VET-PASS, the European network for Veterinary Education and Training for Professional Advancement, Specialisation and Skills, has officially launched its work following the first management committee meeting of COST Action CA25113 in Brussels on 6 October.
Towards more comparable specialisation pathways
Postgraduate veterinary specialisation remains fragmented across Europe, with differences in training structures, qualifications, standards and recognition between countries. Limited comparable information on available pathways and workforce needs can also hamper career planning, professional mobility and workforce planning, with wider implications for animal health and welfare, public health, food security and the implementation of One Health.
Building a European framework
Over the next four years, VET-PASS strives to bring together veterinary faculties, professional organisations and competent authorities, as well as employers, continuing education providers, researchers and other stakeholders. Its aim is to develop an evidence-based and transparent framework to ‘improve comparability, quality assurance, career development and cross-border recognition of postgraduate specialisation,’ according to its press release.
Seven sectors of collaboration
VET-PASS is not intended to become a regulatory body or replace national responsibilities. Instead, seven interconnected working groups will address areas including data collection, workforce needs, stakeholder engagement, standardisation, career development, communication and educational innovation. Planned outputs include a European knowledge base on specialisation pathways, workforce analyses, recommendations on standards and recognition, career resources and educational pilot projects.
‘Supporting harmonised specialisation for mutual recognition’
Heiko Nathues, leader of the VET-PASS Action, said: ‘The European veterinary profession needs transparent, comparable and trustworthy specialisation pathways, while respecting national responsibilities. Our ambition is to support harmonised specialisation that can achieve mutual recognition by regulatory authorities and trust from animal owners, clients and society. VET-PASS provides a unique platform to turn this ambition into concrete, data-driven progress.’
For more information, read the Memorandum of understanding or contact Heiko Nathues
(photo Debora Balves/Pixabay)