As an executive coach working with veterinary students in Namibia, I step into a container of resilience. Let me share their story—the grit, the financial strain, and the personal battles they wage.
When studying veterinary science, you are confronted with a harsh reality. Getting accepted into vet school is not easy. It starts with the need to demonstrate above-average school performance followed by a competitive screening process. Namibia’s veterinary curriculum is by no means a gentle stream; it’s a relentless river. Students navigate intricate pathways—anatomy, surgery, wildlife, pathology, pharmacology and more — each demanding unwavering focus. Lectures during the morning and practicals in the afternoon. Additional dog duties, horse duties, weekend clinic duties and other responsibilities on Neudamm campus complete the picture. Assignments and exam preparations must be done at night and over weekends. The average day of a vet student easily exceeds 14 hours every weekday.
To make ends meet, at times students balance textbooks and part-time jobs. Financial strain is their constant companion. They stretch their meagre resources, hoping for scholarships or sponsorships to bridge the gap.
As an executive coach working with veterinary students, I step into a world where compassion and crisis intersect. These aspiring healers bear the weight of responsibility—their green coats a canvas for both triumphs and heartaches. Let me share their silent challenge, and how coaching sometimes becomes a lifeline.
The burden of compassion. The veterinary profession bears a heavy toll, as veterinarians score amongst the top 10 professions which have an above-average risk for suicide. Students pro-actively need to learn about stress management, compassion fatigue and how to strive for a balanced life.
The clinic walls and beyond. “Do no harm.” The oath echoes through the clinic corridors. Yet, behind the scenes, students grapple with life-and-death decisions. Lack of understanding by some owners, animal cruelty, or euthanasia, a daily reality for many vets. How do you choose between suffering and release? How do you silence the doubts that haunt the quiet hours?
Long hours in the clinic blur into sleepless nights. Outside, life whirls by — a kaleidoscope of missed birthdays, strained relationships, and forgotten dreams. The student’s phone buzzes with urgent messages, but they dare not answer. The weight of the world rests on their shoulders, and vulnerability feels like betrayal. They carry the pain silently, fearing judgment, fearing weakness.
As an executive coach, I guide veterinary students not only through emotional challenges but also practical ones. We work on study skills — examples include effective notetaking, active learning techniques, and time management strategies. These tools empower them to navigate the demanding curriculum while maintaining balance. Alongside academic support, coaching also focuses on essential life skills. We explore purpose, goal setting, financial management, authenticity, resilience, and healthy conflict management as well as building and maintaining friendships, stakeholder management, the need to set boundaries, and effective communication. These skills empower veterinary students to thrive both in their studies and beyond. Together, we unravel stress knots, learn about mindfulness and healthy habits. We explore emotions—the guilt, the grief, the fragile hope. Sometimes the pain is so raw that all I can do is to whisper, “You are not alone.”
Strategies for Survival
Breathe: Amid chaos, find stillness. Breathe in hope, exhale sorrow.
Boundaries: The clinic door becomes a threshold. When taking off your coat, leave stress behind; embrace life beyond.
Debrief: Share burdens. Tears flow, vulnerability strengthens. Daily journalling and reflection.
Kindness: Compassion heals unseen wounds.
A call to action: Dear reader, next time you encounter a vet or a veterinary student — whether in the clinic or elsewhere—see beyond the stethoscope. Balancing quality care with financial realities in the Namibian veterinary practise remains a delicate challenge. Acknowledge their silent battles. Offer encouragement. Remind them they’re not alone. For within their tired eyes lies a love that keeps the world alive, one heartbeat at a time.
"One Health": Veterinarians work collaboratively with multiple disciplines and stakeholders to protect and advance the health and well-being of animals, humans, and ecosystems. Veterinarians work for the direct benefit of the health and welfare of all animals, both for the betterment of the animals themselves and to protect species diversity and ecosystem health; to promote the human-animal bond, which contributes to the emotional and physical wellbeing of both animals and humans; and to advance food security and economic health.
World-wide support for veterinarians: “Not One More Vet” (NOMV) is a powerful movement within the veterinary community. It aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and veterinary students. The profession can be emotionally taxing due to the responsibility of caring for animals, making difficult decisions, and dealing with compassion fatigue. NOMV advocates for mental health support, destigmatisation of seeking help, and fostering a sense of community among veterinary professionals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice or treatment. This article is a work of empathy inspired by the challenges faced by veterinary students. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help.
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