Unlocking the science of thriving in veterinary medicine

Dr Cantley’s path into veterinary medicine began at the University of Cambridge, where she completed her veterinary degree – getting into the course on her second attempt after completing a science degree at Trinity College Dublin. She moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1994 where she pursued her passion for equine practice. She completed a residency at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in equine medicine and surgery, before settling into clinical practice in the Waikato. The work was meaningful and rewarding, but also demanding at times.

Like many in the profession, Dr Cantley found herself balancing long hours with family life, raising two children alongside her husband, also a veterinarian. Without extended family nearby, the pressure was constant.

“I loved being a vet, but it was hard to sustain everything at once. I felt like a fairly useless vet and a useless mother,” Dr Cantley says.

After nearly 20 years in clinical practice, she stepped away, moving first into an industry role and later joining the New Zealand Veterinary Association as a Continuing Professional Development Director. There, she developed continuing education courses for veterinarians across the country, broadening her perspective beyond her own experience.

It was a turning point. Dr Cantley found the challenges she had faced in clinical practice were far from unique.

“I realised I wasn’t alone. So many people were working incredibly hard, often without the support they needed, and questioning whether they were doing enough at work and at home.”

That realisation became the foundation of her Doctorate of Philosophy. Rather than focusing on the well-documented negative impact of veterinary work, such as work-related stress, burnout and poor psychological well-being, Dr Cantley wanted to explore a different angle: what enables some veterinarians to build long, fulfilling careers?

Her PhD journey didn’t begin as planned, starting with a serious horse-riding accident that left her hospitalised with a broken neck.

“At the time, I thought that was the end of it. But thanks to the excellent medical care I received and phenomenal support from my family, friends and supervisors, I was able to defer my start until I was ready.”

Using qualitative, interview-based research, Dr Cantley spoke with more than 70 veterinarians from across New Zealand, spanning different career stages, regions and practice types including equine, companion, production and mixed animal. Travelling the country, she gathered in-depth insights into the lived experiences of vets, from new graduates finding their footing to experienced clinicians, reflecting on decades in practice.

What emerged was not a single formula, but a set of shared conditions that made thriving possible. From these conversations, she developed what she calls the ‘3P’s of thriving’: positive leadership, psychological safety and purpose.

“Positive leadership is grounded in relationships. It involves building trust, listening actively and following through, while also being open about challenges and mistakes. Leaders don’t have to be perfect, but they do need to be genuine,” she explains.

That authenticity feeds into the second element: a psychologically safe clinic culture. In these environments, team members feel able to speak up, ask questions and contribute ideas without fear of judgement. The third pillar, purpose, is the most intuitive but still complex.

“Many veterinarians enter the profession driven by a deep desire to care for animal and support their owners. But purpose alone isn’t enough to sustain a career. It has to be supported by the environment you’re working in, otherwise it can become overwhelming rather than motivating,” Dr Cantley says.

Her research also highlights how purpose evolves over time. Early-career veterinarians are often focused on building competence and confidence. Mid- and late-career professionals, meanwhile, frequently find renewed purpose in mentoring and supporting others, and contributing to the community through volunteer and philanthropic work.

Together, these three elements create the conditions for what Dr Cantley defines as thriving: a combination of vitality, feeling energised and engaged, and growth through continuous learning.

Dr Cantley also observed generational shifts, with younger veterinarians tending to place greater emphasis on work-life balance and maintaining an identity beyond a vet, while older generations often saw their role as central to who they were. She notes that that shift may help reduce burnout, but also requires workplaces to adapt.

Another recurring theme was the concept of job crafting: the ability for veterinarians to shape their roles around their strengths and interests.

“Veterinarians who were supported by positive leadership and in a psychologically safe environment found ways to develop their skills in an area to create a niche where they could really thrive. When leaders recognise and nurture individual strengths, it makes a huge difference,” Dr Cantley says.

Now in her new role as Head of Veterinary Services – Wellbeing at the New Zealand Veterinary Association, Dr Cantley is focused on translating her research into practice, working with the wider profession to implement these principles.

Reflecting on her PhD, she describes it as both a professional milestone and a deeply personal achievement. Recognised on the 2025 Dean’s List of Exceptional Theses, the accomplishment carries particular meaning given her early academic struggles.

“I think about how I struggled in school being dyslexic, and then didn’t get into vet school initially, to going on to complete a PhD, which I never thought I would do. It was a tough gig, but to be acknowledged like this, it truly is incredible. It was never about climbing the academic ladder, but about wanting to make a difference to the profession I care so much about.”

She says she can’t take all the credit, describing the journey as a team effort.

“I felt privileged to learn from veterinarians I deeply respect, and their generosity contributing to my research really showcased the strength of our profession. I’m grateful for all the amazing support from my team of supervisors – Professor Jenny Weston, Associate Professor Dianne Gardner, Professor Stuart Gordon and Associate Professor Fiona Moir – as well as the wider Massey community. From the library staff and ITS team to my family and husband, it’s definitely been a team effort!”

Dr Cantley’s research was supported by a doctoral scholarship, alongside the generosity of the Don McLaren Fund, the New Zealand Veterinary Trust and the New Zealand Veterinary Club Association.

Read Dr Cantley’s thesis: Thriving in clinical veterinary practice.