| A number of veterinarians leave their profession each year, yet little research has been directed at determining the reasons for this attrition or its prevention. Using information from research on attrition in other professions to frame and guide this study, the researcher conducted a naturalistic investigation of attrition from the veterinary profession. The goals of the study were to (1) determine why subjects left their veterinary careers, and, based on these reasons, (2) develop recommendations to minimize such attrition in the future.;Results of the interviews were identified and arranged according to categories and themes. Category 1 (Why subjects left the veterinary profession) included the following themes: emotions/feelings, business/financially-related reasons, non-financial aspects of practice, interpersonal interactions/relationships, and personal situations/factors. Category 2 (Information about the individual) contained comments with these themes: biographical/background information, experiences within veterinary medicine, and experiences with and feelings about second careers. Category 3 (Commendations to the veterinary profession) included comments on the themes of veterinary education and the profession itself. Finally, Category 4 (Recommendations) contained four themes: business-related comments, comments about veterinary education, comments to improve the profession, and personal betterment.;Subjects recommended better business preparation for veterinary students, more practical education, earlier and more realistic education about veterinary careers, the development of a more supportive educational environment, and education about how to continually challenge oneself. Additionally, a formal induction or socialization program may ease new graduates' transition from school to employment; mentoring could likewise be of great value. Novice veterinarians should also be warned about some of the hazards of a stressful profession, such as burnout and substance abuse. Finally, thorough study of attrition from the veterinary profession should be conducted to establish the prevalence of this problem and identify additional factors contributing to veterinarians' decisions to leave the profession.;Twelve subjects were identified and interviewed about their reasons for leaving the profession. Interviews were recorded and transcribed; the constant comparative method of data analysis was used. The data were presented in a narrative case study format which included a within-case content analysis of each interview. A cross-case content analysis of all interviews was also performed. |
