6 Lessons from Vet School: What Clinic Owners Can Learn for Hiring Associate Veterinarians

Recruiting, hiring, and retaining associate veterinarians is one of the most consequential responsibilities for veterinary clinic owners and managers. Understanding what motivates new graduates and how their educational experiences shape their perspectives can help make your hiring and integration processes more effective. A recent article, 6 Other Things I Learned in Vet School, by Dr. Tyler Primavera, offers valuable insights into the mindset of veterinary graduates. While aimed at students, the lessons shared are equally valuable for clinic owners seeking to connect with and support new associates.

Lessons from Vet School: Key Takeaways

Dr. Primavera’s reflections underscore the challenges and growth opportunities veterinary students face. Here are the core observations, framed through the lens of human resources and hiring:

1. Struggles Are Universal: Veterinary school is demanding, and nearly all students face challenges along the way. Recognizing this can help hiring managers better empathize with candidates who may express doubts about their abilities. Highlighting a supportive work environment during interviews can ease concerns.
2. Intelligence is Malleable: Dr. Primavera notes that learning and growth come with time and effort. Employers might focus less on innate abilities and more on a candidate’s willingness to learn and adapt. Offering mentorship and structured onboarding programs can be a strong selling point.
3. Textbook vs. Real Life: New veterinarians often find that real-world cases differ significantly from what they studied. This underscores the importance of providing ongoing training and fostering an environment where associates feel comfortable asking questions.
4. Personal Boundaries Are Vital: Students learn the importance of balancing work and mental health. Employers can take note by promoting work-life balance and offering wellness resources, which are increasingly important to today’s workforce.
5. Support Systems Matter: Dr. Primavera stresses how vital support networks are in vet school and beyond. For clinic owners, this means fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture that extends support to new associates. Keep in mind that in many cases associates are relocating and adapting to a new community. 
6. Gratitude for the Experience: Despite the challenges, many graduates appreciate the learning opportunities vet school provided. Employers should celebrate this sense of accomplishment and focus on cultivating continued growth in their practice.

For veterinary clinic owners and managers, Dr. Primavera’s article is a relevant read. It provides a window into the mindset of emerging veterinarians, helping you create a hiring process and workplace culture that resonates with new talent. Read the full article in Today’s Veterinary Business here: 6 Other Things I Learned in Vet School.