A recent AVMA Wellness Study confirms that veterinary medicine continues to be a stressful profession. Even veterinarians that reported high levels of wellbeing experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue or burn-out with some frequency.

 In order to help reverse this trend, Vet Candy is teaming up with Ketanga Fitness to launch a new platform for veterinary continuing education: Vet Candy Retreats. Vet Candy Retreats provide RACE-approved credit hours in both medical and professional development topics.  However, unlike traditional programs, the focus is on wellbeing.

“Vet Candy Retreats are curated to help restore the body and mind to balance,” says Stacy Schwartz, Ketanga CEO and founder, “Participants will be treated to activities such as yoga and meditation while they enjoy the authentic Costa Rican culture, farm and sea-to-table cuisine, and  adventures.”

 “Our retreats make learning fun,” says Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, Vet Candy’s Chief Strategy Officer, “with gorgeous views, interactive games, nature hikes, and fun lectures.”

The first Vet Candy Retreat is planned for May 28 to June 1, 2020 at El Mangroove in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. El Mangroove  is located in an area rich with golden beaches, volcanic peaks, waterfalls, hot springs, and local flora and wildlife. The resort features a relaxing spa, restaurants, a swimming pool, and a private beach. All rooms include a relaxing hammock with a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

  “Vet Candy is committed to providing fun, engaging, and educational experiences for our veterinary audience,” said Dr. Jill López, veterinarian and CEO of Vet Candy, LLC. “With Vet Candy Retreats, we are offering a way for busy veterinarians to engage in self-care, while still meeting their licensure requirements.”

 The upcoming Vet Candy Retreat will provide up to 13 RACE-approved credits, including the following courses:

·      Infectious diseases: Emerging diseases of concern plus a review of common infectious diseases.

·      Personal development: Effective negotiation and communication skills for the veterinary professional plus the art of networking and finding your career path. 

·      Vet Candy Infectious Disease Simulation: an interactive physical adventure game in which veterinary professionals work together in teams to solve mystery surrounding an outbreak of a deadly virus in a fictional community using clues, hints, and strategy.

 Learn more about Vet Candy Retreats at myvetcandy.com/retreat.