What skills should veterinarians possess on graduation?

This survey was conducted as part of a review of the BVSc degree program at The University of Queensland (UQ). Questionnaires were completed by 384 ve terinarians, 157 of these had employed a recent UQ graduate in the previous six years. The survey results should be treated with some caution due to a low response rate of 25%. In general, respondents felt that new graduates should be able to communicate and work with clients and staff, to be proble m-solvers, and to have the expertise to manage the routine conditions seen in practice. Many respondents advocated greater clinical experience for stu dents prior to graduation. New skills that respondents believed graduates m ay require in the 21st century include business management skills (includin g marketing), computer literacy and improved communication skills. These re sults reinforce the findings of previous surveys regarding the importance o f communication skills for a veterinary science graduate.