Future plans of veterinary graduates in Germany in 2023: an online survey.
Authors: Riemann Mira Elisabeth, Hoedemaker Martina, Jensen Katharina Charlotte
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Career intentions of German veterinary graduates A significant veterinary workforce shortage across Europe threatens animal health and welfare standards, yet little is known about where newly qualified vets plan to direct their careers or what influences their choices. Researchers surveyed German veterinary graduates in 2023 to map their intended career paths, investigate whether aspirations shifted during their training, and examine whether demographic factors—gender, rural versus urban background, and prior animal ownership—shaped their professional decisions. The findings revealed distinct patterns in specialisation preferences and highlighted critical gender and geographical disparities that may exacerbate existing staffing imbalances in both companion animal and production animal sectors. Understanding these career trajectories is essential for the profession to address workforce planning, tackle gender-related attrition, and ensure adequate veterinary coverage for equine, small animal, and livestock populations. Educational institutions and practice owners should consider these insights when developing recruitment strategies and working conditions to retain graduates in underserved disciplines and regions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding graduate career preferences can help equine practices and veterinary employers better recruit and retain staff in specialised fields
- •Career aspirations may shift during veterinary training; early exposure to equine work during studies may influence future specialisation choices
- •Demographic factors (gender, rural background, animal experience) should be considered when recruiting and mentoring veterinary graduates into equine practice
Key Findings
- •Survey assessed career plans of German veterinary graduates in 2023 to understand workforce distribution across equine, small animal, and livestock sectors
- •Study examined whether gender, urban/rural origin, and prior animal ownership influenced specialization choices among new graduates
- •Research aimed to identify factors contributing to veterinary workforce shortages in Germany