As a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach and former animal trainer, Melyssa brings lifestyle medicine to vet med — because long hours, high stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout deserve a real solution.


The Evidence

Why Vet Med Needs
Lifestyle Medicine

Veterinary professionals face one of the most demanding occupational profiles in healthcare — combining the emotional weight of patient care with the physical demands of clinical practice, high student debt loads, and an industry-wide mental health crisis.

The research on physician burnout gives us a clear roadmap: lifestyle medicine isn't just complementary to well-being — it acts as a direct buffer against burnout. And what works for physicians translates directly to veterinary medicine, where the same occupational stressors are compounded by unique challenges including moral injury, client conflict, and the weight of euthanasia decisions.

Sources: AVMA Wellbeing Survey · Reiter-Palmon et al. · Stoewen DL, CVMA.

75%

of veterinary professionals report moderate to high burnout

Burnout rates in vet med mirror — and in some studies exceed — those seen in human medicine, with compassion fatigue cited as a primary driver.

AVMA Wellbeing Survey
3.5×

higher suicide risk compared to the general population

Veterinarians face disproportionate mental health risk, underscoring the urgency of proactive, science-backed well-being intervention.

Platt et al., Vet Record
6

evidence-based lifestyle medicine pillars shown to reduce burnout

When practiced consistently, lifestyle medicine habits create measurable improvements in resilience, emotional regulation, and professional satisfaction.

American College of Lifestyle Medicine
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"I finally have some tools that I can use to be able to help keep myself on track. My depression has improved and I feel like I can deal with hardships a lot better than before this program." 
-Taylor M., RVT

"I didn't know if I could do it anymore and I wanted to try one last thing..."

"With some unanticipated life changes that occurred during out time together, working with Melyssa has allowed me to have a group with a great leader to help discover and set boundaries to prevent reoccurring issues, but all in small, easy to work with steps." 
-Lucy N., RVT

"I was starting to see negative health impacts on my life due to not managing the stress well..."

"Melyssa has a fun and up-beat attitude that balances her knowledge base.  She delivers her message in an organized and thoughtful manner, providing tools to help you continue to grow after the session is complete. Burnout is such a threat to our field and Veterinary Well-Being Buddy is a good resource to help combat this." 
-Nichole W., DVM

"I was starting a new chapter in my career and wanted to start with good habits for my well-being..."

"I have gained more awareness, tools to navigate through different situations, and I feel empowered to prioritize my wellbeing. I am aware that I can take actions to navigate through my emotions effectively. I'm very grateful for the time Melyssa took to provide the tools that I needed to optimize my well-being!" 
-Gabriela M.

"Before working with Melyssa, I didn't have the tools to navigate through my emotions..."

"I have been able to remember and focus on why I became a veterinarian and stay motivated with my health goals. I have a much more optimistic view about my veterinary career and I have been able to navigate changes successfully with techniques I learned from her. " 
-Kristine U., DVM

"Melyssa taught me things I wish I had learned 30 years ago about overall wellness!"

Testimonials

Your Well-Being Buddy Programs

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Movement in Veterinary Medicine

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FITNESS
💪🏼

Virtual Fitness Membership

Size Inclusive Fitness

Effective < 30-minute workouts designed to fit your demanding schedule — all accessible virtually!

  • 💻 On-demand library
  • 📲 Weekly livestream workouts
  • 💬 Private community chat
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On-the-go Coaching Tools

Your lifestyle medicine coaching — all in one app built to meet you where you are, even on your busiest days!

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  • 🎯 Monthly goal setting
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Community
🥳

Group Coaching Community

Connect with other Change Makers!

A supportive space to prioritize your well-being alongside people who understand with a coach who gets it!

  • 👩🏻‍💻 2x Group coaching calls per month
  • 👩🏻‍⚕️ Special guest expert workshops
  • 📊 Personalized habit tracking
  • 💬 Accountability group chats
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