A Farewell Letter from Dr. Carrie Jurney
December 31, 2023
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Today marks a significant moment for me as I step down from my role as the president of NOMV. Several years ago, we implemented term limits, recognizing that NOMV is more than any individual and must evolve with the changing times. As my term concludes, I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible journey.
My association with NOMV spans nearly a decade. I joined our founder, Dr. Nicole McArthur, a few months after she initiated the veterinarian support forum. Over the years, our team expanded, and five of us decided to incorporate and establish a charity. We signed those initial documents on my kitchen table. Five veterinarians, huddled around a stack of papers, joined in their determination to support our community. We had absolutely no idea what we were doing, but like all veterinary professionals, we weren’t going to let that stop us. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Assuming the role of president in 2020, I had no idea what lay ahead. I don’t think any of us could have predicted the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Leading NOMV through those tumultuous years is a source of immense pride, but I didn’t do it alone. In the summer of 2020, we hired our first employee, a crucial move as the demand for our services skyrocketed. Now, with an outstanding team of 10 employees, several mental health program interns, and a couple of hundred volunteers, we’ve expanded our reach nationally and internationally. We’ve developed impactful programs like the anonymous peer-to-peer support service, Lifeboat, and the workplace well-being certification CLEAR blueprint. Our growth extends to student and educational programs, publishing our first peer-reviewed research paper, and supporting numerous projects – accomplishments that seem almost surreal in just three years.
The journey is far from over. I eagerly anticipate the next phase of NOMV’s evolution. While I’m not stepping away entirely, with one more term on the board and chairing two committees, it’s time for a new leader to take the helm. I’m thrilled to hand the reins to Dr. Brian Bourquin. As a board member for four years and owner of five veterinary practices in the Boston area, he has shown his commitment in the well-being of our community. I’m confident NOMV is in capable hands.
Serving as your president has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Although there’s much work ahead for our organization and our profession, my hope remains for the day when NOMV is no longer needed. A day when we overcome well-being challenges and simply relish in the joy of our shared calling. Until then, as a former board member, Dr. Jason Sweitzer wisely said: you are not alone, and we are all one.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Carrie Jurney