The University of Edinburgh
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Junior Clinical Training Scholarship – Small Animal Hospital
Further Particulars
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh has been instrumental in shaping history for over 400 years. An
exciting, vibrant, research led academic community we offer opportunities to work with leading
international academics whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. Our 21 Schools, spread
across 3 Colleges, offer over 350 undergraduate and 160 postgraduate courses to more than
20,000 students each year.
As a member of staff, you will not only be part of one the world’s leading Universities, you will
be working with one of the leading employers in Edinburgh, with over 7000 people employed
across a wide range of academic and supporting roles.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS)
(http://www.vet.ed.ac.uk/)
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has an international reputation for its research,
teaching and clinical services. It occupies a new £45 million veterinary teaching building, next
to the existing prestigious small and large animal hospitals at the Easter Bush Campus,
completed in 2011, and designed to support top class veterinary education in the 21st century.
The hospital includes a major new veterinary oncology and imaging centre built as an extension
to the existing modern Hospital for Small Animals.
The School has over 600 undergraduate students and approximately 150 postgraduate
students registered for an MSc or PhD, and has developed a four-year Graduate Entry
Programme which currently admits around 60 science graduates per year into the BVM&S
programme. The School is consistently highly ranked by The Times Higher Educational
Supplement and the Guardian newspaper. The School is accredited by the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and
participates in the Veterinary Medical Colleges Admissions Service (VMCAS). The Vet School
was placed first for veterinary research in RAE 2008 and delivered the largest volume of 4*
research in the whole UK. The School submitted 111 research-active staff, more than any other
UK Vet School
The Roslin Institute
In May 2008 the internationally-renowned Roslin Institute joined the University of Edinburgh,
incorporated and co-located with R(D)SVS. The University of Edinburgh and the Biotechnology
and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) together funded a new £60.8 million state
of the art building for The Roslin Institute, occupied in March 2011 (see www.roslin.ed.ac.uk).
The Roslin Institute's mission is to gain a fundamental understanding of genetic, cellular, organ
and systems bioscience underpinning common mechanisms of animal development and
pathology, and to drive this into prevention and treatment of important veterinary diseases and
develop sustainable farm animal production systems.
The Roslin Institute is a BBSRC National Institute, funded by Institute Strategic Programme
Grants from the research council. The Institute aims to enhance the lives of animals and
humans through world class research in animal biology. The principal objectives are to:
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Enhance animal health and welfare through knowledge of genetic factors affecting
resistance to disease
Enhance sustainability and productivity of livestock systems and food supply chains
through understanding of reproductive and developmental biology.
Enhance food safety by understanding interactions between disease causing organisms
and animals
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Enhance human health through an understanding of basic mechanisms of health and
disease and comparative biology of animal species
Identify of new and emerging zoonoses and understand how pathogens might cross
from animals to humans
Enhance quality of life for animals by studying the mechanisms and behaviours
associated with optimising their environment and life experiences.
The Roslin Institute will provide holistic solutions to global challenges in human
medicine and the livestock industry.
and veterinary
The research of The Roslin Institute involves work in animals, in cells and tissues, and in
computer modelling and simulations. Research is conducted at the highest standards of animal
care and welfare and in line with the principles of the 3Rs “the Replacement, Refinement and
Reduction of animals in research”.
The Roslin Institute has a large number of collaborations within Edinburgh; both with the
University and with other local research organisations and our scientists collaborate widely on
the international stage. In April 2008 the Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC) was
formed which brings together the science of The Roslin Institute, the R(D)SVS, the Scottish
Agricultural College and the Moredun Research Institute. The partnerships within the EBRC,
and integration with clinical practice and education in the R(D)SVS, provide major opportunities
for application and exploitation of the research of the consortium partners. Together, the EBRC
forms one of the largest groups focussed on the biology of companion and production animals
in the world. It undertakes basic and translational science to tackle pressing issues in animal
genetics and genomics, development, health and welfare and their implications for human
health.
The Hospital for Small Animals (www.dickvet.com)
The Hospital for Small Animals (HfSA) principally deals with cases referred from Scotland and
the north of England, although some come from much further afield. Disciplines covered
include orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, internal medicine (canine and feline) plus
cardiopulmonary, oncology and dermatology services. Increasingly, patients are referred for
advanced diagnostic imaging and diagnosis is aided by ready access to clinical pathology
facilities within our on-site Veterinary Pathology Unit. HfSA also houses a busy first-opinion
canine/feline practice and an Exotic and Wildlife Service dealing with both first and secondopinion cases. The Hospital supports teaching and research through income generation and
supply of clinical material; it has an annual turnover of around £3 million.
