Vetnuus | Januarie 2024 36 « BACK TO CONTENTS Veterinary Science is one of the more challenging degrees to complete. There is a natural tendency to think that once a veterinarian has obtained a veterinary degree that should be the end of studying. It could not be further from the truth. Human memories are not perfect, especially when we do not use the knowledge we gained regularly. This means that once we start practising, we will become better at the things we do regularly, but we tend to forget the knowledge that we do not use frequently. Add to this that we live in a society where there is a knowledge explosion, and it becomes clear that there is a continuous need for education. This is recognized in the veterinary profession and in South Africa, it is regulated under the Veterinary Act1 and the Regulations2. On a more philosophical level, continued growth is the opposite of deterioration. Some people argue that there is no such thing as stagnation, but that one either grows or deteriorates. We should therefore always strive to improve ourselves. Definition of Continuing Professional Development The legal definition of “continuing professional development (CPD)” is given in the Regulations and it “means the continuing education and training of a veterinary professional prescribed in terms of these regulations”. For this definition, a veterinary professional refers to a veterinarian as well as a veterinary specialist. The basic requirements • All veterinary professionals who practise or provide a professional veterinary service must comply with the CPD system to maintain their registration with the SAVC. • Veterinarians who do not practise or provide a professional veterinary service are exempt from the requirements. However, if such a person starts to practise again or provide a service, the veterinarian must make sure that her or his CPD points are current and comply with the Regulations. • Veterinarians enrolled in formal tertiary veterinary education programs at an NQF level 6 or higher do not have to accumulate CPD points while actively enrolled in the programme. Such a veterinarian will again enter the CPD cycle on 1 April following the date of completion of the qualification or deregistration from the programme. Proof of such enrolment must be provided to the SAVC with the required annual summary. • A CPD cycle is a three-year cycle. During this cycle, veterinary professionals must get at least 60 CPD points in total and 20 of these points must be from structured activities. Legal Mews CONTINUING EDUCATION – A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR PRACTISING VETERINARIANS Trudie Prinsloo (Legalvet Services) This article is intended to provide information and educate veterinarians on relevant aspects of the law. It is not intended as personal legal advice. SAVA is not responsible or liable for any advice or other information provided herein.
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