MANY veterinarians in the country work more than 40 hours per week, feel undervalued, and face a high risk of burnout due to limited public awareness of their work and inadequate well-being support, a study has found. In a statement released Thursday, the global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim said its paper, “Going Beyond: Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Southeast Asia," found that Filipino veterinarians face a plethora of issues in the workplace. The study surveyed 335 veterinarians and veterinary staff across Southeast Asia, and in the Philippines, they found that on top of working over 40 hours per week, 64 percent of veterinary practices lack formal or informal well-being initiatives, leaving them with no mechanisms to prevent burnout. The report noted that 44 percent of veterinarians said increased public recognition of their expertise and commitment could reduce stress and improve their well-being. “Veterinarians go beyond caring for animals — they protect communities, food safety, and public health,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, head of Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines Inc. Furthermore, the report showed that 74 percent of respondents said that a better work-life balance is essential to motivate new veterinarians and ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability. Boehringer Ingelheim stressed the importance of collaborating with government and private institutions to establish well-being programs and awareness campaigns about the crucial role of veterinarians. During the 93rd Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Scientific Conference, Boehringer Ingelheim launched the Going Beyond campaign to underscore the importance of veterinarians' contributions in safeguarding the welfare of animals and communities. The firm called on pet owners to practice preventive care, saying it can help foster stronger relationships between veterinarians and their clients. Aside from support, the campaign includes the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, which provides advanced research training and mentorship for veterinary students.