TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, CYT

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A Life Devoted to Veterinary Medicine

 

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk grew up immersed in the world of veterinary medicine. With two veterinarian parents, she witnessed firsthand the compassion, long hours, and relentless dedication the profession demands. From an early age, she understood that being a veterinarian was more than a career—it was an identity. Over the years, Dr. Holowaychuk became a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist and gained more than two decades of experience in academic, private, and corporate practice. But alongside the rewards of her work came personal challenges. Struggling with perfectionism, workaholism, and burnout, she recognized the toll that veterinary medicine can take on mental health and wellbeing. Her journey of overcoming these obstacles inspired her to help others do the same.

 

The Birth of Reviving Veterinary Medicine

 

In 2020, Dr. Holowaychuk founded Reviving Veterinary Medicine, based in Calgary, with a clear mission: to make veterinary careers sustainable, joyful, and fulfilling. The company offers free resources such as podcasts, blogs, and downloads, along with personalized support including one-on-one coaching, critical incident debriefings, online programs, and workshops. These evidence-based and practical tools are designed not only to improve the wellbeing of veterinary professionals, but to transform the way they live and work.

 

Transformations That Go Beyond the Clinic

 

The outcomes of Dr. Holowaychuk’s work are profound. Many veterinarians who have taken her programs report life-changing results—some even crediting her guidance with saving their marriages. By teaching coping strategies and communication skills, Dr. Holowaychuk helps professionals find balance between demanding careers and meaningful personal lives. These skills extend far beyond the exam room, strengthening relationships with partners, children, and friends. Participants often describe feeling reconnected with their full identities—not just as veterinarians, but as whole people. For many, this reconnection brings newfound confidence: the confidence to set boundaries, to say “I deserve time off,” and to advocate for their own wellbeing.

 

A Voice for Mental Health

 

Dr. Holowaychuk is also a tireless advocate for reducing stigma and normalizing mental health care. She shares her own experiences with depression and anxiety to remind others that struggling does not make them weak. Instead, seeking help is a powerful act of courage that strengthens their ability to care for both patients and themselves. By opening these conversations, she creates a culture of validation and acceptance, helping veterinary professionals feel less isolated and more supported.

 

Expanding Her Impact

 

In addition to leading Reviving Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Holowaychuk is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and coach. Her book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, sheds light on the realities of the profession while offering encouragement and hope. She continues to lecture and facilitate workshops around the world, building a movement that emphasizes career sustainability, mental health, and authentic connection.

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Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, CYT
Founder and CEO
Reviving Veterinary Medicine
Website: www.revivingvetmed.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drmarieholowaychuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMarieHolowaychuk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/marieholowaychuk