontiers Outside Clinical Practice
37. The Unsung
Heroes of Veterinary Medicine
38. Responding to the Veterinary Workforce
Crisis
39. Paving a Path to Self-Care and Self-Compassion
40. Reshaping
Veterinary Culture to Value Team Wellbeing
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a veterinarian, speaker, and wellness advocate dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. A board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, she brings over 20 years of clinical, academic, and consulting experience, combined with a passion for fostering sustainable, fulfilling careers.
After completing veterinary school in Canada and advanced training in the United States, Marie spent five years as a faculty member at the Ontario Veterinary College, followed by relief work across North America. During her career, she not only witnessed but personally experienced the emotional and mental toll of veterinary practice, including burnout and compassion fatigue. These challenges led her to focus on wellness, burnout prevention, and workplace culture.
As the founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine, Marie provides evidence-based resources to support self-care, effective communication, and professional resilience. She is a certified coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and wellbeing facilitator. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes, workshops, and seminars worldwide, inspiring veterinary teams to prioritize their wellbeing.
Marie is also an accomplished writer, having published numerous articles and book chapters on veterinary medicine and mental health. She hosts the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, where she explores workplace challenges, personal growth, and strategies for creating a healthier profession.
Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Marie is committed to fostering a culture of compassion, resilience, and support in veterinary medicine, helping professionals build careersand livesthat are both meaningful and sustainable.
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