The theme of the Big Issues stream at BSAVA Congress on Friday afternoon 3 April 2020 is “Our Veterinary Profession: Idealistic, Realistic or Optimistic?” when speakers will present a number of thought-provoking topics currently the subject of debate and controversy across our profession.
The first of the stream’s sessions will kick-off by exploring candidate selection for vet schools when we will hear from speakers who have been involved in candidate selection for veterinary and medical schools in the UK and farther afield. Successful selection of candidates for our undergraduate courses is a crucial link to ensure a sustained supply of vets who can meet workforce demands, service client needs and protect animal health and welfare. The session will explore the challenges of predicting the suitability of vet school entrants who can successfully transition into graduates and develop into vets who, when faced with the reality of practice, maintain their ideals and enthusiasm to remain valued and long-term members of the profession.
Next up is a session on consolidation of the corporate landscape and the changing face of our profession’s business landscape as it continues to evolve and transform, following a path similar to that of other professions. Today’s landscape is greatly changed such that it is unrecognisable compared to what it was only a few decades ago when the independent practice dominated. Speakers will share their different perspectives, exploring how we can remain open-minded and optimistic about the changes whilst ensuring our sector remains accommodating of personal choices when it comes to deciding between the corporate or independent practice.
The stream will be rounded off with the final session on Schedule 3. It will look at how the regulations that govern our profession translate into reality at operational level in practice. To meet the demands of practice there is an ever more increasing need to maximise resources and the contributions of team members, including that of veterinary nurses who are a valuable asset and an integral part of a successful business. Up for scrutiny will be the roles and responsibilities of both vets and nurses and how we harness the potential of practice members to reap rewards while respecting boundaries and avoiding pitfalls.
BSAVA Sue Paterson encourages congress attendees to actively participate in the discussions: “BSAVA’s Big Issues once again highlights the topics that are currently integral to our ever-changing and evolving profession. This year there’s something for everyone – whether a new graduate, a nurse, a seasoned practitioner or an academic. It’s a great opportunity to engage in discussions and debate those issues that have an impact on so many of us and our everyday lives not just for today but well into the future, so I’d encourage you to get involved and have your say.”
All congress delegates, both vets and nurses, are welcome to attend the stream to hear from speakers and participate in the Q&A sessions by sharing views on matters that impact our profession. Past discussions have engendered lively debate and provided much food for thought and it’s anticipated that 2020 will be no different.
BSAVA Congress 2-5 April 2020 offers an exciting extended programme of 450 hours of top quality CPD at this year in celebration of the event’s 30th year at Birmingham. Designed, as always, to engage with the entire profession, highlights include more ‘open to all’ streams, a new range of practical workshops, small group sessions, wetlabs and nurse case reports.
To register for BSAVA Congress visit BSAVA Events’ website. For information on how to become a BSAVA member visit BSAVA’s website.