The Veterinary Licensing Board and the Veterinary Medical Association in Alabama have teamed up to provide the Veterinary Wellness Program. The purpose of the program is to provide a way for Veterinary Professionals who may have problems that are associated with impairment to get help and avoid disciplinary action. Problems like alcohol and other drug abuse, depression or stress related problems, age related problems, physical disabilities, and others can be dealt with in a confidential clinical manner and avoid further trauma to the professional or their career. The Wellness Program seeks to assist veterinarians and vet techs to obtain appropriate evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk of problems.
The idea for this program makes sense because prevention and early detection saves careers. Dealing with health problems that cause impairment in a clinical manner is much better than dealing these problems in a legal fashion.
So how does it work?If a Veterinary Professional has an apparent problem with alcohol or drugs or any of the other problems mentioned above, then they may call and seek assistance, or someone who cares about them may call and discuss their concern and obtain advice and/or assistance. A clinical approach is taken. If the symptoms warrant, the Veterinary Professional may be contacted and advised that there are concerns. Usually a recommendation will be made that they seek professional assessment or evaluation to determine if there is a problem and how it can be treated. An appropriate evaluation program can be recommended. The idea is that we can assist each other by confronting symptoms that if left unchecked will gradually destroy an individual and their career.
What about confidentiality? Confidentiality is very important because it gives individuals the confidence to call and discuss sensitive matters. We attempt to keep information as confidential as possible. If you are concerned about someone you may call the Wellness Program and not mention your name or the individual’s name and simply obtain advice. Records are kept confidential. The law that established the program in Alabama is clear in providing absolute confidentiality.
What kind of evaluation is recommended? We recommend a thorough evaluation from an evaluator that has experience working with professionals. The denial and resistance to face health concerns in health professionals is amazing. Evaluators need to be thorough, fair, and experienced.
In summary, if we recognize that Veterinary Professionals, like everyone else, have problems then we are wise to provide a supportive way for them to obtain assistance. To put our heads in the sand, and only offer the threat of disciplinary action is not appropriate, economical, or healthy. No one wants to have a serious health problem that could cause professional impairment, however, ignoring symptoms only allows the problem to get worse. Let’s work together to provide a supportive atmosphere for Veterinary Professionals to seek appropriate healthcare when they need it.
Contact the Veterinary Professional Wellness Program at 334 954-2596 or 800 239-6272 and speak to Greg Skipper, MD, Medical Director, or Bobby Brock, Case Manager. Check out our web site at www.veterinarywellnessprogram.org or email us at staff@veterinarywellnessprogram.org.
