Externs on The Hill

Submitted by Rebecca Rafalowski, Royal Veterinary College

As of December 31, 2023, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimated there are 127, 131 veterinarians in the United States. For comparison, the University of Michigan football stadium holds 109,901 people. Of the 127,131 practicing veterinarians, 64.9% work in clinical practice while only 11.4% work in public or corporate industries. 

Companion animal clinicians dominate the profession with 70.4% of veterinarians, while laboratory animal veterinarians represent 0.03% of veterinarians. Veterinarians working in academia and government represent 6.6% and 3.3% of the population respectively. Companion animal practice dominates the industry despite the vast array of career opportunities within veterinary medicine. 

As a part of the AVMA’s Government Relations externship, I have had the privilege of meeting with veterinarians who make up the minority of the industry working in public practice. Hearing their stories has deepened my understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all path in this industry. For instance, one person never practiced and went immediately into federal work for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), where they have remained for the entirety of their career. Others practiced for almost ten years before transitioning to work at the federal level. Although many veterinarians pivot into government roles through fellowships with organizations like the AVMA or the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), numerous others find entry-level positions at agencies such as the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and APHIS without fellowships.

Financial considerations play a significant role in career decisions. In 2023, the AVMA reported that the average educational debt for students reached $154,451. These figures are nuanced: 17% of graduates had no debt, while one in three graduates owed more than $200,000. The average starting salary for private practice was $125,416, compared to $87,417 in public practice. As a result, it is challenging to make career decisions without weighing financial factors alongside lifestyle considerations; many people cannot choose a job solely based on merit.

As a final-year veterinary student, I find life beyond graduation exciting and intimidating. After spending eight years immersed in my studies, I realize that opportunities are endless. There is immense pressure to “pick right” with your first job. Should I choose a clinical or non-clinical path? Private practice or corporate? There is no definitive answer. Everyone's journey is unique, and if you’re fortunate, you will have the chance to forge a unique path and become a guiding light for future students. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/market-research-statistics-us-veterinarians
https://www.avma.org/blog/chart-month-good-news-student-debt