Improve International, Europe’s largest veterinary continuing education provider, celebrates its 20th birthday this year and David Babington (BVetMed MRCVS) has been at the helm since day one. David shares his story of moving from clinic to classroom, and his unique perspective on veterinary education around the world and the changing face of our extraordinary industry.
Q. You’re a qualified veterinary surgeon. What prompted the move into education? How did the idea for Improve International (‘Improve’) come about?
I qualified as a veterinary surgeon from The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1986 and then spent several years in small animal practice.
Back then, although there were plenty of short courses available, very few training providers were offering extended programs that allowed a real improvement in knowledge and skills.
My colleagues and I recognised a need for more comprehensive training, so we pioneered the concept of structured, modular programs — one and two-year programs designed to foster deep learning and skills development. That was how Improve first started.
Q. What does Improve look like in 2018?
Improve is now one of the largest specialist veterinary training companies in the world. We run modular programs in 22 different countries and we offer one and two-day short courses for vets who want to quickly upskill or refresh in a key area. Our global curriculum encompasses more than 20 different subjects, covering most of the key species and disciplines.
Additionally, in 2003 we launched the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and awarded our first General Practitioner Certificates. Since 2012, Improve and ESVPS have partnered with the UK’s Harper Adams University, which means vets can now gain a recognised postgraduate certificate following their studies.
Q. Tell us some of your personal highlights from the last 20 years.
Over the last two decades, Improve has trained literally thousands of vets and veterinary nurses. Suffice it to say, I am extremely proud to be a part of a company that has helped to raise veterinary standards and improve patient care across the world.
Another highlight has been developing a first-rate team of people that work so well together, across borders and even oceans. We now have an internal team of over 50 training professionals, including many vets, and an external team of over 500 specialist speakers.
Additionally, helping to create the portfolio of courses and qualifications that we now have has been incredibly rewarding. Vets and nurses are able to choose which area of clinical practice they would like to develop and then attend a convenient program/course that combines theoretical sessions with hands-on practical instruction. Continuing education has come a long way since the 90s!
Q. What changes have you seen within the veterinary profession during that time?
I’ve seen many changes, including the feminisation of the work force and the rise of corporate veterinary groups. In the UK, and indeed in many other countries, the majority of vets graduating are female. Many will work around raising a family, which spurs demand for more flexible approaches to continuing professional development. Consequently, we’ve seen online and blended learning increase in popularity.
Regarding corporatisation, currently around 30% of vet practices are owned by corporates and this is expected to rise to 50% by the end of 2018, perhaps peaking at 70% within five years. Increasingly, Improve is working with Heads of Learning and Development or Human Resources to offer ‘on-demand’ training that meets specific education requirements across these large groups of practices.\
Q. You’re in a unique position to observe veterinary communities around the world. What common educational challenges do you see vets across the globe facing?
I see increasing demands from clients, which fuels higher standards of veterinary care everywhere.
There’s also the omnipresent challenge of ever-developing science and technology, meaning that lifelong knowledge isn’t really achievable anymore — the learning process must continue throughout a vet’s career.
And regardless of the country, vets have busy professional lives. Time away from practice can be challenging, so it’s important for us to ensure flexibility in our learning pathways.
Q. Improve launched in Australia in 2014. How have you found the Australian market? What’s in store for Australian vets over the next few years?
Australia is a very large country with big distances between the major population areas. Given the time and expense involved in travelling to a course, it’s important that our Australian courses offer the right balance between face-to-face sessions and online components.
Over the next few years we’ll continue to grow our portfolio in Australia, ensuring we meet these needs and provide a great return on investment for our Australian vets.
Ultimately, our goal for Australia is the same as everywhere else: to offer relevant and flexible routes for professional development that create real change back in practice.
Q. If you could go back 20 years to when you first started Improve, what advice would you give your younger self?
Keep the faith! Sometimes when developing a business, it’s difficult to see beyond that big hill on the horizon. Take it one step at a time and you’ll soon find yourself at the top of the hill looking out… to yet an even bigger one!
Also, when negotiating try to aim for win–win situations and long-term relationships. It’s amazing the people that you’ll meet along the way that will help you on the journey. You won’t do it all on your own!
