GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE Progress Through Learning In partnership with NEW FOR 2019
CONTENTS 03 About our General Practitioner Advanced Certificate 05 Progamme Structure 10 Locations and Training Venues 11 Testimonial 12 Why Choose Improve? 13 Our Partners 14 Pricing 15 How to Register When you study with Improve International, you join thousands of vets who have taken advantage of flexible modular programmes, designed to complement busy practice life. Facilitated by many of the world s renowned authorities in veterinary science, every programme will broaden your knowledge and give you deeper expertise that can be taken back to your practice. 2
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate ADVANCE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC SKILLS WITH A NEW QUALIFICATION General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) Small Animal Medicine This new qualification has been developed for veterinary professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and diagnostic skills, progress their academic qualifications and gain recognition in their field. Accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University (HAU), the GPAdvCert in Small Animal Medicine is a natural next-step for veterinary surgeons wanting to further progress their medicine knowledge. Each module has been designed to progress your knowledge beyond Postgraduate Certificate level with more in-depth and advanced content covering topics as diverse as mycobacterial and ureteric disease. You ll be able to design a thorough and detailed diagnostic plan combined with an understanding of the nuances of the interpretation of laboratory findings which will allow you to manage cases requiring complex therapeutic management with confidence. The GPAdvCert in Small Animal Medicine is for veterinary surgeons who have already completed their General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Medicine (GPCert SAM) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Small Animal Medicine and want to expand their knowledge in an everexpanding discipline. There is an opportunity for your colleagues who hold an equivalent qualification from another provider to also join this programme. Please contact us for further details. 3
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE This programme will give you the ability to manage complex cases with multi-systemic disease, those with unusual presentations and critically ill patients The programme is delivered in three, five day blocks of teaching using three different European, state of the art training facilities Group sizes will be strictly limited to enable an excellent learning experience Experienced world-renowned clinicians (RCVS or ECVIM/ACVIM Diploma holders) will provide you with the very latest developments in small animal medicine There will be practical sessions under the guidance of our specialists enabling you to perform the following: Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy Abdominal ultrasound Echocardiography CSF sampling The use of a microscope and film reading Step by step decision-making processes will enable you to make the best choice when investigating and managing a wide variety of medical conditions Numerous case examples are used to help you relate your theoretical knowledge to clinical practice 4
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE Support throughout the programme 1. Our learning management system operated through Moodle provides access to a notes library, discussion forum and other study resources including webinars 2. A dedicated Programme Tutor will support every individual during their programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey 3. Direct access to leading medicine specialists at every module 4. A subscription to Harper Adam s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts 5. Access to one year s subscription of our Online Bitesize CPD with the latest clinical subjects. Continue your learning online, anytime, with a subscription worth 349.00 + VAT SPEAKERS: Nick Bexfield - Course Director BVetMed PhD DSAM DipECVIM(CA) FSBiol MRCVS Kostas Papasouliotis DVM(Thessaloniki) PhD(Bristol) DipRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS James Swann MA VetMB DACVIM DECVIM MRCVS Lucy Davison MA VetMB PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS Jane Dobson MA BVetMed DVetMed DipECVIM-CA (IntMed Oncol RadOnc) MRCVS Simon Platt BVM&S, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) Diplomate ECVN MRCVS Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS Ed Hall MA (Cantab) VetMB PhD (Liv) DipECVIM-CA MRCVS Paul Higgs MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine 5
GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PORTO, PORTUGAL 01 Clinical pathology & cytology 29-04-2019 Practical session with microscopes Describe the laboratory evaluation of lipid disorders Identify red and white blood cell disorders Recognise the different cytological characteristics of effusions, CSF and joint fluid Identify the cytological appearance of common cutaneous lesions Recognise the cytological appearance of lymph node pathology 02 Diagnostic imaging 30-04-2019 Discuss the indications for CT and MRI Interpret CT images of the thorax and nasal chambers Describe the technique of ultrasound guided sample collection Explain the indications and technique for fluoroscopy and contrast angiography Practical film reading session incorporating CT images and abdominal radiographs 03 Immunology 01-05-2019 Understand the basis of immune function and the immune response Explain how to diagnose immune-mediated diseases Discuss advances in immune-modulatory drug therapy Appraise the evidence-base for the management of IMHA and ITP Recognise how to diagnose the patient with an immunodeficiency 04 Endocrinology 02-05-2019 Apply the underlying principles of endocrine anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology Evaluate the current literature on the aetiology and management of canine and feline diabetes mellitus Describe how to recognise and manage feline acromegaly Discuss how to investigate and manage the patient with abnormalities of serum sodium and potassium Recognise how to diagnose and manage the patient with atypical adrenal gland disorder Explain how disorders of the parathyroid gland are diagnosed and managed 05 Medical oncology 03-05-2019 Explain the principles of tumour biology and staging Discuss molecular testing for lymphoproliferative diseases Discuss how to manage tumours of the haemopoietic system Recognise the indications for radiotherapy Describe advances in management of common tumours 6
GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE BERLIN, GERMANY 06 Cardiovascular medicine 02-09-2019 Describe how to identify and manage arrhythmias Appraise the current literature on the management of canine cardiac diseases Appraise the current literature on the management of feline cardiac diseases Review the cardiac biomarkers and their clinical use in dogs and cats Discuss the application of interventional cardiac procedures Understand the basic principle of echocardiography and its role in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases 07 Medical neurology 03-09-2019 Understand the principles of functional neuroanatomy Discuss advances in the aetiopathogenesis and management of seizures Recognise how to diagnose and manage disorders of peripheral nerves Discuss how to manage inflammatory disorders of the CNS Describe the diagnosis and management of muscle disorders 08 Urology 04-09-2019 Evaluate the current literature on the aetiopathogenesis and management of chronic renal failure Describe the therapeutic approach to the patient with acute renal failure Recognise the pathophysiology of glomerular disease in dogs Explain how to diagnose and manage a dog with glomerular disease Evaluate and manage the patient with a non-responsive urinary tract infection Describe the diagnosis and management of ureteric diseases 09 Infectious diseases 05-09-2019 Discuss molecular testing for infectious diseases Evaluate the current literature on the diagnosis and management of leptospirosis Review advances in the diagnosis and management of feline infectious peritonitis Appreciate the aetiology, epidemiology and management of polysystemic protozoal infections Recognise how to diagnose and manage emerging conditions including mycobacterial diseases and cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy Describe the clinical signs, diagnosis and management of imported diseases including ehrlichiosis, leishmaniosis and babesiosis 10 Emergency medicine and critical care 06-09-2019 Interpret the results of blood gas analysis Describe the latest developments in blood transfusion medicine Explain how to identify and manage shock and systemic inflammatory response syndrome Explain how to sedate the critically ill patient Appreciate the advances in analgesia for patients with medical disorders Discuss the indications for continuous renal replacement therapies Taught sessions Practical components 7
GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE SHEFFIELD, UK 11 Gastrointestinal I 23-03-2020 Describe how to diagnose and manage oesophageal disease Evaluate the current literature on the aetiopathogenesis and management of inflammatory bowel disease and small cell lymphoma Recognise the role of bacteria in canine and feline gastrointestinal disease Explain the indications and technique for gastrointestinal tract endoscopy Perform an upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy 12 Gastrointestinal II 24-03-2020 Discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis and management of canine chronic liver disease Evaluate the current literature on the management of portosystemic shunts Describe an approach to the cat with inflammatory liver disease Review the diagnostic tests and management options for canine and feline acute pancreatitis 13 Practical therapeutic techniques 25-03-2020 Recognise the indications and contraindications for enteral nutrition Practise how to place a nasooesophageal and oesophagostomy tube Describe how to place and manage a central venous catheter Recognise and practise the indications and technique for placement of a thoracic drain Practise the techniques for bone marrow aspiration, arthrocentesis and CSF sampling 14 Practical diagnostic imaging 26-03-2020 Practise abdominal ultrasonography and recognise how to identify the adrenal glands, pancreas and lymph nodes Describe the techniques of ultrasound guided sampling and practise these techniques on models Review the theory and practise echocardiography on live animals The standard echocardiographic views and how to optimise them The useful ultrasonic measurements needed to make a diagnosis 15 Respiratory medicine 27-03-2019 Review the optimal procedure for bronchoscopy and airway sampling Explain the use of CT in the diagnosis of respiratory tract disease Describe the management of bronchial diseases and selected disorders of the pleural space Discuss the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension Interpret thoracic radiographs from real life clinical cases 8 Taught sessions Practical components
GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED WHY CERTIFICATE CHOOSE IMPROVE? ESVPS Complete assessments Case report (2,500 words) Case diary (20 x 100 word peer reviewed logs assessed by HAU) Reflective essay (assessed by HAU) Multiple choice questions examination 9
LOCATIONS AND TRAINING VENUES FPO Advance your diagnostic knowledge and skills with leading European Veterinary Specialists The GPAdvCert in Small Animal Medicine is delivered over 15 modules (3 x 5 day blocks) across three state-of-the-art European training centres, Porto, Portugal, Berlin, Germany and Sheffield, UK. In each The GPAdvCert of the five-day in Small blocks Animal we will Medicine host an evening is delivered reception over 15 on modules the first (3 evening x 5 day along blocks) with a across three three course state-of-the-art dinner on the last European night of the training programme. centres, Porto, Portugal, Berlin, Germany and Sheffield, UK. Hotel accommodation is not included in the Our programme training centres price however, have the we latest would be able purpose to recommend built wet-lab local facilities hotels which close reflect to the the training veterinary venues. surgical environment. With surgical stations, operating theatre lighting and a wide choice of surgical equipment, delegates are able to practise skills under the direction of leading specialists. Each training module will be supported by two orthopaedic specialists. PORTO, PORTUGAL BERLIN, GERMANY FPO SHEFFIELD, UK 10
