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At Federation (1901), Australia became a nation. Two universities (Melbourne and Sydney) provided Veterinary Faculties. During the first 50 years after this, Veterinary Scientists were sure of their place and value in Australia´s society. In 1936, a third university offered this course (Queensland) and by 1950, there were 400 veterinarians registered in Australia. Fifty-years later, with a fourth veterinary school (Murdoch) there were 6,000 registered veterinarians. However, these were no longer sure of their role. Attrition rates of students and graduates were increasing, there was an oversupply in relation to demand and females were dominating the profession. Today, with 12,000 registered veterinarians, conditions have worsened, that which was once a full-time masculine vocation has become a part-time feminine avocation and the question arises, "Has Veterinary Science a future in Australia?" If the current business models of private practice, government service and other activities undertaken by graduates become obsolete? If so, will new models save the day? Not only must Australia´s veterinary community face these challenges, so must others elsewhere.

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Maxwell, John
Dr John A.L.Maxwell, BVSc, MAO/ASIF, MVS, MACVS, MRCVS, PhD, DVMSc, a graduate in veterinary science from the University of Sydney in 1964 and for 55 years has worked as a veterinary scientists in rural Australia. In 1975, he built the first animal hospital in rural Western Australia and has been its owner/ principal since then.

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