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BSAVA blog to provide insight into virtual congress
Congress Diairies will give readers a behind-the scenes glimpse into the creation of Europe's largest small animal veterinary event. 
"The difficult circumstances of the pandemic have motivated us to record our experiences" -  Professor Ian Ramsey. 

The BSAVA has launched a blog giving readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of next year's Virtual Congress (25-27 March).

Written by members of the Virtual Congress team, 'Congress Diaries' reveals how the event has been shaped from concept to fruition, highlighting some of the challenges faced by the team and meeting the volunteers who have taken on this significant task. 

BSAVA Congress is Europe's largest event for the small animal veterinary sector, so creating more than 130 hours of CPD online has been no mean feat. The blog will reveal how the team created a virtual exhibition hall and uncover the enterprising development of virtual face-to-face networking and socials.

BSAVA President, Professor Ian Ramsey, said: “Congress is proudly ‘by the professions, for the professions’ and our Congress teams have been working tirelessly to deliver a truly outstanding event. The difficult circumstances of the pandemic have motivated us to record our experiences, to provide some intriguing personal and practical perspectives and to reveal exactly what goes on behind the scenes to make our amazing Congress happen.” 

Among the topics that will be covered in the blog include:

  • how Congress changed my career
  • BSAVA Congress survey results: what you are looking forward to most
  • exhibitor and sponsor stories
  • how Congress delivers ROI for practices
  • up close and personal with one of the International speakers at Congress
  • top tips for making the most of Congress
  • congress highlights as chosen by volunteers.

Published twice-monthly, the first blog sets out a new format for the main sessions and uncovers the volunteers who have been working on the event. The coming weeks will see a Q&A session between Professor Ian Ramsey and delegate experience committee chair, Julian Hoad. 

BSAVA Congress 2021 promises an 'abundance of live content' with 80 hours of live programming, supported by a library of 100 on-demand webinars. 

The scientific content will be available on the platform for 30 days and then available to attendees via the BSAVA Library. For the first time, veterinary and nursing content has been integrated to reflect how the two professions work closely together in practice.

Professor Ramsey continued: “We hope the diaries will intrigue, inspire and inform our members during the countdown to Congress,” said Ian. “We get such a buzz out of building the best event possible each year and, despite some obstacles this year, namely COVID-19, 2021 is shaping up to be the best ever. Don’t miss it."

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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.