VetCoach, a non-profit project to motivate and inspire graduating veterinary students and recent graduates

In April it seems to be the right time to talk about graduation and what comes after that. Is there life after vet school? What to do and what to expect? The change from vet school into the professional vet world is a BIG change, with many question marks. To some it might feel like being trapped in a minefield of potential mistakes and disasters.

Well, it is not that bad and there is help available. VetCoach has collected career learnings from veterinary professionals around the world and shares them with students in order to support an optimal career start after graduation.

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How much of a problem is racism and sexism at vet school?

One in five female veterinary students have experienced some form of sexism while at vet school claims a new report from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Over 5000 sudents were surveyed across 28 vet colleges. 14% said they had experienced some form of harassment while at vet school and, unfortunately, as many as 90% did not report the harassment. This may stem from a figure of 35% students believing they had no member of staff they could confide in.

Alison has written about her experiences with sexism in the profession here. Have you encountered harassment while at vet school, and if so what did you do?

Read the full story on DVM360.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier: to love or to loathe?

In the UK, there is a huge dichotomy between those who love and those who loathe the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. On the one hand, we have half of the country quaking in fear at the sight of their stocky frame and boisterous disposition.

We hear horror stories of children being attacked, of beloved pets being overwhelmed by instinct and biting relentlessly, latched on with those immense jaws. Many of these prejudices are false and often stem from hear say and ridiculous tabloid exaggerations.

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Any Questions?

We arrive at Vet school expecting to be taught how to be a Vet. By second year we know there’s more to it than what’s in the lectures.

Being good at what you do is about more than encyclopaedic knowledge of parasitology, pathology and pharmacology, amongst others. That isn’t a surprise. The same has always applied to anyone, in any job.

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VBF publishes video of a vet speaking on depression within the veterinary profession

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has released a video of a vet speaking of their experiences with depression and mental health while in practice.

The VBF is hoping to promote donations and raise awareness of the prevalence of issues vets face but are often afraid to talk about.

Myths and incorrect information pass through all aspects of our lives, and unfortunately when it comes to pet care owners often adhere to beliefs that simply aren’t true and impact on the lives of their pets. Internalising issues, thinking their pets hold grudges against them or believing punishment is a requirement in training all lead to further problems for both owners, pets and ultimately vets who have to correct what happens.

This useful handout from DVM is distributable and should go some way in dispelling these myths before they become full out problems.

Certain airlines have banned brachycelphalic breeds of dogs and cats that are more prone to stress induced breathing difficulties and exhaustion. Certain airlines already carry restrictions enforcing vet consent before animals can board, however bans on a number of breeds are becoming much more common due to the proportion of deaths on airlines.

Read more for the full story by Business360.

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