AVMA Refocuses Efforts to Help Students 

 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has been refocusing its efforts to better support veterinary students during the early stages of their careers. 

Faeh Bulter, the current Vice-President of the AVMA, has taken an active role in collaborating and working with students and college faculty to help improve areas such as wellbeing, inclusion, and work-life balance. 

In an interview, Faeh Bulter told AVMA news that:

‘This new focus is essential for our profession. We always say that students are our future colleagues, but without the educators, they would not have the skills to be successful.’

‘Our educators have a unique experience. Many of our concerns are the same—work-life balance, debt, and well-being, for example—but the academic environment has its own challenges and opportunities. AVMA can help. This is just the beginning. I look forward to continuing to build this relationship and to see what more is to come with future vice presidents.’

For more on this story, please click here. 

DEFRA Has No Plans to Waiver OV Language Requirements 

 

The British Government has said that they have no plans of changing OV language requirements after receiving criticism from vets across the country. 

In a written question, MP Alec Shelbrooke asked the Secretary of State for environment, food, and rural affairs, Victoria Prentis, whether she was in discussion with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) about extending a waiver on level 7 English requirements for OVs. 

This requirement has stirred controversy as it could potentially prevent a large number of European veterinary professionals from being able to practice in the UK. In response, Victoria Prentis said that she had no intention to do so. 

A spokesperson for the RCVS also said:

‘Should the department come to us with any such plans in the future they would be considered and, if necessary, voted on by RCVS council.’

‘In the meantime, in view of the workforce shortage issues that the veterinary sector currently faces – including in the OV sector – the RCVS is hosting a workforce summit [30 November], at which we will be working with a number of stakeholders, including Defra, to consider short, medium and long-term solutions to these problems.’

For more on this story, click here. 

London Vet Show Returns After Break 

 

The much anticipated London Vet Show returned last week after a two-year hiatus. 

The conference, which is held at the ExCel center in London, made a triumphant return after being canceled due to covid. 

More than 200 speakers from across the world gave talks at the show, with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) staging its congress alongside the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

Before the conference, Rob Chapman, the managing director of organizer CloserStill Media’s veterinary division, said:

‘I cannot wait until we open the doors on the London Vet Show. When the exhibitors are building up their stands, it starts to build a lot of the atmosphere – but the morning the doors open and the delegates come in is just something else.’

Register to our Website to be in for the Chance of Winning a MacBook Air 

 

Would you like to win a brand-new MacBook Air? 

To celebrate the launch of the VetX Website, we’re giving you the chance to win a top-of-the-line computer! All you have to do is head over to our membership page and register- it’s really that simple. 

Alongside being put into the competition, you will also be given access to a load of fantastic resources, including a mentorship wall, our FREE Thrive course, unlimited blogs/podcasts, and more.

Register by clicking here. 

Why Being Honest About Finances Could Boost Employee Wellbeing 

 

Though talking about finances in the workplace can seem ‘taboo’, it is an important conversation to have. With living costs rising across the world, the stresses of finances can trickle into the workplace, affecting performance and satisfaction. 

But how can employers do this in a responsible and non-intrusive manner? 

By creating a financial wellbeing policy, employers can help support employees who may be struggling with debts, etc. They can do this by:

1- Letting their teams know about financial support services such as Money Helper.

2- Making their employees aware of any benefits offered by the company. 

3- Touching base with their teams to let them know that if they’re struggling there is support within the business. 

For more advice, click here.