UK’s First PGCert In Soft Tissue Surgery Starts In March 2024
5 months ago 
577 views
November 2023
CPD Solutions is proud to launch the first postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Soft Tissue Surgery in the UK. Awarded by The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) which is home to the 11th UK School of Veterinary Medicine, the programme commences in March 2024. The unique programme combining practical training with reflective learning enables veterinary surgeons to achieve their PGCert within 12 months.
Vet and PGCert Programme Manager, Alison Malone, explains, “We are delighted to be working with the newest UK Vet School to deliver this innovative postgraduate certificate programme, blending extensive practical teaching with reflective practice. The specific focus on soft tissue surgery, will enable GP vets to develop and refine their clinical skills, knowledge and confidence in this area, better preparing them for managing these cases in their day-to-day practice.”
Explaining why they are providing the only soft tissue surgery PGCert available, Alison continues, “This course came about as a result of listening to what vets in practice want, and many wanted a focused soft tissue surgery curriculum without the orthopaedic element amid concerns that their practices don’t have the case load to benefit from the advanced learning. The Soft Tissue Surgery PGCert provides delegates with hands-on experience for the cases they will be seeing frequently, making a dramatic impact to their daily work life”.
Pete Holland, Associate Dean (Partnerships and Enterprise), School of Veterinary Medicine at UCLan, adds, “We are very excited to be working alongside CPD Solutions, which has been delivering exceptional quality CPD and postgraduate courses for many years. Their focus on practical hands-on teaching very much aligns with our teaching goals as a new School of Veterinary Medicine.”
The Soft Tissue Surgery PGCert comprises three modules: Essentials of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, Small Animal Abdominal, Perineal and Urogenital Surgery, and Small Animal Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgery. Each module begins with three days of practical sessions at CPD Solutions Training Centre in Warwickshire provided by expert tutors Lynda Rutherford, Faye Swinbourne, Will Robinson, Lara Dempsey, Elinor Field and Lee Meakin.
Will Robinson, RCVS and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and programme tutor, says, “I am extremely excited to be involved in the first soft tissue surgery specific postgraduate certificate. I look forward to engaging with the delegates and guiding them through a discipline that is very close to my heart.”
Programme tutor and RCVS and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Elinor Field, also comments, “This unique course will provide vets with one-on-one practical teaching from specialists in fully equipped wet labs. We teach a wide range of surgical procedures that delegates will be able to take back to their practice and improve the level of care they can provide to their patients. I’m very happy to be involved and look forward to the programme starting next year.”
CPD Solutions began offering PGCerts in 2017 with a refreshing approach to learning. Dispensing with traditional monthly CPD attendance, lectures, and formal examinations, their programmes prioritise hands-on practical training, work-based learning, and reflective assessment. Continuous evaluation is achieved through the submission of case logs and critical reflective essays at the end of each module. Delegates benefit from dedicated tutoring and access to a wealth of online resources, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their learning journey.
Alison continues, “Reflective learning is a key part of small animal practice that helps achieve better outcomes. We eagerly anticipate welcoming a new cohort of vets who embrace this progressive approach and are enthusiastic about earning this valuable postgraduate qualification in just one year.”
Previous delegates from CPD Solutions PGCerts have commented on this novel structure to learning and examination:
“Writing reflective narratives instead of taking exams greatly enhanced learning. It allowed me to understand better the factors that affect decision making at work and enabled me to form realistic plans to improve the level of care that I provide to my patients. It allowed deeper understanding and helped me to cement the knowledge obtained.” Dimitrios Angelidakis MRCVS, PgCertImag.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the sessions and learnt a huge amount. Particularly like the emphasis on ‘doing’ rather than endless lectures – excellent use of time.’ Liam O’Connor MRCVS, PgCertSurg
There are 20 spaces on the PgCert in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery which commences in March 2024. Interested candidates can secure their place by paying a deposit. For further details or to reserve a spot, please call CPD Solutions on 0151 328 0444 or visit www.pgcert.com.
More from Companion Consultancy
- BreathEazy launches Respiratory Educator CPD with free Aero® Chamber offer
- Veterinary Receptionist Named Vetpol’s 2023 CPD Champion
- Millpledge Veterinary announces the launch of ocular lubricant, Oculeze™
- Andy Moores appointed BVOA Chairman
- eBook Inspiration from Veterinary Woman for International Women’s Day 2024
