New Research Indicates A Proud Profession Despite Disillusionment
8 years ago 
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At a time when the recruitment and retention of veterinary professionals is increasingly challenging in the UK, a recent survey by VET Festival, in partnership with Centaur Services, has revealed that there is however still great pride amongst the veterinary profession.
91% of respondents, comprising of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, rehabilitation professionals, practice managers, assistants and students, said that they were proud to work in the veterinary profession, with half stating that they feel part of a respected community. 53% of respondents share similar feelings that they feel valued by their local community, and are respected and are highly-regarded by their clients: “People recognise the hard work to reach the role as a vet and appreciate [vets] helping their four-legged family members greatly.” A misconception of high fees, client demands and social media criticism were most frequently disclosed as reasons why the other 47% of respondents do not feel part, or are not sure if they feel part, of a respected community.
Evidence suggests that whilst there is currently a cloud of uncertainty and disillusionment surrounding the ever-changing veterinary world, professionals continue to feel motivated and committed to their core values and key aspiration: to make a difference to the lives of animals. It is vital to address the real issues that veterinary professionals experience every day in order to inspire the next generation to pursue such aspirations despite such challenges.
Half of the respondents (51%) agreed that their vocation in veterinary medicine has met their early expectations from when they first started their career. There was a notable increase in professionals who graduated over 20 years ago (60%), whereas a decrease (40%) was found in professionals who graduated less than 5 years ago. ‘A low work-life balance’, ‘financial concerns’ and ‘high demands from clients’ were the highest ranked reasons from those professionals who felt that their early expectations have not met their reality.
Accordingly, the survey results show that client expectations are the top aspect that veterinary professionals would change about their vocation: “I feel as a profession our integrity is continually questioned in the public and in the media. There is a shift in client expectations above what we can provide and they can afford and this is perceived as vets being greedy.”
‘Making a difference to the lives of animals’, ‘a healthy work-life balance’ and ‘personal skill development’ were ranked as the most important aspirations that veterinary professionals would like to achieve in their own vocation.
VET Festival invites all veterinary professionals to reflect on their vocation within a community of compassionate fellow professionals. The outdoor two-day conference encourages delegates to discuss whether a career in veterinary medicine is all they thought and hoped it would be, creating a sense of belonging whilst learning practically relevant material in an open-air festival environment. A Wellness & Practice Development stream as well as a dedicated Wellness Hub, both sponsored by Centaur Services, aims to inspire delegates to make their vocation exactly how they want it to be whilst gaining peace of mind and health of the body. VET Festival seeks to change the paradigm of veterinary learning, by which delegates interact with each other and how they feel leaving the field at the end of the day.
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