A positive view of the lifestyle of food animal veterinarians is the strongest predictor for interest in food animal medicine among students: a survey study.

Positive perception of food animal veterinarian lifestyle is the strongest predictor of student interest in the field.

This multi-institutional survey study investigated veterinary students' attitudes toward careers in food animal veterinary medicine (FAVM) across three U.S. veterinary schools (UC-Davis, Kansas State University, and Western University of Health Sciences) from May 2023 through May 2024. Researchers developed and validated a survey tool using item response theory (IRT) and latent class analysis to identify key motivators and deterrents influencing student interest in FAVM careers. Of 1,536 students contacted, 491 completed usable surveys. Using logistic regression with IRT-derived theta (θ) values, the study identified that perception of lifestyle and work conditions—specifically workdays per week, on-call time, and work location—was the strongest predictor of interest in FAVM careers across all three institutions. Latent class analysis among students interested in FAVM revealed four distinct student subgroups with varying perceptual profiles regarding FAVM careers. The findings suggest that negative perceptions of food animal veterinarian (FAV) lifestyle are a primary barrier to recruitment into the profession. The authors conclude that creating more flexible employment models within FAVM could improve lifestyle perceptions among prospective students and potentially address the ongoing workforce shortage in food animal medicine. This research provides actionable insights for veterinary educators, industry stakeholders, and employers seeking to attract the next generation of food animal veterinarians.

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