President’s Message – Our profession — Altruism and volunteerism: A path to wellness and a meaningful career (January 2024 CVJ)

December 20, 2023

Our profession — Altruism and volunteerism: A path to wellness and a meaningful career

I have a fond memory from my earliest days in veterinary school. Dr. Herb Loeman, then a second-year student, attended our incoming class to welcome us in effusive fashion. He may well be reading this today, and I wonder if he remembers the address as I do.

 I remember his exciting words:

 “Welcome to the greatest profession in the world! You are here, you made it! You are now part of the most respected, rewarding, and privileged profession in the world!”

I have thought of that day many times throughout my career, and more often in the past few years, as so many in our profession have struggled to be genuinely happy and well while fully embracing their purpose. At the same time, I have noted so many colleagues who are committed to an intentionally positive dialogue and who are in good spirits despite the very real pressures we face daily.

I often asked myself what it is that these individuals possess that allows them such positivity and gratitude in the face of what have been described as “wicked problems” in our profession.

I have recently written here about the many important relationships we have as a result of being part of this beautiful profession, and about the importance of meeting our collective societal obligations. As veterinarians we are very privileged, and I hope we remember that truth.

Being a member of a profession such as ours is not simply a job — it is an earned privilege that comes with respect, honor, and deference. It is an opportunity each day to effect positive change in our world if we accept the challenge.

Since the first veterinary school was established in Lyon, France in 1762, our profession has been respected and honored. Members of our profession have been responsible for so much more than simply caring for animals. Outside of our daily practice, members of our profession have provided leadership and guidance for the benefit of society in ways few others could.

The realities of our profession are a genuine opportunity for us to be well and thrive while giving of ourselves. The unintended irony of altruism is the well-understood benefit each of us can derive from it. The scientific literature is filled with references to factors that result in good health and well-being. Much like exercise is known to provide many long-term health benefits, so, too, are volunteerism and altruism.

Altruism and volunteerism have clear connections to reduced feelings of loneliness, lower rates of depression, measurable increases in happiness, and feelings of self-confidence, as well as several important physical health benefits. These are all significant contributors to our wellness.

Being a part of our profession naturally aligns you with altruism and volunteerism and provides you a path and opportunity to take back your well-being. It provides the opportunity to get more from life while surrounding yourself with like-minded and passionate people who share a common cause.

I first volunteered with the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA) in the mid-2000s, and I joined CVMA in 2010 with the Animal Welfare Committee. The decision to volunteer has been one of the best decisions of my career and one of my “wellness tools” that has helped me the most. Volunteerism has provided me with an opportunity to be challenged, engaged, and surrounded by inspiring colleagues from around the world.

Perhaps the greatest gift our profession has given each of us is the opportunity to be selfless and altruistic in our service to society. While acknowledging and taking steps to solve the serious challenges we face, we must guard against the unhealthy and constant narrative of negativity that will be self-fulfilling and celebrate the mountain of good and positivity that is veterinary medicine in Canada and around the world.

For some, this will come more easily. For all of us, it will take purposeful intent and a determined approach that we desperately need for ourselves and our profession.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

I have no doubt that Dr. Loeman was right all those years ago; I hope to someday get a chance to thank him for believing in our profession as much as I do.

Trevor Lawson