A pilot study evaluating self-perceived competence in behavioral medicine of recent veterinary graduates

Behavioral problems can be a significant cause of concern for pet owners, and veterinarians play a key role in supporting the human-animal bond by working with owners to manage them. However, veterinary schools offer relatively limited training opportunities in behavioral medicine, and veterinarians worldwide often do not feel prepared to manage behavioral problems in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the self-perceived competence of recent veterinary graduates in Australia regarding behavioral medicine, with a focus on recognizing and distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior, diagnosing, treating, and preventing behavioral problems. An online survey of graduating veterinary students and veterinarians with up to 3 years of experience in companion animal practice (n=54) found that respondents felt most competent in recognizing and distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior, and least competent in treating behavioral problems. Notably, 74.1% of respondents felt inadequately prepared by their veterinary curriculum to handle behavioral problems. Graduates who had completed further training in veterinary behavior reported significantly higher self-perceived overall competence scores compared to those who had not. These findings highlight the need for enhanced training in veterinary behavior within the Australian veterinary curricula and the importance of continuing education in equipping veterinarians to effectively manage behavior cases in practice.