One of the world’s leading veterinary care providers, IVC Evidensia, has used its global presence and collective knowledge to launch a brand-new international exchange programme for farm vets.
The pilot for the ambitious Farm Exchange scheme is in its final stages with six farm vets from practices in the Netherlands and six from the UK completing a one-week country and practice swap.
Under the programme farm vets have been able to observe farm animal practice in another country, share knowledge with their peers and further strengthen their relationships.
Feedback on the farm vet exchange scheme
One of the organisers of the pilot scheme, Evy Kras, Farm Animal Business Support Manager, says that the pilot has had great feedback so far.
ʺWe hope the next step will be opening up the opportunity to all our UK and Netherlands farm clinics and then involve more of our farm practices in countries such as France and the ROI.ˮ
Daring to innovate and exchanging knowledge are traits that are ingrained in IVC Evidensia, from clinic staff, to support teams and their leadership. This farm exchange initiative backs up its commitment to building the world’s best veterinary group.
Farm Exchange Ambassadors
Using their experience back in their respective countries, the vets involved in the exchange will build on the gold standard best practice that the group prides itself on. And the collaboration won’t stop there. The 12 farm vets will become ambassadors for the IVC Evidensia Farm Exchange pilot, hosting client talks about their experiences and sharing what they have learned with their farm clients.
They will also present to the
Farm Animal Clinical Boards in both countries and speak with farm vet student groups. Their experience will be invaluable feedback for the future of the initiative as well as the Farm Vet Career Path group at IVC Evidensia.
A one-of-a-kind farm veterinary experience
The exchange initiative was organised by Farm Animal Group Advisor, David Stockton in the UK and Evy Kras in the Netherlands.
David Stockton said,
“We’re excited to be in the ‘live stage’ of our Netherlands-UK Vet Exchange project. The exchanges in both directions between vets from six practices in the UK and six practices in the Netherlands will be completed by the end of November this year.
“The vets involved have been super enthusiastic about the trips and looking forward to observing farm animal veterinary practice in the country they are visiting – understanding the veterinary legislation in the country they are travelling to; seeing variations of farming systems; experiencing different farming health and quality assurance schemes; exchanging information on practice working habits and protocols and learning alternative surgical, medical, and advisory methods. ˮ
Evy Kras said,
“Some of the exchanges have already taken place with more to happen in the coming months. We are really pleased with the feedback we have had so far. This pilot is the first of its kind for farm vets within IVC Evidensia.
She went on to say,
“We believe this knowledge exchange is another useful aide in the professional development of our farm vets and will help our practices with both recruitment and retention of veterinary surgeons.”
Farm Vet Exchange practices
The practices involved in this pilot scheme are from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and across the Netherlands. The six practices in the UK have been paired with a practice in the Netherlands.
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Scarsdale Vets and Van Stad tot Wad Groningen
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Forth Valley Vets and Dierenkliniek Benschop Oudewater
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Delaware Vets and De Graafschap Vets
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Glenshane Vets and Heereveen Vets
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Wright & Morten and Dierenkliniek De Kempen
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MBM and Dierenkliniek Meerkerk
For more information about
IVC Evidensia Farm Vets, head to the page here.