RCVS to consult on specialty training in primary care
'This consultation marks a really important milestone in veterinary education.' - Tim Hutchinson, RCVS president.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a consultation into its proposals for a specialty training programme in veterinary primary care.
Its consultation, which runs until 5pm on 30 November, will invite responses on a proposed curriculum aiming to ‘expand and diversify’ career options for veterinary professionals.
An email link was sent to RCVS members on 2 November. However, while the consultation is focused on veterinary surgeons, the college is also welcoming feedback from other members of the veterinary team and undergraduates.
The initiative forms part of the RCVS’ Veterinary Clinical Career Paths (VCCP) project, which launched in 2024.
Throughout the first year of the project, a number of stakeholder engagement events saw the project gather insights to inform this project. This informed the VCCP working group as they developed their proposals.
The VCCP working group is led by Professor Nick Cooper, president of the Academy of Medical Educators. It comprises of advanced practitioners, specialists, rural practitioners, new graduates and representatives from different areas of practice.
Its proposed new programme received unanimous approval from the RCVS Education Committee and was formally endorsed by RCVS Council in June.
Tim Hutchinson, RCVS president and RCVS Education Committee member, said: “This consultation marks a really important milestone in veterinary education. The detailed document is the first of its kind to be published and enables general practice to be recognised and valued as a specialty in its own right – allowing GP vets to develop their careers in a more structured and supportive way, should they wish to pursue this option.
“While we understand that not all vets wish to undertake further structured training, this programme would provide an additional opportunity for those looking to progress their career in a clinical context, beyond the existing ‘Advanced Practitioner’ route. In turn, this could help strengthen the workforce, increase personal motivation and job satisfaction, and support the continued advancement of animal health and welfare.”
Prof Tim Parkin, RCVS senior vice-president and chair of the RCVS Education Committee, added: “We are urging as many veterinary professionals as possible to share their feedback on the proposed curriculum. Their input will help shape a programme that recognises general practice as a specialty in its own right and to ensure that veterinary primary care continues to advance.”
The curriculum and corresponding survey are available on the RCVS website.
Image © RCVS
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