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Unique VET Festival will return for a second year
festival
Presentations are held in outdoor marquees rather than lecture theatres to create a fun, relaxed environment.

Noel Fitzpatrick offers a new approach to veterinary conferences
 
The one-of-a-kind VET Festival is set to return to Surrey for the second year in 2016. Created by the renowned neuro-orthopaedic veterinary surgeon, Noel Fitzpatrick, the event offers a unique approach to learning and networking.

At The VET Festival, which stands for Veterinary Education for Tomorrow, lectures are held outdoors in marquees, creating a relaxed 'festival' environment that is a far cry from traditional lecture theatres.

A festival party is also held to give delegates the chance to socialise and network in the evening. At the inaugural conference in September this year, the One Live music event was headlined by Mike and the Mechanics.

For the 2016 conference, organisers promise an all-new venue and an 'unrivalled' line-up of world class speakers, who will share practice advice that isn't available online or in textbooks, offering information that delegates in small animal practice can apply immediately in their working lives.

Professor Fitzpatrick said: "The VET Festival is an entirely revolutionary platform for veterinary education. It's fun, exciting, dynamic and will be an invaluable learning and global networking event.

"The VET Festival is a place where all those working in the veterinary industry can come together to share their passion, knowledge and experience and everything we signed up to when we entered the profession - for the greater good of the animals, medicine, society and the planet."

Presentations will be focused on five key themes: 'orthopaedics', 'neurology', 'soft tissue and oncology', 'veterinary nursing, nutrition and rehabilitation' and a new addition, 'veterinary business and team dynamics'.

The conference welcomes veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practice support staff from the UK, Europe and further afield.

It will be held on 3-4 June, 2016 against the picturesque backdrop of Loseley Park Estate in Surrey. Before 31 December, delegate passes can be purchased for £116, a discount of 25 per cent. A package is also available that allows a group to attend with their practice manager.

 

Image provided by VET Festival

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.