Introduction:
Communicating with clients and colleagues is central to work in veterinary practice. Gaining an understanding of how workplace communication impacts on resilience for early career veterinarians can help educators and practitioners identify ways to support graduates in the transition to practice.  

Objectives:
The aim of this research was to identify the role of workplace communication in new graduate resilience. The specific research question addressed in this study was: How does workplace communication impact on resilience in new graduate veterinarians?   

Methods:
The study population was veterinarians who graduated from Australian veterinary schools in 2015 and 2016, and had participated in a prior survey investigating new graduate resilience as part of the VetSet2Go employability project. Semi-structured interview questions were used to investigate factors influencing resilience. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to workplace communication.   

Findings:
Fifteen interviews were conducted. Themes related to client communication were most commonly reported as hindering resilience, e.g. discussing finances, non-adherence and expressing emotions. Themes related to colleagues were most commonly reported as strengthening resilience, e.g. talking through cases with colleagues. Learning communication skills and having positive client interactions also were reported as enhancing resilience.   

Discussion:
Workplace communication can both help and hinder new graduate resilience. Preparing students for the client communication challenges they will face and promoting a culture of support in veterinary workplaces could strengthen resilience in the transition to practice. Collaboration between veterinary schools and professional bodies could introduce structured initiatives to support students in making the transition from student to professional. 



Authors:
MATTHEW Susan M.1, CAKE, Martin2, ZAKI, Sanaa.3, MANSFIELD, Caroline F.4, MCARTHUR, Michelle M.5*  
1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, USA;
2. College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia;
3. Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;
4. School of Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia;
5. School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia