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[Female veterinary surgeons: a follow up study].
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Female veterinarians in South Africa highly value their careers, with most actively engaged and recommending veterinary science. Job satisfaction, working with animals, and variety are key attractions, despite public attitude challenges.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Career Development
- Sociology of Professions
Background:
- Limited data existed on the career trajectories and job satisfaction of female veterinarians in South Africa.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for vocational guidance and professional retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gather essential career information from registered female veterinary surgeons in South Africa.
- To provide insights for vocational guidance and inform future strategies within the veterinary profession.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 68 registered female veterinary surgeons in South Africa.
- 46 responses were received, representing 51.7% of female BVSc graduates up to 1981.
- Statistical analysis confirmed the response group was representative of the target population.
Main Results:
- 97.8% of respondents are actively engaged in veterinary work, with 73.9% full-time.
- 84.8% would choose veterinary science again, and 67.4% would encourage daughters to enter the profession.
- Primary drivers are job satisfaction, intrinsic job factors (surgery, pathology, research), working with animals, and job variety. Key grievances include public attitude, long hours, and administrative burdens.
Conclusions:
- Female veterinarians in South Africa report high job satisfaction and a strong commitment to the profession.
- Despite challenges, the intrinsic rewards of veterinary practice are significant motivators.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing public perception and improving working conditions to support practitioners.