London CPD event for overseas graduates

We have joined forces again 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.

The free day takes place on Wednesday 30 September 2015 and will be followed, on Thursday 1 October, by a master class in communications skills, provided by the VDS, in a popular role-play format with professional actors, which will cost £160.

The two days combined 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 and 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. 

The course runs on 30 September and 1 October at our offices at Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF. Further details about the event can be found in the programme available to download from the 'Related documents' box.

Those who wish to attend both or either of the days can sign up by visiting Eventbrite.

You can contact Emma Lockley, our Events Officer, for more information, on [email protected].