The feline challenges facing the RSPCA in the North East of England

DVetMed Studentship in Shelter Medicine - School of Veterinary Medicine & Science and RSPCA Oldham

Background

Research is central to the activities of the School, both in terms of maintaining ourselves at the forefront of national and international efforts in veterinary medicine but also as an integral part of the training and education for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

All current clinical practice should derive from advances in research. The overarching purpose of research activities within SVMS is to improve clinical practice and teaching. Clinical practice encompasses many aspects of animal health including diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis, production and welfare management. Thus, improved clinical practice is the outcome of full integration of research themes with the clinical requirement. The School has established relations with a number of Clinical Associate and Educational Partners who are fully integrated into the research and teaching environment of SVMS and their clinical requirements drive much of the research development.

This unique role consists of a 4 year training post, based at one of the Educational Partners (Strinesdale Animal Centre, Oldham) and will combine preventive and reactive veterinary care based at the rehoming centre. It will involve training of clinical veterinary students and undertaking a research doctorate project leading to a DVet Med which will be supervised by academic members of staff based at SVMS.

The Greater Manchester Animal Hospital is the busiest companion animal hospital within the RSPCA. In 2016, the hospital treated over 22,000 outpatients and almost 8,000 inpatients. The hospital treats public animals and also provides veterinary support services to the Inspectorate. Away from the hospital, the veterinary team run satellite clinics and provide veterinary services at neighbouring animal centres, the newest of which is Strinesdale Animal Centre (operated by RSPCA Bury, Oldham and District Branch). It is located in an identified national ‘hotspot’ for cat neutering. Furthermore, the site will serve as a vital resource for Inspectorate support heading east along the M62 corridor. The specific veterinary challenges at the Strinesdale Centre will include the daily care of almost 100 shelter dogs and cats; the provision of preventive veterinary care for public animals and support work for the Inspectorate - in particular cat neutering, multicat interventions and injured stray cat triage.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, dedicated team player with a willingness to develop clinical skills.

Students must be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or hold a veterinary degree qualifying them for membership and hold a valid driving licence. A minimum of 2 years in veterinary practice and experience of shelter medicine is essential. Further qualifications or other relevant postgraduate qualification would be highly desirable.


Informal enquiries about the role may be addressed to: [Email Address Removed]

Candidates should apply online at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx including a cover letter and CV. Queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Postgraduate Admissions Officer ([Email Address Removed]).

Deadline for applications: 30 June 2017

Expected start date: 1 August 2017