273 - PTSD In Veterinary Professionals

Sharon Kramper joins us to discuss her research on the prevalence of PTSD in the veterinary workplace and its implications for veterinary teams. Together, Dr. Andy Roark and former veterinary practice manager, Sharon Kramper, explore various factors, potential index events, and what can be done when a team member may be experiencing debilitating symptoms. Tune in to this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast for important insights and strategies to support mental health in the veterinary field. LINKS NOMV Lifeboat: https://www.nomv.org/lifeboat/ National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ Shanti's Veterinary Mental Health Initiative: https://www.shanti.org/programs-services/veterinary-mental-health-initiative/ Sharon Kramper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkramper/ Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/ Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/ Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark ABOUT OUR GUEST Sharon Kramper is preparing to receive her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University in August 2024. Before entering the field of mental health, Sharon worked in veterinary medicine, including being employed as practice manager in a small companion animal hospital. Here, she was sensitized to the workplace-specific stressors and risk factors that contribute to negative mental health outcomes among veterinary professionals. Her research during graduate school has included describing experiences of discrimination reported by LGBTQIA+ veterinary students and professionals, estimating the prevalence of PTSD in the veterinary workplace, and characterizing the types of ethical dilemmas that support staff encounter. She is looking forward to two things after graduation: 1) being called doctor and 2) rescuing a new dog buddy.