A bonus edition of the podcast looking at the 2024 BVNA Congress theme about 'progression', in which Ian Wolstenholme talks with KIRSTY GWYNNE about exciting developments on the Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) role in practice, JILL MACDONALD provides some insight into the VN Vision research, BEN MYRING the RCVS Policy and Public Affairs Manager explains how vet nursing statutory regulation is undergoing changes...over time! PAM MOSEDALE from RCVS Knowledge tells us about QI (no, not TV's comedy panel quiz) but Quality Improvement and how practices can learn from mistakes.

In the episode vet and entrepreneur DR KATIE FORD returns to chat about how practices can refresh that most important of client and clinic communication tools - social media. Which platforms work and what should you be featuring?

Katie provides some thought-provoking hints and tips about what works plus the protocols and policies that practices might need to maximise the effectiveness of the various SM platforms.

In this episode Ian Wolstenholme talks with guest STEVE HOWARD, Head of Clinical Services at PDSA and Secretary General of RUMA CA&E, about this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

Now in its third year, the initiative once again takes place throughout November, and provides an opportunity for clients to return unwanted antibiotics to practices and learn more about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the responsible use of antibiotics. The World Health Organisation has classified AMR as one of the Top 10 threats for global health.

Steve explains how companion animal and equine practices can make the most of the opportunities to convey key messages to clients in many ways. You can find out more about the campaign and access valuable tools and resources at www.rumacae.org.uk and sign up to this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

It's a welcome return to the podcast to DR ERNIE WARD - America's Pet Advocate, author, broadcaster, worldwide speaker and journalist.

Here in the UK, you can contribute to research/data and more information (as well as useful information for the practice) by visiting - www.worldpetobesity.org

A recently published study in Vet Times by Dr Neil Forbes BVetMed, DECZM, FRCVS, demonstrates that now is the time to take the subject of veterinary practice hygiene very seriously, if we want to avoid "the silent pandemic".

In this bonus edition of Practice Matters, Ian Wolstenholme is joined by the author, who is a Trustee of the Bella Moss Foundation, to look at how practices of every size can do to really 'up their game'.

As ever, if you have any comments or observations on the topic covered, we'd love to hear from you! Send us a voice note to 07709 836865 or comment on the page.

In this episode, Ian Wolstenholme catches up with FIVP member JOHN TAYLOR from new independent practice Taylor Vets of Brackley in Northamptonshire.

Why the title "Independent 2.0"? Well, John is one of those raft of veterinarians who set up a practice soon after qualifying, later sold it, but then realised that the whole experience provided him with a second opportunity to show the true value of the community-focused independent practice.

John shares some of the highlights from his journey....

No, we're not analysing canine treats (maybe a thought for another pod) but looking at the significance of the good old telephone in independent practice. Who else better to provide some "tell it as it is" food for thought, backed up with latest data, than the founder of Onswitch - ALISON LAMBERT.

In these challenging times in veterinary practice with investigations, client expectations and so on, how easy or difficult is it to maintain a healthy practice culture? Come to that, what IS practice culture?

Ian Wolstenholme chats with DR DAVE NICOL who has been a vet for more than 25 years and headed up two multi-doctor teams on two continents. He's an author, broadcaster and currently runs Roundwood Pet Hospice in central London.

Dave has been twice voted VMX Speaker of the Year.

Listen up - it's going to be a good one....

In this edition Ian chats with America's pet advocate, author and industry leader (as well as ironman triathlete!) DR ERNIE WARD about how our veterinary colleagues across the 'pond have tackled similar issues to that of the current CMA investigation in the UK. How has it impacted on U.S. veterinary teams and what we learn from their experiences?

In this episode Ian Wolstenholme talks with vet and entrepreneur KATIE FORD about how practices might like to consider collaborating with their local radio station to broadcast pet healthcare information and reach new audiences as part of their strategic marketing.

To find out about your local community broadcaster visit http://static.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/html/radio-stations/community/community-main.htm