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Welsh farm hosts innovative taster course
vet and nurse
Planned by Neil Paton, the course looks to provide invaluable realistic insight into the physical and intellectual demands of life in the veterinary profession.
Prospective students to gain insight on vet life
 
A course, designed by Neil Paton and run by the Royal Veterinary College and Wales’ Coleg Sir Gar, will be attended by 26 prospective vets from the UK, France and Belgium.

In a five day long programme of lectures and practical visits, 16-24 year olds will visit Coleg Sir Gar’s Gelli Aur College Farm.  

Inspired by Neil Paton’s book So You Want To Be A Vet?, the course features a keynote lecture from RSPCA chief veterinary officer, James Yeates, alongside talks from farm vets, lecturers and current veterinary students.

Planned by Neil Paton, the course looks to provide invaluable realistic insight into the physical and intellectual demands of life in the veterinary profession. Neil Paton said: “It’s great to see the insight I aim to give prospective veterinary students in the book come to life in this course.”

The book informs students about what to expect from a veterinary degree, and outlines a range of potential graduate careers ranging from working with wildlife to drawing up government legislation.

Mr Paton continued: “That we have students from France and Belgium this year and students from Japan last year shows there is international demand for this ‘taster’ course and it is credit to the RVC and Coleg Sir Gar in leading the way and making Wales the home of this innovative course”.

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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...
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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.