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VBF survey reveals stress issues
Charity identifies professional challenges

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has published the results of a survey which investigated the veterinary profession's responses to the realities of professional life. When asked 'What are the key issues, if any, for the veterinary profession?' and told to select up to five answers from a list, a pool of 400 veterinary surgeons returned the following responses:
  • Stress management (18.7%)
  • Balancing work and family life (16%)
  • Depression (10.9%)
  • Relationships at work (8.4%)
  • Managing personal finances/debt etc (8%)
  • Career development (8%)
  • Other life/work balance issues (7.4%)
  • Employment disputes (4.8%)
  • Difficulties returning to career after family break, sickness or accident (3.2%)
  • Addictions (3.1%)
  • Bullying (2.8%)
  • Other (2.3%)
  • Assertiveness (2.2%)
  • Accessing support services outside normal hours (2%)
  • Other mental health problems (1.2%)
  • Redundancy (0.7%)
  • None of these (0.3%)
Commenting on the survey's findings, VBF President Dr Lydia Brown said "The findings of this survey are significant for all us of working in the veterinary profession today and many of us will recognise the emerging themes. I am very grateful that so many members of the profession responded to the survey.”

"While we train hard for our chosen career and many go on to find fulfilment, it's clear that in today's challenging environment, the reality of life in practice can prove a strain. The effect on relationships both at home and at work can be traumatic and yet, as a profession we can be reluctant to seek help or advice."

"Ensuring the wellbeing of all those working in the profession is our goal and we will look to increase the support we can provide in 2012. We greatly appreciate involvement and support from the profession and from industry to sustain our vital work and would ask anyone interested in helping us or getting involved to contact us."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk