Feline Practice
Online Learning Programme
Learn at your own pace, wherever you are, with our Feline Practice Online Learning Programme
Our Feline Practice Online Learning Programme has been developed to enable all veterinary surgeons access to our world-class teaching materials. By studying part-time, at your own pace, this programme allows you to effectively manage your work-life balance while taking essential knowledge back to practice immediately.
Key features of this programme:
16 varied modules
Covering key feline subjects delivered over 24 months
Support and guidance from a Module Tutor who is recognised in their subject field
The specialist in the subject area will provide online support during each module and will be available to answer all your questions
Multiple learning processes
Presentations, written notes, interactive quizzes and exercises which test your knowledge as you work
Discussion forum
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors
Course Director
Samantha Taylor BVetMed (Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, oversees the programme ensuring the latest Feline content
Four sessions per month
Each module consists of four sessions spread over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons and case-based studies to work through at your own pace
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are
Regular assessments
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
Dedicated Programme Tutor
A dedicated Programme Tutor who will support you every step of the way
Interactive and engaging modules
Which allow you to absorb the learning materials in an online environment
Programme Details:
Modules summary
- Feline clinical pathology and laboratory diagnosis
- Feline critical care and emergency case management
- Feline dermatology
- Feline urinary tract
- Feline cardiology
- Feline respiratory medicine
- Feline liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract
- Feline endocrinology
- Feline infectious diseases I
- Feline infectious diseases II
- Feline musculoskeletal disease
- Feline behaviour
- Feline ophthalmology
- Feline anaesthesia and surgical principles
- Feline neurology
- Feline oncology, lymphatic and haematopoietic disease
Qualifications
The Feline Practice Online Learning Programme offers you a comprehensive range of structured learning with the ultimate flexibility to access the training that you want whilst working around your busy practice life.
You can choose to let the Programme give you new knowledge and skills to take back to practice or you can work towards a recognised qualification.
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
By attending the full online structured programme and following successful assessment including an exam you can gain the GPCert awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
A route to a PgC in Feline Practice is available through our partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU).
The PgC is a recognised higher education qualification demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard within a designated subject. The qualification represents Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. In order to apply for this route, additional assessments will be necessary, please contact us for further information.
For GPCert and PgC fees please see our pricing table in the ‘Pricing’ tab above.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status
After completing your Postgraduate Certificate you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes. You will also need to provide evidence of Key Professional Skills knowledge to the RCVS when applying for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
Benefits
Benefits for you:
Progress your career and achieve academic recognition
Increase your skills, knowledge and confidence in dealing with more complex cases
Recognised programmes for application to the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status
Benefits for your clients:
Improve animal care
Reassure your client that their pet is in safe hands
Benefits for your practice:
Increase practice revenues
Improve productivity
Reduce external referrals and increased practice capabilities
Transfer knowledge and skills within practice
Demonstrate your commitment to enhancing practice standards
Why study with us?
- Established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons providing the highest quality training programmes
- Now operating in 20 countries worldwide and various locations in the UK
- Originators of modular CPD for veterinary professionals and still a company which is run by vets
- More than 20,000 veterinarians have benefited from our modular training
- We use world-class speakers to deliver the academic syllabus whilst ensuring content is relevant to practice
- Our practical training facilities are purpose-built and contain the latest technology
- Postgraduate programmes accredited by the International School of Veterinary Studies (ISVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University (HAU)
Tutors:

Alasdair Hotston Moore
Alasdair Hotston Moore
MA VetMB CertSAC CertVR CertSAS MRCVS
Alasdair Hotston Moore is Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Veterinary Referrals.
He qualified from Cambridge in 1990. Following graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as Intern in Small Animal Medicine and subsequently as CSTF Resident in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery. He was Lecturer and latterly Senior Clinical Fellow in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at Langford from 1997 until leaving in 2009.
Alasdair accepts cases in all areas of Soft Tissue Surgery. He speaks on his subject area nationally and internationally and has published widely in academic and professional journals.
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Alasdair Hotston Moore
MA VetMB CertSAC CertVR CertSAS MRCVS
Alasdair Hotston Moore is Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Veterinary Referrals.
He qualified from Cambridge in 1990. Following graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as Intern in Small Animal Medicine and subsequently as CSTF Resident in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery. He was Lecturer and latterly Senior Clinical Fellow in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at Langford from 1997 until leaving in 2009.
Alasdair accepts cases in all areas of Soft Tissue Surgery. He speaks on his subject area nationally and internationally and has published widely in academic and professional journals.
×MA VetMB CertSAC CertVR CertSAS MRCVS

Becky Telle
Becky Telle
DVM DACVO
Becky is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She did her small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee and residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since finishing her residency in 2019, she has been teaching as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Mississippi State University. She is board certified and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Becky is particularly interested in ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and really enjoys corneal and cataract surgery. She really loves teaching and engaging with students as well as referring veterinarians.
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Becky Telle
DVM DACVO
Becky is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She did her small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee and residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since finishing her residency in 2019, she has been teaching as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Mississippi State University. She is board certified and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Becky is particularly interested in ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and really enjoys corneal and cataract surgery. She really loves teaching and engaging with students as well as referring veterinarians.
