Could the National Academy of Medicine’s National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being work as a framework to improve the well-being of our US clinical veterinary healthcare teams?

Abstract

Abstract The authors propose using the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM) National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being as a framework on which the veterinary profession can re-envision patients and clients being cared for by a veterinary workforce that is thriving, where professionals operate in an environment that fosters their occupational well-being and longevity, strives to improve animal and population health, expands and enhances the care experience, and advances animal health equity. Adapting the NAM’s National Plan is intended to inspire collective action to improve the well-being of all veterinary professionals and focuses on changes needed across the profession at the organizational and systemic levels. The Plan focuses on 7 priority areas, many of which would require needed changes to the training and practice business models with input from all interested parties—including clients and the diverse communities our professionals serve. This collective approach and process would inevitably be complex; however, the authors believe that the veterinary profession as a community is ready for the challenge to advance the profession.