RVC plans to go global
Stuart Reid, the head of the Royal Veterinary College, has spoken of plans to develop new partnerships and research collaborations in China and India.
He said that he was working to set up international partnerships to offer courses endorsed by his institution, as he believes foreign teaching centres could be vital in meeting the growing demand for veterinary health experts across the world.
The RVC will therefore be looking to develop projects in parts of India and China where research partnerships already exist, and will also be interacting with governments and intergovernmental organisations.
He commented: "It sounds grand, but someone needs to do this. The world needs to double food production in the coming years. Whether it is in research or out in the field, you will need vets to do that."
He went on to describe overseas provisions as a logical step because, due to budget and infrastructure constraints, the college is unable to augment its undergraduate members, and Mr Reid added that he felt it would be wrong to take on extra veterinary students in the UK when there might not be enough jobs for them after graduation.
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.
