This year’s veterinary graduating class have shown concern over theavailability of clinical placements due to COVID-19.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) along with the New ZealandVeterinary Association (NZVA) released a statement addressing the issue thatpotential employers may not see this year’s students as qualified.

The statement said: “Our purpose in writing is to assure you of our confidencethat, as is always the case, given attentive support and capable mentors, thiscohort has the requisite skills and knowledge to be practice-ready ongraduation.”

The impact of COVID-19 has meant clinical placements involved a mix of face-to-face, self-directed, and online learning, while all schools have ensuredthat students meet program and educational requirements and competencies.

The AVA also offered some advice to those already in the industry forsupporting these graduates by assisting veterinary schools by providingstudent placement opportunities, encouraging students in their search,welcoming new graduates with open arms, and making use of the resourcesprovided by AVA and NZVA.

Australia is currently facing a veterinary shortage and Dr Cristy Secombe,Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs at the AVA previously told Pet IndustryNews that disrupted travel movements, both within Australia andinternationally, have impacted on veterinary recruitment.

“International vets are an important skilled workforce for the Australianveterinary market and although vets have recently been included on the PMSOLlist, the logistics of international vets coming to Australia to work remainsvery difficult at this time.”

With this lack of immigration and the current shortage it is important toencourage and support new homegrown veterinarians in the industry.

Tagged: ava, veterinarian

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