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RCVS Academy shares new course for returning vets
‘Vet return’ is designed to be a flexible course, inviting learners to complete modules at their convenience.
The course provides support and guidance to those who have been out of practice.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a free course for returning veterinary surgeons on its learning platform, RCVS Academy.

Designed for veterinary surgeons that are returning to clinical practice after a break, the course provides support and guidance to those who are finding their return to practice daunting.

RCVS hopes that the course will benefit those returning to the UK Practising Register after more than five years, and who therefore must complete the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP).

However it could also support veterinary surgeons who have been of the register for less than five years, or not left the register at all, if they need structured support to refresh their skills ahead of returning to work. It can also be used by those who have not completed the registration process after receiving their licence-to-practise qualification.

The curriculum explores the key topics in the workplace, covering many of the professional aspects of working as a veterinary surgeon. It also offers additional content including practical tips, recent prescribing updates and reflective practice.

There are also a number of video interviews, in which previous returners share insights into how they approached their journey back to practice.

‘Vet return’ is designed to be a flexible course, inviting learners to complete modules at their convenience. The sessions do not offer clinical training, but will identify areas for improvement and help veterinary surgeons to rebuild their confidence.

The course takes approximately three hours to complete and is available for free on the RCVS Academy. There is also a ‘Nurse return’ course, specifically for veterinary nurses.

Tash Goodwin Roberts said: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer this course to vets returning to practice. As part of our commitment to supporting the workforce ambitions this is a course that can support not just the returning vets but also offers insight to those who will be supporting them.

“Vets who have taken career breaks have often gained a huge wealth of skills which, combined with their veterinary training, makes them assets to their new teams and the professions.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."