Victorian Division President's Report - December 2024

03 Dec 2024

Can you believe it’s December already? And with students having completed their academic year, the graduates are heading into their first jobs, joining our workforce and profession. Congratulations on achieving this milestone and best of luck to the class of 2024 – I hope you find satisfaction and joy in what you do! Hopefully you have joined the AVA mentor program, and have support around you as you take this step into the veterinary profession. Remember to also keep in touch with your colleagues from vet school to share experiences and provide support to each other. The AVA website has a myriad of information and support as well,  as you traverse this graduate frontier. And please reach out to vets around you if you need to, for technical or emotional support – we all want to see you succeed.

Many vet students are also heading off for placement, and you may be seeing them out in practice or other veterinary workplaces. I have been lucky enough to host students in my workplace over the past couple of weeks and love feeding off the energy and enthusiasm they emit. It is a joy to share my experiences with them and contribute to their student journey. These students are the future of our profession, and we have an important role to play in mentoring them as they explore opportunities to help plan their futures and develop their passions. Whether they be DVM1s discovering the myriad of opportunities available to them or those heading into DVM4 who are looking to consolidate their clinical practice skills, we can influence their outlook and help guide them into the profession. This role we play while they are students can then roll over into a mentor role for graduates via the AVA graduate mentor program, supporting graduates in their first year in practice. Think back to your student life and the vets who you remember supporting you on placement and be that positive influence for the students that cross your path!  

Dr Cathy Deague and University of Melbourne DVM1 students Luke Lezaja and Denzill Nicholls.jpg

Dr Cathy Deague and University of Melbourne DVM1 students Luke Lezaja and Denzill Nicholls

The past month has seen the Vic Division meeting with a number of stakeholders to discuss relevant issues and areas of alignment, and remain abreast of current industry issues. This includes:

  • RSPCA – to discuss advocacy goals
  • Melbourne Vet School Advisory Board – to discuss the current state of the vet school and plans for the future

We will continue to advocate for the profession in 2025, and I thank all the members of the Vic Division Executive Committee for their contributions this year. I would also like to thank advocacy officers Kristen Steele and Robyn Whitaker who have supported our committee throughout the year, providing us with guidance and assistance to carry out our role as your representatives.

As the year draws to a close, I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I am heading overseas for a chilly Christmas – hopefully white! – in the northern hemisphere. I hope, wherever you are, you have some time to relax and enjoy life. Fingers crossed for an uneventful summer fire season and take care of yourselves – as someone struck down by the current COVID wave, take precautions and stay healthy!!

Dr Cathy Deague

AVA VIC Division President