×DVM DACVO

Christos Karagiannis
Christos Karagiannis
DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS
Dr. Christos is a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. He graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and then earned a Master of Science in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln (UK). He then went on to complete a Residency for the European College of Behavioural Medicine in the Animal Behavioural Clinic at the University of Lincoln. He lectures at home and abroad on behavioral medicine topics and he runs the first veterinary behavior service for dogs and cats in Greece.
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Christos Karagiannis
DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS
Dr. Christos is a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. He graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and then earned a Master of Science in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln (UK). He then went on to complete a Residency for the European College of Behavioural Medicine in the Animal Behavioural Clinic at the University of Lincoln. He lectures at home and abroad on behavioral medicine topics and he runs the first veterinary behavior service for dogs and cats in Greece.
×DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS

James Grierson
James Grierson
BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS,CertVR,DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and spent a few years in general practice before completing an internship and then a three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital, RVC. During this time he obtained the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery. James was a lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at the RVC before moving to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2010. James is an ECVS Diplomate and Recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery as well as being recognised by the RCVS as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. In 2010 James obtained the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Bedfordshire and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2019 James was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to clinical practice. Fellowship is the highest status of membership of the College and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
James is interested in the full range of musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions from acute trauma to elective surgery as well as the investigation and treatment of joint conditions. He has more specific interests in the role of physiotherapy in patient care, infection control and canine elbow disease (including elbow joint replacement) and feline orthopaedics. James is one of only a few specialist surgeons certified to perform canine total elbow replacement in the UK.
James continues to contribute to the profession through the provision of CPD courses, lectures, research projects and papers. James is an active member and course Chair for AOVET, an independent nonprofit organization that represents a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other professionals highly specialized in veterinary surgery of the musculoskeletal system.
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James Grierson
BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS,CertVR,DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and spent a few years in general practice before completing an internship and then a three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital, RVC. During this time he obtained the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery. James was a lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at the RVC before moving to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2010. James is an ECVS Diplomate and Recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery as well as being recognised by the RCVS as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. In 2010 James obtained the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Bedfordshire and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2019 James was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to clinical practice. Fellowship is the highest status of membership of the College and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
James is interested in the full range of musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions from acute trauma to elective surgery as well as the investigation and treatment of joint conditions. He has more specific interests in the role of physiotherapy in patient care, infection control and canine elbow disease (including elbow joint replacement) and feline orthopaedics. James is one of only a few specialist surgeons certified to perform canine total elbow replacement in the UK.
James continues to contribute to the profession through the provision of CPD courses, lectures, research projects and papers. James is an active member and course Chair for AOVET, an independent nonprofit organization that represents a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other professionals highly specialized in veterinary surgery of the musculoskeletal system.
×BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS,CertVR,DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS

Kerry Doolin
Kerry Doolin
BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and spent several years as an emergency clinician in private practice in Sydney, Australia before completing an Emergency and Critical Care internship at the University of California, Davis. I then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London. For the last four years I have worked in a private practice emergency and specialty hospital, currently based in Glasgow. In 2019, I became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
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Kerry Doolin
BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and spent several years as an emergency clinician in private practice in Sydney, Australia before completing an Emergency and Critical Care internship at the University of California, Davis. I then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London. For the last four years I have worked in a private practice emergency and specialty hospital, currently based in Glasgow. In 2019, I became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
×BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care

Kerry Rolph
Kerry Rolph
BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS,RCVS Specialsit in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine
Kerry graduated from Edinburgh University and worked in small animal practice for two years before returning to Edinburgh. She gained her certificate in Veterinary Cardiology and PhD in 2004 and in 2010, passed her Feline Medicine Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Fellowship examinations. Gaining this diploma level qualification made her eligible to apply for Specialist status with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2014 Kerry gained her European diploma in Companion Animal Medicine and became a European Specialist. She then worked at a private referral hospital in Bristol for 3 years before joining Ross University in January 2019. In 2020, Kerry was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Kerry Rolph
BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS,RCVS Specialsit in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine
Kerry graduated from Edinburgh University and worked in small animal practice for two years before returning to Edinburgh. She gained her certificate in Veterinary Cardiology and PhD in 2004 and in 2010, passed her Feline Medicine Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Fellowship examinations. Gaining this diploma level qualification made her eligible to apply for Specialist status with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2014 Kerry gained her European diploma in Companion Animal Medicine and became a European Specialist. She then worked at a private referral hospital in Bristol for 3 years before joining Ross University in January 2019. In 2020, Kerry was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
×BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS,RCVS Specialsit in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine

Kieran Borgeat
Kieran Borgeat
BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC FHEA MRCVS DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Kieran is an American and European Diplomate and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. He worked for 6 years in first opinion practice, during which time he completed a Certificate in cardiology, then undertook a residency and Masters degree at the Royal Veterinary College, London. He has given CPD to vets all over the world on cardiology, from Bulgaria to Singapore, and enjoys nothing more than chatting about cardiology to other vets. He is an experienced interventional surgeon, treating not only cardiovascular disease, but respiratory, urinary and oncological problems using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques.
