Modular certificates – get the low down in Belfast

Thursday, 1 November 2007 is the last chance to enrol for the old-style RCVS certificates. Find out more about their replacement at this year’s British Veterinary Association (BVA) Congress in Belfast, when Senior Vice-President Professor Sheila Crispin explains the new modular approach.

Under the theme of ‘Pulling Together’, this year’s Congress comprises a varied programme, including ‘Contentious Issues’ sessions organised by the BVA on hot topics such as the Community Animal Health Policy, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Bovine Tuberculosis.

Continuing professional development sessions have been arranged by organisations such as the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), the Veterinary Public Health Association and the Association of Veterinary Teachers and Research Workers.

There is also strong local support for the Congress from the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, the North of Ireland Veterinary Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (Northern Ireland).

Professor Crispin’s talk, entitled 'Modular certificates in general practice', is part of a strand of CPD organised by SPVS, and will take place at 11am on Saturday 29 September.

She will explain the background to the development of the new Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) – which was born out of a major review of veterinary education in 2002 by the RCVS Education Strategy Steering Group – and how the new modular approach has been developed to best suit the studying styles of those working in practice.

She will be followed by Dr Bradley Viner, Chairman of the RCVS CertAVP Subcommittee, who will outline a route to achieving a CertAVP that has been developed by SPVS.

BVA Congress will be held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, from 27-29 September 2007.