Will McFadzean, EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Anaesthetist At Somerset Referral Centre Becomes European Diplomate
6 years ago 
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An anaesthetist at one of the UK’s foremost veterinary centres is celebrating after becoming a European diplomate.
It’s a particularly impressive achievement by Will McFadzean, of Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset, as the pass rate is notoriously low.
He now has the title of EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Will said: “This is recognition of the last five years of hard work, so naturally I’m delighted.
“The pass rate is notoriously low in the anaesthesia examinations, with only 30 per cent of candidates passing the written exam this year.
“So, when I first heard the news, I was shocked, along with a mixture of excitement and relief that it was all over.
“It’s been a long haul. I started in October 2014 and the period of clinical education alone, which involved education in anaesthesia of all species, lasted three years.
“On top of the clinical aspect you must publish two scientific papers in a peer review journal, and write two case reports.
“This is then followed by the written examination in Hanover with 12 hours of exams over two days, and then a three-hour long oral examination in Ghent.
“For me, the oral examination was by far the most daunting part. It’s not just a test of knowledge and skill but also your ability to remain calm under pressure.”
Will’s success is also a huge accolade for Cave Veterinary Specialists, which is based near Wellington.
He said: “We now have an anaesthesia department at Cave consisting of two full-time anaesthesia diploma holders and one ethics and welfare diploma holder, allowing us to provide the highest standards of patient care.”
Will, who now plans to study for his Masters, graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2010 and then completed an internship at a referral hospital in Berkshire.
He subsequently worked in both primary care and referral practices before starting a residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Bristol in 2014.
During his residency, he completed an RCVS Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia in 2016 and is also part of the Associate of Veterinary Anaesthetists’ subcommittee.
For more information on Cave Veterinary Specialists, which is part of Linnaeus, visit https://cave-vet-specialists.co.uk.
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