Options for gaining veterinary CPD in the veterinary profession

Veterinary CPD is not obligatory under British law but it is surely frowned upon in the UK and certainly by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons(RCVS) if members do not do a minimum of 35 hours veterinary CPD. This is quite right as members of the public should expect their vet to stay up to date with developments in the field.

Information about animals increases incredibly rapidly so it is important to stay up to date with veterinary CPD.

There are a number of different ways of attaining the 35 hour minimum requirement

- Conferences- both in the UK and abroad. These are excellent opportunities to meet people face to face and to also travel but can be expensive with travel expenses, registration, hotel costs and locum fees

- Training courses of 1-2 days duration have similar pros and cons but can be useful for hands –on courses where new techniques are being taught or ultrasonography is being learnt

- Evening meetings are usually for only 1-2 hours of veterinary CPD and may necessitate travel. There is an opportunity to network with colleagues

- Online resources are useful for some people but discipline is needed to work one’s way through the course

- DVDs, CDs and MP3s can be useful if these can be listened to in the car during car journeys

- Veterinary webinars have the advantages of evening meetings in that they are live and interactive but no travel is involved. They occur at certain times but can be recorded and watched again so one can go over the course material again. Speakers from all over the world can be invited.

One of the leading proponents of veterinary webinars in the world is The Webinar Vet. The founder of The Webinar Vet is Anthony Chadwick, a consultant dermatologist in the north of England. He started The Webinar Vet to make veterinary education for the many vets who work hard all day and struggle to get all their required veterinary CPD.

"We started The Webinar Vet in February 2010 and it is flattering to see some of the more traditional veterinary CPD providers following our lead and getting involved in veterinary webinars too. If it makes veterinary education easier for vets in practice then I am delighted. I have found that many vet attendees of our veterinary webinars are doing more hours of veterinary CPD than they have done for years."

Veterinary CPD is essential but also fun for the dedicated vet. A good mixture is required but online veterinary CPD and especially veterinary webinars are an easy way of clocking up the hours and yet wasting no travel time, allowing more time for family, friends and leisure