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VET Festival announces nursing stream
“Without a question of a doubt, surgeons could not do their jobs without the passion and skill of their veterinary nurses."
Event aims to leave nurses ‘empowered and inspired’

A dedicated nursing stream has been unveiled for this year’s VET Festival, the CPD conference conceived by Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.

The nursing stream covers both days of the conference (8-9 June 2018) and allows delegates to choose and create their own CPD agenda across the full conference programme. New subject areas this year include minimally invasive surgery, cardiopulmonary, diagnostic imaging and nutrition.

Noel Fitzpatrick commented: “Without a question of a doubt, surgeons could not do their jobs without the passion and skill of their veterinary nurses. I don’t want lectures with nursing in mind to be an afterthought or to be mutually exclusive.

“From inception of VET Festival, we have specifically designed an integrated conference programme that allows all delegates to easily explore other streams and select their own lecture path across the festival.

“I want every single veterinary nurse to leave the field feeling empowered, valued and inspired to achieve his or her personal aspirations. We aim to revolutionise the current expected conference formula that not only provides exceptional CPD, but reignites a sense of joy and purpose in your vocation.”

Speakers for the 2018 nursing stream include:
  • Professor Carrie Palm, associate professor of Clinical Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, California, USA
  • Dr Padraig Egan, surgical resident (ECVS) at Fitzpatrick Referrals, UK
  • Enzo Minghella, anaesthetist at Fitzpatrick Referrals, UK
  • Professor Mike Conzemius, professor of surgery and director of the Clinical Investigation Center at University of Minnesota, USA
  • Professor Lisa Freeman, professor of clinical nutrition at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Massachusetts, USA
  • Professor Virginia Luis Fuentes, professor of veterinary cardiology at RVC, UK
  • Professor Brendan Corcoran, personal chair in veterinary cardiopulmonary medicine at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, UK

The full conference programme can be found at: www.vetfestival.co.uk/conference

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.