National Shortage of Equine Veterinarians: A Look at Contributing Factors

The shortage of equine veterinarians in the U.S. continues to be a pressing issue. A recent focus group study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal explored the stressors that contribute to veterinarians leaving the profession. Conducted by Lincoln Memorial University, the study gathered insights from both current and former equine veterinarians to understand the challenges they face.

Key Findings:

1. Compensation
   Compensation remains a critical factor. The 2024 AAEP Economic Summary revealed that starting salaries for vet school graduates entering equine medicine have increased substantially between 2021 and 2023. However, these salaries still lag behind those offered in small animal medicine. Survey participants reported varying levels of student debt, with some veterinarians starting with zero debt, while others carried as much as $450,000 in loans. Approximately 65% of participants had student loans at some point in their careers.

2. Work-Life Balance
   Many veterinarians expressed frustration with emergency duty, which significantly extended their workweek and hindered their ability to balance the demands of family life, particularly with children or partners. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance continues to be a major challenge for both current and former equine veterinarians.

3. Discrimination and Bias
   A striking finding of the study was the prevalence of discrimination in the profession. 76% of participantsreported experiencing some form of bias related to gender, size, appearance, age, or disability. Gender bias was the most commonly cited issue, with many respondents noting that clients were less willing to use their services compared to male veterinarians. Bias related to race and sexual orientation was also mentioned by some participants, including one veterinarian who felt their LGBTQ+ relationship was not respected, and that clients did not value their personal time outside of work.

4. Gender Issues
   Gender bias was not only evident in client interactions but also in how colleagues treated female veterinarians. Many female veterinarians reported being criticized for taking maternity leave or returning to work after childbirth. Furthermore, there was a perception that single veterinarians were expected to take on more emergency shifts, due to assumptions that they would always be available. This bias comes at a time when veterinary school graduation classes are increasingly predominantly female.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for better support systems for equine veterinarians, including addressing issues such as compensation, work-life balance, and discrimination. As the profession faces significant challenges, understanding these factors is critical to ensuring that more veterinarians remain in the field and are supported in their careers.