Developing veterinary clinical careers pathways – insights from the independent chair of the working group

In this blog post, Professor Nick Cooper, Associate Professor in Clinical Education at the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Medical School, and independent Chair of our Veterinary Clinical Careers Pathway (VCCP) Working Group, writes about why he chose to get involved in the development of the VCCP project; the insight he hopes to bring from a four-decade spanning career in general medical practice; and, how these learnings can be used to help create a model fit for veterinary medicine.

As a General Medical Practitioner for more than 40 years and a medical educator within the NHS and higher education, I was enthused to lend my knowledge and experience to this project exploring potential development of clinical career pathways for veterinary practice. While reflecting on the similarities and differences between human and veterinary medical practice, not least the NHS support for postgraduate education, I hope to bring insights from the challenges and opportunities that have been experienced in the development of vocational training for General Medical Practice (GMP) since the 1970s.

In medicine, one of the challenges to a formal structure for preparing to be recognised as a GMP was the initial opposition from established GPs for the creation of such a training programme. Experience over the last 40 years, with the increasing complexity in healthcare, has established the need for structured postgraduate education following a basic medical degree. This in turn has raised the profile of GMP amongst medical students and the medical profession and the importance of the recognition of ‘the generalist’, ‘first contact patient care’, and evidence about improved healthcare outcomes associated with continuity of care.

Today the challenge from ‘trainees’ is concern about the burden of assessment, not least the e-portfolio and reflective practice. Supervisors are stretched with increasing clinical responsibilities and there is a realisation that excellent supervision and mentoring requires both time and financial support.

From the initial discussions around the Veterinary Clinical Careers Pathway project there appears to be some confusion both within the veterinary professions, and the general public, of the various roles in veterinary practice, particularly around Advanced Practitioner status, and the potential value of enhancing the profile and appreciation of general practitioner vets. This in turn will hopefully improve morale, improve status and recognition, and provide more opportunities for career progression which in turn may lead to improved retention.

The discussions with wide representation from the veterinary profession has been enlightening, especially in the challenge of treating and managing ill health in different species and contexts. Our two stakeholder events, in London and Edinburgh, have been well attended and provided much fruitful discussion. Consideration of the rationale for possible career and curriculum developments include the importance of recognition for which may be an ‘unappreciated’ group of practitioners, clear pathways for new graduates, support for lifelong learning and the vital role of clinical research.

Over the coming months, I am looking forward to continuing to work with and talk to a wide variety of veterinary practitioners on how we can take the best ideas around career development and stasuses from the medical and other sectors, and adapt them to the particular circumstances of the veterinary sector. Anyone with any ideas for the project or who want to find out more can email [email protected].

More information on upcoming VCCP events can be found in our News section.