Supervisors’ Well-Being Resources

Why resident well-being matters

This information is intended to support program directors and resident advisors in the core “people management” aspects of their roles—areas in which most clinicians receive little or no formal training. The resource is structured to provide practical guidance on coaching and mentoring, supporting emotional wellness, delivering effective feedback, and establishing appropriate professional boundaries.

These components are critical to creating a healthy training environment. Across industries, poor management is consistently one of the leading drivers of turnover and burnout, making intentional support for supervisory skills essential to trainee success, retention, and overall program wellness.

Disclaimer

The resources listed on this page are provided for informational and support purposes only. They are not intended to replace professional medical, mental health, or emergency care. ACVS does not endorse or guarantee any specific provider, service, or resource. Supervisors should encourage residents to seek care from qualified professionals and to use their own judgment when accessing these resources. If a resident you supervise or you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.

AVMA Unconscious Bias Training

As part of this initiative, ACVS strongly recommends that supervisors complete unconscious bias training once every six years.

Here is a free on-demand webinar from the American Veterinary Medical Association. If you are not a AVMA member, you will need to create a free nonmember account when registering for this free webinar

Hotlines (US-based)
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline– Call, text, or chat 988
    • Connects callers to their local crisis center and a trained crisis counselor
    • Can be called on behalf of someone who is in crisis for guidance on how to support them
  • Crisis Text Line
    • Text-based support from a trained crisis counselor
    • Text HOME to 741-741 for immediate assistance
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • Call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) for immediate support
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline
    • Call (800) 656-HOPE (4653) for immediate support
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
    • Free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service
    • Call (800) 662-HELP (4357)
Social Wellness
Additional Resources
  • Dr. Marie Holowaychuk: a small animal emergency and critical care specialist and certified yoga and meditation teach who passionately advocates for the mental health and well-being of veterinary teams.
  • ACVIM Wellbeing Support
  • AVMA Axon: has several free webinars available, including Leadership, Well-being, Personal Finance, and Career Development
Podcasts

* Not veterinary medicine specific