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Suicide Prevention in Veterinary Medicine: Building a Community of Safety and Support
Join Drs. Alena Gadoury and Kat Williams, veterinarians and founders of VetHerd, for an important conversation about suicide prevention in the veterinary profession. Drawing on Dr. Gadoury's PhD research into suicide prevention among veterinarians and VetHerd's industry-focused approach to supporting veterinary professionals, this webinar will explore risk factors affecting the profession, current suicide prevention efforts, and practical skills that individuals can use to help keep themselves and others safe. Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role to play. By attending, you'll contribute to a growing Canadian network of veterinary professionals committed to fostering connection, safety, and life-saving conversations within our community.
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Merck Animal Health and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) have partnered with VetHerd to offer this free, one-hour webinar as part of their Time to Talk About Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine initiative.
When: September 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please add the information to your calendar.
Participants who register for and attend the webinar and are interested in continuing their learning about suicide awareness and prevention will have the opportunity to receive one of 30 complimentary registrations for LivingWorks Start. Start is an evidence-informed on-demand suicide prevention course. After completing the Start course, participants will be invited to a follow-up webinar. Together, the webinars and Start help strengthen our veterinary community’s capacity to support one another, encourage early intervention, and contribute to suicide prevention.
A mental health professional will be available via private chat or text during the session as a safety support resource.
Please note: This webinar will be presented in English. AI-powered translation and captions, including Canadian French, will be available through Wordly. The webinar will be recorded. This webinar is open and free to all veterinarians, veterinary students, RVTs, student RVTs, and veterinary workplace staff. You do not need to be a CVMA member to attend.
Learn more about the Time to Talk About Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine initiative and view past webinars here.
Questions? Contact Dr. Kathy Keil at kkeil@cvma-acmv.org.
Dr. Alena Gadoury, Co-founder and Director VetHerd, PhD (Candidate), BVSc (Hons), BScN
Dr. Alena Gadoury is a veterinarian, researcher, and psychological health advocate with a background in both human and animal healthcare. She began her career as a Registered Nurse before earning First Class Honours in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney. Since then, she has worked across a range of veterinary roles in Canada and Australia. Drawing on her lived experience with suicide and suicidality, alongside her experience within the profession, Alena is passionate about improving psychological health, psychosocial safety and suicide prevention outcomes for veterinary teams. She co-founded VetHerd, a peer-led suicide prevention program grounded in the belief that meaningful change is most effective when driven from within the profession. She is a Registered LivingWorks safeTALK and ASIST trainer and is currently completing a PhD at Griffith University focused on suicide prevention among Australian veterinarians. Through her research, education, and advocacy, Alena is committed to fostering a safer, more connected, and more supportive veterinary profession.
Dr. Kat Williams, Co-founder and Director VetHerd, BVSc (Hons), BPsySc
Dr. Kat Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) from the University of Queensland in 2012. She practiced as a small animal general practitioner and worked in administration within specialty and emergency veterinary teams. As a veterinarian with lived experience of mental ill health and suicide, Kat developed a passion for veterinary wellbeing, attaining her Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2022. She enjoys group facilitation, providing veterinary professionals with practical content on topics including burnout, self-care, and self-compassion. Applying psychology within the disability sector, Kat practiced as a behaviour support practitioner, supporting people with complex psychosocial needs. As a co-founder of VetHerd and Registered LivingWorks safeTALK and ASIST trainer, Kat advocates for a peer-to-peer, capacity-building approach, believing no one should have to face suicide alone.