The Cambridge Equine Veterinary Society were nominated for their inspiring work with the clinical skills team in support of their peers during the disruption of this year.

Representing the Society for this award are Alexa (Lexxii) Bish-Jones (President) and James Potter (Publicity Officer).

The Cambridge Equine Veterinary Society were a huge source of support to their peers during a very difficult pandemic year. The committee produced clinical skills videos in their own time using the teaching horses and models at Merton Hall Farm clinical skills centre, and streamed them on their social media page. Covering topics such as placing an intravenous catheter, bandaging, blood sampling, removing a horseshoe and fitting a chifney bit, these videos provided valuable support to clinical year students in getting to grips with key equine procedural skills and preparing for their Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. As a group they have worked extremely hard to support all clinical students from years 4 to 6.

In addition to the videos, the team also created and supported self-directed practical drop-in sessions at Merton Hall Farm, utilising the teaching horses and creating an awareness of using this precious facility. The clinical skills team have been thrilled to work with them, and their achievement has already begun to inspire further collaboration between the student veterinary societies and the clinical skills facilities.

These students have been very proactive, and what they have produced will be an invaluable support not just for their own cohort but for those in years to come.

In 2020-21, Lexxii and James were both in their fifth year reading Veterinary Medicine at St Edmund's College and Robinson College respectively.