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Kieran Borgeat
BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC FHEA MRCVS DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Kieran is an American and European Diplomate and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. He worked for 6 years in first opinion practice, during which time he completed a Certificate in cardiology, then undertook a residency and Masters degree at the Royal Veterinary College, London. He has given CPD to vets all over the world on cardiology, from Bulgaria to Singapore, and enjoys nothing more than chatting about cardiology to other vets. He is an experienced interventional surgeon, treating not only cardiovascular disease, but respiratory, urinary and oncological problems using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques.
×BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC FHEA MRCVS DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)

Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS
Having graduated from the veterinary school of the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain) in 1999, Maria Angeles spent a year working in Spain before moving to the United Kingdom, where she worked for two years before joining the Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC).
From 2003-2007, Angie completed an anaesthesia internship and residency at the RVC. She then worked as a clinical instructor in anaesthesia at the RVC from June 2007 to August 2011.
After that, she moved to the United States of America where she worked as an assistant professor in anaesthesiology at the University of Minnesota for two and a half years. In 2014 she returned to the United Kingdom to work as a clinical anaesthetist at the Animal Health Trust.
In January 2015, Angie joined North Downs Specialist Referrals and is currently working as Specialist veterinary anaesthetist and Head of anaesthesia department. Her clinical interests are pain recognition and management, anaesthetic management of the compromised patient and artificial ventilation. Maria Angeles holds a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia (CertVA) and is a Board certified Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (DECVAA).
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Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS
Having graduated from the veterinary school of the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain) in 1999, Maria Angeles spent a year working in Spain before moving to the United Kingdom, where she worked for two years before joining the Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC).
From 2003-2007, Angie completed an anaesthesia internship and residency at the RVC. She then worked as a clinical instructor in anaesthesia at the RVC from June 2007 to August 2011.
After that, she moved to the United States of America where she worked as an assistant professor in anaesthesiology at the University of Minnesota for two and a half years. In 2014 she returned to the United Kingdom to work as a clinical anaesthetist at the Animal Health Trust.
In January 2015, Angie joined North Downs Specialist Referrals and is currently working as Specialist veterinary anaesthetist and Head of anaesthesia department. Her clinical interests are pain recognition and management, anaesthetic management of the compromised patient and artificial ventilation. Maria Angeles holds a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia (CertVA) and is a Board certified Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (DECVAA).
DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS

Mark Lowrie
Mark Lowrie
MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS®️ European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice. Following an internship at the RVC he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology. He has a Master’s degree on steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology. He is the Clinical Director at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital and is veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
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Mark Lowrie
MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS®️ European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice. Following an internship at the RVC he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology. He has a Master’s degree on steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology. He is the Clinical Director at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital and is veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
×MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS®️ European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Nic Ilchyshyn
Nic Ilchyshyn
BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Nic graduated from Bristol in 2007 and moved to Sri Lanka to work at the veterinary school in Perideniya. In 2008, he returned to the UK to work in mixed practice in North Wales. In 2015, Nic commenced a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Dick White Diagnostics. He gained fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2018, and his European Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2019. Nic continues to work at Dick White Diagnostics, and his professional interests include the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease and flow cytometry.
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Nic Ilchyshyn
BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Nic graduated from Bristol in 2007 and moved to Sri Lanka to work at the veterinary school in Perideniya. In 2008, he returned to the UK to work in mixed practice in North Wales. In 2015, Nic commenced a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Dick White Diagnostics. He gained fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2018, and his European Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2019. Nic continues to work at Dick White Diagnostics, and his professional interests include the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease and flow cytometry.
×BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Owen Davies
Owen Davies
MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Owen is an RCVS and American recognized specialist in veterinary oncology. Before his residency at the Royal Veterinary College he spent 9 years in general practice, including mixed, small animal, private and charity work. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (chapter of small animal medicine), a diplomat of the ACVIM(oncology) and holds a Master’s degree based on research into canine lymphoma. Owen currently works at Highcroft Veterinary Referrals in Bristol.
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Owen Davies
MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Owen is an RCVS and American recognized specialist in veterinary oncology. Before his residency at the Royal Veterinary College he spent 9 years in general practice, including mixed, small animal, private and charity work. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (chapter of small animal medicine), a diplomat of the ACVIM(oncology) and holds a Master’s degree based on research into canine lymphoma. Owen currently works at Highcroft Veterinary Referrals in Bristol.
×MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor
BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2006 and the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She was recently appointed to the RCVS Fellowship Credentials Panel.
Sam is the Feline Specialist Advisor for ISFM, and the Head of the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners. She also works in clinical referral practice at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire, is editor of the BSAVA journal ‘Companion’ and is an examiner for the Membership of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). She is an editorial board member for The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and has authored 2 books and numerous book chapters as well as publishing a number of papers on both canine and feline internal medicine.
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Samantha Taylor
BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2006 and the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She was recently appointed to the RCVS Fellowship Credentials Panel.
Sam is the Feline Specialist Advisor for ISFM, and the Head of the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners. She also works in clinical referral practice at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire, is editor of the BSAVA journal ‘Companion’ and is an examiner for the Membership of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). She is an editorial board member for The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and has authored 2 books and numerous book chapters as well as publishing a number of papers on both canine and feline internal medicine.
×BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS

Stephanie Sorrell
Stephanie Sorrell
BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
Stephanie Sorrell graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists and also provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices.
