On November 4–6, approximately 300 people—including 80 veterinary students from 22 schools around the world—gathered in Fort Collins, CO for the Fourth Annual AAVMC Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit, hosted by Colorado State University (CSU). The Summit focuses on the growing threat that high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression pose to veterinary students and practitioners, and the fact that these concerns influence veterinary careers, effectiveness, and happiness. Students, faculty, administrators, industry partners, and mental health professionals gathered at the Summit to establish a common understanding of health and wellness issues within the context of veterinary medicine.

In support of student and veterinarian health and wellness, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine co-sponsored the summit, along with CSU and other industry sponsors. Dr. Chandra Grabill, assistant dean for student wellness and engagement at the College, said events like these are key in moving health and wellness in the veterinary realm forward.

“A number of research studies have shown that veterinarians experience higher rates of suicide and serious psychological distress than the general population,” said Dr. Grabill. “This Summit allows us to share important resources and generate new and innovative approaches to combating these problems.”