BVA Congress: What does the next generation of vets want from the profession?

The panellists

Calum McIntyre - Small animal vet and AVS Senior Vice President

Emily Collins-Wingate - New graduate representative, BVA Council

Guy Killick - Chair of BVA Member Benefits and Events Committee

What do you, as the next generation, want from the profession going forward?

Guy: We need to realise that there is no ‘one size fits all’ career progression for every vet, that there are many ways to measure success, and because you are not too good at one thing, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. 

Calum: The profession has changed drastically, even in recent years. Yet, our attitudes towards and expectations of new graduates, alongside how we offer transitional support at all stages, hasn't. I think this undermines confidence and satisfaction and hinders healthy professional identity development. The next generation wants realistic expectations regarding the challenges they will face as part of the profession. Only then can support be guided flexibly and objectives set (and updated) to ensure continued satisfaction, regardless of which career stage transition is being experienced.

Emily: The veterinary profession has many unique elements and challenges, but I think the goals we are aiming for aren’t unique at all. We need a profession that is sustainable, which provides fulfilling careers, supportive environments, and opportunities for progression. Above all we should be able to have all that, and a life outside of work. None of us are ‘just a vet’ or ‘just a nurse’, but I want a profession where I can thrive as a vet, and still have time, and headspace, for family life and hobbies too.

What positive trends are you seeing in how the profession is moving towards these changes?

Calum: Much of the work championed by BVA with the Good Veterinary Workplaces and flexible working campaigns is a step in the right direction. Other groups like Vet, Stay, Go, Diversify do great work highlighting the variety and diversity that can be afforded in careers utilising veterinary skill sets. Moreover, the work conducted by the affinity groups BVCIS, BVEDS and BVLGBT+ is also crucial. These together help build supportive workplace cultures that embrace flexibility or adjustments. This will help prevent dissatisfaction or discontent, particularly for those more likely to experience difficulties or feel marginalised with existing patterns of work, which as teams will benefit us all.

Guy: Flexible working and career development as well as the increase in non-clinical roles are beneficial. 

Emily: We are more aware of the risks of burnout than ever before so it’s really encouraging to see more practices engaging with flexible working and prioritising staff wellbeing. Practice culture encompasses so many of the challenges we face, and I know there are lots of fab leaders within practices changing this for the better. Change can happen from the ground up, but some of the fundamental bigger issues will require engagement and prioritising from the leaders in practices to really make a difference.

How has the perception of the veterinary profession changed in recent years?

Calum: The profession has been brought into a more focal spotlight, whether through our crucial role in One Health and sustainability efforts, increased public media presence on important national or international issues, or increased animal ownership. With heightened public awareness of societal responsibilities and the role vets should play in these issues, I feel the profession faces greater scrutiny and expectations. Although in some regards, I think this is positive and can foster productive change.

Guy: I believe that the profession has become somewhat faceless- clients are being passed from vet to vet because of staffing problems so they never make a personal connection with their vet.

Emily: I think vet students now have a much more realistic perception of the veterinary profession, that was certainly my experience at Surrey. I’m not afraid to talk about the challenges in different types of veterinary practice with students that spend time with us, and I think that’s a good thing. I’d like to think that within the wider public people are more understanding and thoughtful towards their vets, but I also know that working primarily within the farming community avoids a lot of these issues.

What more do you think needs to be done to affect change?

Guy: This is only the start of the journey; we must all work together to and listen to each other to get to where we need to be.

Emily: We talk an awful lot now about the issues facing the profession, which is great, but there is only so much that conference lectures and panels can achieve. The conversations which get started at places like London Vet Show need to be taken back into practices, continued with the entire vet team and real action made.

When and why did you decide to become a vet?

Calum: I was late to decide that I wanted to pursue being a vet and didn't fare well academically in line with the entry requirements. However, volunteer work and experiences with family highlighted the profound impact of animal companionship and the human-animal bond, making me resolute that this was a vocation I wanted to pursue.

Emily: For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a vet – cliché I know! I remember doing a French GCSE speaking assessment and telling my teacher I’d wanted to be a vet since I was 8 years old, so I guess I decided pretty young! I was fortunate to grow up in the countryside, loved the outdoors, science and animals so it just fit. I’m not from a farming background, but I always wanted to be a farm vet.

Guy: I decided to become a vet after seeing work experience when I was 16, I originally wanted to become a doctor but struggled to get a clinical work experience placement so I went to my local vets, 1 week later I was converted

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a vet?

Calum: I'd implore them to realise their self-worth and potential. Take ownership of your early career. Be clear of your strengths, limitations and expectations and put these to your employer to not only direct the support you need but ensure the culture and support matches your needs. Importantly, you can assess whether you can meet your employers' expectations. Sometimes compromise is required, but don't neglect your self-worth or empowerment to compromise what is important to or satisfies you.

Emily: I think one the biggest issues new grads face (myself included) is losing contact with friends from university, and not talking to people. It’s so easy to throw yourself into a new job, new team, maybe a new place to call home and become all-consumed in new graduate life. Before you know it, you’re 6 months in, haven’t taken any holiday and are completely wrapped up in ‘just being a vet’. Everyone will face challenges and have difficult days, but those become a lot easier to deal with once you chat to some friends and realise that it’s not just you.

Guy: Do a variety of work experience and make sure that it is really what you want to do. 

London Vet Show - Hop Topic debate

Our Hot Topic debate, ‘What does the next generation of vets want from the profession and how do we achieve it?’, will take place on Thursday, 17 November from 2.20pm- 3.10pm at the BVA Congress Theatre at London Vet Show.