Supporting the new graduate
"It should be a simple matter to put in writing the expectations the practice has of their new graduate" - Mark Hedberg.
Supporting a new graduate is a challenge, as is the first job a new graduate takes on. The 2013 RCVS Survey showed that 380 of the 1406 graduates interviewed had moved on from their first job because of bad management, job dissatisfaction, long hours or workload.
In his presentation at BSAVA Congress, Mark Hedberg pointed out that these new vets are the future of our profession and if we neglect them we neglect our future. Currently only 37 per cent of new graduates feel that their career has matched their expectations.
Support for new graduates is essential and we need to understand their expectations in the same way at they need to understand the expectations the practice has of them. This means there needs to be a continual dialogue between the practice and the new graduate and as much support provided as is needed by the individual.
It should be a simple matter to put in writing the expectations the practice has of their new graduate, this will make them feel more secure and avoid the inevitable misunderstandings that occur due simply to poor communication and explanations.
One of the secrets to success, according to Mark, is to start small. So, rather than 'drop your new graduate in at the deep end', it is far better to set them off dealing with repeat prescriptions or first vaccinations so that they can meet new patients.
Give them booster vaccinations to carry out so that they can see lots of healthy pets making it easier for them then to recognise the unhealthy pet. In the same way, let them deal with chronic disease cases so that they build up their experience before being faced with difficult cases.
Give responsibility gradually but ensure that all necessary training and CPD is provided. Mark emphasised that the Professional Development Phase for graduates does not replace CPD.
Last but not least ,make sure that your new graduate receives sufficient feedback. We all need to know that we are doing a good job or if we are not, what we need to do to improve, for the new graduate this is even more important.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
