In 2007 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons abruptly and without explanation, changed the annual retention fee requirement for veterinary residents/clinical scholars and interns. Previously residents paid half price annual fees, in line with all other post graduate students. Since 2007 residents now pay full fees. We have approached the RCVS individually and as a group on a number of occasions regarding this matter and have been unequivocally rebuffed. There does not seem to be any rhyme nor reason for why residents pay full fees, whereas other post graduate students, such as PhD students, pay half the fee. In general residents are paid a minimal stipend, usually less than other post graduate students. One would assume that the reason that students pay a reduced fee, is that they cannot afford the full fee and is also in recognition of the fact that they are studying to further benefit the veterinary profession. It is difficult to understand why this no longer extends to residents who are also trying to further their career, play a large part in teaching future veterinarians and dare I say it, advance the veterinary profession in general. £300 is an enormous amount to pay out of a resident’s meagre stipend, and the university does not pay for this. Please sign this petition and please ask as many people as possible to also sign the petition, including other vets, students, support staff and people of influence within the university. Ideally could you write down the institution where you work/study within the comments box. I thank you in advance, and all future residents thank you. Damian Chase BVSc MACVSc(Surgery) MRCVS Resident in small animal surgery Small Animal Hospital Glasgow University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

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