Record number of overseas vets pass ‘Stat Exam’
The RCVS has welcomed a record number of overseas recruits after they passed its its Statutory Examination for Membership.
The ‘Stat Exam’ needs to be undertaken by those overseas veterinary surgeons who hold veterinary degrees that are not recognised by the RCVS and is made up of two components (each covering the three species domains of companion animal, production animal and veterinary public health, and equine): a written theory exam, and a practical Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). Candidates must also have demonstrated their English language competence and professional good standing before being entered into the exam.
This year, a record 27 candidates passed and are now eligible to join the UK Register. Thirteen of these attended a ceremony was hosted by RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS and RCVS Chief Executive Lizzie Lockett at The Law Society in London.
Speaking at the occasion Sue said: “I would like to start by congratulating all of you for the enormous hard work, commitment, drive and determination that you have shown in taking and passing the RCVS Stat Exam. It is particularly gratifying that, for the first time, we are welcoming to the Register someone with refugee status who has passed the exam.
“I had a look at the wide range of countries that we have represented amongst our successful candidates this year. I think, perhaps with the exception of the polar regions, we have vets from every continent. Alphabetically, the countries range from Belgium, Brazil and Bulgaria to Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and Zimbabwe. In total, 19 countries. We are delighted to welcome you all to the veterinary profession in the UK.”
Dr Oladimeji Sobeyo MRCVS (pictured with Sue above), who graduated from the Federal University of Abeokuta in Nigeria in 2010, said: “When I saw practice while preparing for the Stat Exam, I had the opportunity to work in an emergency clinic which was a new area for me. I found emergency and critical care very interesting, so I hope to do further work and qualifications in this area now.”
Further information about registration for overseas vets, which degrees are and aren’t recognised by the RCVS, can be found on the Stat Exam section of the RCVS website.
