Statutory Registration Examination - Veterinary Council of Ireland Guide for Applicants

Transcription

1 Statutory Registration Examination - Veterinary Council of Ireland Background There is a requirement to provide for a registration examination for veterinary practitioners who wish to practise in Ireland, and whose qualifications are not recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (the Council) under EU legislation or mutual recognition procedures. The examination is designed to test the knowledge, skills and competences of candidates wishing to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland. These attributes are those determined by the Council to be required of graduates of accredited programmes of veterinary medicine in Ireland. Eligibility The examination will be held in two parts. Before being permitted to register for Part 1 of the examination candidates will have to demonstrate (1) That they have completed a course of study in an institution of higher learning, comprising at least 4 years of full-time study, leading to registration as a veterinary practitioner in their country of origin. (2) That they have the ability to communicate fluently in English, the Council accepts only IELTS test scores and not any other English test scores. Candidates must gain an overall band score of at least 7 in the Academic IELTS test. More information on the test can be found on the IELTS website (3) That they are in good-standing with the competent authority in their country of origin and have no convictions in any jurisdiction which renders them unfit to practise veterinary medicine. Part 1 Section A Consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions (1 correct option out of 4 or 5) covering the five themes of large animal medicine and surgery (60 questions), small animal medicine and surgery (60 questions), pathology, laboratory medicine and infectious disease (40 questions), public health and professional practice in Ireland. (40 questions). Candidates will require a score of 140/200 in order to pass. Negative marking will not apply. Section B Consisting of 15 short-answer questions chosen from 20 covering the five themes of Part 1 and designed to test candidates ability to integrate information, solve problems and communicate information relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine. A score of 100 marks out of 200 will be required in order to pass. Candidates must pass both Sections A and B in order to be allowed to progress to 1

2 Part 2. Part 2 Candidates will be permitted to sit this part of the examination only having achieved a Pass mark in Part 1. Part 2 of the examination will consist of clinical competency tests that may involve ruminants, horses, pigs, dogs, cats and exotic pets. All candidates will be required to take a clinical history, carry out a complete clinical examination, induce anaesthesia, and carry out a routine surgical operation (such as neutering) or other procedures that test core competencies. Each candidate s examination will involve both small and large animal species. Pass or fail grades will be awarded. At the discretion of the examiners, the examination may be stopped at any point if in their opinion the actions of the candidate are dangerous in respect of animal patients, examiners or the candidates themselves. Sample Questions Sample questions for Parts 1 and 2 of the examination are provided (Appendix 1) Timelines In 2008, Part 1 will be held on Friday March 14, and Part 2 over 3 days in mid-june All examinations will be held in Dublin. Applications to sit Part 1 must be received addressed as follows Registration Examination Application, Veterinary Council of Ireland, 53 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 - by on February Only applications which are received by that time, completed properly and accompanied by the requisite fee will be accepted. No late applications will be accepted. Board of Examiners The Board of Examiners will be as appointed by the Council and shall consist of at least one private veterinary practitioner, one veterinarian with advanced qualifications in large animal medicine or surgery, one veterinarian with advanced qualifications in small animal medicine or surgery, and one veterinarian with advanced qualifications in pathology or public health. Notification of Outcome Candidates will be notified by post within two weeks of each part of the examination of the outcome. Right of Appeal 2

3 Candidates shall be entitled to appeal on the single ground of proper conduct of the examination. All appeals must be in writing and be received by the Registrar within one month of the result of any part of the examination being declared. Appeals will be considered by a board consisting of a member of the Council, an independent legal assessor, and one independent lay member. Retaking the Examination Candidates who do not pass the examination will be permitted to resit on a maximum of two occasions. At the discretion of the examination board, they may be granted exemption from one or more parts of the examination. Fees Part -1 Euro 500, payable at the time of application Part 2 Euro 2000, payable within a week of notification of passing Part 1. If a candidate withdraws from an examination and requests a refund of fees paid for either part of the examination a 20% administration fee will be deducted. Preparation for the Examination. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the document Basic Competences required of a Veterinary Practitioner in Ireland (Appendix 2). The examination is designed to test whether candidates have these competences. The Veterinary Practice Act 2005, which governs veterinary practice in Ireland does not permit non-registered persons who are not students enrolled on approved programmes of education to perform any acts of veterinary medicine. Candidates would be allowed however to observe practice in order to familiarise themselves with veterinary practice in Ireland. A suggested reading list (Appendix 3) is provided. This is indicative only, not exhaustive. Candidates are also advised to read current and recent issues of the Irish Veterinary Journal, The Veterinary Record, and In Practice. Appendix 1 Sample Questions Appendix 2 Basic Competences Appendix 3 Suggested Reading List 3

