The RCVS Council has approved proposals for a future programme of specialty training for primary care veterinary surgeons, opening the way for general practice to be recognised as a specialty in its own right. 

The proposals stem from the College's Veterinary Clinical Career Paths (VCCP) project, launched in 2024, which aimed to address the limited career paths open to the 80% of veterinary surgeons who work in general practice.

The proposals were develope by the VCCP working group, comprising advanced practitioners, specialists, rural practitioners, new graduates and representatives from different areas of practice, and headed up by medical GP Professor Nick Cooper.

Professor Tim Parkin, RCVS President and Chair of RCVS Education Committee, said: “The introduction of this speciality training is an exciting progression.

"With change on the horizon in many areas of the profession, we’re delighted that as part of this ongoing evolution we will be able to provide further career opportunities for vets in general practice.

“The proposals were passed unanimously by our Education Committee before going to Council for formal approval, where the document was met with immense positivity and enthusiasm.”

RCVS Director for Education, Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, said: “As a level 8 qualification, this programme will support the development of accomplished leaders and the completion and publication of research and scholarship to help ensure veterinary primary care practice continues to advance.

“Designed to be highly flexible and workplace based, with a strong emphasis placed on support for learners, the modular nature of the programme will allow vets to tailor their learning to their own interests.

“Vets working in general practice are the backbone of the profession and while we understand that not all vets wish to pursue further training, this new programme will provide those looking to develop their career paths in a more structured and supported way with an opportunity to do so.”

The College will begin consulting with the profession on the proposals in the coming weeks, starting with stakeholder groups, before progressing to a full consultation with the wider profession.