Ten international vets join the Register after passing membership exam

Our President Dr Chris Tufnell congratulated 10 international veterinary surgeons who had passed their Statutory Membership Examinations and welcomed them to the College’s Register at a special ceremony on Wednesday 21 September 2016.

The Statutory Membership Exam needs to be undertaken by those who hold veterinary qualifications that are not recognised by the College.

This year, 15 applicants were successful and 10 of these attended the ceremony, which took place on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 September. Those attending came from a variety of countries spanning four continents - including Brazil, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe.

Speaking to those attending Chris Tufnell said: “I graduated with my veterinary degree 17 years ago and the last thing I would like to do is take the Statutory Exam. It is hard work and we run you through the mill but we do that for a good reason because we at the RCVS hold our vets to very high standards.”

Speaking of the role of the College and their duties as professionals he added: “It is important to remember that we all make mistakes and the RCVS is not here to bash you over the head when you make a mistake. However, as a professional it is important that you share your mistakes and try to put them right – it is unprofessional if you try to cover them up. You are brilliant for passing the Statutory Membership Examination, but like everyone, you are not perfect.”

He went on to talk about the importance of communication with professional colleagues and with clients and stressed the importance of enjoying your work and finding humour within it. The successful candidates were then taken through their professional declaration before being officially admitted on to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons.

Norman Masamvi, who graduated from the University of Zimbabwe in 1994, was one of those who attended the ceremony, having passed the exam on the second attempt. He said: “I have worked mostly in the public health sector in Zimbabwe mainly focussed on exports to Europe but I wanted to start working in the UK because it will be a step up and there will be greater opportunities in public health here. The exam was challenging after so many years in practice but I like the fact that it was very thorough.”

Tiziana Latchan graduated from the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus in Trinidad & Tobago and has practised as a small animal vet in that country. She decided to become an MRCVS after doing a work placement in the UK as part of her degree. She said: “It was the most difficult exam that I have ever done so I was very happy to have passed first time – I had to do about five months of study beforehand. I am now hoping to work in the UK as I feel there are better opportunities to grow as a vet and learn new things.”