Our Qualifications and what the letters mean
Ridge Referrals is committed to providing a referral service in orthopaedics for small animals to the highest level.
Just as all other vets in the UK we are governed and regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) who have set out specific definitions of qualification.
BVSc (Batchelor of Veterinary Science)
All vets practicing in the UK must have a degree in veterinary science that is recognized by the RCVS
Cert VR (Certificate in Veterinary Radiology) & Cert SAS (Certificate in Small Animal Surgery)
These are two further qualifications in radiography (X rays) and surgery which not all vets have chosen to undertake and this:
“indicates that the holder is a competent clinician who has proved their experience and expertise by examination in their chosen subject.” (From the RCVS)
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
Advanced practitioners are accredited to have particular knowledge and experience in a designated field of veterinary practice. Practitioners also confirm that they keep up to date in that field over and above the minimum requirements set out by the RCVS for continuing professional development.
MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)
Any vet practicing in the UK must be a member of the RCVS. The RCVS are our regulatory body.
The Referral Process
Ridge Referrals is committed to providing a referral service in orthopaedics for small animals to the highest level. If you have to be referred from your GP to another hospital for treatment you expect to see someone who is suitably qualified for the condition you are being referred for, this is exactly the same for our pets. Although Patrick Ridge is not an RCVS “Recognised Specialist in Orthopaedics” he has a significant wealth of experience in Small Animal Surgery and Radiology from twenty three years as a practicing vet (ten years with Ridge Referrals) and demonstrated by his two certificate exams and recognition by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, in addition to this he has a huge amount of experience in small animal arthroscopy performing in excess of 1700 arthroscopic procedures to date (May 2019). Patrick has spent time abroad working with some of the world’s most eminent arthroscopists, has published papers on small animal arthroscopy in peer reviewed journals and presents at veterinary conferences internationally on the subject of arthroscopy. We hope that this level of experience reassures you that your pet is in good hands and equally if we feel that a case could be more appropriately seen by another referral colleague we will discuss this with you. If you have any questions please feel free to ask at any time.
