New members welcomed from overseas

Nine candidates from across the globe were welcomed as new Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at a special admissions ceremony at Belgravia House on Thursday 27 July 2006.

RCVS President Sheila Crispin welcomed the candidates from Serbia, India, West Indies, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and America, who were all successful in the 2006 Statutory Examination for Membership, enabling them to practise in the UK.  She presented them with certificates, in front of friends and family, before making a short address congratulating them and explaining the functions of the College.

 "Welcome and congratulations to you all. You are all from many different countries and bring to the profession valuable skills which we can all learn from," she said, by way of introduction.  "As well as our regulatory and charter functions, the RCVS is here if you need advice, so if you have any concerns, please pick up the phone and talk to us before a problem arises."

Professor Crispin also encouraged the new members to enjoy their profession and continue their studies in the future, perhaps advancing their skills through the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, or aiming for specialist qualifications via the Diploma or Fellowship route.

Ade Kinch, from Trinidad and Tobago, attended the ceremony with her parents. She gained her DVM at the University of the West Indies and has been in the UK for one year.

"Being a member of the RCVS means so much to me and I feel very accomplished to have passed the Statutory Exam. Membership of the RCVS is internationally recognised so there are lots of options open to me now, however, I have family here in the UK and enjoy living in Leeds, where I hope to find employment in a small animal practice."