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Vet professionals invited to self-compassion webinar
The course has been shown to reduce self-criticism and reumination.
The session will look at a compassion-focused therapy intervention.

Veterinary professionals are being invited to attend a free online webinar on self-compassion from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS’) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

The session, which will take place from 7-8pm on 3 September 2024, will be hosted by Katherine Wakelin, a clinical psychologist, with support from Sarah Corthorne, a trainee clinical psychologist.

Dr Wakelin is a previous recipient of an MMI research grant and the webinar will draw on research into self-compassion carried out by her and Ms Corthorne.

Their research has seen them conduct a randomised control trial looking at the effectiveness of an online compassion-focused therapy (CFT) course. The intervention was designed to reduce perfectionism and self-criticism and increase self-compassion among veterinary professionals.

During the webinar, the researchers will go into more detail about the course and the science behind it. There will also be the opportunity for delegates to ask the researchers any questions they may have.

The CFT course will be made available for free on the MMI website and on the RCVS YouTube channel.

Dr Wakelin, said: “Our recent randomised control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians. Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary professions, so that as many people are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource as possible.

“Even though our research was conducted on veterinary surgeons, we hope that the course will be useful to all those working in the veterinary team as the content can be applied in a number of contexts.”

Those wishing to attend can sign up on the MMI website.

Image © 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...
News Shorts
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.