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Online event to celebrate scientific achievements
Professor John Innes.

RCVS Fellowship Evening is open to all veterinary professionals.

An online event to formally welcome veterinary surgeons joining the RCVS Fellowship and to celebrate the scientific achievements of the veterinary profession is set to take place in October.

Professor John Innes, chair of the Fellowship Board, will open the virtual Fellowship Evening, outlining the Fellowship's three-year plan. This will be followed by the announcement of the newly elected vice-chair of the Fellowship Board, and a formal welcome of the new Fellows by RCVS president Mandisa Greene.

The event also includes three 'Fellows in Focus' discussions, where Fellows will have the chance to talk about different aspects of their careers, work and research.

  • Dr Freda Scott-Park will discuss the future of rural mixed practice, the development of the ‘elusive’ mixed practice graduate and the work of the Veterinary Delivery Landscape Project Steering Group in Scotland
  • Dr Gerhard Steenkamp will talk about his 2018 experience of performing surgery on Grand, an iconic elephant resident of Tbilisi Zoo in Georgia, and how it this helped to heal a whole community
  • Professor the Lord Trees will discuss his appointment to the House of Lords, his role as a Peer, how his varied career has provided the foundation for this role and how the veterinary skillset is relevant for tackling a variety of global issues – from climate change to zoonoses.

The evening wil conclude with a speech by this year’s keynote speaker, Mark Woolhouse, a Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh. His talk entitled 'Covid-19: Science in the spotlight' will cover his experience of working as an epidemiologist with both medical and veterinary experience and the policies that have been instituted for Covid-19 control.

Professor Innes said: “As in previous years, this event is open to all veterinary professionals, so I do hope that, as it will be hosted online this year, many more vets and vet nurses will be able to join us for the evening. It will be wonderful to welcome our new Fellows and find out a little more about each of them, and to hear from three of them in more detail about the areas of their work they are passionate about.

“I also look forward to hearing from Professor Woolhouse as someone who has been very much directly involved in the response to the unprecedented circumstances of this year and can talk about how scientific knowledge and policy interact. I am sure it will be a fascinating and enlightening experience.”

The event takes place at 7 pm on Thursday, 1 October. Invitations for Fellowship Evening have been sent to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses and more information is available at rcvs.org.uk/fellowshipevening

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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.