Boundary Breakthroughs for Veterinary Wellbeing 🫶

As a veterinarian and coach, I’m keenly aware of the struggle many of us face in maintaining healthy boundaries. It's a challenge that often goes unspoken, yet its impact reverberates throughout our personal and professional lives. How many times have you found yourself answering work emails on your day off, or feeling obligated to see a patient outside of regular hours because a neighbor or acquaintance asked? I've been there myself, and I've witnessed countless colleagues navigate similar situations, all while grappling with the nagging sense of exhaustion and overwhelm that comes from overextending ourselves.

The truth is, most veterinary professionals are inherently inclined to be people-pleasers. We want to help, to alleviate suffering, whether it's for our patients or the worried pet owners who rely on us. This innate desire to be of service often leads us down a path of unhealthy boundaries, where saying no feels uncomfortable, and the fear of disappointing others looms large. We tell ourselves it's easier to say yes, to go that extra mile, to be available at all hours. But in doing so, we unwittingly set ourselves up for a cycle of resentment, frustration, and ultimately, burnout.

Recently, I found myself confronting boundary challenges firsthand as I returned to emergency practice and took on additional work contracts and volunteer commitments. It wasn't long before the toll became evident—last week, yet another bout of respiratory illness and laryngitis left me overwhelmed and exhausted. It became clear that I had exceeded my limits as a solo parent and self-employed specialist. However, the thought of stepping away from one of my committees or declining a work opportunity felt equally daunting. The struggle is real and it manifests repeatedly as we navigate through our lives and careers.

In this newsletter, I want to delve deeper into the importance of boundaries for veterinary professionals. Drawing from my own experiences and those of my colleagues, I hope to shed light on the strategies and mindset shifts necessary to establish and maintain boundaries that protect our health, happiness, and professional integrity. Let's explore together how setting healthy boundaries isn't just an act of self-care—it's a vital component of sustaining a fulfilling and sustainable veterinary career.

As always, I encourage you to dive into these tools, share them with your peers, and most importantly, put them into practice immediately. And as you do so, remember that growth comes from recognizing our limits and honoring our wellbeing. Here's to a rejuvenating Spring ahead! 🌸

Warmly,

Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC

CEO and Founder, Reviving Veterinary Medicine 

P.S. Are you an aspiring veterinary practice owner? Join me and Shannon Gervais, industry expert, this Thursday, April 25th for Veterinary Ventures, a 3-part webinar series in collaboration with TD Bank to discuss how to navigate practice ownership for female veterinarians. 

> RSVP HERE

Blog

Five Tips for Building Better Boundaries 

The solution to the feelings of resentment and frustration stemming from common stressors of veterinary medicine lies in our ability to set healthy boundaries. Here are five steps to get you started. 

Read Now

Podcast 

Identifying Unhealthy Boundaries in Vet Med 

Unhealthy boundaries are common among veterinary team members - you are not alone! 

This podcast episode discusses common unhealthy boundaries in vet med and practical tools and strategies for recognizing and honouring your limits.  

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Guest Podcast: Next Step Vet

Lacking Boundaries in Your Vet Career? Here's the Underlying Cause

Dr. Steve Oehly and Dr. Marie discuss the underlying cause of lacking boundaries in veterinary medicine, including why we fall into the trap of perfectionism and overworking, and the crucial factors to consider before setting boundaries at work.

Listen Now

Free PDF Resource

Simple Statements for Setting Boundaries and Saying No 

If you're not sure what a boundary looks like or how to say no to someone else, this handout will give you simple statements that you can use to get started. 

*Also a great break room addition for your colleagues! 

Get the PDF

One-on-One Coaching re: Boundaries

One-on-One Coaching with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk 

Looking for more support? Marie has been coaching vet techs, managers, owners, and aspiring thought leaders for 5+ years, offering compassion, authenticity, and practical advice tailored to your unique situation.

Book a discovery call to learn more!

Learn More

Reviving Veterinary Medicine aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals around the world. 

Please forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague who might find it helpful, or to support another team member on their wellbeing journey.