This month we’re putting the Pet Pals Spotlight on Bri Golob, Program Manager at Not One More Vet. Based in Florida, Bri is currently working on her Masters in Social Work and completed her first Masters of Arts in 2019 with a degree in Education. Her passion is mental health and her goal is to grow with NOMV and eventually provide therapy to individuals and groups upon completing her degree. Bri spends what little free time she has with her husband and two black lab mixed dogs: Pumba and Cole

What is Not One More Vet? 

Not One More Vet, or as we affectionally call ourselves NOMV, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is, "NOMV will transform the status of mental wellness within the profession so veterinary professionals can survive and thrive through education, resources, and support." 

We do this by addressing wellbeing in veterinary medicine through multiple innovative and inclusive pathways including: 

• Evidence-based peer support
• Comprehensive programs providing leadership focused on wellness
• Grant programs providing financial support for individuals and clinics experiencing crisis
• Mentorship and best practices programs addressing mental health from educational institutions to the workplace
• Raising awareness of the status of mental health in the profession
• Research to further the advancement of wellness, mental health, and the reduction of suicide in veterinary professionals.

Why do you believe that veterinarians are at an increased risk of suicide? Are there any specific causes that relate to the work that veterinarians do specifically? 

This is a difficult question because there's no one cause, but a combination of several factors. 

Veterinary teams are challenged with routine care of small and large animals to challenging cases, terminal diagnoses, and euthanasias. From working with pets to production animals, veterinary professionals often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Unsurprisingly, there are many challenges facing the veterinary community causing a workforce shortage from individuals leaving the field due to burnout or financial reasons, retirement, and sadly death by suicide. 

Some of the challenges the industry faces includes moral distress, financial stressors, and difficult client interactions. Full details about these challenges including references is available on our website pet parent page.

How did you get involved with Not One More Vet? 

I joined the NOMV team back in March of 2021 as the third staff person and it's been a whirlwind of activity. 

When I applied for the Program Manager position I wasn't aware of the organization and was completely unaware veterinary professionals were at increased risk for mental health challenges. As a current MSW student working towards becoming a therapist myself with a love for animals, this cause immediately spoke to me and drives the work I do. 

I found purpose with NOMV and I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by other individuals committed to working to fulfill our organization's mission.

How can the community get involved to support Not One More Vet?

As a very small staff team, we rely extensively on support from the community! In an effort to direct as much of our funding to our mission we rely on generous donations and volunteers. 

We have ways for anyone to contribute including joining our annual Race Around the World in September, signing up to volunteer, donating what you can, sponsoring NOMV if you or your organization is interested, or sharing our social media posts to raise awareness of our organization and our mission.