4 Appendix 1 Example Questions Part 1 Examination Section 1 (Correct answers are in bold font). 1. When 50 ml water is added to 2.5g thiopentone powder, is the resulting solution A. 1.25% B. 2.5% C. 5% D. 10% E. 25% 2. Regular return to oestrus (repeat breeder) in dairy cows is unlikely to be due to a) cystic ovarian disease b) infertile bull c) incorrect timing of A.I. d) salpingitis e) delayed ovulation 3 Which of the following statements is true? 4 a) rupture of the prepubic tendon in the mare is associated with twin pregnancy b) rupture of the prepubic tendon results in obvious abdominal distension c) rupture of the prepubic tendon carries a good prognosis for dam and foetus d) rupture of the prepubic tendon generally occurs during a difficult birth e) repair of a ruptured prepubic tendon facilitates return to normal breeding capacity Which clinical sign is NOT characteristic of hypothyroidism in the dog? A B C D E hair loss, alopecia dry skin cold tolerance obesity hyperactivity 4

5 5 Which type of anemia best fits a reticulocyte count of 100,000 reticulocytes/µl and a decreased total plasma protein? A. Blood loss anaemias B Hemolytic anaemias C Cytoplasmic maturation defect anaemias D Nuclear maturation defect anaemias E Hypoproliferative anaemias Section 2 Time allowed, 10 min each question 1 Discuss the use of dry cow therapy in the control of mastitis 2 What are the clinical signs of bluetongue in sheep? 3 Discuss two (2) zoonoses of dogs in Ireland 4 Discuss the sources of microbial contamination of meat during slaughter and carcass preparation 5 Discuss your choice of anaesthetic agent(s) for caesarean section in a bitch 5

6 Appendix 2. Veterinary Education in the European Union EU Directives provide that training as a veterinary surgeon shall provide an assurance that the person in question has acquired the following knowledge and skills a. adequate knowledge of the sciences on which the activities of the veterinary surgeons are based b. adequate knowledge of the structure and functions of healthy animals, of their husbandry, reproduction and hygiene in general, as well as their feeding, including the technology involved in the manufacture and preservation of foods corresponding to their needs c. adequate knowledge of the behaviour and protection of animals d. adequate knowledge of the causes, nature, course, effects, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of animals, whether considered individually or in groups, including a special knowledge of the diseases which may be transmitted to humans e. adequate knowledge of preventive medicine f. adequate knowledge of the hygiene and technology involved in the production, manufacture and putting into circulation of animal foodstuffs or foodstuffs of animal origin intended for human consumption g. adequate knowledge of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the subjects listed above h. adequate clinical and other practical experience under appropriate supervision." shall comprise at least five years theoretical and practical full-time instruction given in a university or an educational institution with equivalent status. The distribution of practical and theoretical training among the various groups of subjects shall be balanced and coordinated in such a way that the knowledge and experience may be acquired in a manner which will enable veterinary surgeons to perform all their duties. These requirements are incorporated in the basic competences required by the VCI of a veterinary graduate in order to practice veterinary medicine in Ireland 6

7 Basic Competences required of a Veterinary Graduate in Ireland General Competences All veterinary graduates must, before being allowed to register as veterinary practitioners in Ireland, be able to do the following safely and effectively: Obtain an accurate and relevant clinical history of an animal/group of animals Handle and restrain cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, dogs and cats safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques Perform a complete clinical examination Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid Understand the principles of vaccination and use vaccines effectively as a tool for disease control Prepare a treatment plan and initiate treatment for common diseases of domestic animals Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding Collect, preserve and transport samples for diagnostic purposes, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the results of diagnostic laboratory tests Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment, safely and in accordance with regulations Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases Be familiar with sources of information on animal remedies, and prescribe, dispense and store such medicines correctly and in accordance with relevant legislation Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of restraint, and assess and control pain Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an 7

8 appropriate method, with due regard to the safety and sensitivities of those present Perform a basic gross post-mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and transport them Perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin Advise on and implement appropriate herd-health programmes having regard to animal health, animal welfare and public health standards. Recognise the importance of continuing professional education, and be familiar with the relevant contemporary veterinary literature. 8

