Update for Vets October 2022

Welcome to our October update. In this edition, we are pleased to announce the candidates standing in the 2022 VCNZ election. We have included details about an upcoming veterinary wellbeing symposium that we encourage you to read. VCNZ has also put a call out for expressions of interest from vets interested in being CPD reviewers, and we share information about adverse event reporting for veterinarians, as well as several messages from other organisations.

VCNZ Election

Nominations for the 2022 Veterinary Council of New Zealand election have now closed and there are five nominees standing for the three available places on the Council. The candidates are:

  • Sara Bagheri
  • Ben Davidson
  • Kylie Lawson
  • Liz Shackleton
  • Mat Stone

Online voting opened Friday 21 October 2022 and closes Monday 5 December 2022. We encourage all veterinarians to cast their votes and have a say in who is elected to represent them.

Wellbeing Symposium

New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is hosting a wellbeing symposium in Christchurch next month to support veterinarians. The event will be an excellent opportunity for vets to improve their knowledge about mental health and wellbeing, normalise talking about mental health in the workplace, and share experiences, advice and strategies.

When: 8 - 9 November 2022 (1.5 days)

Where: Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

Among the topics to be discussed will be workplace wellness, destigmatising mental health, self-compassion, managing conflict in the workplace, the impact of social media on veterinary wellbeing, and the importance of values and professional identity.

Register here

CPD reviewer – call for expressions of interest

Each year, VCNZ selects a small number of veterinarians to have their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) reviewed. This review helps vets gain more value from their CPD while providing assurance to the wider profession, the public and VCNZ that veterinarians are engaging in sufficient and relevant professional development.

We’re looking for experienced vets to join our pool of CPD Reviewers, who are responsible for reviewing CPD plans, activities and learning outcomes. If you have an interest in CPD and professional development, download the role description here and let us know.

Applications close 8 November.

View role description

Adverse event reporting

The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) team of the Ministry for Primary Industries has recently updated the registrant and public (including veterinarians) adverse event guidance documents and reporting form .

VCNZ Professional Advisor Seton Butler says veterinarians should familiarise themselves with the adverse event process, as it is important for them to be aware of what their responsibilities are if an adverse event happens when using veterinary medicines.

“Practices should have a readily accessible adverse event tool and training in place so staff know what is considered an adverse event, who to notify, and what information to provide,” he says. “Clinics should also develop, or add to their existing consent form, a statement that authorises them to release patient information to MPI.”

Seton says adverse event reporting reminders would be a good addition to team meeting agendas, so that it becomes a regular part of ongoing dialogue in clinics.

If you have any questions about the adverse event reporting process, please email [email protected]

Messages from others

The items below have come from other organisations. We have agreed to share them with veterinarians because they may be of interest. If you have any questions or concerns about them, please contact the contributing organisation directly.

NZVA survey for working parents

New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is running a survey for parents working in veterinary practice, with a focus on working while pregnant and returning to work after parental leave. 

The survey will gather information and a wider understanding of the challenges and topics relevant in this space, and be used to create helpful resources and guidance for employees and employers. 

Complete the survey here

Veterinary Practice Survey - Viral disease in companion animals

Kimer Med is a biotech company based in Nelson. We are developing a broad-spectrum antiviral drug and would like to apply our R&D to alleviate pain and suffering in animals with viral infections. We are particularly focused on companion animals such as cats, dogs, and horses.

An email has been sent to veterinary practices throughout New Zealand, inviting vets and practice managers to help us better understand the health of our companions.

We invite you to complete a short survey which you can find at  www.kimermed.co.nz/vets

  • Each vet in the practice is invited to respond individually to the survey.
  • The survey contains 14 questions and takes only a few minutes to complete.
  • The results of the survey will be provided to all participating practices.
  • The collected data and analysis will be anonymised.
  • You can make additional comments and suggestions.

We appreciate that responders are taking time out to complete the survey and as a thank you, three lucky practices will win a box of Nelson goodies delivered to your door.

If you have any questions, contact Dr Mike Schmidt on 021 638 520 or email  [email protected]