XLEquine Graduate Development Programme Receives Industry Acclaim
10 years ago 
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A training programme recently launched by practice member organisation, XLEquine, at SEVA Congress (Student Equine Veterinary Association) has been described as one of the most positive events that has taken place in terms of professional development for equine veterinarians in the UK in the last 25 years.
Speaking after the launch, Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE, Professor of Equine Medicine, said that the programme is the first step on a long path of professional and career development, and the process is positive and supportive.
The programme has been developed by XLEquine member practices to help graduates through the transition from university to life in practice and, along with clinical best practice, includes non-clinical skills such as communication skills, driving skills, and how to avoid injuries.
Professor Derek Knottenbelt believes that the challenges facing the young recently qualified veterinarian are significant. “There are social, professional and ethical issues relating to professional development that have to be developed in our young people today. The modern veterinary graduate has immense potential and this needs to be maximised.
“It is easy to destroy the confidence of a young person by over facing them and by providing them with no support but the XLEquine graduate training programme sets out to ensure that young people are given every opportunity to develop in a wide variety of specialities,” adds Professor Knottenbelt.
The programme includes four core modules, each of two days from October 2016 to February 2017. Mark Tabachnik of XLEquine member practice, Wright and Morten, presented the launch at SEVA and explains the programme objectives: “When first joining practice it is not just clinical confidence that’s important. Effective client communication, being safe in practice, sharing ideas and experiences and making friends and contacts in similar positions in likeminded practices, is all part of the aims of the programme,” he adds.
June Hart who is studying at the Royal Dick Vet School, Edinburgh and attended the launch says she is delighted that XLEquine has put together such an accessible and individual new graduate programme for equine and mixed graduate vets joining their member practices. “I am looking forward to graduating this year and starting a job but there is always the worry about not receiving adequate support from employers and colleagues at the beginning. The fact that XLEquine recognises this and is working to improve the practical skills of new graduates is reassuring,” she adds.
For more information about XLEquine visit www.xlequine.co.uk or phone Dr Emma Batson on 07825 238211.
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