Dr. Erin Kirkpatrick on How Trauma Manifests in the Veterinary Profession

Jan 23 2024 • 31 mins

A veterinarian’s job includes more than examining animals and performing surgeries. It also includes having difficult conversations with pet owners as well as advocating for the best interests of the animal. From dealing with emergencies to domestic violence situations, the various sensitive and emotional aspects that go along with the profession can have a substantial impact on the mental health of veterinary professionals. In fact, veterinarians have an incredibly high rate and risk of suicide because of these sorts of complexities and the resulting trauma they invariably hold.

In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, shine the light on unsung heroes in the world of veterinary medicine and welcome guest, Dr. Erin Kirkpatrick, a general practice veterinarian, to the show. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Kirkpatrick now works at and owns Berry Hill Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where she specializes in surgery, nutrition, palliative care, and client education.

Tune in to hear Dr. Kirkpatrick discuss things such as forming relationships with pet owners, how she works through challenging conversations about end-of-life care, creating trauma-informed spaces, and providing the psychological safety of privacy for those who have to put down a beloved pet or are grieving a loss, as well as the importance of a compassionate approach, empathy, and having trusted mentors.