Understanding Moral Distress, Moral Resiliency and the Spectrum of Care Model in Veterinary Practice

by Sonja Olson, DVM, C-MMT

Sonja Olson, DVM, C-MMT
September 15, 2026
12:00 — 1:00 pm
1 CE Credit
Sponsor
About the Event

Moral distress and injury are significant challenges faced by veterinary professionals, especially when financial constraints limit patient care. These ethical conflicts can lead to emotional exhaustion, guilt, and burnout, impacting both individual well-being and team dynamics. Understanding and addressing moral distress through compassionate communication and the spectrum of care model can improve outcomes for pets, clients, and veterinary teams. Understanding and developing moral resiliency further protects the individual and team capacity to navigate these inevitable challenges and return to healthier homeostasis.

About the Speaker
Dr. Sonja Olson is a passionate veterinary wellness coach, educator, and emergency room veterinarian with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals and teams within the veterinary field navigate stress, find balance, and cultivate emotional well-being. Combining evidence-based neuroplasticity coaching, mindfulness, and her clinical expertise, Dr. Olson creates compassionate, transformative spaces that empower her clients and audiences to thrive both personally and professionally.
 
Through her innovative 1:1 ‘heartstorming sessions,’ keynote presentations, webinars, and resilience-focused writings, she shares practical tools to manage change, enhance self-awareness, and foster meaningful connections. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, neuroinformed coach, and Mental Health First Aid instructor, she is dedicated to inspiring calmer, kinder, and more resilient communities. Dr. Olson’s mission is to harness the innate human potential for healing and growth, guiding veterinary professionals toward a healthier, optimized way of living.
Event Pricing
Members

FREE

Non-Members

$

45

/person

The WSVMA is committed to providing a safe and healthy facility for its staff and attendees. We will be following the most stringent policy required at the time the event is held and will also be following whichever rules may be put in place by the facility itself, the city of Bellevue, and/or the State of Washington. Accordingly, any of the current terms of service may be changed. Covid requirements can change rapidly, and we will endeavor to keep attendees, sponsors and exhibitors up to date to the best of our ability.

Questions surrounding this policy can be directed to the WSVMA office at [email protected] or by calling (425) 396-3191.