The Transition from Veterinary Student to Practitioner: A “Make or Break” Period

Abstract

This paper examines the transition from veterinary student to practitioner, in the context of assessing the outcomes of the veterinary degree program in which the students were trained. Questionnaires were sent to all registered veterinarians who graduated from Massey University between 2001 and 2003 and the heads of human resources of all veterinary practices in New Zealand. These groups, together with veterinarians who had graduated from Massey University between 1993 and 2000, were also invited to participate in focus groups or interviews. Replies were received from 64 graduates and 114 employers. In addition, 115 veterinarians were interviewed or joined focus groups. Most participants thought that the veterinary degree program at Massey University provided a strong basis in scientific theory and clinical reasoning, but was lacking in communication skills training. Clinical exposure was regarded as less than optimal, but adequate for starting practice and as much as could be achieved within the duration of the program. Graduates and employers both recognized the pivotal importance of the first year in practice in the careers of veterinarians. Most graduates had positive experiences of their first year, but for those whose experiences were negative, they were often strongly so. Situations in which confidence and clinical competence could be developed in a supportive environment were associated with positive outcomes. The first year after graduation was regarded by graduates and employers as a "make or break" period. Many of the changes that the veterinary profession is currently experiencing, particularly in terms of the demographics of its entrants, impact upon this first post-graduation year.

Veterinary students’ understanding of a career in practice

“…Women were more likely to indicate this as a concern than men, a finding corroborated by Gilling and Parkinson (2009), who report that most of the graduates in their study who expressed high levels of self-doubt were female. Men were shown to exhibit higher self-esteem and avoidance of emotion-focused coping strategies than women (Lawrence and others 2006), even though women attained higher academic success.…”

The business of being a vet

“…This finding accords with that of other research (Routly and others 2002, Gilling and Parkinson 2009). Recent graduates are under immense pressure as they struggle to get to grips with the clinical aspects of their job.…”

Veterinarian's dilemma: a study of how Danish small animal practitioners handle financially limited clients

“…In such situations, ethical engagement with the animal and the client may well clash with the financial imperatives of the clinic. The clash probably explains why monetary issues have been shown to be a challenge to veterinarians when they are communicating with clients (Milani 2003, Coe and others 2007, 2008) and when they are calculating appropriate charges for their services (Routly and others 2002, Gilling and Parkinson 2009, Bachynsky and others 2013). It may also help to explain why payment is a relatively rare topic of discussion between veterinarians and clients (Coe and others 2009).…”