She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals. She is also an examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Membership exams in Feline Medicine. She is interested in all aspects of internal medicine, particularly feline geriatric medicine and infectious diseases.
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Stephanie Sorrell
BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
Stephanie Sorrell graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists and also provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices.
She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals. She is also an examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Membership exams in Feline Medicine. She is interested in all aspects of internal medicine, particularly feline geriatric medicine and infectious diseases.
×BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

Susana Silva
Susana Silva
DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine
Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.
Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.
In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)
After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).
Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).
Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.
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Susana Silva
DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine
Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.
Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.
In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)
After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).
Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).
Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.
×DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine

Yaiza Forcada
Yaiza Forcada
DVM Dip. ECVIM-CA MRCVS
Yaiza graduated in 2002 at the University of Madrid. After a short time in private practice, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she undertook a Small Animal Internship at the Royal Veterinary College. She then accepted a residency in Feline Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and she gained her Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. Following this, she returned to the Royal Veterinary College to do a PhD about the genetics and pathophysiology of Feline Diabetes. She discovered the first gene associated with feline diabetes. Although she enjoyed her research years, Yaiza always wanted to return to clinical practice, where she could interact with students, fellow clinicians and patients. After her PhD, she became a Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at The Royal Veterinary College. Most recently, Yaiza has moved to The Netherlands with her family and is now The Director of Veterinary Specialist Consultations, a service that provides specialist help and support for veterinary clinicians. Yaiza is also an integral part of the Internal Medicine Team at de Medisch Centrum voor Dieren in Amsterdam, where she is the director of the residency program and enjoys seeing patients and training residents while providing high-level clinical care to her patients. Yaiza likes all aspects of internal medicine, although she has a passion for endocrinology, gastroenterology and all aspects related to feline medicine.
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Yaiza Forcada
DVM Dip. ECVIM-CA MRCVS
Yaiza graduated in 2002 at the University of Madrid. After a short time in private practice, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she undertook a Small Animal Internship at the Royal Veterinary College. She then accepted a residency in Feline Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and she gained her Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. Following this, she returned to the Royal Veterinary College to do a PhD about the genetics and pathophysiology of Feline Diabetes. She discovered the first gene associated with feline diabetes. Although she enjoyed her research years, Yaiza always wanted to return to clinical practice, where she could interact with students, fellow clinicians and patients. After her PhD, she became a Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at The Royal Veterinary College. Most recently, Yaiza has moved to The Netherlands with her family and is now The Director of Veterinary Specialist Consultations, a service that provides specialist help and support for veterinary clinicians. Yaiza is also an integral part of the Internal Medicine Team at de Medisch Centrum voor Dieren in Amsterdam, where she is the director of the residency program and enjoys seeing patients and training residents while providing high-level clinical care to her patients. Yaiza likes all aspects of internal medicine, although she has a passion for endocrinology, gastroenterology and all aspects related to feline medicine.
×DVM Dip. ECVIM-CA MRCVS
Feline Musculoskeletal Disease
2 May 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Perform an orthopaedic examination and be familiar with the presentation of osteoarthritis in the cat
- Understand the value of radiography, synoviocentesis, muscle and nerve biopsies
- Apply first aid techniques to fracture patients
- Explain the principles of orthopaedic surgery and the approach to the repair of common fractures
James Grierson
BVetMed Cert VR CertSAS,CertVR,DipECVS CertMedEd FHEA FRCVS
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and spent a few years in general practice before completing an internship and then a three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital, RVC. During this time he obtained the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery. James was a lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at the RVC before moving to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2010. James is an ECVS Diplomate and Recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery as well as being recognised by the RCVS as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. In 2010 James obtained the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Bedfordshire and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2019 James was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to clinical practice. Fellowship is the highest status of membership of the College and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
James is interested in the full range of musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions from acute trauma to elective surgery as well as the investigation and treatment of joint conditions. He has more specific interests in the role of physiotherapy in patient care, infection control and canine elbow disease (including elbow joint replacement) and feline orthopaedics. James is one of only a few specialist surgeons certified to perform canine total elbow replacement in the UK.
James continues to contribute to the profession through the provision of CPD courses, lectures, research projects and papers. James is an active member and course Chair for AOVET, an independent nonprofit organization that represents a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other professionals highly specialized in veterinary surgery of the musculoskeletal system.
×Feline Behaviour
1 Jun 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Consolidate your understanding of normal cat behaviour
- Understand the clinical causes of feline behavioural problems
- Formulate an approach to common problems such as inappropriate toiletting, spraying, aggression and compulsive disorders
- Review and apply strategies for improving core territory security
- Have a good knowledge of the principal behavioural modifying drugs, their use and potential side effects
Christos Karagiannis
DVM, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM(BM), MRCVS
Dr. Christos is a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. He graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and then earned a Master of Science in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln (UK). He then went on to complete a Residency for the European College of Behavioural Medicine in the Animal Behavioural Clinic at the University of Lincoln. He lectures at home and abroad on behavioral medicine topics and he runs the first veterinary behavior service for dogs and cats in Greece.
