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Nutrition course joins Vet Nurse Merit Awards
Georgina Woods RVN will lead the new VNMA Nutrition course.
Course will discuss the role of nutrition in life stage and clinic disease management.

A new nutrition course combining online lectures, practical teaching and variety of resources and quizzes has been added to the BSAVA's popular Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards (VNMA).

VNMA's are designed to offer RVNs in primary care practice the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills without the commitment of a certificate or diploma. To achieve an award, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject through a final assessment.

Beginning in March 2021, the Nutrition VNMA will be led by Georgina Woods RVN who holds the Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition Certificate and the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Nutrition Certificate. Following the completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • discuss methods of obtaining a thorough nutritional history, extracting all relevant clinical information and how to holistically appraise the situation
  • recognise the different techniques for building good communication with the pet owner and its importance for attaining compliance with your nutritional recommendation
  • discuss the role of nutrition in both life stage and clinic disease management, where nutrition will play a pivotal role
  • gain a more in-depth understanding for non-standard diets and how to manage differences of opinion
  • describe the many ways in which rabbit nutrition differs from that of the cat or dog, and how their anatomy relates to their different essential nutritional requirements.

BSAVA's head of education, Lucie Goodwin, said: “We are pleased to be able to add this important and highly topical course to our expanding repertoire of learning resources for RVNs. Practices really recognise the value of VNMAs and are continuing to send their nursing teams on multiple courses.”

Upon completion of the course, RVNs will receive a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Nutrition along with a certificate and badge. For further information visit the BSAVA's website or email courses@bsava.com

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.