Feature Story: Social Work grad makes her mark at Veterinary College

Date
2015-08-20
Authors
External Relations, University of Regina
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External Relations, University of Regina
Abstract

On a recent veterinary call to a nearby farm, social worker Erin Wasson found herself pushing a sheep through a chute. “Part of the job is to actually help,” says Wasson, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) first social worker and a graduate of the Faculty of Social Work at the U of R. Wasson is part of the Veterinary Social Work Initiative — the first of its kind in Canada. It’s a groundbreaking program that provides social work support to a range of people at the regional veterinary college and its veterinary medical centre: animal owners, clinical faculty and staff, and veterinary students. Wasson is there to ensure people get the support they need. Her days can be as varied as counselling an overworked clinician or helping a family deal with the death of a beloved pet. She’s been called in to help manage cases that include incidences of traumatic grief, sudden deaths, end-of-life decision-making and even domestic violence.

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Keywords
Erin Wasson, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Social Work, Judy White, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Doug Freeman, Darlene Chalmers
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