9 Techniques and Procedures The following lists of techniques and procedures are examples (not an exhaustive list) of the practical tasks required of an entry-level veterinary practitioner in Ireland, and which may be examined in Part 2 of the Registration Examination. Horses Be competent in: Handling (correct holding of horses, use of halter and bridle, walking and trotting, basic physical restraint methods. Removal of a horse s shoe and trimming the hoof Use of hoof testers Placement of stable bandage Oral administration of medicines Knowledge of breeds, types and basic knowledge of the horse industry Knowledge of colours and markings used for identification Full clinical examination and awareness of what is normal. Specifically: - approximating age by dentition - thoracic auscultation (identification of heart sounds, percussion of thorax), assessment of arrythmias - and murmurs - pulse rate measurement - abdominal auscultation (what is normal for each quadrant) - detection and grading of lameness - examination of skin - examination of external genitalia - location of surface anatomical landmarks (skull, spine, pelvis and especially limbs) location of superficial lymph nodes correct recording of clinical findings Taking a history Knowledge of radiation safety procedures as applied in equine radiography Ability to process and evaluate equine radiographs of skull and distal limbs Be aware of the indications for equine radiography and ultrasonography Performing a neurological examination of a horse. Venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement and intravenous administration. Intramuscular injection (sites, technique) Assessment of fluid therapy requirements Assessment of upper respiratory tract anatomy as seen on endoscopy Rectal pregnancy diagnosis (age of pregnancy?) Passing nasogastric tube Correct management of wounds, including suture placement 9

10 Examination and rasping of teeth, including use of Hausmann gag Obtaining pharyngeal, endometrial (CEM) and faecal swabs Ocular examination, including use of ophthalmoscope and fundic inspection Application of half-limb and full-limb (Robert-Jones) bandages Equine castration Chemical euthanasia of a horse Performance of simple diagnostic tests on skin-scrapings, faecal samples, blood samples and interpret the results. Catheterise the urinary tract of mare and gelding and be able to evaluate urinalysis results Have experience of, know the indication(s) for, and be able to evaluate: Nerve blocks as used to anaesthetise lower limbs (below carpus and tarsus) Arthrocentesis of distal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal and carpal joints Obtaining radiographs of distal limbs and skull. Ultrasonography of equine limbs Passing endoscope into uppper respiratory tract; performing tracheal lavage or BAL Rectal assessment of urinary tract, caudal large colon, spleen, left kidney Taking a skin biopsy Humane euthanasia of a horse using a gun or chemical method Emergency tracheostomy - indications and technique Neonatal care procedures Performing a prepurchase examination. Auriculopalpebral nerve block Bladder catheterisation Caslick s procedure Abdominocentesis Arterial sampling Lunging Correct communication of clinical findings to clients and colleagues Routine dental care (tooth rasping) Wolf tooth removal Oral glucose tolerance or D-xylose absorption test ECG Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as scintigraphy (bone scanning) and echocardiography Uterine irrigation 10

11 Cattle Be competent in: Handling. This means correct holding of cattle of all ages, use of halter, basic techniques of physical restraint, able to lift foot in crush Oral and intramammary administration of medicines Knowledge of breeds, types and basic knowledge of cattle industry Full clinical examination. Specifically: o thoracic auscultation (identification of heart sounds, percussion of thorax), assessment of arrythmias and o murmurs o pulse rate measurement o abdominal auscultation, in particular assessment of runinal movements o detection of lameness o examination of skin o examination of external genitalia o location of surface anatomical landmarks (limbs, skull, pelvis) o location of superficial lymph nodes o correct recording of clinical findings Taking a history Be aware of the indications and limitations of diagnostic imaging techniques in cattle Performing a neurological examination in cattle Venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement and intravenous administration. Intramuscular injection (sites, technique): nasogastric intubation Assessment of fluid therapy requirements Rectal pregnancy diagnosis (age of pregnancy?) 11

12 Correct management of wounds, including suture placement Ocular examination, including use of ophthalmoscope and fundic inspection Procedures to deal with an abortion Simple diagnostic tests (as for horses) Dehorning and disbudding, including appropriate use of local anaesthesia Able to safely sedate cattle for minor surgical procedures (know drugs and dosages) Be familiar with normal calvings Routine foot paring Milk examination - microbial, progesterone, California test Vaginal examination Condition scoring Have experience of, know the indication(s) for, and be able to evaluate: Rectal assessment of reproductive and urinary tracts, spleen, left kidney, rumen. Placement of permanent rumen fistula and rumen trochar Taking a skin biopsy Humane euthanasia using chemical method Emergency tracheostomy - indications and technique Fluid therapy in calves and adult cattle - methods of administration Bovine castration: techniques and complications Bull ringing Bovine dystocia - how to recognise common malpresentations, and how to intervene safely Bovine caesarian - indications, technique Application of foot block Teat surgery Analysis of herd records to improve fertility TB and brucellosis testing Correct communication of clinical findings to clients and colleagues ECG Gross post mortem examination Collection and analysis of rumenal fluid Therapeutic options Blood transfusion Abdominocentesis Evaluation of reproductive tract using ultrasound Diet evaluation Uterine irrigation 12

