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BEVA Unbridled sessions open equine work/life discussion
'A strong take home message, which applies to everyone, not just vets, is to determine what you want'- Lucy Grieve

Four panellists discussed their experiences as equine vets.

BEVA Unbridled has begun their series of discussions about non-clinical elements of equine work, with a session in July about work/life balance as equine veterinary surgeons.

The first session, hosted by British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Veterinary Projects Officer Lucy Grieve, welcomed four panellists from different aspects of the equine veterinary profession to explore how their personal lives have affected their capability to work.

Lorna Brokenshire-Dyke talked about being a Masters student and mum of twins, including a child with a disability, alongside her work as an ambulatory veterinary surgeon and equine physiotherapist in equine practice.

Spike Milligan, a performance horse consultant, discussed how he balances working as an integral part of his clients’ teams with raising his family.

Natalie McGoldrick spoke about managing equine practice as a sole practitioner as well as her career as a 4-star level event rider with competition horses.

Ian Beamish, a Lambourn vet and father-of-three, spoke about balancing the demands of racing work and home life.

The informal event also raised important discussions about the needs and wants of students and new graduates, and how they might change over time as life evolves throughout adulthood.

Lucy Grieve said: “A strong take home message, which applies to everyone, not just vets, is to determine what you want,

“Each individual has a responsibility to themselves to work out what they want during the course of their life. It will likely change and adapt with age, but that focus on a goal belongs solely with the individual.
 
“What was clear from the panellists is a realisation that they wanted something, and their ability to determine ways to achieve those goals. Then they were able to create a career which worked for them and those around them. That feeling of having an aim, a purpose and autonomy over one’s future is not often there from day one, and this is not a failure. Conversely, it is how life often works.
 
“You are unlikely to know what you want, or what is realistically achievable until you have the experience required to own that knowledge. That applies to life but also work.”

The recording of the session can be found here.

The next session, titled ‘EDI isn’t a new thing’, will be held Wednesday, 16 August. The finale will be hosted live at BEVA Congress 2023, with panellists exploring the challenges and solutions to flexible working in equine practice.

To find out more or book tickets, visit the BEVA website here.

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.