AVA Conference Melbourne 2017

Throughout the world it is getting more difficult to recruit vets to work in farm animal practice. Many practices have a poorly structured way of recruiting and it is useful to look at always to maximise recruitment of the best vets possible. This requires planning but once an SOP is constructed, it is easy to follow and amend as necessary.

Many young vets get demotivated and disillusioned and go and do something else. It is important to set up a mentoring program for young graduates to build up their skills sets and inspire confidence. Young graduates find appraisals, formal or informal, of great value and can help overcome problems. Ways to improve teamwork have to be encouraged. Anonymous staff surveys can be very helpful in gauging the mood of staff. Most vets want to know where the practice is heading and how they fit into change and yet many practices communicate very poorly in this and other areas