Somerset Vet Wins African Elephant Management Trip

David Crosse of Langport Veterinary Centre in Somerset David Crosse, an assistant at the Langport Veterinary Centre in Somerset, has won a 10-day trip to help neuter male elephants Africa, after signing up for a CPD course with Improve International. The names of all those signing up for Improve International’s two year courses in Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery starting in October 2013 were entered into a prize draw to win the trip and David’s name was drawn at the end of February. He will join a party from the Elephant Population Management Project (EPMP) departing for South Africa in August this year. EPMP is an international collaboration of wildlife specialists, veterinary surgeons, industry partners and others, working to alleviate elephant overpopulation in southern Africa without the use of culling. The group vasectomises male elephants using specially developed endoscopic equipment and mobile operating stations. After observing the neutering procedures, David will spend time unwinding at a luxury game lodge. Improve International is one of the UK’s leading private providers of veterinary CPD. Established by vets and run for vets, it offers courses in a variety of formats in venues across the UK and Europe, with course tutors selected for their expertise in their field. It recently announced a collaboration with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) to offer a new Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery. Commenting on his trip, David Crosse said: "I couldn't believe it when Improve rang to say I had won the trip. I've always liked elephants but never thought I'd get the chance to work with them and certainly never imagined I'd be travelling to Africa to do so. It will be a once in a lifetime experience and I can't wait to go". David Babington MRCVS and Managing Director of Improve International added: “David has won a unique opportunity to watch the amazing EPMP team in action and experience these majestic animals at close range. It’s not possible to buy a place on a trip like this and it offers a remarkable opportunity to participate in this vital project.” Based near Swindon, Improve International was founded in 1998 by veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. It provides high quality CPD in a range of formats for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practice managers to help them develop their skills and knowledge, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and where, applicable, hands-on practical sessions. For further information, visit www.improvecpd.com or call 01793 759159.

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