Veterinary surgeon
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A veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian qualified in the UK and several other Commonwealth countries. In the UK, veterinary surgeons are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or RCVS. The legislation affecting the activity of UK veterinary surgeons and of the RCVS is the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966.
This legislation restricts the treatment of animals in the UK to qualified veterinary surgeons only, with certain specific exceptions. The exceptions are the treatment of animals by physiotherapy and other manipulation techniques (e.g. chiropractic, osteopathy), on the recommendation of and under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon. Certain trained individuals may be legally authorised to undertake procedures such as blood sampling or ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis, following appropriate training and assessment.
Various alternative medicine therapies can only be performed on animals by a veterinary surgeon (e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine aka phytotherapy, aromatherapy).
Entry Requirements
A degree in veterinary science/medicine (and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)) is required to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK and the European Union. The seven institutions offering relevant degrees are:
- University of Bristol;
- University of Cambridge;
- University of Edinburgh;
- University of Glasgow;
- University of Liverpool;
- University of Nottingham;
- The Royal Veterinary College, London.
Degree courses are usually five years in length (six years at Cambridge, accelerated course at some universities for graduate entrants with relevant degrees can be 4 years). UK and EU applicants pay the normal subsidised home rates (about £3000 per year) for tuition and international applicants are expected to pay full fees for the course (upwards of £15,000 per year).
Career Development and Training
Continuing professional development (CPD) is a mandatory and key part of career development. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recommends a minimum of 105 hours' CPD over a three-year period. The RCVS Professional Development Phase (PDP) that was launched for new graduates in 2007 provides a structured approach to guide the new graduate towards the professional competences they need to develop in either small animal, equine or production animal practice. Further information about RCVS's PDP can be found at [1].
It is possible to gain modular certificates and diplomas in a range of clinical specialities whilst working in a practice. A certificate on average takes around two years to complete. Some employers pay part or all of the course fees and you may be able to take time off to study. Certificates cover a wide range of areas, including small animal medicine, small animal surgery, large animal medicine, welfare ethics and law, public health, cardiology and orthopaedics. The RCVS has introduced modular certificates, which will replace the current certificate qualifications and are designed to be accessible to all vets and encourage lifelong learning. The modular Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, (Cert AVP), requires completion of compulsory "A" and "B" modules which indtroduce the basis of further study and good clinical practice, and completion of a number of "C" modules, where the individual subjects may be studied in further detail. The number of modules required at each level is; One "A" module, Professional Key Skills.(15 credits)
Two "B" modules, one must be the Clinical Key Skills module, (5 credits), but a choice of the second is available from: Small Animal Practice, Laboratory Animal Science, Veterinary Public Health, Production Animal Practice, Equine Practice or another specialised practice area. (10 credits each)
Three or more "C" modules or a combination of "B" and "C" modules totalling at least 30 credits.
All modules are allocated a points score, and candidates musy achieve more than 60 points to be awarded the Cert AVP.
There may also be the opportunity to train to become a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). Most practices will have a trained LVI who is authorised to carry out certain tasks on behalf of the Secretary of State (Defra). These tasks include testing cattle for tuberculosis (TB) and brucellosis, and the issue of documentation for the export of animals and animal products. There are a wide variety of other LVI tasks; you should contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) for details.
Newly qualified veterinary surgeons usually work as assistants for some time before being offered the opportunity to become a partner or a principal, although the number of opportunities for partnerships is decreasing, with many practices being owned by larger companies and all vets being employed. Not every vet will want to become a partner as it involves increased responsibility, the need for more business and management skills and a financial input into the practice.
There is the opportunity to increase specialisation, either in existing practices or in practices noted for expertise in a particular field, such as equine medicine, small animal surgery or dermatology. Further training is required for these specialisations, which can lead to a certificate or diploma. With further training, extensive professional experience and by publishing articles on your chosen area, it is possible to gain Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Recognised Specialist Status. Recognised specialists have demonstrated a high level of knowledge in their specialised field and must be available to offer consultation in their chosen field
There are also opportunities to work for employers such as animal welfare societies and government services, for example in the State Veterinary Service (SVS), the Veterinary Laboratories Agency or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The SVS is responsible for areas such as the control and eradication of major notifiable diseases and also has responsibility for animal welfare, promotion of international trade and certain public health functions related to residues in meat and investigation of food safety incidents. THe SVS also provides education to LVIs and members of the public on request. The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) is involved in consumer protection, principally in the area of meat hygiene. The VMD is focused on the licensing of veterinary medicines.
It is also possible to pursue a research and/or teaching career within universities or research bodies.
Employment Sources and Related Jobs
Veterinary surgeons are typically employed in private practices in rural and urban areas. They may also work the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and The Blue Cross.
Overseas opportunities can be found with, amongst others, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and Voluntary Services Overseas.
Vets in general practice are often sub-contracted for part-time work by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or Local Authorities, inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and livestock markets. Approximately 400 work full-time for DEFRA, in either The State Veterinary Service or the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.
References
External links
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Veterinary Council of Ireland
- Prospects.ac.uk page on Veterinary Surgeon