Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Caldwell.
Hi Maddie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Dr. Nicole McArthur founded NOMV on October 1, 2014, following the suicide of world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Sophia Yin. In the days following her death, there were various news reports citing that veterinarians are at increased risk for suicide. Dr. McArthur started a Facebook group to discuss everything veterinary medicine – the good, the bad, and the ugly. She invited her veterinarian friends and encouraged them to invite their friends. The forum grew beyond anything Dr. McArthur ever imagined. NOMV’s Facebook forum membership currently exceeds over 30,000 members worldwide. Proof that you are never alone. Today NOMV has grown into a robust non-profit organization providing education, support, and resources to all veterinary professionals and students across the globe.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to NOMV started with a challenge and found several others along the way. The first challenge is the cornerstone of our mission: veterinary professionals are at increased risk for death by suicide. One of the biggest challenges we faced in recent years is the perception of the profession to those who are outside the veterinary community. It’s a common misconception that veterinary professionals play with puppies and kittens all day and while many days consist of new puppy/kitten visits, the majority of the day is spent navigating the highs and lows of wellness visits, end-of-life care, and everything in between. There’s also a huge shortage of veterinary professionals, and these kind-hearted individuals are doing their very best to care for your pet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
NOMV will transform the status of mental wellness within the profession so veterinary professionals can survive and thrive through education, resources, and support.
NOMV addresses 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; and research to further the advancement of wellness, mental health, and the reduction of suicide in veterinary professionals.
One of the ways NOMV is expanding our efforts is through local NOMV Chapters. Recently NOMV Northwest Ohio was established to provide a local community for veterinary professionals in the Northwest Ohio region. You can follow along in our local efforts at facebook.com/NOMVnorthwestOhio
If you’re a veterinary professional, check out nomv.org to learn about all the programs we offer. If you are a pet parent or a member of the general public looking to learn more about our organization and the increased risk for death by suicide among veterinary professionals, check out nomv.org/about/pet-parents/
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Many veterinary professionals have a shared childhood memory involving a love for animals. Whether a dog, cat, pony, turtle – you name it – many veterinary professionals feel a calling towards animals and veterinary medicine from a very young age. We want to feel good nurturing these dreams by reconfiguring the field into a mentally healthy profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: nomv.org
- Instagram: @notonemorevet
- Facebook: @notonemorevet
- Twitter: @notonemorevet
- Youtube: @notonemorevet
- Other: Tiktok @notonemorevet
