"This Is My Why": How Early-Career Veterinarians Find Meaning in Their Work
A recent study conducted across Canada explored the experiences of early-career veterinarians, focusing on how they perceive and define meaningful work in the context of their professional journeys. As these veterinarians transition from students to practitioners, they face numerous challenges—long hours, emotionally taxing client interactions, and complex clinical decision-making. Yet, despite these pressures, many find deep fulfillment and purpose in their work, which has significant implications for their overall well-being and mental health.
The study, which interviewed 21 early-career veterinarians, uncovered five key themes that provide insight into how these professionals derive meaning from their daily tasks. First, participants expressed the challenge of defining "meaningful work," acknowledging that it is subjective and fluid. Many veterinarians admitted that they initially struggled to articulate what made their work meaningful. However, over time, they identified several aspects of the profession that provided a sense of purpose, highlighting the evolving nature of this experience.
One of the central themes that emerged was the importance of connection. For these veterinarians, meaningful work was often linked to the relationships they formed with both animals and people. The non-verbal connection they shared with animals was deeply fulfilling, with many participants describing the bond as immediate and powerful. Despite the challenges of diagnosing and treating animals who cannot communicate verbally, veterinarians found meaning in understanding their patients' needs through body language and energy. As one participant noted, “You can connect and just feel connected to them... even if you cannot talk, there are ways to communicate without language.”
Equally significant were the connections veterinarians built with their human counterparts, including clients and colleagues. The sense of trust and mutual respect between veterinarians and clients contributed to a deeper sense of meaning. Many participants shared that working with clients who appreciated their efforts, and who trusted them with the care of their pets, reinforced their sense of purpose. One participant recalled receiving an emotional thank-you card from a pet owner, which made them realize, “this—this is my why.”
Making a difference was another critical source of meaning for these early-career veterinarians. Participants described the fulfillment they felt when they saw tangible improvements in animal health and quality of life. The opportunity to make a real difference not only for the animals but also for their human caretakers was seen as one of the most rewarding aspects of their work. As one participant explained, “It’s like when I feel like I’ve made an actual difference both to the animal and the owner in terms of their short-term quality of life. I think that’s probably what is most meaningful for me.”
The ability to be creative and solve problems also played a significant role in making the work feel meaningful. The veterinary profession offers constant intellectual stimulation, with no two cases ever the same. Many participants highlighted the joy of creatively solving problems, whether it was coming up with treatment plans for complex medical cases or finding ways to balance clients' financial constraints with high-quality care. This sense of creativity in their problem-solving process contributed to their professional satisfaction and was a consistent source of meaning. As one participant put it, “I do like that it’s difficult. I do like that I see things where I’m like, ‘Holy moly, I really don’t know what to do, I’ve never seen this before.’”
As the study progressed, it became clear that meaningful work was not a fixed concept; rather, it evolved over time. Initially, many participants found meaning in their love for animals, but as they gained more experience, their understanding of meaningful work expanded to include the connections they made with clients and the broader impact they had on animal welfare and society. This evolving sense of meaning highlights how the early career transition in veterinary medicine is not just about developing technical skills but also about integrating personal values with professional growth.
Participants noted that the more they reflected on their work and developed professionally, the more they recognized the larger impact of their careers. One participant shared, “The more you are exposed to different experiences, the more you start to figure out where you feel like you are needed and where you can make the most difference.” This growth allowed many veterinarians to find deeper fulfillment as they began to view their work from new perspectives.
Mental well-being also played a crucial role in shaping how veterinarians perceived meaning in their work. Many participants noted that their sense of purpose was sometimes influenced by external factors, such as the pressures of the job and the emotional toll of difficult client interactions. The study found that while stress and burnout were significant challenges, a supportive work environment and a strong sense of connection to their patients helped participants maintain a sense of meaning. For instance, one participant reflected, “Even though it didn’t turn out well, that still felt very meaningful.”
The study’s findings underscore the complexity of meaningful work in veterinary medicine and the importance of understanding how early-career veterinarians navigate the balance between personal fulfillment and professional challenges. For these professionals, meaning was not always immediate or easily defined, but through relationships with animals, clients, and colleagues, as well as the ability to creatively problem-solve, they found purpose in their work.
By recognizing and fostering these pathways to meaningful work—such as building strong connections, creating opportunities for creative problem-solving, and supporting positive work environments—veterinary practices can enhance the well-being of their staff, ultimately contributing to the retention and success of early-career veterinarians.
In conclusion, the journey to finding meaningful work is unique for each early-career veterinarian, and this research highlights the multifaceted ways in which they experience fulfillment. As the veterinary profession continues to evolve, understanding the personal and professional factors that contribute to meaning can help foster a more resilient, engaged, and satisfied workforce. By supporting veterinarians in finding purpose in their work, we can help ensure the long-term sustainability of the profession.
Read full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1595949/full
