Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background : Recruitment and retention of veterinarians are major problems. Objectives : Investigate equine veterinary surgeons’ perceptions about working in the UK equine veterinary industry. Study design : On-line questionnaire of veterinary surgeon members of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Methods : The questionnaire was distributed to equine veterinary surgeons via BEVA newsletters between May and December 2022. Results : There were 480 usable responses (180 males and 297 females; median age 39 years). 81% worked full-time. 86% worked in equine practice (13% in mixed practice). 41% thought there were sufficient staff numbers relative to the workload, with a significant association with age (p<0.001). The median average working week (excluding out of hours) was 52.5 hours. 70% reported “chasing their tail” all the time / frequently. Frequent discrimination from clients was reported by 10% and was statistically associated with age (P<0.001). Over 60% reported they were worried about having complaints lodged by clients with the RCVS, statistically associated with age (p=0.007). 43% felt they received adequate mental wellbeing support from their employer. 50% acquired their current job by personal recommendation. 34.5% said they would likely to be looking for a new job in the next two years. The most important reasons why respondents would consider leaving their current job included work life balance (13%), family (112%), salary (10%), working times (7%), career prospects (6%) and out of hours rota (6%). The most important reasons for staying in their current job were location (12%), team (10%), family (8%), salary (6%), work-life balance (5%), and case load (5%). Conclusions : Recruitment and retention are important problems facing the equine veterinary profession. Working times (including out of hours), work life balance, general and mental wellbeing support remain important factors affecting equine veterinarians’ perceptions about their jobs, especially for younger veterinarians.
Source: Equine Veterinary Education
DOI: 10.1111/eve.70047
Authors: T. S. Mair, D. I. Rendle, W. H. Griffiths, P. A. Lambert, D. R. Mountford
Institutions: Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Aston University
Language: English
Subfield: Speech and Hearing
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7123346713