How UK practices can support RCVS SME overseas vets

Seeing practice in the UK is an important part of Statutory Membership Examination (SME) preparation for overseas-qualified vets. This session will explore how veterinary professionals in UK practice can support overseas vets ‘seeing practice’ at your practice or workplace.

Who is this Academy Live session for:

This Academy Live session is aimed at veterinary professionals working in veterinary practices in the UK, who are interested in finding out how to support and host SME candidates.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the session, you will be able to:

• Understanding what ‘seeing practice’ means and how the practice can support with this

• How to check if an overseas vet is allowed to see practice

• What benefits hosting a candidate may bring to the practice

• Overview of the SME

Session Speakers:

Claire Hobson RVN, RCVS Examinations Manager

Claire Hobson is a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse and experienced Examinations Manager. Formally as Head of Veterinary Studies at the College of Animal Welfare, she led a large team of lecturers and helped teach and mentor hundreds of Student Veterinary Nurses (SVNs), shaping the next generation of professionals.

Claire has collaborated with multiple awarding bodies to design and deliver Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), ensuring rigorous standards and an outstanding candidate experience. She is a committed advocate for inclusive education and professional integrity and is a proud Member of the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME).

Claire joined the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in February 2023 and has since supported Statutory Membership Examination (SME) candidates, successfully delivering the exam each year and enabling almost 150 veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Register.

Emma Firkin RVN, RCVS Education Administrator

Emma began her veterinary nursing career in 2007, working in mixed veterinary practice where she qualified as a RVN in 2009.

In 2016, Emma transitioned to small animal specialist referral practice in the south of the UK, gaining extensive experience in advanced clinical care. During this time, she furthered her professional development by completing the Diploma of Higher Education in Clinical Veterinary Nursing and the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal), which she was awarded with distinction in 2019.

In 2021, Emma completed her PTLLS teaching qualification and went on to lecture in veterinary nursing at Sparsholt College and University Centre Hampshire, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of veterinary nurses.

Emma joined the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2024, where she works alongside the Examinations Manager to aid in the delivery of the Statutory Membership Examination (SME). She is the main point of contact for veterinary surgeons from overseas who are undertaking the exam; providing support and guidance at each stage of the SME process.

Academy Course Resources:

This Academy Live session links well to the following RCVS Academy course:

• Welcoming Overseas Vets - A guide to seeing practice

FAQs

Participation

We invite participation in Academy Live sessions, welcoming questions and feedback throughout.

Will the session be recorded?

Please note that this event will not be recorded.

What is expected of me during the session?

The session will be interactive, we will be using slido during the session, so please have your phones at the ready to take part

What happens if I can no longer attend the session?

Please contact the RCVS Events Team on events@rcvs.org.uk to cancel your place.