Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New RCVS president to focus on widening participation
Tshidi Gardiner, Sue Peterson, Melissa Donald, Belinda Andrews-Jones.

Inaugural speech made at the RCVS AGM in Westminster.

The new president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), Sue Paterson, set out widening participation in the veterinary sector as the theme for her presidency as she made her inaugural address at the RCVS Annual General Meeting on Friday, 7 July.

Speaking to members gathered at One Great George Street, Westminster, Dr Paterson spoke about the importance of encouraging new people to train as veterinary surgeons and nurses and making sure that nobody felt like they were not from the right background for a career in the sector.

She told the audience: “As professions, and this means not just veterinary surgeons but veterinary nurses, we need to get out there and sell ourselves to the wider public. We have made a start but we need to become more inclusive and diverse. We need to do some myth-busting about the real requirements needed to be a vet or vet nurse.

“There is no doubt you do need to have good A-levels to study veterinary medicine, but beyond that bright students from any background can join our professions. You can be a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse if you are black or white; Muslim or Christian and from any socioeconomic background.”

Replacing Melissa Donald, who is now senior vice-president, Dr Peterson is the 152nd president of the RCVS and the first to lead an all-female Officer Team. Junior vice-president Linda Belton and treasurer Tshidi Gardiner are also in the team, alongside Dr Peterson and Dr Donald. VN Council chair Belinda Andrews-Jones will attend Officer Team meetings as an observer.

Dr Paterson concluded her speech by saying: “If I can use my position as president of the RCVS over the next 12 months to convince just a few students that veterinary science is a rewarding career that perhaps they had never considered, if I can convince a couple of teachers to sign post their brighter students to career resources for veterinary science, then I will be happy that I have been able to make a difference.”

 

Image (C) RCVS

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.