13 Application of ½ limb splint or cast Casualty slaughter certification Investigation procedures and management of herd health problems, including lameness, mastitis, respiratory disease, diarrhoea, ill thrift Pigs Be competent in: Handling and restraint techniques Condition scoring Blood sampling pigs <15kgs Blood sampling pigs >15kgs Teeth clipping/grinding Temperature assessment and measurement of vital signs Injection techniques and sites Humane destruction of sows and other pigs Sheep Have experience and knowledge of: General methods of housing and husbandry in the pig industry Methods of conducting a herd advisory visit Temperature comfort zones and ventilation requirements Assessment of pig welfare Current legislation pertaining to disease control/transport/swill feeding and carcass disposal Principles of disease control in intensive systems Standard method of postmortem examination and collection of samples for laboratory examination Pregnancy diagnosis techniques including ultrasound Pig A.I. principles, equipment and stud techniques Common diseases of pigs clinical, slaughterhouse and laboratory recognition Computerised recording systems and analysis of records to identify poor performance and infertility problems In-feed/water medication choice of antibiotic/ obligations under Animal Remedies Act/ writing a prescription and Veterinary Written Directive Disinfectant types and applications/rodent and fly control Be competent in: 13

14 Handling Vaccinations / parasite control Condition scoring Routine foot paring Lambing normal animals Ageing / examination of teeth Tailing and castration Routine clinical examination Oral dosing Stomach tubing lambs Injections s/c, i/m, i/v, i/p (lambs) Blood sampling Paring lame feet Local, regional and epidural anaesthesia Treatment of vaginal / uterine prolapse Nasogastric intubation Management of neonatal disease Have experience / knowledge of The sheep industry Management of mating Pregnancy diagnosis - ultrasound Management of dystocia Caesarian section Vasectomy Flock health monitoring Investigation of clinical problems abortion, ill thrift Dogs, Cats Exotic Animals Be competent in: General handling and restraint Clinical measurements, recording of vital signs Oral administration of drugs Administration of enemas Injections s/c, i/m, i/v Placement of i/v catheters Setting up/supervision of intravenous fluid administration Urinary catheterisation 14

15 Cystocentesis Obtaining blood samples Obtaining skin scrapings Obtaining faecal samples Expressing anal sacs Nail clipping Vaccination Administration of parasiticides Nutrition for all lifestages Oestrus control Euthanasia Sterile preparation of patient/surgeon Tooth scaling, polishing and removal Management of wounds Bandaging foot, limb, head, tail Management of dystocia Preoperative and postoperative management Skin suturing Neutering males/females Minor eye surgery Removal of dew claws Limb fracture/splint application Exploratory laparotomy Aural resection Sedation/tranquilisation Pain relief Local anaesthesia General anaesthesia inhalational and injectable Intubation Monitoring depth of anaesthesia Emergency resuscitation Radiography of bone/soft tissue Radiation protection and safety Radiological interpretation Use of ophthalmoscope Use of stethoscope Use of auroscope Abdominal palpation Rectal examination Vaginal examination Have experience/knowledge of: 15

16 Identification of cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias Limb fracture internal fixation Interpretation of diagnostic results (haematology, biochemistry, parasitological etc.). Pet travel regulations Exotic diseases and biocontrol procedures Dog and cat breeds Genetic diseases Basic exotic pet medicine 16

