The study entry phase of Veterinary Medicine - Challenges, Opportunities and Needs

This study surveyed students who started their studies at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) in the Winter term 2021/22. They were surveyed both prospectively regarding their expectations, and retrospectively regarding their experiences during the study entry phase. For this purpose students received comparable questionnaires at the beginning of their first and second semesters concerning their individual prerequisites as well as their assessment of course goals and requirements, of classes taken in the first semester and of the study entry phase in general. Fifty paired samples were generated for the analysis. The results illustrate that personal challenges pose the greatest difficulties for students of veterinary medicine. The most relevant stressors are learning-related difficulties and the pressure to perform in higher education. Those are intensified by the particularly extensive curriculum, as compared to other disciplines. Further noteworthy stressors include in the first year seemingly irrelevant basic subjects and a shortage of obligatory clinical-practical content as well as social challenges faced by the evaluated cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid shift away from career aspirations in veterinary practice can also be noted between the first and second questionnaire. On the other hand, first-year students of veterinary medicine already display an outstanding commitment to goals as well as identification with their field of study and the profession. For this reason, the demanding study entry phase is mostly overcome successfully. Providing support with different electives for requirements of the vulnerable study entry phase that have been recognised as problematic should increase the likelihood of a smooth transition to life and learning at university as well as the veterinary profession.