Sonja A. Olson

A Call to Life aims to help veterinary caregivers increase self-efficacy, decrease unnecessary suffering, and increase sustainability in their mission to support animal health around the world. The veterinary profession is powered by dedicated, bright, and selfless individuals. Unfortunately, the long-standing and dysfunctional culture in classrooms and practices around the world expects veterinary caregivers to be ready to sacrifice everything in the name of being deemed qualified and 'worthy.'

Integrating real-life stories from a range of veterinary caregivers with evidence-based theory, practical activities, discussion and reflection points, and insights drawn from the author's own experiences, the book empowers veterinarians by showing that they have the ability and the control to choose a healthier way forward for themselves and their profession. It describes how to: normalize the conversation around mental and emotional health challenges in caregiving environments; discuss and collaboratively create systemic solutions that promote healthier 'ecosystems' for vets to work within; develop the skills of reframing, mindfulness, and self-care strategy implementation supporting holistic veterinary well-being; and collectively choose to shift the framework of professional conversations towards psychological safety, optimism, and purpose-driven experiences.

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