Rory Cowlam : My CPD Journey with Improve Veterinary Education
Hi, I’m Dr Rory Cowlam, BVetMed, PgCert, MRCVS, maybe better known as “Rory the Vet!”
Currently, I am Clinical Director at Pickles veterinary clinic in London, where I oversee clinical standards and help shape a model of care designed to support both animals and the vets who treat them. As an Improve Veterinary Education Ambassador, I am now also undertaking the Diagnostic Imaging Postgraduate Certificate Programme to enhance both my clinical skills and the quality of care I can deliver.
A little bit about me… I qualified in 2015 from the Royal Veterinary College in London, where I undertook the rigorous training required to become a veterinary surgeon. Over the years, my work has spanned clinical practice, writing, and broadcasting: I’ve written a book, The Secret Life of a Vet, become the resident vet on Blue Peter and co-founded the veterinary app VidiVet!
Choosing the Right CPD
When it came to planning my next stage of CPD, I knew I wanted to invest my time in something that would add real value to my practice. The choice can be overwhelming; there are so many areas of study available. So, to make the decision, I thought carefully about the areas in practice where I felt I could improve, as well as what would make the biggest difference to my team and the animals we treat.
For me, diagnostic imaging stood out. It’s an area that underpins so much of our diagnostic work, yet in many clinics it isn’t as developed as it could be.
Why Diagnostic Imaging
I opted for the Postgraduate Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging with Improve Veterinary Education because I believe it addresses an area where many vets, including myself, can strengthen their skills. I wanted to become more confident with techniques such as ultrasound and radiography, as well as build skills in interpreting more advanced imaging like CT and MRI. As a senior vet, I’ve seen how critical good imaging is for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Yet it’s also an area where confidence can vary, particularly when it comes to interpreting results or using more advanced techniques.
This programme is not just about personal growth; it’s about adding value to the clinic as a whole. With better imaging skills, I’ll be able to support colleagues, contribute to more accurate case discussions, and ultimately boost patient outcomes. For me, it just felt like the best way to bring something genuinely impactful back to practice.
Why Improve Veterinary Education
After researching the options, I decided that Improve Veterinary Education was the obvious choice. Their reputation for high-quality, specialist-led CPD is second to none. What really appealed to me was the standard of education, the calibre of the tutors, and the access to state-of-the-art equipment.
The training centres, such as the one in Swindon, are equipped with facilities that you simply don’t find in everyday practice, from known and trusted organisations such as Burtons, Mindray and IM3 to name just a few. Having the chance to learn in that environment, with guidance from experts in diagnostic imaging, makes the whole experience much more valuable. I also liked that Improve Veterinary Education’s programmes combine lectures with hands-on sessions. As vets, we learn best by doing, and the practical approach for face-to-face programmes ensure that what you learn can immediately be applied in a clinical setting.
What I’m Looking Forward To Most
The Diagnostic Imaging programme has already made a strong impression. From the very first day, we had a morning of engaging lectures that refreshed my knowledge and introduced new perspectives. But the real highlight was the practical session in the afternoon. Getting to grips with ultrasonography under the supervision of specialists was both challenging and exciting!
I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to revisit areas of imaging that I haven’t studied in depth since university, such as CT and MRI. These are increasingly important in modern veterinary practice, and having the confidence to interpret them accurately will be invaluable.
The hands-on training is what excites me most. It’s one thing to read about imaging or listen to a lecture, but it’s another to hold the probe, capture the image, and get instant feedback on your technique. That kind of practical learning stays with you and transforms the way you work back in practice.
Raising The Standards of Care
Ultimately, what I hope to gain from this programme is more than just a qualification. I want to come away with deeper confidence in my diagnostic skills, the ability to support colleagues in complex cases, and the reassurance that I’m offering the best possible care to my patients.
Improve Veterinary Education has created an environment where CPD feels inspiring rather than intimidating. CPD may start out as a requirement, but with the right choices, it becomes an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to raise the standard of care we deliver. For me, this is exactly that kind of opportunity, and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me.
