Factors influencing veterinary student interest in equine practice in the United States: A focus group study.

Overview

• This study explores the factors that influence veterinary students’ interest and commitment to equine practice in the United States.
• Using focus groups and a theoretical framework, the research identifies key motivators and barriers affecting students considering careers in equine medicine and suggests ways to improve retention and satisfaction in the field.

Background and Purpose

• There is a noted decline in new veterinary graduates entering equine practice in the U.S., with over half leaving within five years.
• Understanding veterinary students’ perspectives is essential to develop strategies that encourage long-term commitment to equine medicine.
• The study uses the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, which focuses on how people acquire, maintain, and protect resources, to frame the research on what influences student interest.

Methods

• The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach through semi-structured virtual focus groups.
• Participants were 18 veterinary students who either have considered or are actively pursuing equine medicine careers.
• Recruitment used snowball and convenience sampling methods.
• Focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed using Delve software.
• Coding of transcripts was aligned with the four resource domains in COR Theory: condition, object, energy, and personal resources.
• A card sorting activity was conducted to have participants rank the importance of these four resource domains in influencing their commitment to equine practice.

Key Findings

• Important Supports for Interest in Equine Practice:
  • Structured mentorship programs that provide guidance and support.
  • Supportive work environments that foster collaboration and respect.
  • Work-life balance allowing students and future veterinarians to manage professional and personal life demands effectively.
• Barriers Identified:
  • Concerns over gender bias in the field, potentially impacting inclusivity.
  • Financial considerations, including compensation for equine veterinarians and student debt burden.
  • Unrealistic expectations from clients regarding availability, treatment, and outcomes.
• Motivational Factors:
  • A strong personal passion for horses and equine medicine.
  • Positive early experiences with horses, which create lasting interest and commitment.

Interpretation and Implications

• The study highlights that veterinary students face multiple, interrelated challenges that impact their decision to enter and remain in equine practice.
• Work-life balance, mentorship, financial viability, and inclusivity are critical areas needing attention to retain new graduates in equine medicine.
• Despite challenges, students’ intrinsic motivation and passion for horses remain strong driving forces.
• Interventions suggested include:
  • Developing structured mentorship programs tailored specifically to equine practice.
  • Fostering inclusive and supportive equine veterinary communities to reduce effects of gender and other biases.
  • Addressing workload and compensation issues to improve financial sustainability for new veterinarians in this specialty.
• The researchers caution that the sample may not fully represent the diversity of all veterinary students across regions or schools, which may limit generalizability.

Conclusion

• Veterinary students interested in equine medicine are motivated by passion but face barriers related to mentorship, financial concerns, and inclusivity.
• Efforts to create supportive mentorship structures, equitable work environments, and improve compensation could enhance career satisfaction and retention in equine practice.
• Understanding student perspectives through frameworks like COR Theory provides valuable insights into resource needs critical for maintaining interest and commitment.