RCVS forms working group for career pathways project
Nick Cooper will chair the working group.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has formed a working group to develop its new veterinary clinical career pathways project.
The group will be chaired by Nick Cooper, a medical educator and retired GP. He is an associate professor in clinical education and the medical director for physician associate studies at the University of Plymouth. He is also the current president of the Academy of Medical Educators UK.
Prof Cooper will be joined by a mix of veterinary professionals and academics, as well as a recent graduate and a veterinary nurse. The group will hold its first meeting in the spring.
The veterinary clinical career pathways project was announced by the RCVS in November 2023 with the aim of improving career options for veterinary professionals.
The project has three workstreams, which the working group will oversee: developing a training programme for a new ‘Specialist in Primary Care’ status; providing clear guidance on the different clinical roles and statuses; and developing more flexible and accessible routes for specialist training.
Prof Cooper said: “I am both delighted and grateful to have been appointed to chair this group and to have the opportunity to work alongside my veterinary peers on this very important project which could prove transformational in terms of diversifying and expanding the career options and pathways available to veterinary surgeons.
“I hope to bring useful insight from the medical professions and my experience as a general practitioner, a medical educator and from my involvement with postgraduate training development.”
Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS director of education, added: “We’re very fortunate to have the vast wealth of experience and varied perspectives that the various veterinary surgeons on the working group will bring to this important work and grateful to have Professor Cooper’s experience of postgraduate training developments over many different years and health profession contexts.”
Image © Royal Collage of Veterinary Surgeons
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