August 01, 2025
IVC Evidensia Farm Vets has run their third annual EMS training bootcamps, with two participating students set to join farm practices through the Graduate Academy later this year.
Running between June and August, the farm bootcamps provide student vets with interactive, practical training across core areas of farm practice. With extra mural studies (EMS) placements often difficult to secure, the programme offers a valuable opportunity to meet placement requirements while building clinical confidence.
This summer, bootcamps have taken place at Glenthorne Vets in the Midlands, as well as MBM Vet Group and Forth Valley Vets in Scotland.
During the week-long stay, experienced farm vets offer a broad range of practical training sessions covering key areas of farm work. Topics explored this year include:
Pregnancy diagnosing in cattle
Blood testing
Dehorning and castrating calves
Examination of rams
Handling and anaesthesia of cattle
Postmortem techniques
Camelids
The EMS farm bootcamp delivers more than just practical experience and provides unique opportunities that extend beyond the week-long residential.
Sessions are led by experienced IVC Evidensia farm colleagues who provide one-to-one mentoring to enable a high-quality learning experience tailored to each student. Industry specialists are also invited to deliver demonstrations, giving students valuable insight into different areas of farm practice.
Throughout sessions, students have the chance to use cutting-edge clinical tools and techniques in real-world scenarios. In one session, participants learn to use large animal ultrasound machines to perform pregnancy diagnoses in cows.
As part of their group commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), IVC Evidensia has actively worked to make EMS farm bootcamps more accessible and inclusive for students.
The EMS bursary is available as an option for students from underrepresented backgrounds or those experiencing financial hardship. The bursary helps cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to EMS placements, enabling more students to take part in valuable training.
Ahead of the bootcamp, all vet tutors and most farmers also completed the AgDiversity Course. Spearheaded by Regional Head of Farm, Navaratnam Partheeban, AgDiversity aims to educate colleagues in agriculture and farming about the importance of DEI, how to recognise biases, and how be inclusive at work.
Throughout the week, students can network with peers and experienced farm vets, helping them foster new connections and build lasting relationships.
Students are also invited to learn more about veterinary career pathways with the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy. Since the July bootcamp, two students are due to join Glenthorne Vets and MBM Vet Group as new graduate vets.
Attending the bootcamp in 2023, then student vet Sydney Tejml initially sought out practical experience in farm work.
“I felt I needed something to bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of farm practice—and the bootcamp did exactly that,” she reflects.
“What stood out most to me was the incredibly supportive environment and the opportunity to work closely with the IVC Evidensia Farm team.
“The experience not only strengthened my practical skills but also gave me real insight into what working in farm practice would look like.”
Sydney later joined Oban Vets through the Graduate Academy in 2024, and is now a Veterinary Surgeon, crediting the farm EMS bootcamp for her journey.
She continues: “That experience—and the connections I made with people like Hugh Thompson and Gill Whitehurst—played a big role in my decision to join IVC Evidensia as a new graduate.
“I can honestly say I wouldn’t be in the job I am today without it; the bootcamp really opened the door to my future.”
Find out more about EMS placements at IVC Evidensia or use the EMS finder tool to find a practice near you.
Already graduated? Propel your career with the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy, a comprehensive 2-year programme, designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and dedicated support you need to excel.