Assumed set of skills and knowledge base of graduate veterinarians (RCVS reference)
Skills:
| Ability to obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment (C1.1) |
| Ability to handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques (C1.2) |
| Ability to perform a complete clinical examination (C1.3) |
| Ability to communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities; to listen effectively and respond sympathetically and to clients and others, using language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context (A1.1) |
| Ability to recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard to the safety of those present; and to advise on disposal of the carcase (C1.15) |
| Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to clients (A1.1) |
| Ability to assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where appropriate) (C1.18) |
| Ability to advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species and commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards, and to seek advice and assistance where necessary from professional colleagues (C1.19) |
| Awareness of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole (A1.4) |
| Awareness of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures (A1.5) |
| Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct (A1.9) |
Knowledge:
| The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based (B1.1) |
| Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary science (B1.2) |
| How to evaluate evidence (B1.3) |
| The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry (B1.4) |
| Legislation relating to the welfare of animals and notifiable diseases (B1.6) |
| Principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare (B1.8) |
| Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses (B1.9) |