In search of a sustainable and rewarding veterinary career
17 May 2024
(Image: Dr Sarah Fitzgerald, supplied)
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With a flexible program that allows her to fit study requirements around work and personal commitments, the AVA Chartered Veterinary Practitioner (AVA CVP) accreditation is a journey that makes a lot of sense for Sarah Fitzgerald, a veterinarian from Maryborough, Queensland. “I'd settled back into my GP role after starting our family; I really enjoy the practice that I work in and the team I work with, so I was looking to extend myself in the job that I already have.”
With 2 courses almost completed, the AVA CVP is proving to be the extension that Sarah was seeking. Recognising excellence in small animal general practitioners, the AVA CVP is a professional accreditation which is undertaken part-time over 2 – 4 years. It uniquely offers development of personal and professional skills that maintain wellbeing and promote a positive workplace environment. This is complemented by practical learning that further enhances clinical skills, critical thinking and evidence-based practices to optimise animal care and One Health.
(Image: Dr Sarah Fitzgerald and colleague, supplied)
Sarah is relishing the challenge of the AVA CVP and the good mix of clinical and personal skills it offers. “For me, success in my career looks like enjoyment and longevity in the profession. The way the course material is presented gives a good framework which can be applied to so many day-to-day duties of a general practitioner – communication, self-awareness, work-ups and case management.”
Practically, Sarah has already made some changes to her clinical practice as a result of the Essential Clinical Skills module – including practising a more structured approach to clinical reasoning and implementing surgical and emergency checklists to help ensure she’s offering the best level of care to her clients and patients.
As a GP who loves the day-to-day interactions with clients and seeing her patients at both the best and worst of times, the Veterinary Personal and Professional Effectiveness module has been enlightening. “I’m finding it fascinating to explore the concepts of mindset and emotional intelligence and how they relate to successful clinical practice. There are so many take-aways about why some days are more difficult than others and how awareness of self can lead to success.”
(Image: Dr Sarah Fitzgerald and colleague, supplied)
Featuring courses written by vets for vets, Sarah feels strongly that professional accreditation represents a commitment to both ongoing learning and the profession. “It demonstrates that as an employee you are engaged with your knowledge, clients and colleagues. You can tell that there has been an awful lot of work put into the planning and course material. The teachers have been great – all the topics are ongoing conversations, and the teachers are brilliant at facilitating discussions.”
Sarah echoes her cohort’s sentiments on the peer support and collegiality that is emerging as a standout feature of the AVA CVP. “Everyone has been so lovely! It's been great that everyone has been open to discuss their own journeys and ideas, and this has been well facilitated by the course structure. The fortnightly interactive zoom sessions allow you to really connect with peers.”
Currently working part-time as Clinical Lead in Fraser Coast Veterinary Services, Sarah is confident the AVA CVP will give her the tools she needs for a sustained and rewarding veterinary career. “AVA CVP gives me a pathway to keep up-to-date and engaged with the profession.”
Find out more about the AVA CVP program or contact the AVA CVP Program Manager to discuss your study options.