Factors influencing the choice of a career in food-animal practice among recent graduates and current students of Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Concerns about a shortage of large and mixed-animal veterinarians have been discussed in the profession. To better understand veterinary career choices among currently enrolled veterinary students (classes of 2007-2010) and recent graduate veterinarians in Texas (classes of 2002-2006), an online survey was developed. The objectives were to examine: (1) the respondents' backgrounds, demographic data, and experiences; (2) the respondents' working conditions and rural lifestyle considerations; (3) the respondents' perceptions of large/mixed-animal practice; and (4) the factors that have influenced respondents' career choices. The response rate was 37% (390/1,042). Overall, 72% of students and 55% of recent graduates were interested in large/mixed-animal practice. More than 70% of respondents indicated that veterinary practitioners had the strongest personal influence on career choices. Respondents who were no longer interested in large/mixed-animal practice, or who had never been interested, reported no experience with large animals (42% and 64%, respectively) as the most common reason for their lack of interest. Previous and current interest in large/mixed-animal practice were associated with working in a large/mixed-animal practice, any agricultural experience, and working for at least 6 months on a farm or ranch. Any 4-H experience increased the likelihood of previous interest, while being married decreased the likelihood of current interest. Student contact with practitioners (82%) and financial considerations (77%) were most commonly cited as factors that would make a career in large/mixed-animal practice more attractive. Rural lifestyle drawbacks influenced respondents' career choices. Many forms of agricultural experience may expose and encourage students to consider large/mixed-animal practice.
Manvel Animal Clinic, Manvel, TX 77578, USA.
Roland
R
Lenarduzzi
Guy A
GA
Sheppard
Margaret R
MR
Slater
D000818:Animals; D002321:Career Choice; D003710:Demography; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005513:Food Inspection; D005523:Food Supply / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008460:Meat / Q000592:standards; D011634:Public Health; D012424:Rural Population; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine; D000078329:Workforce