New BVA policy recommends EMS update to make it effective and sustainable.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for a review of the extra-mural studies (EMS) requirement of veterinary education, recommending significant reform to make it effective, accessible, and sustainable for today’s veterinary students, vet schools and EMS providers.

BVA’s new policy position comes after more than a year of discussions with a working group of students, recent graduates, employers and academics. The policy includes a number of recommendations including a move away from a fixed-time commitment for EMS towards an outcomes-based approach to help create a personalised learning experience and goals for each student. It also calls for more training and support for those providing placements.

Based on the results of a 2022 BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, 94 per cent of respondents consider EMS an important part of training. Research also revealed the most common difficulties with EMS placements were the location, cost, availability of placements and accommodation.

EMS has been part of UK veterinary education since 1932, and has relied on the goodwill of veterinary professionals and others, such as farmers who have been willing to provide invaluable hands-on experience to students.

With a growing number of veterinary schools, and increasing demand for EMS placements, BVA suggest that a reform of EMS is needed to reflect its role within a changing educational and professional landscape.

President of the Association of Veterinary Students Jack Conway said: “AVS welcomes the BVA's stance on EMS and shares the view that the EMS system is outdated and needs to be revolutionised. Our firm belief is that EMS must be inclusive, non-discriminatory, and tailored to meet the needs of modern-day veterinary students, placement providers, and all other stakeholders involved. We are committed to collaborating with the BVA and other concerned parties to modernise the EMS process and ensure that it aligns with current trends and practices in the veterinary profession."

In November 2022, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) gave details of a new EMS policy which is expected to come into force from autumn 2024. It included a number of changes, including an enhanced approach to EMS through additional quality assurance measures, greater flexibility and more outcomes based approach, and measures to increase the provision and availability of EMS placements.

BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “EMS can be incredibly rewarding for both students and the veterinary professionals who provide placements. However, what we are hearing is that with demand for placements increasing at a time the workforce is already under pressure, it has become clear something needs to change. We welcome the positive changes the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has recently proposed to EMS, but more is needed to ensure it is suitable and beneficial for all involved in modern-day veterinary work and education.”

BVA’s policy position can be read on its website.