17 Appendix 3 Suggested Reading List (Not exhaustive) Books Bovine medicine. Andrews, AH, et al. (2004) 2nd Ed. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications. ISBN Covers most major topics in Bovine medicine. Reproduction in cattle. 3rd ed Ball, PJH & Peters, AR. (2004). Oxford: Blackwell Science. ISBN The standard textbook for information on reproduction id cattle. Small Animal Internal Medicine, RW Nelson & CG Cuoto. 3 rd Edition 2003, Elsevier, London. Small Animal Internal Medicine focuses on the relevant aspects of the most commonly encountered internal medical problems of dogs and cats. Textbook of Small Animal Surgery (2 volumes), D Slatter, 3 rd Edition 2003, Elsevier, London. Covers most major topics for the surgery of small animals. Small Animal Clinical Pharmacology, JE Maddison, S Page, D Church. 2 nd Edition 2008, Elsevier, London. Provides a clinical perspective on pharmacological agents used in small animal veterinary practice. Information on each drug class is presented including key information on dose rates, routes of administration and drug interaction. Small Animal Surgery, T Fossum. 3 rd Edition Elsevier, London. This text provides reliable information on all aspects of small animal surgery; soft tissue, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, physical therapy and ophthalmic surgery. Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, M Schaer. 1 st Edition Manson, London. This book provides an illustrated guide to small animal internal medicine. Not much detail on pathogenesis of disease. Problem-based Feline Medicine, J Rand. 1 st Edition Elsevier Covers the medical conditions of the cat. Equine Surgery, Auer and Stick. 3 rd edition Saunders Elsevier This text provides referenced information on several general aspects of surgery and all aspects of equine surgery. 17

18 Farm animal surgery. Fubini and Ducharme. 1 st edition Saunders Covers all topics on farm animal surgery. Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Ross and Dyson. 1 st edition Saunders Covers extensively all topics on lameness in the horse. Lumb & Jones' veterinary anesthesia. 3rd ed Baltimore : Williams & Wilkins. Covers all aspects of large and small animal anaesthesia with good sections on exotics and zoo animals. Also well explained physiology and pharmacology. Well presented and easy to read. An excellent reference book BSAVA manual of canine and feline anaesthesia and analgesia. 2nd ed Cheltenham : British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Anaesthesia and analgesia for dogs and cats only. Covers anaesthetic management of patients with major medical conditions. BSAVA manual of canine and feline emergency and critical care. 2nd ed Quedgeley : British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Covers major topics associated with intensive care in dogs and cats Veterinary anaesthesia / Leslie Hall, Kathy Clarke and Cynthia Trim. 10th ed W. B. Saunders. Covers large and small animal anaesthesia Equine anesthesia : monitoring and emergency therapy. Mosby Year Book, c1991. Equine anaesthesia only Veterinary Clinics of North America. Saunders, Phildelphia There are several volumes of this excellent series devoted to anaesthesia and analgesia of the various species. Clinical Radiology of the Horse 2 nd edn,butler et al 2000 Covers aspects of radiology of the horse Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology,Thrall DE,5 th Edn,Elsevier/Saunders,2007.An up to date text on all aspects of diagnostic radiology of the dog and cat. Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasonography of the dog and cat. Kealy JK and McAllister H, $th Edn,Elsevier/Saunders,2005 An excellent basic textbook which addresses all aspects of diagnostic radiology and ultrasonography in the dog and cat. 18

19 Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease,Quinn PJ et al,1 st edn,blackwell Science,London,2002 This book covers all information relevant to the microbiology and microbiological diseases of domestic animals. Veterinary Parasitology, M Taylor, B Coop & R Wall. 3 rd edition Blackwell Publishing, LTD, United Kingdom. (ISBN: ). This text book provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of parasitic disease in domestic animals from both temperate and tropical climates. Meat Hygiene. Gracey, J.F, Collins, D.F.. Huey, R.J., 10 th Edition 1999, Saunders, London. All aspects of meat hygiene, including, microbiology, pathology, organoleptic meat inspection and relevant material on meat chemistry and quality. Integrated Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Buncic, S., 1 st Edition CABI, UK. Overview of the main topics relevant to VPH&FS, including pre-harvest and post-harvest phases for foods of animal origin. Web based Information Sources Food Safety Authority of Ireland s website which contains information on Irish and European food legislation, published reports on a wide range of food safety topics and food safety surveillance. Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) where all data pertaining to human infectious disease in Ireland is compiled and analysed. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website which includes relevant VPH&FS official surveillance reports. Food Safety Promotion Board website which includes reports of food safety research on a wide range of relevant topics. Environmental reports and publications, including drinking water and ground water quality. 19

20 Eurpoean Union Commission s Consumer Health and Protection Directorate General (DG Sanco) food safety site. EU Food and Veterinary Office which includes inspection reports for both individual memebr states and third countries. Journals Irish Veterinary Journal The Veterinary Record (Incorporating In Practice) Journal of Small Animal Practice British Veterinary Journal British equine Veterinary Journal Other Publications The Veterinary Practice Act (2005) Available on VCI Website Animal Remedies Regulations (Weblink) Websites