We received a promotional copy of With the SAS and Other Animals which Glen Cousquer BSc (Hons), BVM&S, CertZooMed, MRCVS kindly reviewed for us

“With the SAS and other animals” provides a fascinating account of a young, Royal Army Veterinary Corps officer’s, six-month tour of duty in the Sultanate of Oman. The significance of this, somewhat unusual, attachment emerges through the author’s biographical account of his contribution to the Dhofar War. The account is colourful, vivid and entertaining, bringing to life the many challenges of this fine example of a “Hearts and Minds” operation.

Andrew Higgin’s account of his experiences as the last of the British Army Training Team’s vets in Dhofar is fascinating on a number of levels. Firstly, it will be of interest to veterinary professionals who have worked and travelled in the developing world. It will be particularly inspiring to young vets in their first year or two of practice, who are wondering where their new qualification, skills and training can take them.

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Vetstream at BSAVA and additional news

We’re attending the biggest veterinary congress of the year. You can find us at stand 419 from 11-15 April at BSAVA 2012 on the main exhibition floor.

In other news: NationWide Laboratories and Cambridge Specialist Laboratory Services will officially re-brand as Dechra Laboratory Services and Dechra Specialist Laboratories respectively.

The two independent laboratories became part of Dechra Pharmaceuticals in 2002, and are dedicated to the improvement of animal health by directly supporting practices.

Visit BSAVA Congress 2012.

University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science restores its full approval from the RCVS

The University of Bristol had been under conditional approval since March 2007 but, following a vistation in December 2011 the University of Bristol is now unconditionally approved by the RCVS.

Professor Stuart Reid, EPSC Chairman, praised the school:
“There is a positive and constructive atmosphere, which is a credit to the Head of School and all the staff who have clearly worked extremely hard”

Visit The University of Bristol.

Reality sinks in…

Today I enter the real world of the career I’ve chosen for the next 40 years or so of my life. Albeit only for a two week placement, but this is my first proper experience of the veterinary world as a vet student outside of college.

I’ve got my normal first day nerves, coupled with an annoying fear I’ll faint in surgery. I’ve never fainted as yet, and can do all sorts of dissections with no funny feelings but I do worry about real life surgery.

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VetCoach, a non-profit project to motivate and inspire graduating veterinary students and recent graduates

In April it seems to be the right time to talk about graduation and what comes after that. Is there life after vet school? What to do and what to expect? The change from vet school into the professional vet world is a BIG change, with many question marks. To some it might feel like being trapped in a minefield of potential mistakes and disasters.

Well, it is not that bad and there is help available. VetCoach has collected career learnings from veterinary professionals around the world and shares them with students in order to support an optimal career start after graduation.

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It’s spring time: the sun breaking through the blanket of clouds, warming our skin for the first time in months, crisp fresh leaves unfurling from the sparse branches of trees and little, fluffy, white lambs frolicking in the rolling fields. Ah yes, the lambs. Because Easter means just one thing to vet students: lambing.

“Isn’t that sweet?” people coo, “You get to help little baby lambs get born? Oh, I’d just love to do that!”

Little do they know what lambing really entails.

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How much of a problem is racism and sexism at vet school?

One in five female veterinary students have experienced some form of sexism while at vet school claims a new report from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Over 5000 sudents were surveyed across 28 vet colleges. 14% said they had experienced some form of harassment while at vet school and, unfortunately, as many as 90% did not report the harassment. This may stem from a figure of 35% students believing they had no member of staff they could confide in.

Alison has written about her experiences with sexism in the profession here. Have you encountered harassment while at vet school, and if so what did you do?

Read the full story on DVM360.

Animal Abuse

This week we had lectures on something horrible, but something completely necessary for us to learn: abuse of animals.

I think what shocked me the most was how widespread it is. I sort of classed it with other things that rarely happen at the back of my head. In 2009 1,153 people were convicted in cases brought about by the RSPCA, plus 612 people cautioned for offences under the Animal Welfare Act (2006). For a nation of pet lovers, this is a lot.

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BVA partners with RVC CPD for clinical courses to fill career gaps

The courses are designed for graduates who have just left vet school and are looking to focus on a specific discipline in veterinary practice. Courses include farm animal practice, emergency care, internal medicine, dermatology and ophthalmology.

Courses will be held from April to September 2012 at the British Veterinary Association in London. BVA members receive a 45% discount.

For prices, booking information and full details visit the BVA site.

Good luck with your exams!

Exam season will be hitting for many of you soon and Vetstart wishes you the best of luck whether you’re taking mocks or final year assessments.

Vetstream provides free trials for Vetstart members and has a wealth of material ideal to help during revision. There are also numerous exam help topics on The Student Room.