Bringing a new graduate veterinarian onto your team is exciting. But once the welcome lunch is over and the first-day introductions are done, they still need clear, consistent support as they settle into practice.
A new veterinarian is learning the rhythm of your practice: where to look for guidance, how your team works through questions, what your documentation expectations are, and who to turn to when the day gets busy. That support is too important to depend on whoever happens to be free between appointments.
That’s why we created the New Graduate Veterinarian Support Checklist, a practical resource to help practices prepare before a new veterinarian’s first day and keep the right support in place throughout their first few months.
Why New Graduate Support Matters
The first few months in practice can shape how a new veterinarian builds confidence, approaches cases, communicates with clients, keeps up with records, and works with the team around them. Even with strong clinical training, there’s a lot to learn.
They may also need longer appointments at first, examples of complete SOAP notes, a senior veterinarian nearby for difficult conversations, or protected case review time that doesn’t depend on “grab me if you need me.” That doesn’t mean a new veterinarian isn’t ready. It means the transition into practice works better when support is clear, consistent, and easy to access.
The right structure helps new veterinarians spend less time second-guessing where to look or who to ask, and more time focusing on the patient in front of them. It also helps the whole team stay consistent around clinical decisions, documentation, client communication, and follow-up.
What’s Inside the New Graduate Veterinarian Checklist
Inside, you’ll find a practical guide to help your practice prepare before a new veterinarian’s first day and support them through the early months.
The checklist helps your team think through:
- Workstation access, software logins, and tool setup before day one
- Clinical guidance, case review time, and early procedure support
- Medication confidence, including dose verification and controlled substance procedures
- Documentation habits, templates, note examples, and record support
- Client communication resources and senior veterinarian backup
- Mentorship expectations and 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins
Whether you’re onboarding your first new graduate or improving a process you already have, the checklist can help your team make support more consistent from the start.
The right tools can make that support easier to deliver, too. Instinct’s connected tools, including Standards of Care, Plumb’s, and ScribbleVet, help practices give new veterinarians and the teams around them practical support for clinical guidance, medication questions, documentation, and client education.
Download the free New Graduate Veterinarian Support Checklist to help your newest veterinarian feel prepared, supported, and ready to keep growing in practice.
