2023 SHE.E.O. DR. SONJA OLSON, DVM.
EDUCATOR, SPEAKER, AUTHOR & CREATOR OF HEARTSTORMING WELLNESS
Dr. Sonja Olson is one of those people that can put you immediately at ease, just by listening to her voice. The first time I connected with her, she was looking to have branding photos taken because her first book, Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life, was being published and getting ready to be released, and she needed professional photos for various upcoming events. It was absolutely no surprise to me that she is a caregiver (both in her regular and professional life), as you could feel how present and compassionate she is, even over the phone. She listened to you—REALLY listened—because she wanted to know you, and I loved that.
Here is Dr. Sonja Olson’s 2023 SHE.E.O. story:
One out of 6 veterinarians has considered suicide, according to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Female veterinarians are 2.4 times more likely to die in this manner than the general population, and 80% of vets are women.
I found this information on NPR.org after chatting with Dr. Sonja Olson for the first time last year when she and I were chatting about her new book and business venture. She talked with me about the high burnout rate and mental health issues that are prevalent in the veterinary world. I was shocked by this information (and my own ignorance).
As an emergency veterinarian, Sonja knew all too well the stresses that were part of the profession.
"I have several decades of lived experience as an emergency veterinarian, as a team leader, and as a compassionate teacher inside and outside of the veterinary environment. I have navigated compassion fatigue, burnout, collective and cumulative trauma, and have learned (and continue to learn) approaches and strategies that complement what one needs to do for themselves and perhaps with other health professionals to thrive and flourish." Dr. Olson said.
This brings her to her new journey as an author, speaker, and "healer of the healers" on her newly launched wellness platform, Heartstorming.co.
In March 2022, Dr. Sonja wrote and published her first book (Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life), which focused on the caregiving challenges for veterinary professionals over the last 2 years. She is currently working on the proposal now for the complimentary workbook. Dr. Sonja credits "the creative and collaborative energy that was fostered in this process as well as my current full-time role alongside veterinary social workers that sparked my desire to connect with other like-minded souls globally."
Authentic, meaningful, and efficient strategies to decrease suffering and support collective healing are needed, she added. "We need to take a stand for what we believe in, find our people, and be courageously creative. In order to do so, we need to be fortified as individuals and in the spaces that we live in."
Dr. Olson’s full-time role currently is Veterinary Wellness Educator for the BluePearl Health & Well-being Team, working alongside licensed mental health professionals.
The team has had the opportunity to create initiatives and resources as well as facilitate discussions on well-being concepts that foster a more compassionate, healthy caregiving community and culture. Both in her BluePearl role and outside of work, she seeks to support veterinary associates more globally through podcasts, writing, speaking virtually and in person to veterinary colleagues, and creatively collaborating with other like-minded souls. Dr. Olson founded her wellness platform, Heartstorming Wellness in 2022 to support these well-being endeavors.
But even with all she has accomplished, Dr. Olson wasn't immune to the imposter syndrome that plagues many of us when starting out with an idea we have. She advises, "When your self-confidence wavers, find those around you who believe in you and the change that you can influence, even when you struggle to see and walk the path forward. Trust yourself. Trust your capabilities. Connect to your 'why' and what matters most to you and you will find the courage to be your authentic awesome self to contribute in ways that you may know and some that you may not have imagined!”
“Take the time to be clear on what is deeply meaningful to you and your top values. These will fortify you when you get anxious, fearful, and tired. Know that you uniquely matter and trust that the way that you will contribute will make itself clear with patience and time. So, keep an open, curious mindset, and an open heart, and have the courage to lean into your power!" Dr. Olson explained.
DR. OLSON’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH DR. SONJA OLSON, DVM. HERE:
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Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
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