×Feline Ophthalmology
1 Jul 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the normal feline eye and use readily available diagnostic equipment and disposables in feline ophthalmic cases
- Recognise those ophthalmic conditions which are unique to the cat or are particularly important in this species
- Perform common surgical procedures pertinent to feline ophthalmology
- Approach the medical management of ophthalmic patients
- Know when to refer a patient
Becky Telle
DVM DACVO
Becky is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She did her small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee and residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since finishing her residency in 2019, she has been teaching as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Mississippi State University. She is board certified and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Becky is particularly interested in ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and really enjoys corneal and cataract surgery. She really loves teaching and engaging with students as well as referring veterinarians.
×Feline Anaesthesia and Surgical Principles
1 Sep 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Apply knowledge gained to surgical asepsis and theatre protocol
- Rationally utilise antibiotics in surgical patients
- Be familiar with suture materials and patterns, surgical instruments and tissue handling
- Plan surgery, apply haemostatic techniques and manage crises
- Approach the management and reconstruction of wounds
Online Anaesthesia component:
- Describe a range of parenteral and inhalational anaesthetic regimes
- Understand the pharmacokinetics of different anaesthetics and monitoring techniques available
Alasdair Hotston Moore
MA VetMB CertSAC CertVR CertSAS MRCVS
Alasdair Hotston Moore is Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Veterinary Referrals.
He qualified from Cambridge in 1990. Following graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as Intern in Small Animal Medicine and subsequently as CSTF Resident in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery. He was Lecturer and latterly Senior Clinical Fellow in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at Langford from 1997 until leaving in 2009.
Alasdair accepts cases in all areas of Soft Tissue Surgery. He speaks on his subject area nationally and internationally and has published widely in academic and professional journals.
×Maria Angeles Jimenez Lozano
DVM CertVA DipECVAA MRCVS
Having graduated from the veterinary school of the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain) in 1999, Maria Angeles spent a year working in Spain before moving to the United Kingdom, where she worked for two years before joining the Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC).
From 2003-2007, Angie completed an anaesthesia internship and residency at the RVC. She then worked as a clinical instructor in anaesthesia at the RVC from June 2007 to August 2011.
After that, she moved to the United States of America where she worked as an assistant professor in anaesthesiology at the University of Minnesota for two and a half years. In 2014 she returned to the United Kingdom to work as a clinical anaesthetist at the Animal Health Trust.
In January 2015, Angie joined North Downs Specialist Referrals and is currently working as Specialist veterinary anaesthetist and Head of anaesthesia department. Her clinical interests are pain recognition and management, anaesthetic management of the compromised patient and artificial ventilation. Maria Angeles holds a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia (CertVA) and is a Board certified Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (DECVAA).
Feline Dermatology
1 Oct 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Formulate a differential diagnosis, investigation plan (including laboratory investigations) for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
- Have knowledge of treatment strategies for common dermatological presentations including alopecia, pruritus, infectious and auto-immune conditions, allergic skin disease and neoplasia
- Be aware of and be able to recognise dermatological manifestations of systemic disease
Feline Oncology
1 Nov 2022 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the clinical relevance of tumour biology and be able to discuss the most common neoplasms of the major organ systems
- Evaluate the evidence base to make rational treatment decisions for feline cancer patients
- Review the importance of biopsy and staging in therapy decision making, counselling and support
Owen Davies
MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) DACVIM(Oncology) MRCVS RCVS & American Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Owen is an RCVS and American recognized specialist in veterinary oncology. Before his residency at the Royal Veterinary College he spent 9 years in general practice, including mixed, small animal, private and charity work. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (chapter of small animal medicine), a diplomat of the ACVIM(oncology) and holds a Master’s degree based on research into canine lymphoma. Owen currently works at Highcroft Veterinary Referrals in Bristol.
×Feline Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
1 Feb 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Develop a thorough knowledge of sampling techniques, the limitations of technology and equipment and the factors that can generate artefacts or abnormalities
- Interpret results and propose further investigations
- Understand the methodology involved in the generation of haematology, biochemistry and cytology profiles
- Have an awareness of the various diagnostic tests for endocrine and infectious diseases ( viral, parasitic- including heartworm- and bacterial) the techniques used and their interpretation
- Recall the cytology of haemic and non-haemic cell populations, both reactive and neoplastic, and have the ability to trace or plot maturation and degeneration pathways in blood, fluid and tissue smears
- Explain the function of bone marrow and the differential diagnosis of anaemia, haematopoietic disease and coagulopathies
Nic Ilchyshyn
BSc BVSc FRCPath Dip.ECVCP MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Nic graduated from Bristol in 2007 and moved to Sri Lanka to work at the veterinary school in Perideniya. In 2008, he returned to the UK to work in mixed practice in North Wales. In 2015, Nic commenced a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Dick White Diagnostics. He gained fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2018, and his European Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2019. Nic continues to work at Dick White Diagnostics, and his professional interests include the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease and flow cytometry.
