Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Rob Loxley — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:56:10 GMT

[quote userid="2100" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29502/barriers-to-working-class-people-getting-into-the-veterinary-profession"]I'm sure there are lots of people from working class backgrounds who want to become vets but don't have the money - but I was impressed by Amber's initiative ... launching a fundraising page, getting in touch with the papers, making a youtube video etc. [/quote]

Forgive me, but is the issue not that she had already been funded for a 1st degree; I'm not sure where her working class background comes in? I'm sure anyone would need to be very wealthy to fund vet med as a second degree themself? Maybe the issue is access for vet med degrees, but with 'foundation' year options there are more efficient entry routes already available? Maybe an issue is school careers advisors still seeming to think that a first zoology degree is a sensible way into vet med (as they seemed to 20 years ago!)?

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Jill Butterworth — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:33:41 GMT

I left home and school at 17 to play with horses and was independent for more than 4 years and so qualified for a full grant, back in the day. I really can't say if I would have contemplated spending approaching £100k to do this job. When you add in 5 years of lost earnings, it really makes you wonder if the standards of GCSE maths has dropped... Joking aside, I've had a lot of final years students doing EMS who don't understand compound interest.

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

David Mills — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:59:51 GMT

She should just breed a few litters of French Bulldogs on her year out...

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

George Cooper — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 19:00:44 GMT

Its a different world these days to the one into which I graduated. My old man was an impecunious parson, so I qualified for the full grant from the Scottish education system, despite going to London - and as a part of that my "Seeing Practice" requirement was covered as was my travel expenses. These days it must be almost an insurmountable burden to bear>

In terms of seeking support, as your News item highlighted, it would not necessarily have been something my fragile persona would have countenanced. THAT SAID, for each of us on here (I suspect), if the outcome of the fund raising/publicity [aka 'raising awareness'] is important enough we all will rise above the personal "embarrassment" and pulls out all the stops. You will notice that my personal avatar thing is still "Hats Off For The Hospice" featuring a red top hat, and as a result of shelving any self consciousness, I publicised left right and centre for that purpose - and as a result my old Hat Band raised way over £25,000 for the Hospice we were helping. It is a means to an end - and I for one wish her well. Would that I could assist........now.

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:53:04 GMT

Good for her for being so proactive. I wish her luck.

One of my friends at uni (26 years ago) was a graduate entry - she put an advert in the Vet Record asking for help with fees and was loaned the money on generous terms by a UK vet. It isn't a new thing.

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Lucy Fleming — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:35:38 GMT

I don't want to disagree, necessarily, but

[quote userid="8958" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29502/barriers-to-working-class-people-getting-into-the-veterinary-profession/226745#226745"]Had a full grant[/quote]

Fees have certainly increased significantly in the intervening years, and my understanding that the relative grant provision has also dwindled. Also as a graduate entry, student finance isn't available, and a full £45,000 from any other source is probably unlikely. I think it is not so much a case of being unwilling to take on the debt, as that there is no lender willing. I went overseas (NZ) so was in a similar position - I was lucky that family were able to provide financial support, but that really was very lucky.

[quote userid="8958" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29502/barriers-to-working-class-people-getting-into-the-veterinary-profession/226745#226745"]would I have publicly ask for support for this, No.[/quote]

Understandable, but is there anything innately wrong with her asking? No one's being forced to donate... I've certainly seen GoFundMe campaigns for what I would consider to be a "less worthy" cause.

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Malcolm Ness — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:02:24 GMT

?? ...let them eat cake.

RE: Barriers to working class people getting into the veterinary profession

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 13:58:33 GMT

Maybe slightly controversial

29 years ago, I came from a dairy farm (my father managed it, didn't own it), first member of our family to go to University, yet alone one of the hardest courses at the time to get into. Had a full grant and was super thrifty (in my nature) So it's been done, would I have publicly ask for support for this, No.

However here's the controversial part. What's the difference between a vet degree and the 4 year course my son has just done? (aside another year)

The RVC went through phase of calling alumni to sponsor students and the students called. Charity starts at home, sorry..

It's a mind set, they are all taking on debt these days

Neil