Testimonial What you can expect from Improve International Dr Graeme McKeown BSc. Hons BVM&S PgC SAM PgC SAS PgC FVS PgC VPS CertAVP PgD AVPS MRCVS Dr Graeme McKeown has become the first veterinary surgeon in the UK to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences (PgD AVPS). Dr McKeown, who owns practices in Hove and Tunbridge Wells, was one of a number of Postgraduate awardees to receive their awards at a ceremony at Harper Adams University on Tuesday 25 April 2017. The Postgraduate Diploma is in association with our assessment partners the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and Harper Adams University. It offers an opportunity for veterinary surgeons to achieve a higher level of qualification, which recognises achievement in one or more areas of clinical interest, whilst developing their research skills in readiness for a vocationally relevant investigation, which adds to the scientific evidence base. Commenting on his achievement he said: I embarked on Improve s Postgraduate Diploma as I was keen to deepen my knowledge and expand my skills following completion of the Postgraduate Certificates (PgC) in both Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery. 11
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate WHY CHOOSE IMPROVE? Established Since 1998 we have been leading the way forward with veterinary CPD World-class We have world-class speakers, delivering the academic syllabus whilst ensuring content is relevant to practice Worldwide Now operating in over 20 countries worldwide Originators We are the originators of modular CPD for vets, and we are still a company which is run by vets for vets Over 3,000 Our alumni include thousands of vets who have benefited from participating in structured modular programmes Experienced Our Programme Tutor provides learning support throughout your chosen programme Accredited Postgraduate programmes accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University (HAU) State-of-the-art Practical training centres which enable delegates to get handson with a variety of procedures Advanced With access to leading specialists enhance your knowledge and skills with complex cases. Reduce referrals and retain higher levels of income for your practice 12
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate OUR PARTNERS Working with us to ensure the highest academic standards Harper Adams University (HAU) A rigorous validation process and the on-going involvement of HAU in our PgC programmes ensures teaching elements and examination processes meet the highest academic standards. Founded in 1901, Harper Adams has a long, proud tradition of the highest educational standards, and is widely recognised for the quality of its education. Named University College of the Year six years in a row, HAU was placed within the UK s top 10 higher education institutions, gaining full university status in 2012. European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) ESVPS is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the provision of high quality, attainable qualifications for the veterinary profession on a worldwide basis. ESVPS was established in 2003 by a group of like-minded veterinary surgeons with the principle objective of providing attainable, balanced qualifications within the busy practice setting. ESVPS has over 15 years experience in the provision of veterinary postgraduate assessments, awards and veterinary course accreditation, with over 3,800 vets and vet nurses awarded a veterinary postgraduate qualification internationally. 13
Pricing GENERAL PRACTITIONER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE Payments Initial Payment Total Payable Payment Options All prices exclude VAT Small Animal Medicine * General Practitioner Advanced Certificate Payment in full 10,000.00 10,995.00 995.00 12 monthly payments 880.00 11,555.00 Payment in full 11,550.00 12,550.00 1,000 12 monthly payments 1010.00 13,120.00 *The course fee includes all the ESVPS examination fees for existing GPCert holders and 40 university credits (20 ECTS) once you have passed all ESVPS and HAU components (case report, MCQ exam, case diary and reflective essay). Payment terms & conditions A non-refundable initial payment of 995.00 is due on registration in order to secure the booking. Deposits can be paid by credit card or bank transfer. Full payment to be made by BACS or credit card within 30 days of the deposit payment and prior to the programme start date in order to be eligible for the discounted rate. Direct debit plans are administered and collected on our behalf by GoCardless Ltd. If paying by direct debit we must receive the first payment prior to the course commencing. You will be charged VAT by default. If you are part of an EU country, outside of the UK and you have a valid intra-community VAT number the invoice will be exempt of VAT. 14
Ready to take that next step? REGISTERING IS EASY... How to Register 01793 759 159 Speak directly with our team who can register you over the phone Call Us enquiries@improveinternational.com Email us stating your interest in your chosen courses, be sure to leave your contact details and we will get back to you Email Us improveinternational.com Visit our website, click on your chosen course and then the book now button to fill in the short online form Visit Us Online Registration terms & conditions Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date. Confirmation and enrolment details will be sent to confirm booking 15
Tel: 01793 759 159 Email: enquiries@improveinternational.com Web: www.improveinternational.com Alexandra House Whittingham Drive Wroughton Swindon SN4 0QJ ImproveCPD @improvecpd improve-international Copyright 2018 Improve International, a subsidiary of Benchmark Holdings plc.