×Feline Critical Care and Emergency Case Management
1 Mar 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Perform triage, assess patients and prioritise cases
- Undertake emergency monitoring and stabilisation
- Understand the effects, clinical signs and treatment for common toxicities including insecticides, molluscicides, rodenticides, herbicides, household preparations and plants
- Be familiar with critical therapeutics including fluid and electrolyte therapy, transfusion medicine cardiovascular and respiratory support, analgesia and CPR
Kerry Doolin
BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and spent several years as an emergency clinician in private practice in Sydney, Australia before completing an Emergency and Critical Care internship at the University of California, Davis. I then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London. For the last four years I have worked in a private practice emergency and specialty hospital, currently based in Glasgow. In 2019, I became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
×Feline Urinary Tract
1 Apr 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Understand the causes of renal dysfunction, the presentation and diagnostic tests utilised in cats with clinical signs of renal disease (including acute/ chronic renal insufficiency, glomerular disease, neoplasia and inherited diseases)
- Describe the causes and emergency treatment of acute renal failure
- Explain the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction and the importance/ significance of hyperphosphataemia, anaemia, proteinuria and hypertension
- Apply knowledge of the International Renal Interest Society staging scheme for chronic renal disease to patient prognosis
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available treatments for CRI including phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors and dietary modification
- Recall the neuroanatomy of the lower urinary tract and the differentiation of upper motor neuron/ lower motor neuron defects
- Approach diseases of the lower urinary tract including FLUTD, urolithiasis, urinary tract infections and neoplasia and understand their differentiation, risk factors, treatment and dietary management
Susana Silva
DVM CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal Medicine
Susana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.
Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.
In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)
After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).
Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).
Apart from being a mum to a busy 4 year old boy and a 13 year old JRT, Susana is a keen gardener that grows her own vegetables in her allotment.
×Feline Neurology
1 May 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Be able to recognise the clinical signs associated with neurological disease
- Perform a neurological assessment using appropriate tests and intepret the results
- Describe how to localise lesions and the value this provides to the clinician
- Plan a neurological investigation and list the major feline neurological diseases on the basis of localisation
- Define a diagnostic approach for abnormalities including seizures, spinal cord and cranial nerve abnormalities and peripheral neurological diseases
- List the common feline neurological diseases including their presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Mark Lowrie
MA VetMB MVM DipECVN RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and EBVS®️ European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice. Following an internship at the RVC he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology. He has a Master’s degree on steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology. He is the Clinical Director at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital and is veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
×Feline Liver, Pancreas and Gastrointestinal Tract
1 Jun 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Know how to investigate and manage common medical conditions affecting the feline oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas
- Describe the various tests used in the diagnosis of liver and pancreatic disease and the management options for the common hepatic medical disorders
- Approach the nutritional management of disorders of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract
Samantha Taylor
BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS
Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2006 and the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She was recently appointed to the RCVS Fellowship Credentials Panel.
Sam is the Feline Specialist Advisor for ISFM, and the Head of the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners. She also works in clinical referral practice at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire, is editor of the BSAVA journal ‘Companion’ and is an examiner for the Membership of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). She is an editorial board member for The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and has authored 2 books and numerous book chapters as well as publishing a number of papers on both canine and feline internal medicine.
×Feline Respiratory Medicine
1 Jul 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Approach the common presentations of respiratory disease including nasal discharge, epistaxis, coughing, stertor, stridor, sneezing and reverse sneezing
- Diagnose and treat upper respiratory tract diseases, both acute (infectious) and chronic (inflammatory or infectious or neoplastic in origin)
- Formulate an approach to allergic lower respiratory tract disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and treatment of allergic airway disease, parasitic disease and pulmonary fibrosis
- Understand pleural space disease including differential diagnoses, investigation and therapeutics
Kerry Rolph
BVM&S CERTVC PHD FANZCVS DIPECVIM-CA MRCVS,RCVS Specialsit in Feline Medicine, European Specialist in Companion Animal Medicine
Kerry graduated from Edinburgh University and worked in small animal practice for two years before returning to Edinburgh. She gained her certificate in Veterinary Cardiology and PhD in 2004 and in 2010, passed her Feline Medicine Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Fellowship examinations. Gaining this diploma level qualification made her eligible to apply for Specialist status with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2014 Kerry gained her European diploma in Companion Animal Medicine and became a European Specialist. She then worked at a private referral hospital in Bristol for 3 years before joining Ross University in January 2019. In 2020, Kerry was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
×Feline Cardiology
1 Sep 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Recognise the importance of a detailed history and clinical examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases
- Review and understand the common causes of heart disease in cats
- Consolidate your understanding of the central importance of blood pressure in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in cats and know how to discriminate the causes of hypertension in this species
- Define the crucial role of high quality imaging modalities (especially ultrasonography and radiology) in the differential diagnosis of feline cardiopulmonary diseases
Kieran Borgeat
BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC FHEA MRCVS DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Kieran is an American and European Diplomate and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. He worked for 6 years in first opinion practice, during which time he completed a Certificate in cardiology, then undertook a residency and Masters degree at the Royal Veterinary College, London. He has given CPD to vets all over the world on cardiology, from Bulgaria to Singapore, and enjoys nothing more than chatting about cardiology to other vets. He is an experienced interventional surgeon, treating not only cardiovascular disease, but respiratory, urinary and oncological problems using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques.
×Feline Endocrinology
1 Oct 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Define the clinical signs of feline endocrine diseases and understand their pathogenesis – including hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism and parathyroid disorders.
