AVMA offers online certificate program on workplace well-being

The AVMA launched an online Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program in early May to connect all members of the veterinary team with resources for group and individual problem-solving centered around creating a culture of well-being.

The program, made possible by an educational grant from Merck Animal Health, is free to all AVMA and Student AVMA members and is accessible to all members of the veterinary team for a fee.

The late Dr. Linda Lord, academic and allied industry liaison lead for Merck Animal Health before her death May 23, said in a May 7 AVMA announcement about the new certificate program: "The Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study, which we released last year, revealed that only half of veterinarians with serious psychological distress are seeking help. Given this significant mental health treatment gap, we are partnering with the AVMA in an effort to help address this need and will continue to look for ways to support the wellbeing of this important profession."

The series of five modules is hosted on AVMA Axon, the AVMA's new digital education platform, and taught by subject matter experts and leaders across the veterinary community. The modules can be taken individually or completed as a unit. Participants set their own pace and may earn up to four hours of continuing education credits. AVMA CE credits are generally accepted by all states, but participants will want to confirm specifics with their state board.

The modules are as follows:

• "Creating a Culture of Wellbeing"—Jen Brandt, PhD, AVMA director of well-being and diversity, introduces and sets the stage for the Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program. Participants must complete this session before moving on to the remaining modules, which may be completed in any order.
• "How to Request, Receive, and Give Feedback Effectively"—Dr. Brandt discusses the positive impact that constructive feedback can have on team performance in a veterinary practice, explaining the difference between descriptive and evaluative feedback and best practices for requesting and receiving feedback.
• "Transforming Conflict"—Dr. Brandt and Elizabeth Strand, PhD, founding director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, challenge existing perceptions of conflict and discuss the influence of brain states in managing conflict effectively.
• "QPR Assessment"—The QPR stands for question, persuade, and refer: the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. The AVMA believes "QPR Assessment" is an important module, although the module does not offer AVMA CE credit because it was created by the QPR Institute.
• "Diversity and Inclusion"—Lisa Greenhill, EdD, senior director for research and diversity at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and Dr. Dane Whitaker, president-elect of Pride Veterinary Medical Community, discuss key attributes of inclusive work environments.

"It's significant that the AVMA's first online education certificate program provides the entire veterinary team with a valuable and meaningful user experience that meets their personal and professional needs," said Dr. John de Jong, AVMA president, in the AVMA announcement about the program. "It is truly 'help for the helpers.' While veterinary professionals are busy protecting the health and welfare of people and their pets, the AVMA wants to protect the wellbeing of the entire veterinary team by providing this high-quality and unique digital education series."

Participants who complete all modules will earn an AVMA Workplace Wellbeing Certificate of Completion in addition to their CE credit. The cost to register is $75 for veterinary professionals other than AVMA and SAVMA members.

The AVMA offers other well-being resources.

Related JAVMA content:

AVMA launches Axon, a new online CE platform (May 15, 2019)

Free training offered in suicide prevention (Dec. 1, 2016)