MINDFUL WELL-BEING IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Undergraduate

his interactive and experiential elective course is based on the mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) program, an evidence-based wellness program for managing stress currently utilized in several medical schools across North America. Modules explore mindfulness techniques including seated meditation, body scan, yoga and movement, breathing exercises, and reflection (both self and group). The curriculum is focused on the experiential exploration of stress and distress to develop less emotional reactivity, to reduce the physiological effects of stress, pain and illness, to manage change and loss, and to be able to turn towards difficulty with non-judgment. The course is specifically focused on the stressors associated with a career in veterinary medicine and with accessing inner resources to help manage this stress in order to have a more joyful life in veterinary medicine. MBSR has been associated with high levels of satisfaction and positive feedback in preliminary research in both veterinary and human medicine when offered as part of an elective curriculum. PREREQUISITE: Third year standing in the DVM program. Five week module with 3 hours of tutorials per week