Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th October 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Record number of overseas vets pass Stat Exam
Thirteen of the successful candidates attended a ceremony in London.

Candidates from 19 countries join Register, including first refugee.

A record number of veterinary surgeons trained outside the UK have passed this year’s RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership and joined the Register of Veterinary Surgeons.

Twenty-seven candidates successfully passed the Stat Exam, including, for the first time ever, a veterinary surgeon with refugee status.

Hailing from the Middle East, where they had practised as a veterinary surgeon, the refugee candidate came to the UK in 2019 as their political and religious beliefs meant they were no longer safe in their home country.

Both the Refugee Council and the RCVS refugee support scheme supported them as the undertook the exam.

Although their name has not been shared publicly, to protect them and family members still in their home country, the candidate gave an interview to the RCVS.

Asked what advice they had for other refugee veterinary surgeons, they said: “They should not lose their hope. No matter how hard passing the exam may be, they have to strive to get back to the job they had in their home country.”

A ceremony was held at the Law Society, London, on Tuesday, 24 October to celebrate the candidates’ achievements. Thirteen of the candidates attended the event, which was hosted by RCVS president Sue Paterson and RCVS chief executive Lizzie Lockett.

The Stat Exam needs to be taken by veterinary surgeons with degrees that are not recognised by the RCVS in order to practise in the UK. It includes a written theory exam and a practical exam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Paterson said: “I would like to start by congratulating all of you for the enormous hard work, commitment, drive and determination that you have shown in taking and passing the RCVS Stat Exam.

“It is particularly gratifying that, for the first time, we are welcoming to the Register someone with refugee status who has passed the exam.

“I had a look at the wide range of countries that we have represented amongst our successful candidates this year. I think, perhaps with the exception of the polar regions, we have vets from every continent. Alphabetically, the countries range from Belgium, Brazil and Bulgaria to Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and Zimbabwe. In total, 19 countries.

“We are delighted to welcome you all to the veterinary profession in the UK.”

 

Image (C) RCVS

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.