Nearly two-thirds of veterinary students experience stress on British campuses

For the seventh time since 1996, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) conducted the survey* among veterinary students during the 2015–2016 academic year. In total, 1,556 students from the United Kingdom and Ireland answered questions focused on their studies and mental health. Compared to the previous survey, conducted in 2012, the overall incidence of mental health issues among veterinary students has decreased slightly. However, 83% of students who suffer or have suffered from such disorders (stress, depression, etc.) directly attribute their anxiety to the demands of the veterinary curriculum. Over the past four years, the trend toward a higher proportion of female students in veterinary medicine across the Channel appears to have stabilized at around 80 percent, as has the proportion of international students, which remains comparable to that of 2012. Edinburgh (43%) and Glasgow (46%), however, continue to attract a higher number of international students than other British universities. Across all universities and years of study, 1,556 veterinary students responded to the BVA/AVS survey regarding their physical and mental well-being, their finances, mandatory practical internships (EMS), and their career expectations.  

> Well-being and Mental Health (stress, depression, etc.)

In 2016, the percentage of veterinary students who suffer or have suffered from stress showed a significant decline (-19% compared to 2012), suggesting that the awareness and support programs implemented at universities are beginning to bear fruit. However, nearly two-thirds of students (63%) still suffer from stress, and more than one-third (38%) suffer from depression (27%, a 6% decrease compared to 2012), eating disorders (7%, down 3%), or other mental health disorders (11%, up 7%). The rate of depression remains more than 10 times higher than the national average (2.4%). For most of the students surveyed (83%), this suffering is directly linked to the demands of their studies, far ahead of a lack of free time (58%), family or relationship problems (44%), financial worries (40%), etc. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%), however, report feeling well supported by their university (Nottingham and Surrey rank at the top). Aware of the health benefits, almost all engage in regular physical activity outside of their studies.  

> Finances (loans, grants, part-time work, etc.)

Students’ financial situation has changed significantly over the past four years and is a major source of stress in its own right. Not only have tuition fees risen, but so has the cost of living. As a result, taking out loans has become widespread. Total student debt has risen sharply since 2012 and has been increasing steadily since 1999. On average, a fifth-year British student is in debt to the tune of £38,455. For international students, the debt is even higher, reaching £129,207. The increased use of loans—which are also for larger amounts—is linked to a decrease in the number of students receiving grants (29%, compared to 34% in 2012) and an increase in part-time work to finance studies and living expenses (38%, compared to 25% previously). Housing alone accounts for 57% of expenses, up from 46% in 2012.  

> Preclinical and Clinical Internships (EMS)

The majority of students are satisfied with the internship system and believe it allows them to explore a wide range of career paths, although there are slight variations depending on the university. They place great importance on selecting the facility where they will complete their training, which must above all allow them to gain practical experience aligned with their professional aspirations. However, 44% of respondents expressed disappointment that they received hands-on training only part of the time, while 10% reported rarely or never receiving such training. This is a concerning trend, given that these practical placements are an integral part of the curriculum (38 weeks over 5 years) and that many students rely on them for their surgical training. This directly affects the employability of recent graduates. Cost (an average of £50 per week) is the main obstacle when choosing placements. Furthermore, even when devoting most of their vacation time to them, it is becoming increasingly difficult to juggle internships, studies, social life, and a part-time job—which adds to the financial pressure and can, in turn, affect students’ mental health.  

> Career Expectations

For the majority of veterinary students surveyed, their studies provide good preparation for their future careers, but as they progress through the program, they become less certain... Here again, 44% of students believe that more practical experience, as well as more opportunities to specialize or take elective courses, would better enable them to achieve their career goals. Ultimately, more than 4 out of 5 students (81%) plan to work in clinical practice within ten years of graduation. Only a few fifth- and sixth-year students (17%) plan to explore other career options or feel that clinical practice isn’t right for them.   According to the BVA, the entire veterinary community must help recent graduates cope from the very start of their careers and provide them with adequate resources to overcome what amounts to a toxic combination of a highly demanding veterinary curriculum, little free time, and enormous financial pressure. According to the association’s president, it is the responsibility of the veterinary profession to foster the emergence of a new generation of veterinarians who are resilient, competent, and mentally and emotionally well-adjusted.   * https://www.bva.co.uk/uploadedFiles/Content/Membership_and_benefits/BVA-AVS-Research-Report-2016.pdf