- Describe the principles of key diagnostic tests and their application for the above feline endocrine diseases
- Understand the management of common feline endocrine diseases and know how to approach complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and unstable diabetes
Yaiza Forcada
DVM Dip. ECVIM-CA MRCVS
Yaiza graduated in 2002 at the University of Madrid. After a short time in private practice, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she undertook a Small Animal Internship at the Royal Veterinary College. She then accepted a residency in Feline Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and she gained her Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. Following this, she returned to the Royal Veterinary College to do a PhD about the genetics and pathophysiology of Feline Diabetes. She discovered the first gene associated with feline diabetes. Although she enjoyed her research years, Yaiza always wanted to return to clinical practice, where she could interact with students, fellow clinicians and patients. After her PhD, she became a Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at The Royal Veterinary College. Most recently, Yaiza has moved to The Netherlands with her family and is now The Director of Veterinary Specialist Consultations, a service that provides specialist help and support for veterinary clinicians. Yaiza is also an integral part of the Internal Medicine Team at de Medisch Centrum voor Dieren in Amsterdam, where she is the director of the residency program and enjoys seeing patients and training residents while providing high-level clinical care to her patients. Yaiza likes all aspects of internal medicine, although she has a passion for endocrinology, gastroenterology and all aspects related to feline medicine.
×Feline Infectious Diseases I
1 Nov 2023 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Describe health and safety concerns and precautions relating to zoonoses
- Understand the legislation and regulations relating to infectious diseases
- Design and implement vaccination and preventative parasitic programmes
- Approach the pathophysiology, diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment of common viral diseases including FeLV, FIV and FIP
- Diagnose and treat Haemoplasma infections
Stephanie Sorrell
BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
Stephanie Sorrell graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists and also provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices.
She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals. She is also an examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Membership exams in Feline Medicine. She is interested in all aspects of internal medicine, particularly feline geriatric medicine and infectious diseases.
×Feline Infectious Diseases II
1 Jan 2024 | OnlineKey learning objectives:
- Explain the diseases of hunting cats including Toxoplasmosis, Pox virus, Mycobacterial disease and Salmonellosis
- Approach enteric infections of the cat including protozoal disease (Trichomonas foetus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora) and bacterial/ viral disease
- Understand fungal mycoses
- Control infectious and zoonotic disease in the home, clinic, shelters and cattery situations
Stephanie Sorrell
BVetMed(Hons), MANZCVSc, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS; RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine
Stephanie Sorrell graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists and also provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices.
She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals. She is also an examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Membership exams in Feline Medicine. She is interested in all aspects of internal medicine, particularly feline geriatric medicine and infectious diseases.
×Feline Practice Online Learning Pricing
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Remaining Balance | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert Programme deposit and remaining balance | £999.00 | £5,500.00 | £6,499.00 |
PgC Programme deposit and remaining balance | £999.00 | £7,500.00 | £8,499.00 |
Monthly Payment Options
Payment Option | Initial Payment | Monthly Payment | Total Payable |
---|---|---|---|
GPCert qualification | |||
GPCert Programme 12 monthly payments | £999.00 | £488.00 | £6,855.00 |
GPCert Programme 20 monthly payments | £999.00 | £302.00 | £7,039.00 |
PgC qualification | |||
PgC Programme 12 monthly payments | £999.00 | £655.00 | £8,859.00 |
PgC Programme 20 monthly payments | £999.00 | £402.00 | £9,039.00 |
Payment Terms & Conditions
- Payments can be made by BACS, credit card or Direct Debit.
- Direct Debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by GoCardless Limited.
- In certain circumstances, multiple booking and corporate discounts are available, please contact us on 01793 759159 for further information.
- In order to confirm your place, we must receive payment in full or the relevant initial payment.
- In addition, if paying by Direct Debit, we must receive the completed mandate prior to course commencement.
- Please also see our full terms and conditions on our website – www.improveinternational.com/uk/terms-and-conditions.
Registration Information
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
- Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
- Improve International reserves the right to close the intake early if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available places.
- Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to applicants once we have received a completed application form.
Online Learning
Who can enrol on the Online Learning programmes?
All applicants must:
- Hold a veterinary qualification
- Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
- Be on the RCVS Home Practising Register (UK-based applicants), hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS (applicants based outside the UK)
What does the GPCert consist of?
The GPCert is a middle-tier qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme accredited by ISVPS and the associated ISVPS assessments. Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
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- To achieve a GPCert you must:
-
- Complete the modular training programme
- Submit a case report (number of words defined by ISVPS)
- Sit an online multiple-choice examination
- An online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
- Sit a case-based scenario (CBS) examination
ISVPS are responsible for the invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here.
What qualifications are needed for taking the programme if coming from another non-European country?
You must be a qualified veterinary surgeon registered in the country of origin. Appropriate paperwork will be requested at point of registration.
What does the PgC consist of?
In addition to the assessment criteria for the GPCert you will need to:
- Complete a case diary
- Write a reflective essay
- Answer all pre and post-module surveys and MCQs
- Undertake the Advanced Practitioner module delivered remotely by Harper Adams University between January and July each year (not applicable for Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Programmes)
Harper Adams University (HAU) is responsible for the assessment of the case diary, reflective essay and Advanced Practitioner module.
Further information about the route to a PgC is available on request.
