Expectations of veterinary students and vocational reality.Original Title Vorstellungen von Studierenden der Tiermedizin und berufliche Realitat.

摘要

Objective: In Germany, sparse scientific research concerning the shortage of food animal veterinarians has been carried out to date. International studies indicated that the occupational image has an important influence on the career choice of veterinary students. Material and methods: During the winter term 2007/2008 the Clinic for Animal Reproduction of the FU Berlin simultaneously conducted two studies using questionnaires. The first study identified the predominant occupational images of today's students. Furthermore, the students were requested to provide information about requirements they have regarding future employment and personal lifestyle. In total 1498 questionnaires were sent to the five German veterinary faculties. The response rate was 80.3% (n=1203). In the second study veterinarians with several years of professional experience who graduated in 2004/2005 were surveyed (response rate 54.8%, n=444). On the basis of the collected data a comparison between the students' perceptions concerning food animal practice and the information the veterinarians gave about their working routine was made. Results: The greatest differences were evident regarding working hours and potential earnings. An equal number of students agreed with the statement that in small animal (45.6%) and food animal practice (42.0%) the earnings were good, whereas only 16.0% of the small animal veterinarians and 39.7% of the food animal veterinarians agreed with that. Among other things strong agreement between the two groups was found concerning the statement that work in food animal practice would be hard, physically demanding, and dirty. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the perceptions of veterinary students for the most part concur with the vocational reality of food animal practitioners. This is an indication that existing conditions in food animal practice are unattractive to young veterinarians.