Nurturing Resilience: Mindfulness for Veterinarians

In this episode of Vet Thrive Collective Podcast, Dr Megan interviews Jacqui O'Connor. A pioneering philanthropist and visionary system disrupter. Jacqui founded Heart Place Hospital, a charity which provides holistic healthcare for frontline healthcare and educational workers. In this episode you will learn about: Jacqui’s journey into holistic healthcare - How a health journey as a child led Jacqui to a career in healthcare. How the struggle to balance the many responsibilities of motherhood and work led her to being hit by a figurative Mac truck, prompting a deep dive into spirituality and holistic well-being practices Spirituality in healthcare - Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, the cyclical nature of humans and the healed masculine. Heart Place Hospital - a revolutionary service with the goal to reshape the healthcare system by caring for our carers. Connect with Megan:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/⁠ ⁠https://nz.linkedin.com/in/megan-alderson-ab498a1a1⁠ ⁠https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1⁠  Connect with Jacqui: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-o-connor-98995081/⁠  ⁠https://www.heartplacehospital.org.nz/⁠

In this episode of Vet Thrive Collective Podcast, I interview Dan Tipney, Co-founder and Training Director of Vetled, the global leader in Veterinary Human Factors. Join us as we discuss the role the field of human factors plays in success and well-being. In this episode you will learn about: How Dan’s experience as a high performance coach led to a role supporting the well being of veterinary professions.  Human factors - Hierarchy of needs, how adopting a human needs first approach to well being can create the ideal foundation for daily success. The science of sleep - The financial cost, scientific consensus on ideal sleep time and how a lack of sleep can be inebriating.  Self care in the medical professions - The systemic constraints affecting self care as well as what you can do as an individual to prioritise your well-being. The evolutionary science behind Medical Carer’s tendency to place others needs before their own and how to integrate self care into your workplace culture including H.A.L.T (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), a well being strategy. Connect with Megan:  https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/ https://nz.linkedin.com/in/megan-alderson-ab498a1a1 https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1  Connect with Dan: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dan-tipney-0811bb84  https://www.vetled.co.uk/ 

In this episode of Vet Thrive Collective Podcast, I interview Doctor Mike Scanlan, a Northampton-based mental health and well-being consultant with decades of experience in the mental health field. Join us as we discuss the importance of maintaining your mental health in the medical professions. In this episode you will learn about: Mike’s journey into the world of mental health - including how a “not terribly good” acting career played a pivotal role.  Trauma and how to process it - Trauma exposure in the medical professions and different emotional based therapies including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) a "quick and direct" therapy which helps to process trauma.  Mental well-being tips - Mike discusses deep-breathing, gratitude practices and effective meditative practices. Additionally, Mike discusses how to utilise antidepressants in the healing process as well as the drawbacks of the public mental health system. As well as the Alpha-Stim, an emerging technological device which could sweep the well-being industry.   Connect with Megan:  https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/ https://nz.linkedin.com/in/megan-alderson-ab498a1a1 https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1  Connect with Mike:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mike-scanlan-659424128

In this episode of the Vet Thrive Collective Podcast, I interview Michael Meehan, a veterinarian, and expert in communication and relationship-centered care. We discuss the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues, effective communication strategies, and the need for more training in non-technical skills in the healthcare industries.   In this episode, you will learn the following:   Relationship-centered care involves building relationships with clients and colleagues based on trust, respect, empathy, and mutual understanding. Effective communication is a crucial component of relationship-centered care. Michael provides practical tips for effective communication with clients and colleagues, such as active listening, using open-ended questions, and providing clear instructions. Prioritising relationship-centered care leads to better outcomes in terms of job satisfaction, commitment to the organisation, and service quality.   Connect with Megan:: Instagram, Linkedin, Vetthrive.org   Michael Meehan - Linkedin

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of mindfulness and explore its incredible benefits for veterinary professionals. Our guests include Sue Dykes, a Clinical Psychologist and Mindfulness Practitioner, and Ana Djokovic, an HR Professional, and Researcher who conducted a study on mindfulness in the veterinary profession. Join us as we discuss the transformative impact of mindfulness on personal well-being and professional resilience. In this episode, you will learn the following: The importance of mindfulness for veterinary professionals. The challenges faced by veterinarians, from compassion fatigue to burnout and the need for proactive well-being strategies and coping mechanisms. Megan's journey to mindfulness - Discovering mindfulness after struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression and the life-changing impact of mindfulness on her personal and professional life The 8-week mindfulness course - An overview of the structured program, which includes a variety of mindfulness practices and the power of group learning and sharing experiences with fellow veterinary professionals Insight into Ana's study on mindfulness in the veterinary profession - Key findings on positive and negative emotions, self-compassion, and how opening up and sharing experiences led to profound connections and a stronger support network among participants. Connect with Megan:: Instagram, Linkedin, Vetthrive.org Sue Dykes website - Suedykesnz.com Ana's thesis - Link

