Mental health challenges face many young professionals, veterinarians included.
In an attempt to address some of the issues that young veterinarians face in the workforce, the College of Veterinary Medicine is working with Dr. Bob Wesner, a private practice psychiatrist and a member of the college’s Advisory Council.
“Over the past several years I have had a number of conversations with Dr. (Dan) Grooms (dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine) regarding the mental health challenges affecting young professionals,” Wesner said. “During my 40 years in clinical practice, I worked with many young professionals struggling with what is commonly referred to as burnout.”
Wesner says many of those young professionals became overwhelmed by the demands of their careers and the burden of educational debt.
“Many came to me demoralized and uncertain about their ability to succeed professionally and personally,” he said.
Wesner worked with the Primary Care specialty unit in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital to get in front of fourth-year veterinary students. Over the past year, he met with the students during their two-week primary care rotation.
Every other Monday, Wesner conducted a one-hour session with students, meeting with every student in the recent graduating Class of 2026. During the sessions, he would discuss the symptoms, causes, aggravating factors, protective factors and personality traits commonly associated with burnout.
“I also cover the broader concept of lifestyle and how certain lifestyle choices affect burnout risk,” Wesner said.
Although up to 40 percent of veterinarians report experiencing burnout, Wesner thinks the condition is preventable. Certain personality traits, lifestyle choices, coping strategies and attitudes can substantially increase the risk of burnout.
“As a retired psychiatrist, I have found this to be a unique and fulfilling project,” he continued. “When I was a medical student and young physician, I had many worries and concerns, but no one was talking about this.
“I talk about the things I would have liked to hear when I was starting my career.”
May 2026
