VET VIEW THE JOB CAN ALSO BE DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. out of the approximately 4,300 veterinarians finishing at an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school, a fraction goes into equine practice, and not all of them practice in the United States. That’s only 43 new equine veterinarians per year, or less than one per state. Making things worse, about 60 equine veterinarians retire per year, while 50% of the new equine vets leave the practice within five years of graduation. Burnout, depression and compassion fatigue are cited as adverse effects on those working in the profession. “Personally, I had three other intern-mates, and all of them went directly into small animal practice after the internship ended,” says Gravitt. Small animal vets can finish their day and rely on emergency clinics to see their clients for emergencies. By law, veterinarians provide emergency help to clients with a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. “This is to help protect us from burnout. When we see you in the middle of the night for an emergency, we have worked the entire day before and will work the entire day after. Sometimes, if we are not overwhelmed, we may agree to see non-clients for emergencies if they
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can’t get ahold of their regular veterinarian. Emergency fees will be higher in this case,” says Gravitt. And the job can be downright dangerous. The American Association of Equine Practitioners shares one study concluding that equine professionals have the highest risk of injury of any civilian occupation. Even with the drawbacks of her profession, however, Gravitt loves working with horses. “I still get excited to be around horses every day, and I truly want them to be happy and healthy.” FCM
ROUNDUP Van Roekel & Associates, 18930 Old Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, Florida vanroekelassociates.com, 239-694-7177
