Role of the College
Regulators have a mandate to assure the public that licensed members are practising safely and competently. This involves attention to the mental and emotional well-being of each licensed member. The College Council is proactive in this area and recognizes the opportunity to broaden the College’s role in the support of wellbeing in the profession.
The College is engaged in several initiatives related to well-being of the profession, including:
- Assistance with access to mental health support services. The College partners with Homewood Health to assist veterinarians with access to a free, confidential service to support their health, wellbeing, and resilience.
Use of a just culture approach across the organization, emphasizing that to err is human and that our focus should be on at risk or reckless behaviours.
The College’s Peer Advisory Conversation (PAC) includes a conversation about wellness between the Peer Advisor and the licensed member.
The College is working on other initiatives related to professional well-being, including:
Incorporating a compassionate regulation approach in all contacts with the profession.
Access to appropriate advice and support for veterinarians who have a complaint.
The College is committed to the following future initiatives:
Having a more visible role in raising the awareness and importance of mental health and breaking down stigma.
Fostering collaboration with the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), and the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) and promoting an integrated approach to health and wellbeing for the veterinary medical profession in Ontario.
Promoting access to training and skills development for veterinarians in areas such as client communication, management skills, supervision of new graduates, mindfulness, stress management, resilience.