Combating burnout in veterinary school

Photo: VectorMine/Adobe Stock

Burnout. Simply put, it’s the emotional, physical, and or mental state of feeling overwhelmed. This word is probably on my list of Top 10 words heard throughout my veterinary school career and throughout the profession as a whole. It’s something that I had never really experienced until I reached veterinary school and is something most people in the veterinary profession will continue to experience throughout our careers.

Burnout and mental health have been an emerging topic lately in veterinary medicine. I personally believe this is because we are all so passionate about animals and their well-being that whenever we experience something upsetting, whether it’s failing an exam in veterinary school or losing a patient in the clinic, it tends to linger in our minds and damages our mental health by making us question ourselves and our abilities.

As veterinary students, we worked very hard in our undergraduate courses to reach veterinary school. With limited spots in only 33 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, getting accepted into veterinary school is quite the feat. Once in veterinary school, the curriculum difficulty increases along with semester credit hours, time needed for studying, and more. Our brains have been programmed to tell ourselves that we need the highest grades and highest GPA. While getting all A’s is possible in veterinary school, it’s also a difficult, strenuous task that can take a toll on our mental health if not achieved.

I have always been hard on myself when I don’t achieve an A in every class. While aiming for all A’s is a good mindset to have, I tend to beat myself up mentally when I don’t succeed. Not only that, but the veterinary school schedule is also very demanding. Most of my days consist of 8 am to 5 pm classes, usually 2 exams every week, and studying at home for more than 4 hours outside of the classroom. It truly feels as if there is no time for anything outside of school, which is fuel for burnout.

For me, burnout has taken a toll on my motivation to do even the things love—often, my brain feels so exhausted that all I want to do is lie down and sleep. Still, through these struggles with burnout, I have learned different ways to manage the exhaustion.

Now, here’s the light at the end of this treacherous tunnel: there are plenty of ways to combat burnout. One of the best ways I combat burnout is through hobbies. Weightlifting, playing sports, video games, and spending time with friends have been some of the best ways I have been able to take my mind off the stressors of veterinary school and give it the break it needs. I highly recommend taking the time out of your busy schedule to do the things you love. Even if your schedule seems swamped with school and other responsibilities, it is also your responsibility to take care of yourself. It’s worth taking a few hours of your day to be yourself. We aren’t robots, we are human beings that need a reset from the rigorous life of veterinary school. I believe the better you care for yourself and your mental health, the better you will perform in your studies.

Another way I’ve learned to combat burnout in veterinary school is by relaxing about my grades. This has been emphasized so much since the first day by faculty and professors at my school, but it took me a very long time to actually accept this advice. While I may not have a 4.0 GPA in veterinary school or be one of the top students in my class, I’ve taken more time for myself and have been a happier person overall, while continuing to properly study and learn the material needed to be a great veterinarian.

Finally, having a strong support system throughout your veterinary career is essential to your mental health. Whether it’s your family, friends, or pets, don’t be afraid to rely on them for support. Hearing words of support from my loved ones has continued to motivate me to keep going even when I have felt like giving up. Without my support system, I wouldn’t be able to make it through the rigor of veterinary school. I used to keep my stresses and troubles inside because I didn’t want to complain and put my problems on someone else, but I’ve learned that your loved ones are the ones who want to take care of you and be there for you. They can’t do that if they don’t know your struggles. Since I’ve opened up more, I have become closer to my friends and know that if I ever feel overwhelmed, my support system will have my back.

Burnout is a very scary thing. It can bring depression, imposter syndrome, and other negative thoughts into your mind, making you question yourself and your abilities as a professional. While you may carry it throughout your career, it is very possible to combat and overcome it. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a lot about myself in veterinary school, including how my mental health directly correlates with my performance in learning and school.

I still continue to struggle with burnout and lack of motivation. I even continue to still question if I belong in veterinary school, but by continuing to take care of my mental health, taking things day by day to not overwhelm myself, and relying on my peers and support system, I’ve felt happier with myself and put myself in a better mental space to continue my path on becoming the best veterinarian I can be.

Connor Velasco received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University and is currently a class of 2026 veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, where he is focusing on small animal medicine. His goals are to be a “voice for the voiceless,” working on the well-being of animals and motivating others by emphasizing mental health.