What is resilience?
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.
Why is it important that veterinarians be resilient?
In the workplace veterinarians are exposed to trauma, suffering and stress on a consistent basis. Having the ability to cope with this is important, otherwise the effects of chronic stress, frustration and disillusionment can have a detrimental effect on your career.
Dr. Rhonda Cornum was recently featured on a podcast I listen to regularly and she makes many valid points about resilience. Dr. Cornum was a flight surgeon sent on a rescue mission in Iraq when her helicopter was shot down. She now is involved in the military resilience training program.
Follow the link here to listen to the podcast.
In coaching many veterinarians, recognising thought patterns that are contributing to increased stress and learning new tools and strategies improves resilience.
I am speaking on resilience at the AVA conference in May 2016.
Natasha
