Veterinary School Mock Interview
Master 54 Veterinary School interview questions covering clinical experience, animal ethics, and your commitment to veterinary medicine.
Question 45 of 54
What do you think are the worst parts about working for a private practice? And why?
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Example Answer
Community Answers
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
The interviewer here is challenging your understanding and knowledge regarding the differing options available to vets (working in either a private or corporate practice) Prior to your interview it is recommended to complete some research on the difference between the two environments so that you have a full understanding of how they may differ. When answering this question, you should try and put yourself into the shoes of the vet, and focus on a business based response.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"I think one of the worst parts about working in a private practice is that the business is likely to be smaller, and privately owned. With this, the responsibilities that go with owning a small business are on your shoulders, you take responsibility for business income, and the success of the business personally"
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Anonymous Answer
Private practices tend to have a smaller number of employees, meaning the vets run the business side. The vet will have more responsibilities and tasks outside of treating animals. So working for a private practice may be more stressful. I will research and learn about the business aspect of the practice if I find myself in this situation.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer is good, and you could dive even deeper if you desired to.
Anonymous Answer
Many of the administration and business ownership would be on my plate. If I took up a private practice, I would have to build up a team that would be able to help me with these shortcomings.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a thoughtful answer that shows you are aware of your shortcomings and where you will/would need further support.
Anonymous Answer
I imagine having to handle the business management side of veterinary practice would be very difficult and arduous as in commercial veterinary practice, this is all handled by the corporate office, which gives the vet more time to focus on their consulting. Also, with a private practice, you cannot transfer if you are moving location and so you would have to find a completely new practice.
Rachelle's Feedback
These would be challenges, indeed. If you have a preference for private vs. commercial practice, feel free to speak a bit further about your preferences or where you see your career taking you.
Anonymous Answer
The most challenging aspect of this would be the business side of a small clinic, PR, and knowing how fast information such as reviews are spread online. If you are a single veterinary hospital, this might affect the number of patients you see daily, or in a multi-veterinary hospital, affect your co-workers also.
Rachelle's Feedback
You bring up some interesting points and issues that small business owners now face the popularity of online reviews. How will you manage this, should you own or run a private practice one day?
Anonymous Answer
Private practice tends to have a more limited budget than corporate practices. Because of this, a private practice may have less competitive prices than corporate practice. Also, a private practice may not have as great of resources as a corporate practice to provide the best possible vet care.
Rachelle's Feedback
You offer some insight here, for sure. Do you have any details when it comes to the types of resources that may be limited in private practice?
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