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Course to help practices hosting overseas vets
RCVS recommends overseas veterinary surgeons 'see practice' before completing their SME.
It will support those hosting overseas vets preparing for the SME.

A new course has been launched to support those hosting an overseas veterinary surgeon that is seeing practice.

Hosted by RCVS Academy, the course specifically advises those hosting, or considering hosting, overseas veterinary surgeons preparing for the Standard Membership Examination (SME).

To register and practise in the UK, some veterinary surgeons that qualified outside of the UK must sit the SME. This will enable them to join the RCVS register if they do not have an RCVS-recognised qualification.

In order to prepare for this, RCVS recommends that these candidates ‘see practice’ in the UK before their exam. This covers a range of sectors, such as companion animal, equine, production animal and veterinary public health.

RCVS’ new course offers clear, practical guidance to veterinary workplaces to ensure they have the confidence to offer support for the growing number of SME candidates.

The syllabus explains what the SME process will look like for candidates preparing for the examination. It clarifies what tasks overseas veterinary surgeons are permitted to carry out while ‘seeing practice’, and confirms the appropriate level of supervision they require.

It also discusses how important these veterinary workplaces are in supporting overseas veterinary surgeons with their professional journey, with interviews with previous SME candidates and their mentors.

RCVS says that hosting an overseas veterinary surgeon, practices make a direct contribution to their development and expertise. In return, they may gain new perspectives to enrich their workplace.

Claire Hobson, RCVS examinations manager, said: “This new Academy course will highlight the importance of workplaces offering ‘seeing practice’ opportunities and demonstrate how vet-led teams can play a vital role in supporting SME candidates to gain valuable learning experiences.”

The course is available to RCVS members on the RCVS Academy webpage.

Image © Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock.com

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk