Exotics
David Holah is currently working towards the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Zoological Medicine and Surgery (CertZooMed). This is a very involved program of further training and examination to demonstrate a higher degree of knowledge in the area of Zoological Medicine and surgery (incorporating Avian, Reptilian, Rabbit, Rodent and Fish medicine and surgery) than vets in general practice. As well as this he is an enthusiast himself keeping a grey parrot, foreign finches, rabbits, ferrets, cats and dogs.
Below are excerpts from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Website showing some detail of what is involved in obtaining a certificate.
The Certificate is the first level of postgraduate qualification awarded by RCVS, and indicates that the holder is a competent clinician who has proved their experience and expertise by examination in their chosen subject. A list of RCVS Certificate holders is included in the back of the RCVS Registers and Directory. Certificate holders are entitled to place the appropriate letters after their name to indicate their achievement.
Although the detailed requirements vary slightly from subject to subject, in general terms, you need to have been a member of the RCVS or held an approved veterinary qualification for two or three years before entering the examination.
You will need to offer a period of experience in the subject, as specified by the relevant Board, of at least two years full-time or four years part-time.
You will need to spend time working at either an approved centre, or an approved practice.
The examination is in three parts, covering:
- assessment of a portfolio of submitted work such as case reports, log books and diaries
- a written examination
- clinical, oral and practical examination
The examinations are set and marked by, in the case of the CertZooMed, the ZooMed Board, comprised of the leading UK vets in the field of Zoological medicine and surgery.
Endoscopy of the respiratory tract of an anaesthetised grey parrot.