Family and friends gather to celebrate the achievements of new graduates at end-of-year ceremonies. Image The 2023 summer cohort has graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Over 150 students received their degrees in the University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall, supported by their families and friends. The ceremony was live streamed for those unable to attend.Students from the Vet School were awarded their Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degrees alongside graduates from the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, who received their BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Economics, BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science (Animal Science) and BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science (Global Agriculture and Food Security).The following day, postgraduate students were awarded a variety of qualifications including masters, doctor of veterinary medicine and PhD. Honorary degreesThis year the University of Edinburgh conferred honorary degrees to three veterinary surgeons in recognition for their contribution to the profession.Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland and Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute, Dr Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland, and Dr Niall Connell, former President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), all received an honorary Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.Celebration eventThe day following graduation, the School held its annual prize-giving ceremony for veterinary undergraduates. The event, at Easter Bush Campus, hosted 2023 BVM&S graduates, and their families and friends.Over 400 guests gathered in the School's main atrium to enjoy a drinks reception. During the event, Professor David Argyle, Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, presented over 80 prizes to graduating students for a variety of academic and sporting achievements.Professional declarationAt the event, the graduates in attendance gathered to give the RCVS declaration in the presence of RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson. This procedure, which all vets are required to take part in, secures their membership of the RCVS and the right to practise veterinary surgery in the UK.In the declaration, they promise to pursue the work of their profession with integrity, to accept their responsibilities to the public, their clients, their profession and the RCVS, and to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesThe Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.The School comprises:The Roslin InstituteThe Global Academy of Agriculture and Food SystemsThe Roslin Innovation CentreThe Hospital for Small AnimalsEquine Veterinary ServicesFarm Animal ServicesEaster Bush PathologyThe Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare EducationWe represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Publication date 04 Aug, 2023
