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VetGDP e-portfolio platform launched
"The new e-portfolio will be a key resource for employers to help them support the professional development of the newest cohort of veterinary professionals." - Dr Linda Prescott-Clements.

All VetGDP progress will now be recorded and monitored on the platform.
 

Yesterday (14 September), the RCVS launched its Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) e-portfolio platform.

Replacing the Professional Development Phase (PDP), the programme aims to support new graduates in their first veterinary role, with trained in-house VetGDP Advisers who will provide guidance to the graduate. 

The now-launched e-portfolio is now available to be used to record and monitor graduate's progress as they work through the VetGDP programme. 

Functionality of the e-portfolio includes; separate sections for each of the overarching activities carried out by the graduate, an online area to upload documents and record text to capture reflections and feedback, easy-to-view progress for individual cases and tasks across all activities, and the ability to upload photos to record case-specific information.

RCVS director of education, Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, commented on the new programme: “We recognise how important it is to support new veterinary graduates as much as possible during their first job as a fully-qualified veterinary surgeon. 

“The transition from study to work can be a daunting one, and we wanted to create a resource that would help new graduates record and reflect on their journey through the programme and provide a space for the VetGDP Adviser to monitor and support their graduate as they progress.

“We believe the VetGDP programme will have a positive impact on graduates’ development and their confidence during their first role. The new e-portfolio will be a key resource for employers to help them support the professional development of the newest cohort of veterinary professionals.”

Two online workshops are being held by the RCVS to help VetGDP Advisers and graduates learn to use the e-portfolio, one on Friday 17 September, running from 1pm to 2pm, and one on Monday 20 September running from 7pm to 8pm. Further information and booking for these can be found here.

Speaking about the e-portfolio platform, Richard Burley, RCVS chief technology officer, said: “We’ve had excellent feedback about our 1CPD platform which we launched in 2020, and hope that the VetGDP e-portfolio will be just as helpful to veterinary graduates and VetGDP Advisers as they progress through the programme.

“We will be constantly working on and improving the VetGDP e-portfolio, and we are keen to hear the thoughts of graduates and practices using it. We will use any feedback we get to inform future changes or improvements.”

Any graduates who have already completed forms to record their VetGDP activities are encouraged to get in touch with the VetGDP team by emailing vetgdp@rcvs.org.uk, to help transfer data to the e-portfolio. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.