The arts in the lives of Australian veterinarians: a preliminary survey.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the role of the arts in the lives of those veterinary students and veterinarians who could be found to be active in one or more of the arts.


METHODS
Veterinary students and veterinarians active in the arts were sought by advertisement and personal contact. Respondents each completed a questionnaire, which was analysed using SAS.


RESULTS
Of the 55 respondents (43 veterinarians; 12 students), 73% were involved in music, 31% in theatre, 27% in writing and 15% art, but for more than 80% this occupied no more than 10 hours/week, about one quarter of the time for veterinary work. Although most would like to spend more time on the artistic activity, this was generally limited by the need to earn an income from veterinary work. Music and drama provided satisfaction, variety, and relaxation while catering to creative needs. A creative outlet and satisfaction was very important for writers as well, but they also valued the intellectual stimulation. A complex relationship existed between the artistic and the veterinary activities, but the nature of this relationship varied both between type of artistic activity, and the person concerned.


CONCLUSIONS
Veterinary science and the arts can complement one another with each making important contributions to the person and the artistic field involved, even though limitations of time for the arts may cause frustration.
Heath
T H
TH
School of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Queensland.
Manion
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006809:Humanities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011793:Queensland; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014730:Veterinary Medicine