Abstract
Award
2014 JFMS Resident Best Paper Award winner
Paul Higgs, a past resident at The University of Bristol, UK, has won the 2014 JFMS Resident Best Paper Award. This annual award recognises quality and excellence for early career authors in veterinary science. The criteria used for evaluating eligible studies are benefit to cats, direct usefulness to practitioners, quality of science, originality and standard of writing. Paul’s study ‘Medical management and monitoring of the hyperthyroid cat: a survey of UK general practitioners’, published in October 2014, was ranked highest on average.
The panel of judges commented that ‘the research provides an excellent resource from which to inform and help focus continuing education programs on the knowledge gaps and management deficiencies for cats with hyperthyroidism.
Ultimately this research may help vets recommend radioiodine therapy more frequently than they currently do, and this could influence a positive change in practice.’
ISFM
ISFM invests in nurses
ISFM, the veterinary division of International Cat Care, is fast becoming the focus for veterinary nurses and technicians interested in improving their cat care.
ISFM offers two qualifications for vet nurses:
ISFM Certificate in Feline Nursing
ISFM Diploma in Feline Nursing
Ninety nurses started distance learning courses in February, and they will join over 400 nurses from 17 countries who have already achieved or are currently undertaking these qualifications.
ISFM also offers free nurse and technician membership, providing access to ISFM’s monthly digital journal Feline Focus and monthly webinars.
New look and support materials for Cat Friendly Clinic
A new look and a raft of support materials for the ISFM’s Cat Friendly Clinic (CFC) programme have been recently unveiled. Developed in response to feedback from veterinary practices across the UK, the new materials will help interested clinics to gain accreditation, or already-accredited clinics to raise their profile to the cat-owning public.
Initiatives include an extensive library of photographs from accredited clinics and a video walk-through of a CFC to show how, with a willingness to adopt a feline-friendly attitude, accreditation is straightforward for the majority of veterinary practices.
A new Bronze award has also been announced, together with slightly revised criteria for the Silver and Gold accreditation levels. Accredited clinics are sent an award certificate to display and can make use of a variety of promotional materials including pre-prepared press releases and content for newsletters; a range of client information leaflets is also available.
Clinics can find more information on the CFC programme and accreditation at: www.catfriendlyclinic.org
iCatCare
At the helm of iCatCare
Stuart Carmichael, director at Fitzpatrick Referrals, Godalming, and Professor of Veterinary Science at the University of Surrey, UK, has taken up the reins as chairperson for International Cat Care and its veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine. He succeeds Kim Horsford, who has stepped down from the board, having completed the maximum 9 year term
Education
Clinical neurology
The Centre for Veterinary Education at the University of Sydney is running a new distance education course on clinical neurology. Tutored by Laurent Garosi, Sam Long and Simon Platt, the course comprises nine modules and runs from September 2015 to July 2016. Earlybird rates apply until June 30. For more information and to register visit: www.cve.edu.au/de/clinical-neurology
AAFP
The AAFP steals the spotlight on Discovery Channel
The AAFP has hit the ground running in 2015 with a major focus on cat owner education as to the importance of routine veterinary visits.
The AAFP and the Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) program were profiled on Discovery Channel’s Innovations with Ed Begley Jr. series, which aired on April 20. Innovations is an award-winning television series hosted by actor, director and environmentalist, Ed Begley Jr. The segment explored the importance of feline veterinary visits and the benefits of the CFP program for veterinary staff, cat owners and, of course, cats. It also allowed the AAFP to spread its feline wellness message to millions of viewers.
Dr Apryl Steele talks to cat owner, Matt, about yearly preventive care check-ups
A cat owner is shown into a cat-only exam room at a Cat Friendly Practice
Dr Susan Little conducts a physical examination; feline-friendly handling techniques use minimal restraint to reduce stress for cats
Scene from the Innovations television segment
New online member benefits
The AAFP offers first-rate membership benefits to support the advancement of feline health and welfare to veterinarians and team members.
We are pleased to announce some new benefits that can be accessed from the Member Center online:
For a complete list of the AAFP’s exclusive member benefits, visit: www.catvets.com/members/vet-benefits/