When is the learning content available for each module?
- Module content is hosted on our Learning Management System
- At the beginning of the month, the content for weeks 1 and 2 will be released
- At the beginning of the 3rd week of the month, the remaining content will be released
- Access to our world-leading Learning Management System will be provided for a period of one year after the last day of the programme
Is the PgC programme recognised by other countries?
The PgC is worth 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits but delegates are advised to check with their local governing body for the relevance of these credits in their country.
Can I do the GPCert and the PgC at the same time?
Yes, you can.
- If you register for the PgC you are automatically attending the modules required for the GPCert
- You need to register with both ISVPS and HAU
- ‘Upgrading’ from the GPCert involves paying the extra module fees and registering with HAU. Please contact us for further information
- You can upgrade from the GPCert to PgC within 5 years of achieving the GPCert award
- If you have attended the Distance Learning Programmes without committing to the GPCert, you have 4 years from completion of the programme to register with ISVPS and SUCCESSFULLY complete ALL assessments including the examination
What additional learning resources are available?
- Online interactive lessons
- Notes to support every lesson
- Pre- and post-module questions
- Summary videos at the end of each week
- Reading list
- Discussion Forum
- Module Tutor (diploma holder in their field)
- Programme Tutor support
How can I track my progress in the programme?
Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.
Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including reflective study which may involve case studies, MCQ writing and calculation practice during week 4, depending on the specific module. The interactive lessons will track and remember your progress whilst you complete it. When you return to a specific lesson or case study, you will return to the page that you last visited.
Once a lesson is completed, a tick will appear next to the lesson icon on the module course page. You will also see a progress indicator at the top right-hand corner of the course page and a more detailed Progress Bar in the collapsible side menu on the left.
Upon completing all 9 lessons and the 2 case studies, you will be awarded a Digital Badge, recognising your achievement. As you progress through the programme, badges will be awarded at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 completion stages.
Do I have to access the programme via a specific browser?
Even though you may access our world-leading Learning Management System via any browser, it is recommended that you choose a browser that supports integrated HTML editor. Google Chrome or Firefox on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Firefox or Safari on a Mac system.
While using Internet Explorer (Edge) should not cause any issue, it has been reported that some security settings and adherence to W3C standards prevent the browser from operating in some instances. If you experience a problem please try one of the other browsers before contacting Improve for additional support.
Does the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) programme differ from the GPCert?
Yes, there are additional assessment criteria. Contact your Programme Tutor for further information.
When do the exams take place?
For up to date exam dates please visit www.isvps.org
Which modules do I choose for the PgC and when do I have to choose them?
- You select your preferred modules and a final selection is made in discussion with the Programme Tutor and on a first come first-served basis. If you are studying the Surgery programme you will be attending the ten practical modules which form part of this programme and there is no need to select modules
- Module allocation will be made within the first two months of the start of the programme to allow for travel plans
- Delegates opting into the PgC ‘late’ will be allocated modules within 2 months of registering with HAU
Please note if you wish to progress to the PgC there is an additional fee – see the pricing tables for further information or please contact the Programme Tutor for further information.
How many hours per week will I have to spend on the programme?
You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week. Preparation of assessments and revising for the final exam is additional depending on your route.
Is the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) all online?
Yes, the full programme to achieve the GPCert is all online with the exception of the Surgery programme which includes ten practical modules. These will be held in two locations, see the programme for further information.
How do I submit my case report for the GPCert?
All ISVPS assessments are uploaded to the candidates’ area via the ISVPS website. You will be given a login to the candidates’ area when you register with ISVPS.
How do I register for the GPCert and/or the PgC?
- Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC) – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
- Ideally, the decision to aim for the PgC should be made within the first two months of the programme starting to enable you to benefit from the HAU library access and select your face to face modules if applicable to your programme
What do the case logs for the case diary consist of?
Harper Adams University (HAU) will provide you with information on the peer-reviewed case diary and self-reflection essay assessments required for the PgC.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Online Learning Programmes you will need to complete a peer-reviewed diary of 25 cases and 20 for Feline Practice seen by you in practice, not earlier than three years ago is required:
- Cases selected should demonstrate a balance of case types or procedures across species and where appropriate, across body systems
- Cases should relate to the list shown in Appendix 4*.
- Each diary entry should be a maximum of 100 words, comprising signalment, diagnosis, action taken (by you as the practitioner) and outcome
Peer Review: A supporting signature from a veterinary surgeon within your practice. Please see appendix 3* for a template. This should be present (scanned) on the final page of your diary.
*Appendix 3 and 4 are available on request
Can I defer a module?
- Online modules cannot be deferred without losing the real-time interactive engagement with the Module Tutor
- Face to face modules (where relevant to your programme) can be deferred provided you complete all modules within 3 years of beginning the programme
If coming from a non-European country – how would face-to-face module attendance work for the PgC?
- We will endeavour to allocate you face-to-face modules close together in date (e.g. within the same week) to reduce the numbers of trips to the UK required but these dates are restricted so you should be aware that you may have to make separate trips as places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
- It is your responsibility to check visa requirements and ensure that you have relevant documents in place well in advance of travel.
- Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require visas in order to participate in our face-to-face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 visa is not applicable to Improve International Delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
- Improve International does not provide support in obtaining visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.