Recently all across social media, a new movement has begun called Not One More Vet (NOMV). Cheyanne Brown, a sophomore at Delaware Valley University, explains what the movement is and why it’s important!
Her Campus: What is your major?
Cheyanne Brown: My major is biology/pre-veterinary.
HC: Are you involved in any clubs/organizations or extracurricular activities that relate to your major?
CB: I’m vice president of biology club, vice president of animal lifeline club and a member of the pre-vet club here on campus. I also volunteer at a donkey rescue once a week!
HC: How long have you wanted to be a vet/work with animals?
CB: I’ve wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember. My mom told me that when I got my first pony at seven, I told her “I’m gonna be a vet when I grow up!” Ever since then, my whole life has revolved around animals in one way or another.
HC: Have you had any experience working with animals?
CB: I’ve been around animals my whole life on our little farm – what I like to call my petting zoo. I was also a part of 4H for three years. I showed dairy heifers. Through 4H and my 4H leader, I’ve also been able to watch and help with a cow c-section and a few goat births. I’ve also shadowed at three vet clinics and interned at a vet clinic this past winter break!
HC: Can you explain what the Not One More Vet movement is?
CB: The NOMV movement is pushing for more awareness of the mental health struggles within the veterinary field. It’s meant to bring vets together to support each other and to let them know they’re not alone in their struggles. The NOMV movement also pays to help educate people in the field about their wellness and to provide grants to help relieve some of the financial burdens some vets face with student loans.
HC: When did you become aware of the NOMV movement?
CB: I became aware of the NOMV movement a few months ago, but I’ve known about the problem of veterinary suicides for a few years.
HC: Has this movement been discussed in any of the classes for your major you have taken so far?
CB: I haven’t discussed the movement in any of my classes, but we’ve discussed it in the pre-vet club pretty extensively!
HC: Do you have any thoughts on why suicide is high in vets? Is this a recent issue, or has it been an issue for a while?
CB: This issue has been going on for a while. I think for veterinarians the biggest thing is the crippling student loans that they graduate vet school with. They have to work such long hours and holidays just so they can have enough money to pay their loans and bills. Just as with human doctors, the loss of patients is a big factor too – also, the mean clients and even clients that want to help their animals so much but don’t have the money to do it. When I was interning, it was always upsetting when the vet knew what needed to be done to save an animal but the owner couldn’t afford it, so the next option would be a temporary fix, such as pain relief so the animal can live out the rest of their life or euthanasia.
For financial issues, Cheyanne suggested an emergency savings account specifically for your animals’ vet needs. She also emphasized a great option that not many pet owners are aware of, which is pet insurance. She said considering this option can be life saving!