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CVMA Welcomes Dr. Kathy Keil as its First Director, Veterinary Wellness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
May 31, 2024
Dr. Kathy Keil's veterinary career has spanned almost 30 years, and, in that time, she has gained a deep understanding of veterinary medicine through a variety of experiences in clinical practice, the pharmaceutical industry, workplace health and safety, academic research, and as a published author.
Her graduate degree in psychology, multiple certificates in mental health and psychological safety, and multi-year involvement in the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) wellness committees provides her with a deep understanding of the issues and strategies to support veterinarians during occupational stress and burnout.
Most recently, Dr. Keil was co-chair of the CVMA Wellness Advisory Group. Her work as co-chair encompassed collaborative efforts to launch The Working Mind program, the Togetherall platform, the CVMA-Merck Animal Health It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health in Vet Med campaign, and contribute mental health resources to the Health and Wellness of Veterinarians section of the CVMA website.
Her ongoing knowledge of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), accessibility, and cultural humility comes from current and past participation in DEI working groups (the CVMA and Pfizer Animal Health, USA), and active interest in ongoing DEI, accessibility, and cultural events affecting the veterinary profession.
Dr. Keil is genuinely committed to driving change in veterinary wellness and DEI to facilitate truly inclusive, accessible, and psychologically healthy workplaces where all members of the profession feel a sense of belonging. She strongly believes, “This Work Matters,” and is excited to see how it will enhance meaningful retention, help veterinarians, teams, and workplaces flourish, and narrow the workforce shortage gap.
In her new role, Dr. Keil will develop, design, oversee, and implement the CVMA’s Wellness and DEI Programs in support of one of the association’s strategic priorities of establishing a veterinary profession that enjoys a healthy working environment.
Dr. Keil would love to hear your thoughts on how the CVMA can enhance and steward effective wellness, DEI, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity efforts. Your voice matters, so please reach out to her at wellnessDEI@cvma-acmv.org or bienetreEDI@cvma-acmv.org with your thoughts.