The causes and impact of burnout in the veterinary profession

One significant effect of burnout is the early end of a person's professional career, a concern that is growing in the health sector. In severe cases, it can lead to high rates of suicide, with those in the veterinary sector experiencing four times the level of the general population and twice the rate of other clinical professions. The impact is serious, affecting individual and colleague well-being, patient care, and staff retention. This article is the first in a two-part series examining the causes and effects of burnout, with the second part exploring what organisations and individuals can do to lower burnout levels and their consequences.