Best Practices for Supporting Professional Identity Formation during Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Training

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medical Education
• Professional Identity Formation
• Laboratory Animal Medicine

Background:

• Professional identity formation (PIF) is essential for career success and wellness.
• Residency training significantly impacts PIF, especially in laboratory animal medicine (LAM).
• LAM residents face unique challenges, including stakeholder relationships and role ambiguity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore best practices for supporting PIF in LAM veterinarians.
• To identify key themes influencing PIF in LAM residency programs.
• To develop a model for PIF in LAM veterinarians.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of written comments from the 2022 American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Forum.
• Survey data from LAM residency program attendees.
• Thematic organization of qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• Key themes included empowering residents, supporting relationship complexities, mentorship, communication skills, and advocating for LAM.
• A model illustrating the PIF process for LAM veterinarians was constructed.
• Identified factors influencing PIF and their connection to career wellness.

Conclusions:

• Effective PIF support is vital for LAM veterinarians' career wellness.
• Mentorship, role clarity, and professional advocacy are crucial for successful PIF.
• Addressing PIF challenges can mitigate burnout and enhance professional satisfaction.