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Course to help practices hosting overseas vets
RCVS recommends overseas veterinary surgeons 'see practice' before completing their SME.
It will support those hosting overseas vets preparing for the SME.

A new course has been launched to support those hosting an overseas veterinary surgeon that is seeing practice.

Hosted by RCVS Academy, the course specifically advises those hosting, or considering hosting, overseas veterinary surgeons preparing for the Standard Membership Examination (SME).

To register and practise in the UK, some veterinary surgeons that qualified outside of the UK must sit the SME. This will enable them to join the RCVS register if they do not have an RCVS-recognised qualification.

In order to prepare for this, RCVS recommends that these candidates ‘see practice’ in the UK before their exam. This covers a range of sectors, such as companion animal, equine, production animal and veterinary public health.

RCVS’ new course offers clear, practical guidance to veterinary workplaces to ensure they have the confidence to offer support for the growing number of SME candidates.

The syllabus explains what the SME process will look like for candidates preparing for the examination. It clarifies what tasks overseas veterinary surgeons are permitted to carry out while ‘seeing practice’, and confirms the appropriate level of supervision they require.

It also discusses how important these veterinary workplaces are in supporting overseas veterinary surgeons with their professional journey, with interviews with previous SME candidates and their mentors.

RCVS says that hosting an overseas veterinary surgeon, practices make a direct contribution to their development and expertise. In return, they may gain new perspectives to enrich their workplace.

Claire Hobson, RCVS examinations manager, said: “This new Academy course will highlight the importance of workplaces offering ‘seeing practice’ opportunities and demonstrate how vet-led teams can play a vital role in supporting SME candidates to gain valuable learning experiences.”

The course is available to RCVS members on the RCVS Academy webpage.

Image © Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock.com

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.