Exhausted and Overworked: Vet Students Face 100-Hour Weeks Amidst Rising Patient Care Concerns

Numerous students and alumni from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine are voicing their concerns over the demanding workload and its impact on patient care, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. These individuals argue that the university primarily views them as an unpaid workforce rather than students who pay over $60,000 annually for their education. A typical day for a fourth-year student involves lengthy shifts at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, starting early in the morning and often extending past midnight, with responsibilities ranging from dog walking to administering medications and cleaning kennels. This intense schedule is common during their clinical year, a crucial phase of their education where they gain hands-on experience but receive no compensation.

A typical day for a fourth-year student involves starting at 6 a.m. at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, followed by a brief break for personal errands and a meeting with administrators, then returning for a five-hour shift that includes tasks like walking dogs, administering medications, and cleaning kennels. This grueling schedule, common in their clinical year, has led to a perception among students that the institution values them more for labor than education.

During a virtual meeting with school administrators in October, students voiced their frustrations, highlighting the detrimental effect of such intensive workloads on their education and well-being.

Penn Vet, renowned as one of the world's leading veterinary schools and associated with an Ivy League university, faces criticism from current and former students over the unsustainable nature of clinical schedules. These schedules not only hinder educational outcomes but also affect the quality of patient care.

In an August letter, signed by 65 fourth-year students and recent graduates, it's stated that their work hours often exceed 100 per week, breaching the 80-hour limit recommended by the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA). The letter urges Penn Vet to emulate the work hour restrictions of Penn and Drexel medical schools to safeguard students and patients, and to address the issue of covering nursing shifts due to staff shortages.

Students also express concern over the impact of advocating for shorter shifts or reduced workloads, given their reliance on faculty and residents for recommendation letters.

In response, Penn Vet spokesperson Martin Hackett noted recent initiatives to lessen student workloads while maintaining educational quality, promising ongoing discussions and quarterly check-ins with students.

The broader context of the issue includes a nationwide veterinarian and veterinary technician shortage, as noted by Brady Beale, Ryan Veterinary Hospital's chief medical officer. This shortage is not unique to Penn Vet, with similar challenges reported at other top-tier veterinary schools like Iowa State University.

Despite these challenges, legal constraints prevent Penn Vet students from unionizing, as they are not considered employees. Their hope rests on administrative action in response to their concerns.