How to be a Veterinarian AND be happy?

Dr Brian McErlean, MVB, MRCVS

Dr Brian Mc Erlean worked in a mixed veterinary practice in Western Australia for most of his life.

The loss of three colleagues that were also friends, to suicide, kindled a desire in him to reduce the incidence of isolation, depression and suicide in the profession. Brian took up the role of Community Coordinator for the Australian Veterinary Association (Western Australia) with Onelife. The two year Onelife program, a state government funded initiative, was designed to accumulate information on veterinary suicides and mentation, liaise with researchers and train gatekeepers using a clinical psychologist.

Brian continues to make presentations to veterinarians nationally and internationally. He is passionate about educating veterinarians and students about depression and other mental health challenges, with an aim to creating a caring community which then brings down suicide rates.