Global nutrition company Hill’s Pet Nutrition has teamed up with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s
Professional Wellness Group (PWG) in a drive to enhance veterinary wellness globally.
With research consistently linking careers in veterinary medicine with an elevated risk of mental health issues, the PWG aims to support the health and well-being of all veterinary professionals through raising awareness and creating the tools and resources necessary to support veterinary teams. Headed by clinical psychologist, Dr Nienke Endenburg from Utrecht University, the PWG works in partnership with national associations already active in this area, including the AVMA and BSAVA. In countries where veterinarians lack ready access to sources of help and advice, the PWG supports WSAVA member associations by sign-posting relevant well-being resources from other regions and is also developing its own.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a Gold Partner of the WSAVA and a long-standing industry partner. Hill’s also supports the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, which helps the veterinary team and pet owners to understand the importance of nutrition in companion animal health and welfare by providing an expert source of optimal nutritional information and recommendations.
Hill’s’ partnership with the PWG is part of its continued commitment to support the veterinary profession globally. Commenting on its relationship with the WSAVA, Dr Iveta Becvarova, Director of Global Academic and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said: “Positive mental well-being is critical for the future of our profession. At Hill’s we are eager to support the WSAVA’s PWG in its mission and to help it develop tools that can combat anxiety and depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts.”
Dr Shane Ryan, WSAVA President, said: “Hill’s has been a staunch supporter of the WSAVA for many years and is one of our most important industry partners.
“We are delighted that the company will continue as our Gold Partner and are particularly happy that it has chosen to support the important work of the PWG. The interim findings of the PWG’s global survey into veterinary wellness, launched during WSAVA World Congress 2019 in Toronto, confirmed that stress and diminished well-being are concerns for all members of the veterinary team and in all areas of the world. This already serious problem is likely to be exacerbated by the additional pressures many of our members are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an issue the PWG is already addressing with Hill’s support as a key focus for its work this year.”
