8 Apr 2025
A programme that continues to evolve based on business feedback is celebrating 10 successful years of supporting veterinary graduates
Vet Times
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Image: Yuriy Shevtsov / Adobe Stock
Almost 200 veterinary graduates have now benefited from an educational training programme developed specifically for recently qualified vets embarking on their new careers.
The XLVets Small Animal Graduate Development Programme celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and two-in-three of the graduates who have completed the course are still with the same practice which they joined after university and had signed them up for the programme.
XLVets is the member organisation of 65 independently owned veterinary practices; the programme was the brainchild of vets working within that community, and it continues to evolve based upon feedback from business owners and graduates alike.
Vets Chris Newson and Rhianna Boxall completed the programme in 2019, and they are now both partners at Larkmead Vets in Oxfordshire.
Chris said: “I can’t rate the graduate programme highly enough, and have also taken part in XLVets’ Leadership Programme. Both Rhianna and I have also attended the Aspiring Owners Event. All these programmes have the very best interests of vets at heart, providing excellent clinical and non-clinical training.
“Crucially, they offer an opportunity to form relationships with other vets at different stages in their careers, which last a lifetime, and this is another key area where these programmes really add value.”
XLVets chairperson Tim Hutchinson has been running training sessions since the programme’s inception in 2015. He said: “Initially, the programme was an opportunity to support recent graduates in our member practices, to help them access knowledge and lay the foundations to develop their careers in a collaborative setting.
“It’s a member-led initiative that has constantly evolved over the years to meet the ever-changing landscape that small animal vets work in. It’s been so popular, we have had veterinary practices sign up to secure spaces before their graduates have even joined them, as they value it so much.”
Rowan Pyzer is a small animal vet and director at Fenton Vets in Pembrokeshire. He provides training in the dental module, which was introduced last year.
He said: “Sharing knowledge and skills with recent graduates not only pushes me to keep my clinical approach up to date, but the discussions give me insight into the processes in other practices, while being able to pass on my own experience, so it really is a win-win situation for us all.”
Partner and vet Sarah Packman, from Larkmead Vets, added: “I really enjoy teaching this programme – it’s exciting to hear about recently graduated vets’ experiences in practice.
“We demystify problem solving in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where graduates can ask questions without judgement.
“I also learn a lot from them, too. As well as the practical training, the graduates develop a lovely bond with their group, which provides them with a valuable insight into our community, and they also get to see first hand what it means to work at an independent veterinary practice that is a part of the wider XLVets community.”
Run by passionate vets from XLVets’ member practices, this year an additional spring programme has been launched to meet demand. The 10-day course covers several modules including professional skills, dermatology, pharmacology, clinical transition, driver skills, emergency management, euthanasia, practical dentistry, QI and recommendation culture.
This year, a new two-day alumni get together will be held that covers non-clinical skills that are vital for a happy and successful career in the veterinary industry. Graduates will be able to hone the skills they have developed from the course and also share their experiences with the new graduates embarking on the next programme.
XLVets’ chief executive Andrew Curwen said: “We are delighted with what our Small Animal Graduate Development Programme has achieved over the past 10 years and thank everyone who has been involved.
“We look forward to helping even more new graduates thrive in the veterinary profession through this popular and unique programme.”
The programme is open to both XLVets member practices and non-member veterinary practices, and includes more than 70 hours of CPD with practical, clinical and non-clinical content.
Those interested in the next Small Animal Graduate Development Programme can visit the website.