Description of Scholarship
Aims and Objectives
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To provide further clinical training and experience in small animal medicine and surgery,
over a 12 month period.
To provide experience in teaching and communication.
To provide opportunities to develop scientific writing and presentation skills.
Qualifications
Scholars must possess a veterinary degree which is recognised by the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons, and be Members or Fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom.
Junior Clinical Training Scholarships (Rotating Internships)
Our rotating internships are structured into 4-week blocks as follows:
Week 1
Week 2
You will be assigned to a specialist service for one week (Monday to Friday,
8.30am to 5pm).
You will work as a “late intern”. You will be on duty at the weekend between
8.30am and 5pm followed by being assigned to a specialist service, Monday to
Friday, between 10.30am and 8pm. You will be off duty on the Saturday and
Sunday.
Week 3
Week 4
You will be assigned to a specialist service as per week 1. On the Friday at
4pm you will move onto night intern duties
You will continue night duties only on week 4, finishing on the Friday morning.
You will then be off duty on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The overall allocation of duties will be approximately one quarter of time on night duty, one
quarter of time in anaesthesia, one quarter of time in medical services and one quarter of time in
surgical services. An initial week will be allocated to the first opinion dog and cat service and to
the exotic animal service to ensure familiarity with service procedures and protocols.
During your rotation through our Referral Services you will be under the direct supervision of
senior staff members and Senior Clinical Training Scholars (Residents). The Junior Clinical
Scholar will not be given primary responsibility for referral cases but will act as an assistant
throughout the case’s management.
Junior Clinical Training Scholars will gain experience in emergency medicine during their weeks
on night duty. Night duties comprise management of first opinion emergencies and participation
in the management of emergency referral cases, as well as care of the cases that are in the
general wards and intensive care unit. Scholars will be fully supported by the out of hours team
which consists of the following;
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a qualified veterinary nurse/nurses
two Senior Clinical Scholars (SCS); one medicine and one surgery
a lecturer from cardiology, internal medicine or oncology - provides backup to the SCSs
a lecturer from surgery – provides surgical backup
an anaesthetist – available to anaesthetise cases
an exotic animal clinician or resident at the weekend.
Teaching duties
Throughout the programme, the Junior Clinical Scholar will be viewed as a role model by
veterinary students. He/she will participate in clinical instruction and in the evaluation of
students allocated to his/her team. The Junior Clinical Scholar will be involved in teaching
veterinary students the art and science of history taking, clinical examination and the design of
treatment protocols for cases under his/her care. The Junior Clinical Scholar will also supervise
students in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Most of this teaching
involves small groups of 4-6 students and is centred around clinical cases.
The Junior Clinical Training Scholar will also participate in tutorial teaching of undergraduate
veterinary students and will participate in daily students’ rounds, clinician’s problems
conferences and any other appropriate meetings scheduled by the Division. The Junior Clinical
Scholar will not be expected to give lectures to undergraduate students.
Continuing Education
Attendance at Continuing Education Courses run by the School is to be encouraged when
scheduling allows, and it is hoped that time and funding will be made available for the Junior
Clinical Training Scholar to attend at least one national or specialist conference.
The following Seminars, rounds and lectures in the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
are available for academic enrichment for the clinical scholar and attendance and participation
will be required where appropriate.
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Clinical Case presentations
Talks given by final year students on clinical cases
Monday afternoons at 4.00 pm during term-time, Seminar room 1 in the New Vet School
(NVS).
 R(D)SVS Evening Seminar Programme
An annual programme of lectures given by staff members or invited speaker, which takes place
on Tuesday evenings at 7.00 pm (approximately every four weeks during term time) in lecture
theatre 1 , NVS.
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Combined small animal medicine and surgery rounds
A presentation and discussion of cases by clinical scholars and senior staff members.
Once monthly; Wednesday afternoon at 5.15 pm. Room F32, Hospital for Small Animals.
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Resident Seminars
A presentation on an aspect of pathophysiology given by senior clinical scholars.
Once monthly; Wednesday afternoon at 5.15 pm. ULT, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre.
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Special seminars
Talks given by guest speakers on clinical subjects. Friday afternoons at 4 pm during termtime. ULT, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre.
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Research Emphasis Day (RED)
An annual day of lectures given by members of the veterinary school devoted to current
research within the veterinary school. ULT, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre.
