Skip to content

Free CPD for overseas graduates

2 July 2014

We have joined forces with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) to offer a free day of continuing professional development (CPD) for overseas veterinary graduates either working in the UK or considering it, on 10 September 2014.

Vet inspecting dog

The free day will be followed on 11 September by a master class in communications skills, provided by the VDS, in a popular role-play format with professional actors, which will cost £175.

The two days combined will provide overseas vets with the necessary information and support needed to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK. Vets can also attend the two days separately.

In the year to 31 March 2014 we registered 844 overseas graduates – compared with 795 UK graduates. The top five countries from which veterinary surgeons graduated were Spain (190), Italy (111), Ireland (70), Poland (55) and Romania (48).

The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary profession – an essential CPD course for overseas vets’ is aimed at overseas vets in their first two years in the UK and those considering working here.

All three organisations wish to reduce the risk that such veterinary surgeons may become the subject of a complaint, and to improve their UK experience and advance their communication skills.

The course also aims to help them understand their legal duties as a veterinary surgeon in the UK which can vary significantly from their own country.

The first day – ‘Key information and skills needed to practise as a vet in the UK’ – maps out how the UK veterinary profession is organised, and includes information about jobs, employment rights and the support available for when things go wrong.

Talks will be given by representatives from each of the three organising bodies, together with the Veterinary Benevolent Fund. In addition, Luis Sainz-Pardo from VetAbroad will provide ‘tips from an overseas vet who has survived.’

The second day, ‘A master class in communication skills’ goes through challenges in the consulting room and how to handle them. A detailed agenda is available to download on the right.

The course runs on 10-11 September 2014 at the RCVS, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2AF.

You can register online or contact Fiona Harcourt for more information, on [email protected].

 

 

Read more news