Free CPD day for overseas vets in September
In September the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) will be holding a free day of continuing professional development for overseas veterinary graduates in conjunction with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS).
The free day takes place on Wednesday 30 September 2015 at the College’s offices in Belgravia House, London. On Thursday 1 October this will be followed by a master class in communications skills, provided by the VDS in a popular role-play format with professional actors, which will cost £160.
Combined, the two days will provide overseas vets with the necessary information and support needed to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK. Delegates can, however, choose to attend the two days separately.
In the year to 31 March 2015 we registered 939 overseas graduates – compared with 813 UK graduates. The top five countries from which veterinary surgeons graduated were Spain (199), Australia (94), Italy (93), Romania (74) and the Republic of Ireland (73).
The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary profession – an essential CPD course for overseas vets’ is aimed at vets during their first two years in the UK as well as those considering working here.
All three organisations wish to reduce the risk that such veterinary surgeons may have a concern raised against them, to improve their experience in the UK 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 if 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.
Those who wish to attend both or either of the days can sign up by visiting www.rcvs.org.uk/overseascpd
