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VET Festival announces 2020 lineup
Delegates will be able to collect some 14 hours of CPD

Two-day learning event will foster education and development

A variety of outstanding speakers and education streams have been announced to be included in VET Festival 2020, which aims to combine continuing professional development (CPD) with a relaxed, ‘festival’ environment.

The speakers this year include Dr Aldo Vezzoni, a European specialist in small animal surgery; Dr Peter Southerden, a European and RCVS specialist in veterinary dentistry and Rachel Lumbis, a lecturer in veterinary nursing at the Royal Veterinary College. Speakers from outside the profession will also feature including paralympic champion Rachel Morris MBE, and mindfulness leadership specialist, Natalie Pennicotte-Collier.

The festival encourages the sharing of knowledge and perspectives among veterinary professionals and 135 lectures will be offered across the weekend to suit people at every level of clinical practice.

Eighteen separate education streams are planned to feature in the festival, including dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology and endoscopy, along with a new ‘top tips’ stream, which will offer practical advice for immediate use in clinical practice.

Other events, activities and services on offer over the weekend are an arena where delegates can engage in practical sessions to improve their general well-being, including yoga and mindfulness; The Family Hub, which allows delegates with children to attend the festival and gain CPD hours and a party night on the Friday, where attendees can enjoy a relaxed and fun evening with their peers.

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who conceived and launched VET Festival in 2015, commented: “Outdoor festivals bring joy to the soul and I have always wanted education and continuing professional development to feel uplifting, inclusive and life-enhancing, both professionally and from a personal wellness perspective.”

VET Festival takes place from 5-6 June 2020 in Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey.

Image (c) 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.