Want to get something off your chest? Need a place to talk to other swine vets? Share something with others who understand where you’re coming from? Want to just listen to others? Lend your own ear? Find out how to help others? Hear how your colleagues are handling similar situations? Join AASV’s confidential social support groups to share or listen to experiences unique to swine veterinarians. Connect with peers to discuss events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergency responses. You can be open and honest with yourself and others. You may both give and receive support. Some participants may be having current challenges, some may not. Anyone who wants to talk and listen to others about how they are doing is welcome. The best social support is having a place where we feel accepted, understood, and respected for who we are.
The AASV is working with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s Dr. Elizabeth Strand, a licensed clinical social worker, resiliency coach, and Founding Director of Veterinary Social Work, and fellow swine veterinarian peer mentors to offer free virtual social support group sessions* for AASV members.
The virtual support group sessions will provide a venue for members to share and discuss their experiences and concerns about the COVID-19 emergency response with their peers. Come to this safe place to talk about your unique experiences as a swine veterinarian during this pandemic. Dr. Strand will serve as a trained facilitator to moderate these sessions. She will be joined by trained fellow swine veterinarian peer mentors to guide discussion and help members navigate to individual care within their state if needed.
The first few sessions will have some structure and information alongside the opportunity to share. Come log on and listen and share how you are doing or offer support to others in these times. Participants in the session can see who else is attending, but we’ll use technology that will allow you to share experiences or thoughts or ask questions anonymously.
When: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15pm CST
Who: AASV members
Cost: Free
Register: Email Dr. Sue Schulteis at aasv@aasv.org. Sue (and only Sue) will collect names and verify AASV membership to ensure that only AASV members have access to these sessions. She will send a Zoom link, log in information, and consent form. AASV staff will no longer be involved after the initial e-mail contact for registration unless they want to join a session as an active participant. Consent forms will be collected by Dr. Strand. Sessions will be facilitated and led by Dr. Strand and trained peer mentor swine veterinarians.
Sessions will be offered weekly. Come to one or come to many. Join as needed. It’s ok to come late or leave early!
Still have questions? Please read the consent form.
Other ideas? Suggestions? More questions? A better time to meet? Let us know!
Find more well-being resources on the AASV Well-being webpage.
*This is not a therapy group and is not a substitute for psychiatric care, psychotherapy, or medical treatment.