At its June meeting, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Council approved proposals for a future programme of specialty training for primary care veterinary surgeons.
The development of the detailed curriculum stems from the work of the College’s Veterinary Clinical Career Paths (VCCP) project, launched in 2024, with the aim of expanding and diversifying the career options available to the profession. The first workstream of the project was to develop a new curriculum for primary care specialty training for vets working in general practice, who represent approximately 80% of the profession. Currently, clinical career development opportunities for this group are relatively limited to postgraduate certificate qualifications and the potential for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.
Using insights gained from a wide range of stakeholder engagement events held throughout the first year of the project, the proposal was developed by the VCCP working group - comprising advanced practitioners, specialists, rural practitioners, new graduates and representatives from different areas of practice - headed up by medical GP Professor Nick Cooper, who has a well-established background in postgraduate GP training curriculum development.
Professor Tim Parkin, RCVS President and Chair of RCVS Education Committee, said: “The introduction of this speciality training is an exciting progression. With change on the horizon in many areas of the profession, we’re delighted that as part of this ongoing evolution we will be able to provide further career opportunities for vets in general practice.
“The proposals were passed unanimously by our Education Committee before going to Council for formal approval, where the document was met with immense positivity and enthusiasm.”
RCVS Director for Education, Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, said: “As a level 8 qualification, this programme will support the development of accomplished leaders and the completion and publication of research and scholarship to help ensure veterinary primary care practice continues to advance.
“Designed to be highly flexible and workplace based, with a strong emphasis placed on support for learners, the modular nature of the programme will allow vets to tailor their learning to their own interests.
“Vets working in general practice are the backbone of the profession and while we understand that not all vets wish to pursue further training, this new programme will provide those looking to develop their career paths in a more structured and supported way with an opportunity to do so.”
Professor Nick Cooper added: “This programme will enable general practice to be recognised as a specialty in its own right, highlighting the immense value vets working in general practice bring to animal health and welfare. Not only will it support the future of the profession from a clinical perspective, but it also has the potential to support increased professional engagement and role satisfaction.”
The detailed curriculum document is the first of its kind to be published – comprising all the elements of the programme for consideration, with the syllabus being made up of a range of modules including both clinical and professional skills with core modules being complemented by elective options.
The College will begin consulting with the profession on the proposals in the coming weeks, starting with stakeholder groups, before progressing to a full consultation with the wider profession. The programme will be formally launched in due course.
If you have any questions about the new programme, please contact RCVS Lead for Postgraduate Education, Jenny Soreskog-Turp on j.soreskog-turp@rcvs.org.uk.