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"The veterinary profession is at a crossroads," says election hopeful
Tim Greet
Mental health is an area in which Professor Greet says “we must strive to do better”.
Tim Greet hopes to be a part of the future direction of veterinary practice

Veterinary practice is facing a period of great change, with the so-called 'feminisation' of the profession and rising concerns about work-life balance. Tim Greet, a candidate in the RCVS Council elections, says we must make sure the quality of care delivered by the profession “does not become eroded”.

Speaking to MRCVSonline, he said: “I feel that the veterinary profession is at a crossroads and I would very much like to be part of directing its future...

“Embracing change is always difficult and with our clients underwriting the costs of future development, we have to balance necessary improvements with affordability.”

Mental health is an area in which Professor Greet says “we must strive to do better”, although he notes there is now greater awareness of these issues among members of the profession.

“The Veterinary Helpline, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme, the Vet Helpline and the Vetlife website are all involved in trying to provide assistance,” he says.

“However, many colleagues facing difficulties are too proud, independent, or just unaware to seek help. It is the duty of all of us to keep an eye on colleagues in our practices, or local areas, to monitor their wellbeing and to try to intercede when problems are identified.”

Professor Greet, of Rossdales Equine Hospital, believes “the [RCVS] council would be stronger and probably more representative of the profession” if more people stood for and voted in the council elections.

“We almost certainly get the council we deserve,” he continued. “I feel that the Council does make an effort to meet with members of the profession. However, as with general politics there is a huge sense of apathy or worse still, a feeling amongst ordinary members that they can have no influence on the future.”

Certain RCVS decisions in recent years have prompted consternation among the profession. Commenting on these, Mr Greet defended the college: “The profession must realise how fortunate we are to be self-regulating and it should also try to understand what a difficult position the RCVS often finds itself as a custodian of the wellbeing of the animal-owning public and our patients, rather than of the profession itself.

“Undoubtedly there was a considerable amount of justifiable internal naval gazing by RCVS Council. However, I believe with the new CEO working well and the RCVS having learnt from recent experiences, that it is now in a better position to move forwards.”

For our full interview with Tim, visit www.vetcommunity.com. Login in or sign up for a free account to read more on the elections and discuss.

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.