The seven vets were formally welcomed to the profession in a virtual ceremony.

Professionals passed college's examination to practise in the UK.

Seven overseas-educated veterinary professionals have been formally welcomed by the RCVS in a Statutory Membership Examination (SME) ceremony. 

The seven professionals - Aisha Abdelmawla (Egypt), Guido Bertoldi (Argentina), Larissa Campos Aquino (Brazil), Maks Carey (Russia), Bridgette Gambanga (Zimbabwe), Constance Nicholl (Grenada) and Sade Swanston (Trinidad) – were congratulated virtually by RCVS chief executive Lizzie Lockett and RCVS president Kate Richards.

During the ceremony, Lizzie praised the seven individuals for passing their examinations under the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Passing the SME is an incredible achievement at any time, but during the ceremony, we wanted to acknowledge the obstacles that the new RCVS members had overcome to pass their exam,” she said.

“The past 18 months have been extremely difficult for all of us and has affected and disrupted everybody’s lives in all manner of ways. I am in total admiration of our successful candidates here today who studied for, took and passed their exams in the face of those extraordinary pressures.”

The SME must be undertaken and passed by all individuals educated outside of the UK whose veterinary qualification is unrecognised by the RCVS. Passing the examination allows them to join the UK Register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK. 

The virtual ceremony saw RCVS president Kate Richards take the new members through their professional declarations before welcoming them into the profession. 

“The theme for my presidential year is making connections that count, by that I mean connections that are meaningful and mutually beneficial with others in the profession and more widely," said Kate. "You will have made connections with friends and colleagues throughout your lives, and I encourage you to build on these as you start this next phase of your career in the UK. 

“This is a proud moment for everyone who has helped you reach this point – family, friends, mentors, colleagues and teachers," Kate continued. "Becoming a veterinary surgeon is not an easy career option – you have worked hard for your degree and to pass the Statutory Exam! Please, be kind to yourself and others, especially as you find your feet. When you’re having a tough day turn to your personal and professional connections for support.” 

Two additional veterinary professionals, Sophie Ployon and Elliot Kirwan, also recently passed the SME but were unable to attend the ceremony. 

Image (C) RCVS.