Continuing professional education: What motivates Saskatchewan veterinarians

The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational factors that affected veterinarians' participation in continuing professional educational programs to enhance their professional growth. A convenience sample of six Saskatchewan veterinarians from both urban and rural clinical practices, and with a minimum of five years of clinical experience participated in the study.;The findings of the study are discussed in relation to literature on motivational orientations, professional development and the principles of adult education. The participants consistently sought continuing education opportunities that would improve their clinical knowledge and skills to maintain competency in emerging trends in veterinary medicine. Continuing education programs that utilized interactive discussion formats and a hands-on lab component were favored by the participants.;The participants offered suggestions for the consideration of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association in relation to the design and delivery of continuing education programs for its members.;The study was a qualitative exploration of the professional continuing education experiences of these veterinarians and it utilized phenomenology as the research methodology. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants, who freely discussed their motivational orientations for participating in continuing professional development programs.