European recognition for RCVS Trust grant recipient

A former recipient of an RCVS Trust education grant, Kevin Eatwell, has become the first vet in the UK to be awarded Diplomate status in herpetology (reptiles and amphibians) by the European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM).

Kevin (pictured) initially received a grant from the Trust to work on a dissertation, which he was then able to follow up with published research papers that resulted in the ECZM award.

“This shows how a bit of help in the early stages of postgraduate education can go a long way,” says Cherry Bushell, Director of the RCVS Trust.

“I’m delighted that, simply by giving some financial support to a vet working on their dissertation, the Trust has been able to have a small but real impact on the development of veterinary education for the benefit of animal health and welfare.”

Kevin Eatwell works for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Holding the diploma enables him to train residents who are seeking European accreditation in the area of herpetology.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has also gained ECZM endorsement to train residents to treat reptiles following a visit by the ECZM President, and Kevin will contribute to the training criteria at the ECZM for vets specialising in the care and treatment of reptiles.

Kevin says: “I am delighted to have achieved such status by the ECZM. It is very exciting to be involved in the education of specialist veterinary surgeons throughout Europe.

"This will also open the door for residents at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to obtain European qualifications relating to the specialist treatment of reptiles.”

The RCVS Trust 2010 educational grants round is currently open for applications. The deadline for receiving all applications, except for EMS scholarships, is 5pm on Friday 29 January 2010. The deadline for receiving applications for EMS scholarships is 5pm on Friday 12 March 2010.