The upcoming BVA Congress at the London Vet Show will focus on the ongoing investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into UK veterinary services, particularly concerning household pets.
The investigation, which has already significantly affected the veterinary profession, will be a key topic of discussion as industry leaders gather to explore its implications.
The investigation has intensified scrutiny on veterinary fees, practice ownership, and public perceptions of UK veterinary teams. As the investigation continues, the BVA Congress aims to provide a platform for veterinary professionals to engage with the issues raised by the CMA and discuss steps to build trust with clients.
Key Sessions at BVA Congress
This year’s BVA Congress, part of the London Vet Show taking place from 14-15 November 2024, will feature several sessions addressing both the CMA investigation and broader issues within the veterinary profession. The Congress will offer presentations and panel discussions on various topics, including workplace culture, contextualised care, and risk-based preventative care. The event will also delve into current animal health and welfare concerns, such as alternative pet diets, ethical questions around gene-editing, and the balance between the needs of pets and their owners.
One of the main sessions will be an update on the CMA investigation, followed by a Q&A with Martin Coleman, Chair of the Inquiry Group for the CMA Market Investigation into veterinary services. This session will provide attendees with insights into the investigation’s progress and a chance to discuss proactive changes that the profession could consider before the CMA’s final conclusions next year. A separate debate featuring prominent vets, including Danny Chambers MP, will further explore these issues.
Another notable session, “Great Workplaces: Is Culture the Key to a Thriving Profession?” will feature insights from BVA accreditors and teams who have undergone assessments through the Great Workplaces by BVA scheme. This session will highlight how workplace culture can contribute to a thriving veterinary workforce.
Addressing Contemporary Issues in Veterinary Care
The Congress will also address contemporary issues in veterinary care, such as how vets should advise clients on feeding their pets. A session led by Sally Everitt, Chair of BVA’s Companion Animal Feeding Working Group, will examine the impact and risks of alternative diets for pets, with input from Georgia Woods-Lee of the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic and Jo White, Co-Director of Human Behaviour Change for Life.
In addition, a session titled “What’s the Role of Risk-Based Preventive Health Care within a Contextualised Care Framework?” will explore how risk-based preventative care can predict and prevent clinical disease within a framework tailored to the owner’s financial situation, lifestyle, and ability to provide suitable care. This session, presented in association with Mars Veterinary Healthcare, aims to deepen understanding of personalised veterinary care.
Another engaging discussion, “The Vet Record Debate: People or Pets – Whose Needs Should Take Priority?” will be moderated by BVA past president Sean Wensley. The debate will feature contributions from Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science, Ruth Serlin of Vet Humanities UK, and Bolu Eso of the Vet Record Advisory Board. This session will tackle the complex issue of balancing the desires of pet owners with the needs of their animals.
Shaping the Future of the Veterinary Profession
The BVA Congress will also feature a session titled “Practise What You Preach: Reaching Net Zero is a Team Effort,” where experts will discuss how the veterinary sector can contribute to the race to achieve net-zero emissions.
BVA Junior Vice President Elizabeth Mullineaux, speaking about the Congress programme, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges facing the veterinary profession, including the scrutiny from the CMA investigation. She noted that while the investigation brings challenges, it also presents an opportunity for the profession to reflect and improve.
“This year has held many challenges for our profession but we welcome the scrutiny of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation, believing that it also represents an opportunity to reflect on what we could all be doing better. BVA Congress provides a unique platform for the veterinary world to come together and debate these pressing issues, whilst also presenting an opportunity to engage directly with the CMA,” said Mullineaux.
She encouraged all veterinary professionals to participate in these discussions, emphasising that BVA Congress sessions are open to all attendees of the London Vet Show, not just BVA members. Additionally, these sessions count towards continuing professional development (CPD), making them an essential part of the event for those looking to stay informed and engaged with the future of veterinary care in the UK.
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