As of BVOA executive committee meeting 12.1.2018, BVOA’s position is that:

Given the current and foreseeable shortage of specialist surgeons, the uncertainty of the effect of ‘Brexit’ on the UK specialist population and the access limitations of the ECVS diploma program, there is a need for a UK based modern RCVS DSAS type Diploma. The characteristics of the qualification would include - 

·       High quality rigorous and in depth training programme followed by robust and defensible examination 

·       Access via alternate-track style for suitably experienced and qualified surgeons wishing to pursue specialist status

·       Study is envisaged over a minimum 3-5 year period, but the program would be sufficiently flexible to allow part time engagement or career breaks over a longer period.

·       Such a qualification should ultimately be recognised by the RCVS to achieve RCVS recognised specialist status as DSAS, ECVS and ACVS qualifications are currently. 

As such the committee will engage in a process with interested relevant parties to investigate what is possible to satisfy this goal.