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

RCVS Council approves career pathways project
“These are the early pages of a very exciting new chapter for veterinary clinical careers” – Dr Kate Richards.
Plans aim to improve career options for vets.

RCVS Council has approved a set of proposals that aim to expand and diversify the career options available in the veterinary profession.

Three workstreams were agreed at the council’s meeting on Thursday, 9 November.

Firstly, the council approved the development of a new training programme over the next two years that will lead to the creation of a new Specialist in Primary Care status. In line with the specialist training in other clinical areas, the training for this new status will take five years to complete.

Secondly, the RCVS will develop guidance for both the profession and the public on the different clinical career statuses of veterinary surgeons, outlining the different focuses and responsibilities of each role.

Thirdly, the RCVS will identify the different ways veterinary surgeons can access the training needed to obtain RCVS Specialist status. As part of this, the RCVS will look at how to widen access to include training models which are more accessible from primary care practice and for people at different stages of their career and life.

A similar process to develop the career pathways for veterinary nurses is now being considered.

Dr Kate Richards MRCVS, chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “These exciting and progressive proposals are visionary as far as the career and development structure of the veterinary clinical profession is concerned.
 
“It means there will be new prospects for those in general practice and those who want to achieve Specialist status by different means, as well as a more defined career structure for the profession that will be clearer to the profession and general public alike. With around 75-80% of veterinary professionals working in clinical practice this project will deliver a substantial positive impact.
 
“These are the early pages of a very exciting new chapter for veterinary clinical careers, and we will be asking for your help to write it, as we will be holding a number of consultations in the coming years, including on the programme for Specialist in Primary Care and the definition of clinical roles.”

Image © RCVS

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.