RCVS grants 44 new fellowships
The fellowship underwent review and was relaunched with three new methods of entry.
Following a new initiative launched in April, 44 veterinary surgeons have been granted fellowship by the RCVS. The fellowship underwent review and was relaunched with three new methods of entry to allow greater scope for members of the veterinary profession to apply.
The new RCVS fellows included 19 vets commended for their contributions to knowledge, 18 vets commended for their contributions to clinical practice and seven vets commended for their contributions to the profession.
Dr Bradley Viner, senior vice-president of the RCVS, said: “I was delighted that we were able to relaunch the fellowship and open up the application process and I am tremendously proud that so many members of the profession successfully put themselves forward as candidates.
“I think it is safe to say that this is the greatest number of people who have ever joined the fellowship in a single year and it represents our hopes for its future – that of a learned society open to members of the profession from all walks of life and contributing to the profession in all sorts of ways.”
The RCVS will host an introductory Fellowship Day on Wednesday 19 October, at The Royal Institution in London. Here, members will find out more about the future of the fellowship and will get the chance to listen to a keynote speech from Martin Gore CBE, consultant medical oncologist and professor of cancer medicine.
Nick Bacon, chair of the fellowship board, said: “The aim of the new fellowship initiative is to advance and develop clinical and professional standards by providing a resource of independent knowledge for the benefit of the veterinary profession, the scientific community, and the general public as a whole.
“Fellowship is the highest status of membership of the college and so I’m very much looking forward to Fellowship Day to meet all those who were successful and celebrating with them this very significant achievement.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
