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Call for abstracts for Mind Matters Initiative Research Symposium
The symposium will be held in Manchester on 10 October 2023.
Researchers in mental health and wellbeing invited to submit.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative is asking researchers working on mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession to submit abstracts for the forthcoming Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium.

The event, which will be held at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, will bring together researchers, veterinary professionals, and mental health experts from around the world for a full programme of events.

Researchers from all backgrounds and career stages, including students, are encouraged to apply. Those who wish to take part can choose either to give a 15 minute presentation or present a poster which will be displayed at the venue.

The abstracts can be on any area of mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession, including the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses and other members of the veterinary team.

Submitted abstracts must be no longer than 250 words and include:
  • background
  • clear and explicit aims and objectives
  • hypotheses or research questions
  • methods
  • results
  • discussion
  • conclusion.
All abstracts should be submitted online by Monday, 1 May 2023. Successful applicants will be notified after the deadline and will receive complimentary registration for the symposium.

Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Manager, said: “Veterinary mental health research remains of vital importance. Since MMI’s inception we have been heartened to see the field attract ever-increasing numbers of skilled, compassionate researchers from across the UK and beyond – many of whom have a personal connection to the professions. We know they care deeply about the work they do to improve our understanding of veterinary mental health challenges, and the things that can help.

“Our last symposium, held online in 2021, saw some of the top researchers in veterinary mental health present their work on topics ranging from cyberbullying and exercise to the effectiveness of mental health support apps and the importance of mindset. We also heard progress reports from our Sarah Brown research grant winners, whose outstanding work in Sarah’s memory is already making a tangible difference to the everyday lives of those working in the veterinary professions. We look forward to returning to an in-person event for 2023, and welcoming all members of the veterinary mental health research community to Manchester.”

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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.