In the Literature
Kogan LR, Rishniw M. Relief and mobile veterinary careers may offer a path towards improved quality of life. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023;262(2):209-215. doi:10.2460/javma.23.07.0422
The Research …
Relief veterinarians provide temporary coverage during staff shortages and can be independent contractors, small business owners, or employees of veterinary staffing companies, hospital groups, or corporations. Mobile veterinary practices provide services in client homes and have gained traction because of lower startup costs and increased convenience for clients.
This study explored the appeal of relief and mobile careers as alternatives to traditional veterinary roles (eg, associate, partner, owner). In an online survey, 240 relief and 125 mobile veterinarians answered questions about previous job positions, reasons for leaving previous positions, reasons current work was pursued, satisfaction with current work, job opportunities, and various work- and business-related factors.
Common reasons for leaving previous positions were rigid schedules and dissatisfaction with administration, leadership, and workplace culture. Most respondents indicated being satisfied with work–life balance (relief, 91%; mobile, 78%) and ability to meet family responsibilities with their current position. Relief veterinarians reported higher satisfaction with income, client variety, and work–life balance compared with mobile veterinarians. Both groups highlighted the importance of schedule flexibility and ability to manage personal and professional responsibilities when choosing alternative careers.
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
Improving workplace culture is important for retention of clinicians in traditional roles. Regular use of tools like the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Psychological Health and Safety assessment (see Suggested Reading) can help gauge how team members view quality of life and tailor responses to factors that may need improvement (eg, psychological safety, recognition and reward, clear leadership expectations, workload, mental health resources).
Adopting flexible work models can help prevent burnout caused by workloads and feeling a lack of control over one’s work. Job-share arrangements, relief coverage options, adjustable hours, and other flexible work models may help reduce turnover and accommodate diverse staff needs.
Financial health is critical for well-being. Managing taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions can be challenging for relief and mobile veterinarians and can exacerbate stress and reduce overall job satisfaction, particularly for those who are independent contractors or small business owners. Financial planning education and resources from veterinary organizations and associations could help address these concerns.
You are reading 2-Minute Takeaways, a research summary resource presented by Clinician’s Brief. Clinician’s Brief does not conduct primary research.