As a veterinarian, I've walked in the same shoes as many of you—experiencing the immense rewards of our profession, but also the overwhelming pressures that come with it. Not only in our professional life, but personal as well. The challenges we face can leave deep marks on our mental and physical well-being, leading to burnout, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress. Having personally navigated these struggles, I knew I had to create something meaningful for our community: Veterinary Wellness Retreats.

These retreats were born from my own journey toward finding balance. I wanted to create a space where veterinary professionals like us could escape the demands of daily practice and focus on our own well-being. But this isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about equipping ourselves with the tools to thrive, not just survive, in our careers.

Our retreats offer a truly holistic experience. Imagine starting your day with yoga by the ocean, indulging in nourishing meals, participating in healing ceremonies, and resting in luxury accommodations in some of the world's most beautiful locations. For example, in January 2025, we’ll be gathering at a breathtaking oceanfront retreat center in Mexico, designed to rejuvenate your body and mind.

What makes these retreats special is our focus on building resilience within the veterinary community. We delve into mindfulness, meditation, trauma recovery, and advanced communication skills. These courses are designed to help you manage stress, improve workplace dynamics, and enhance patient care. The skills you learn here aren’t just for you—they’re meant to be shared, helping to create a culture of well-being in your workplace.

There’s also plenty of time to relax and explore. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, participating in a traditional cacao ceremony, or simply unwinding by the ocean, every moment is crafted to help you reconnect with yourself and reignite your passion for veterinary medicine.

My hope is that these retreats will spark positive, lasting change in our profession. With high burnout rates and relentless pressures, there’s a critical need for transformation. By empowering veterinary professionals with self-care and resilience skills, we can set healthier boundaries and advocate for a culture of well-being in our industry. As these practices spread, I believe we’ll see a more sustainable and supportive environment for all of us.

When I’m not leading retreats, I’m sailing through Mexico with my foundation, Vet Tails, providing free veterinary care to animals in rural and remote communities. A portion of the proceeds from our retreats goes toward funding these efforts, allowing us to make a positive impact not only on our profession but also on the communities and animals we serve.

Upcoming Retreats:

• Mexico: January 18-23, 2025

• Fiji: June 12-17, 2025

• Costa Rica: August 7-13, 2025

Prices start from $3,200 for a shared room and $3,800 for a private room with our current early-bird specials. This all-inclusive experience includes tours, healing ceremonies, daily yoga and meditation, chef-prepared meals, luxury accommodations, and 10 RACE continuing education credits. We also offer the option to bring non-veterinary partners or family. Spaces are limited, so I encourage you to secure your spot early.

Visit www.veterinarywellnessretreats.com for more information. Let’s create a future where our well-being is as important as the care we give to our patients. Join me on this journey!