A partnership for success: Tips for retaining associates and tips on getting the most out of your first year in practice

Abstract

Large animal practices have historically had a difficult time recruiting new veterinarians into the profession. Recently, the data on retention has shown that veterinarians are leav­ing large animal practice for other sectors of clinical practice. Onboarding new associates is different in ambulatory prac­tice when compared with companion animal practice. Setting up the new associate for success will benefit both the existing practitioners as well as the new veterinarian. Spelling out ex­pectations, communicating these expectations, and flexibility will help retain the new associate. This paper gives some tips on ways to increase the retention of associates as well as tips for the new graduate veterinarian on how to make the first year in practice a success.