The Development and Implementation of a National Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) to Support Veterinarians Entering the UK Workforce.

The UK veterinary profession is facing significant challenges, including high rates of veterinarians leaving the profession amid workforce shortages, alongside high levels of dissatisfaction, stress, and poor mental health. The highest rates of attrition are associated with recently graduated veterinarians who are at an early stage in their career. Although there may be many contributory factors, a lack of adequate support during the transition from vet school into their first professional role following graduation may be one important cause.