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The Charnock Bradley Lecture
Annual lecture given by an invited speaker on a clinical subject.
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The Peter Wilson lecture
An annual lecture (or series of lectures) given by an invited speaker(s) on clinical subjects.
 Other rounds and journal clubs are organised by each discipline according to their needs.
Appraisals
The Junior Clinical Scholar will be appraised by their line manager, after input is received from
other members of staff.
Appraisal will take place at 6 months, with more informal
appraisal/discussion at the end of the scholarship. Informal appraisal will be available
throughout the term of the scholarship. A Certificate will be awarded to the Junior Clinical
Scholar after successful completion of the programme.
Junior Clinical Scholars will submit a written evaluation of their Training Programme in the last
month of their training. This report must be submitted before Certificates of Completion are
issued.
Remuneration
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Junior Clinical Scholars will be provided with accommodation (all service bills – excluding
food are provided) within the HfSA.
In addition to accommodation and training, Junior Clinical Scholars will receive a stipend of
£13,600 per year.
Additional Information
While undertaking the Scholarship programme, your status will be that of post-graduate student.
The Scholarship is for either 6 or 18 months. In the event that the Scholarship is not completed
or satisfactory progress not made, a period of two months notice in advance of the date of
departure must be given by either party.
You must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. You are responsible for
ensuring that you are registered and for paying the annual registration fee.
You will be encouraged to complete a clinical research project which may lead to publication or
an abstract presentation.
While undertaking clinical duties (including out of hours duties) you must adhere to any
procedures, protocols, rules or regulations determined by the Director of Veterinary Services.
The requirement to undertake such duties does not confer employee status.
An important aspect of your training will be to accept appropriate professional responsibility for
clinical case supervision and to undertake such investigation, therapeutic measures and
surgical procedures as necessary under the supervision of your supervisor. It is expected that
the degree of responsibility will increase as you progress through the programme. Ultimate
responsibility for individual cases will always be with your supervisor.
During sickness absence covered by medical certificates, payment of the award will continue at
the full rate for four weeks and at half rate for the next four weeks. Any payment beyond this
period will be at the discretion of the School.
As full-time students, Junior Clinical Scholars are not entitled to paid maternity, paternity or
adoption leave. Any extension of the scholarship following a period of unpaid leave is at the
discretion of the Head of Division. Scholars funded from external sources may be governed by
their sponsors’ regulations in these circumstances.
Your annual leave (absence from the study programme) entitlement is 25 days.
Specific allowances are available to cover or contribute to the cost of CPD, travel, conferences,
AV production, photocopying and library requests. This information is available on request from
the Head of Division.
Outside professional activities or employment must be discussed and approved by your
supervisor and they must not interfere with Scholarship duties.
You are required to obtain the consent of the Head of Division before becoming a member of
any outside committee or expressing your views in public on matters connected with the work of
the School (this does not preclude you from addressing scientific or professional gatherings). If
you should feel aggrieved at a refusal of consent there will be a right of appeal to the Head of
School.
Communications to the press, radio or television, excluding scientific communications to the
scientific and veterinary press, expressing personal views may not be communicated from the
School address except by permission of the Head of School.
Copies of the current procedures for dealing with matters of discipline or grievance are available
from the Graduate School.
You may be required to participate in School events as directed by the Head of Division.
Further specific conditions relate to some externally funded scholarships and to Residencies in
specific disciplines; such conditions should be read with these Terms and Conditions as part of
your “contract” with the University.
Stipend and Allowances
The post attracts an annual tax-free stipend of £13,600, paid monthly by direct transfer to your
Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month.
In addition, you will receive a £600 per annum allowance for approved CPD activities.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to:
Alison.Ridyard@ed.ac.uk
Alison Ridyard on 0131 650 7650 or email:
Disclosure:
This post is subject to a Standard Disclosure Check. Employment in this post is conditional on
the University receiving a satisfactory Standard Disclosure check. The successful candidate will
not be permitted to commence employment until this has been received. Information provided
will be kept confidential and individuals will not be discriminated against unnecessarily due to
non relevant offending background.
If you require further information regarding Disclosure, please refer to:
www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
Application Procedure
Please go to the following website and complete the Application Form provided:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/clinical-scholarships
Please email the application form along with a covering letter stating why you wish to apply and
a copy of your CV to poppy.kemp@ed.ac.uk. Or by post to:
Poppy Kemp, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Tel:
0131 650 6148
We cannot guarantee to consider late applications.