South East Technological University’s (SETU) Department of Veterinary Medicine marked an important milestone this week with the launch of SETU’s Veterinary CPD Network.
Hosted in partnership with Fethard Equine Hospital, the inaugural event drew practitioners from across the region to SETU Arena, West Campus on Monday, 01 December for an evening that blended academic insight with practical guidance.
As one of Ireland’s newest veterinary schools, we have a responsibility to engage closely with the profession. Events like this allow practitioners to see first-hand the calibre of expertise within the department and how SETU will ensure our graduates are equipped for the realities of modern veterinary practice,
Dr Mary-Kate Burke, Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at SETU
Clinical talks
Three clinical talks set the tone for the CPD event, which is set to be the first of many events as part of SETU’s Veterinary CPD network. Events like this form part of the department’s commitment to make a positive contribution to the local veterinary industry.
The first address was delivered by Dr Eilidh Thomson, lecturer in farm animal medicine at SETU and a European Boarded Specialist in Animal Reproduction. Her talk, “Bull Fertility: You shall (not) pass”, examined the reason behind performing bull breeding soundness examinations in cattle practice, as well as future innovations.
Dr Thomson was followed by Dr Emma Corbett Coffey, small animal lecturer at SETU and advanced practitioner in small animal surgery. Her presentation, “Don’t get in a flap! Tips for successful wound management”, offered an overview of practical approaches to wounds with an emphasis on surgical decision making and early management to optimise healing.
The final clinical address came from Dr Ann Derham of Fethard Equine Hospital, a European Boarded Specialist in Equine Surgery. Her presentation, “Rolling into the Season - Managing common season issues in mares and foals”, provided an overview of the conditions most likely to appear as the equine breeding season approaches, and the practical steps that can help mitigate complications.
Before the evening drew to a close, attendees were offered a brief educational session from Dr Mary-Kate Burke, Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at SETU. Her contribution, “Tips and Tricks for Teaching in Veterinary Practice”, considered the use of evidence-based clinical education models. These models help create positive learning experiences for veterinary and veterinary nursing students without the disrupting the flow of work in a busy clinical environment.
Collegial setting
Speaking about the event, Dr Burke said the turnout reflected, “A clear appetite among veterinary professionals for high-quality, practical CPD delivered within the region.”
Dr Burke noted that, “The evening’s mix of farm animal, small animal and equine topics captured the diversity of veterinary practice in Ireland today and demonstrated the value of bringing specialists and practitioners together in an accessible and collegial setting.”
The evening also presented an important opportunity to highlight SETU’s new MVB in Veterinary Medicine programme, which is set to welcome its first cohort of 40 students next year.
“As one of Ireland’s newest veterinary schools, we have a responsibility to engage closely with the profession. Events like this allow practitioners to see first-hand the calibre of expertise within the department and how SETU will ensure our graduates are equipped for the realities of modern veterinary practice,” Dr Burke said, adding that she looks forward to building on the momentum with future CPD events.