In this episode, we have Rhonda Andrews, the Principal Psychologist and Managing Director of the Barrington Centre with over 30 years of experience, who will be discussing emotional challenges in veterinary practice. Rhonda will be sharing her expertise on topics such as burnout, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "Compassion fatigue, empathetic distress, and burnout are all things that happen to all of us at different times." Rhonda Andrews In this episode, you will learn the following: What's the difference for healthcare professionals when it comes to daily challenges, compared to everyone else? How to identify different types of trauma. Proactive wellbeing - What you can do to support yourself and your team. Connect with me: Instagram, Linkedin, Website - Vetthrive.org You can connect with Rhonda using this link - Barrington Centre

Emily is a small animal clinical veterinarian and Doula specializing in supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is passionate about helping veterinarians plan their postpartum experiences and advocating for better social support for mothers in the veterinary profession. "It's interesting, in the last few years since I started having babies, there almost wasn't social support, and then a few Facebook groups popped up, and they have turned into a movement" - Emily Yunker Emily Yunker has always wanted to be a vet and a mom, so it's no surprise that motherhood and veterinary medicine have always been in the picture for her. After having her third baby, a COVID baby, Emily realized that motherhood in the veterinary profession was vastly underrepresented and underappreciated. This led her to move professionally and pursue a career supporting other veterinarians through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  Research indicates that 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mood disorder, and 75% of those go untreated. The leading cause of death in postpartum mothers is at their own hand, and shockingly, 14% of equine practitioners got less than two weeks off after having a baby before returning to work. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. The Unique Experience of Veterinary Medicine and Motherhood: How did Emily Yunker's childhood and professional goals inform her journey to becoming a professional doula? 2. The Statistics Surrounding Maternal Mood Disorders: What are the statistics on postpartum depression and anxiety among veterinarians, and what barriers prevent people from seeking help? 3. US Versus International Postpartum Care: How does the US compare to other countries regarding postpartum care, and what are the differences in the support structures? Resources: https://www.veterinariandoula.com/ Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetthrive/?originalSubdomain=nz Website: https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1

Mental health nurse Helen Duyvestyn is passionate about nutrition and lifestyle changes for enhancing mental illness.  " It's about setting some boundaries. But it's also very much about self care. And I really see that a lot of people talk about self care and bubble bars and manicures and things like that. But to me, self care is actually eating well and actually providing yourself with food that's really nutritious because you'll notice the difference." -Helen Duyvestyn With 20 years of experience in the field,  Helen's mission is to bring holistic mental health care to mainstream medicine. Her work emphasises the importance of boundaries, self-care and whole foods, as well as the gut-brain-access connection and the impact of ultra-processed foods and trans fats on mood. Helen is passionate about bringing these solutions to mainstream medicine. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. The Impact of Diet on Mental Health: Explore the research that shows how dietary changes and supplementation can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. 2. The Role of Trans Fats: Examine how trans fat consumption affects irritability, aggression and behavior. 3. The Benefits of Eating Whole Foods: Discover how eating whole, unprocessed foods can improve overall health and mental wellbeing. Resources: https://www.onelifenz.com/abouthelen Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetthrive/?originalSubdomain=nz Website: https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1

Discover the essential leadership qualities needed to be successful in the workplace and beyond! "Leadership brings with it an obligation and hard work. It's important to be able to drive connection, empathy drives connection, and sympathy drives disconnection." Paul Ainsworth is a leader of leaders with a background in the military and experience running his own business. He has a deep love of animals and a passion for developing self-awareness and empathy in leaders to support their teams. His career began with the military, where he obtained valuable lessons in leadership. Through his experiences, he realized the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and servant leadership. He learned to create a sense of connection with others and to acknowledge their presence, skills which he brought to his own business and then to the veterinary sector. He learned the hard way that leadership comes with responsibility and hard work - but also the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What can military training teach us about leadership and resilience? 2. What is the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and suspension of judgment in a leader? 3. How can acknowledgment and recognizing others help build collective resilience? Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetthrivecollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetthrive/?originalSubdomain=nz Website: https://www.vetthrive.org/?r_done=1

In this episode, Megan sits down with Nadine Higgins, a financial advisor and former journalist. Nadine helps professionals to achieve economic well-being and break down cultural taboos, empowering them to take courage and take charge of their future through tailored advice. You will learn the following: 1. Breaking Down Financial Taboos: Uncovering how to normalize the discussion of finances and empower people with knowledge. 2. Financial Coaching: Examining how to create a resilient and financial well workforce through individual, business, and team coaching. 3. Financial Wellbeing: Exploring how to prioritize spending money on the things that improve your life and not on the things that don't. Nadine Higgins is a financial advisor and former financial journalist passionate about helping people understand and manage their finances. She is also an animal lover with a German shepherd and will soon add a feline companion to her family.