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Mind Matters Initiative calls for mental health abstracts
The online symposium will bring together researchers from across the world.
Mental Health Research Symposium will take place virtually in November.

Researchers working in mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary professions are being encouraged to submit their research papers for the virtual Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium.

The Symposium, titled 'Understanding and supporting veterinary mental health', will bring researchers together from across the world who are interested in all aspects of veterinary mental health and wellbeing among veterinary professionals.

Researchers are being encouraged to submit their abstracts for the Symposium, which is being organised by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), so they can present their research in 15-minute talks. The event will take place virtually this year, on Wednesday, 24 November 2021. 

Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley, said: “In previous Symposiums we have had researchers from across the world, including Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands, presenting their research. We hope that, particularly as the Symposium is now entirely online, the international nature of this event will be repeated because it is really important to compare and contrast the veterinary professions across different countries. 

“The nature of the research has also been a fascinating insight into the work that is going into the areas of diagnosis, treatment and prevention, covering everything from the prevalence of burnout among veterinarians, to the wellbeing of government vets, to how stress and unease can be converted to confidence and harmony through effective continuing professional development.”

Those wishing to submit abstracts for the Symposium should ensure they are no longer than 250 words and include background; clear and explicit aims and objectives, hypotheses or research questions; methods; results; discussion; and conclusion. 

The abstracts should be submitted as Word documents to event organiser Rosie Allister, who also manages the Vetlife Helpline, on rosie.allister@gmail.com by Tuesday 6 April 2021. 

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful within 14 days of this date. Speakers whose applications are successful will receive complimentary registration for the Symposium.

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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.