Fourteen veterinary students have spent a week gaining hands-on experience in equine practice as part of inspiring vet care’s annual Equine Bootcamp.
Now in its fourth year, the programme is designed to give aspiring UK based equine vets greater access to practical Extra-Mural Studies (EMS) experience, while offering students a closer look at the realities and opportunities of a career working with horses.
Third, fourth and fifth-year veterinary students joined teams at Scarsdale Equine Clinic, Pool House Equine Clinic and Oakham Veterinary Hospital in the Midlands for this summer’s programme.
Rather than simply observing clinicians at work, students were able to develop practical skills across a broad range of areas, including diagnostics, dentistry, horse handling, ophthalmology, suturing, surgical techniques and lameness assessment.
Case-based learning formed another part of the week, alongside opportunities to spend time with experienced equine clinicians and discuss the different career routes available after graduation.
EMS bursaries were also made available to all students taking part, helping to reduce some of the financial barriers associated with gaining practical veterinary experience away from university.
Jacqui Paton, Clinical Director at Scarsdale Farm & Equine and Chair of inspiring vet care’s Equine Clinical Board, said: “The Equine Bootcamp gives aspiring equine vets access to practical clinical experience in a supportive environment.
“The expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit of colleagues across our practices continue to create a unique learning environment that helps students build confidence, develop their skills and gain valuable insight into a career in equine practice.”
Attracting and retaining vets within equine practice remains an important issue for the profession, making opportunities for students to experience the variety of clinical work available particularly valuable during their training.
The Equine Bootcamp forms part of inspiring vet care’s wider work to support the future veterinary workforce through practical training, clinical development and opportunities for students to explore potential career paths.
