Essential overseas CPD course

We have teamed up with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) to help overseas vets with a comprehensive two-day course aimed at providing them with the necessary information and support needed to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK.

The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary profession – an essential CPD course for overseas vets’ is aimed at overseas vets in 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 become the subject of a complaint, and to improve their UK experience 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.

President Jacqui Molyneux said: “Each year we register around 600 overseas graduates – around 40-45% of our total new members.

"We appreciate that working in a foreign country can have its challenges – and that regulatory structures and professional expectations can change in different countries – not to mention language and cultural barriers.

“We hope that this two-day course will help overseas graduates to better understand the professional framework in the UK, improving their confidence and ability to deliver an excellent service to their clients and their animals.”

Vets can attend the two modules separately. The first ‘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 for when things go wrong.

The second day, ‘Master class in communication skills’ goes through challenges in the consulting room and how to handle them.

BVA President Carl Padgett said: “Adjusting to life and veterinary work in the UK can be challenging, not least because of the very demanding clientele.

"This course will give participants a solid foundation, so that they know what to expect, what their responsibilities are and how to protect themselves.

"We also want them to know what they are entitled to receive when employed in the UK and we will also show them where to look for jobs, how to gain a useful advantage when writing their application and tips for the job interview process.

“Additionally the course will help them be more confident when they communicate with clients and colleagues and will include useful tips from an overseas vet who has practised in the UK for many years.

"There will be plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions during the two days.”

David McKeown, Member Services Director at the VDS, added: "The Veterinary Defence Society receives almost 300 calls a week from practitioners who are concerned about something that has happened in their practice; an incident which they fear may create a Royal College complaint or even result in a claim.

"When investigated, a high proportion of these events involve a breakdown in communication as opposed to a clinical mishap.

“In addition to all the important information participants will receive on day one, day two will provide the opportunity to work with a facilitator and simulated clients, equipping them with practical tools to enhance their communication skills.

"The 2-day course will provide vets with a better understanding of the various bodies involved in the UK veterinary profession as well as their roles within the industry."

The course runs on 27 and 28 November 2012 at the headquarters of the BVA in central London.

Fees have been reduced, to make the course even better value. Visit www.bva.co.uk/events for more information.