A topic that has become increasingly prominent in the profession in recent years, the career reorientation of veterinarians—whether within the field of animal health or in a completely different domain—is being discussed more and more. But what are the reasons behind it?
Overview of newly qualified veterinarians
According to the 2024 demographic atlas of the veterinary profession published in France*, there were a total of 21,494 veterinarians registered with the French Veterinary Council as of December 31, 2023—an increase of 3% compared to 2022. Regarding first-time registrants, meaning veterinarians registering with the Council for the first time, the number reached 1,168 in 2023, which is 71 more than in 2022. Among these newly registered veterinarians, most graduated from French national veterinary schools, followed by graduates from Spain, Belgium, and Romania. The atlas also highlights an increase in French veterinarians newly registered with the Council who completed their veterinary studies abroad.
As for veterinarians who chose to leave the Council’s register—and therefore no longer practice veterinary medicine and surgery—51.2% of women are under 40 years old, although this proportion is decreasing. Overall, the average age of women leaving the register is 44, compared to 60 for men. This reveals a significant age gap between women and men who voluntarily choose to leave the register. According to a veterinary thesis published in 2018, the main reasons for leaving the register are: “retirement, medical reasons (disability, illness, etc.), death, veterinary practice abroad, and career reorientation.”**
Leaving Clinical Practice: For What Purpose?
The same thesis conducted a survey among veterinarians leaving practice to better understand the subject. Among respondents, “more than one-third (N=29) of veterinarians practicing in France before leaving the Order choose to continue clinical practice abroad.” Clinical practice is therefore not necessarily abandoned among veterinarians who exit.
Additionally, “22.2% of private practice veterinarians opt for a career shift into a non-clinical veterinary sector, which does not require registration with the Order.” The sectors concerned include public health inspection, veterinary pharmaceutical industry, teaching, veterinary consulting, military veterinary services, or veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Regarding veterinarians transitioning to fields outside animal health, the main sectors cited are teaching, administration, and public services. The thesis also notes: “Some choose to start their own business in a non-medical field or pursue personal professional projects that also mattered to them (such as catering, pastry, or politics).”
Finally, for veterinarians leaving practice and seeking employment, targeted sectors also include teaching, the agri-food industry, and administration. Some pursue further studies, either in veterinary fields for specialization or in entirely different areas. Nevertheless, some veterinarians choose to leave the Order and remain voluntarily unemployed, for reasons such as parental leave, personal projects, dissatisfaction with the work environment, professional life encroaching on family life, or health issues.
Veterinarian Testimonials
Sarah André, veterinarian and writer:
“I don’t really consider my career choice as a reorientation per se, but rather as a different way of practicing as a veterinarian.
This degree trains us in a variety of areas within animal health. Curiosity and versatility are part of a veterinarian’s qualities, and this is reflected in career choices. During my studies, I had the opportunity to do internships outside clinical practice, as well as to speak with veterinarians who had left clinical work.
Later, I had opportunities to work in communication and marketing after graduating, so I took the chance to explore these paths. However, I am not completely closed to returning to clinical veterinary practice and would not rule that door out if an interesting opportunity arose. On the other hand, if I had to redo my veterinary studies, I wouldn’t do them again.
I’ve always been interested in this profession… but equally in other fields. Working outside of animal health would not be a problem for me.”
Veterinarian wishing to remain anonymous:
“For my part, I don’t consider the veterinary profession solely as a career for clinical practice. We are fortunate that our degree opens up a multitude of paths within animal health and even beyond!
I therefore see my career choice not as a reorientation, but rather as one possible direction, even if it falls outside the “social norm” for veterinarians.
I am currently a technical veterinarian in a pharmaceutical laboratory. This position became available because my predecessor returned to clinical practice. I do not rule out the possibility of returning to clinical work one day… or continuing to explore new facets of the profession! I let myself be guided by the professional opportunities that arise.
Finally, I am also proud to represent the veterinary profession in a non-clinical field. Being represented in these areas allows us to better understand and serve our colleagues in clinical practice who work daily with numerous partners.”
Available at:
*https://www.veterinaire.fr/system/files/files/2024-08/ATLAS-NATIONAL-2024-WEB-02082024.pdf
**Victorion, Louis. Analysis of Voluntary Exits from the Register of Veterinarians under 40 Years Old: Characterization of Departures and Identification of Reasons for Withdrawal. Professional Thesis, Veterinary Medicine, National Veterinary School of Toulouse – ENVT, 2018, 117 pages.
Sources:
Chantal Béraud. Career Changes and Retraining: Abandoned Clinical Practice. La Semaine Vétérinaire n° 1898, 07/05/2021.
