In 2012, veterinarians in Europe will, for the first time, be able to sit the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) Membership examination in Medicine of Cats.

Veterinarians wishing in sit the ANZCVS Medicine of Cats examinations, to be held in June/August 2012, need to register by October 31, 2011. The written examinations will be available at several locations throughout UK/Europe, while the practical/oral examination will be conducted in a single central location in Birmingham, UK. The cost of sitting the examination will be $2500 AUD. (At current exchange rates this is approximately €1900/£1650.)

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) has adopted the ANZCVS Medicine of Cats qualification as its officially recognised postgraduate examination. Although not a specialist examination, the MANZCVS qualification distinguishes practitioners with a particular interest and high level of standing in feline clinical sciences.

The MANZCVS examination covers all facets of feline internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, nutrition and behaviour. There is a well-documented subject guidelines study guide, with a reading list of recommended textbooks and journals. The examination consists of two 2-hour written papers (one concerning basic sciences and pathophysiology, the second concerning more clinical and practical aspects of feline medicine), and a practical/oral examination (minimum 45 minutes’ duration).

The MANZCVS examination is available to veterinarians who fulfil specific selection criteria and have had at least three-and-a-half years of full-time veterinary activity between graduation and taking the examination. Generally, 18–24 months of concerted self-directed study is required to confidently attempt Membership examinations.

For more information go to www.isfm.net/qualifications To register to sit the ANZCVS Membership examinations in 2012, or beyond, go to www.acvsc.org.au

                                                            Ends                                       July 2011

For further details contact Karen Bessant, FAB/ISFM press officer, on telephone+44(0)1747 87187, email karen@isfm.net

Note to editors: The ANZCVS Medicine of Cats of qualification was initially known as the Australian College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVSc) Medicine of Cats qualification.