Work-based programme will help graduates transition into new careers.
The RCVS held an in-depth session on its new Graduate Development Programme: VetGDP, as part of this year's BSAVA Virtual Congress 2021.
The session was hosted by RCVS director of education Linda Prescott-Clements. She explained the role of the VetGDP programme in supporting new graduates as they begin a career in clinical practice.
VetGDP is a workplace-based programme, which places graduates in an RCVS-Approved Graduate Development Practice/Workplace, accredited to host the programme. They will be supported by a trained, in-house VetGDP Adviser who will be given committed time and resources to help the graduate progress.
To become an adviser, veterinary surgeons must have been on the UK-practising register for more than three years and be based in the same practice as the graduate for a sufficient amount of time to be able to support them. Training and time spent with their graduate will all contribute to the Adviser's annual PPD requirements.
The RCVS has developed a bank of high-level Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for graduates to complete with the support of their Adviser. These are multi-dimensional and flexible, so that they can be tailored to reflect the real world experiences of everyday practice. EPAs help graduates to move from simple straight-forward tasks to the more complex cases.
To monitor graduate's progress, a bespoke e-portfolio is currently under development. It is based on the RCVS' 1CPD Recording Portal, allowing users to record reflections using text or audio, as well as upload feedback.
VetGDP is being rolled out Summer 2021, however, in light of the pressure placed on practices by the pandemic, the RCVS has extended the deadline for VetGDP Adviser training to be completed to December 2021.
For more information please visit the RCVS website or email questions to vetdgp@rcvs.org.uk
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. 
