The Veterinary News & Views | Exclusive Interview
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Interview on the Intensive Clinical Training Program at RCVetS
A conversation with Prof. Dr. Anas Sarwar Qureshi, Principal, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore.
Today, The Veterinary News & Views is privileged to speak with Prof. Dr. Anas Sarwar Qureshi, Principal of the Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore. He is a distinguished academic leader and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Prof. Qureshi has made significant contributions to veterinary education, research, institutional development, and professional training.
In this interview, he shares insights into the Intensive Clinical Training (ICT) Program and its role in preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Professor Qureshi, thank you for joining us today. To begin, could you tell us about the Intensive Clinical Training Program at RCVetS and why it was launched?
Thank you for having me. Before we begin, it is important to acknowledge that the Intensive Clinical Training (ICT) Program is the vision of our CEO, Dr. Muhammad Arshad, whose commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and innovation in veterinary education laid the foundation for this unique initiative.
The Intensive Clinical Training Program at the Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences was developed to bridge the gap between veterinary education and professional practice. While veterinary graduates possess strong theoretical knowledge, many require additional practical exposure and confidence before entering the workplace. This program was designed to provide intensive hands-on training that prepares graduates and practicing veterinarians for the realities of modern veterinary practice.
What are the key objectives of the program, and how does it benefit veterinary graduates?
The primary objective is to produce competent, confident, and globally competitive veterinarians. We aim to equip participants with practical clinical skills, professional confidence, and exposure to modern veterinary technologies and procedures. By combining experiential learning with expert mentorship, the program helps participants become practice-ready professionals capable of meeting both national and international standards.
What types of hands-on clinical training do participants receive during the program?
The program provides extensive practical training in Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Surgery, Large Animal Surgery, Theriogenology, Poultry Production, Poultry Pathology, Diagnostic Procedures, and Clinical Case Management.
Participants work directly with clinical cases and gain experience in examination techniques, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical procedures, reproductive management, disease investigation, and preventive healthcare strategies. Our emphasis is on learning by doing, which builds competence and confidence.
Could you tell us about the distinguished faculty and mentors involved in delivering this training?
Certainly. One of the greatest strengths of the ICT Program is its exceptional team of mentors. The faculty comprises distinguished professionals and nationally recognized experts in their respective fields.
- Prof. Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, an accomplished Small Animal Surgeon
- Prof. Dr. Arif Khan, a renowned Large Animal Surgeon
- Prof. Dr. Aleem Bhatti, an eminent scientist and expert in Theriogenology
- Prof. Dr. M. Sarwar, a highly experienced clinician in Veterinary Medicine
- Prof. Dr. Farzana Rizvi, a distinguished scholar with extensive expertise in Poultry Production and Poultry Pathology
Together, these mentors bring decades of academic, clinical, research, and field experience, providing participants with invaluable learning opportunities and professional guidance.
What role do the state-of-the-art laboratories, operation theatres, and post-mortem facilities play in enhancing the learning experience?
High-quality clinical training requires high-quality facilities. At RCVetS, participants have access to highly equipped diagnostic and research laboratories, advanced clinical facilities, modern diagnostic equipment, state-of-the-art operation theatres, and comprehensive post-mortem and pathology units.
These facilities provide trainees with opportunities to observe and perform contemporary diagnostic, surgical, therapeutic, and disease investigation procedures under expert supervision. This practical exposure is essential for developing professional competence.
Many veterinarians today aspire to work internationally. How does the program prepare participants for global opportunities?
We recognize that veterinary medicine is increasingly a global profession. Therefore, the ICT Program includes dedicated IELTS preparation to strengthen English language proficiency and communication skills. Our language training is conducted by Mr. Shahbaz, an accomplished instructor with extensive expertise in IELTS preparation.
We also provide guidance for international veterinary licensing examinations, including the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is required for professional practice in the United States and Canada. This support helps our participants pursue international career pathways with confidence.
What has been the response from students and practicing veterinarians to the program?
The response has been extremely encouraging. We continue to receive a growing number of applications from graduating students as well as veterinarians already working in the field who wish to enhance their clinical skills. The popularity of the program reflects the strong demand for structured, high-quality practical training in veterinary medicine.
We understand that the program is also attracting international participants. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes, we are proud to see growing international interest in the program. We have received participants from outside Pakistan, including students from Gaza. This growing international recognition reflects the quality of our training, the expertise of our faculty, and the excellent facilities available at RCVetS. We believe this trend will continue as the program expands.
How does the ICT Program contribute to the broader goals of veterinary education and professional development?
The program contributes significantly to veterinary education by integrating practical skills, expert mentorship, modern infrastructure, and international career preparation. Our goal is to produce veterinarians who can serve the livestock, poultry, companion animal, and public health sectors with competence and professionalism.
Ultimately, the program supports animal health, food security, public health, and the overall advancement of the veterinary profession.
Finally, what message would you like to give to veterinary students and professionals who are considering joining the ICT Program?
I would encourage every aspiring veterinarian and practicing professional who wishes to strengthen their clinical skills to consider joining the Intensive Clinical Training Program at RCVetS.
This program offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts, gain hands-on experience in modern facilities, and prepare for both national and international career opportunities. We are committed to helping participants become confident, competent, and successful veterinary professionals. We look forward to welcoming you to RCVetS.
Thank you very much, Professor Qureshi.
Thank you.
VNV Insight
The Intensive Clinical Training Program at RCVetS reflects a growing need in veterinary education: graduates must be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical clinical confidence, modern diagnostic exposure, and international career readiness. Programs like ICT can play an important role in strengthening Pakistan’s veterinary workforce for livestock, poultry, companion animal practice, public health, and global professional opportunities.
Key Highlights
- The ICT Program aims to bridge the gap between veterinary education and professional practice.
- Participants receive hands-on training in medicine, surgery, theriogenology, poultry, diagnostics, and clinical case management.
- The program is supported by experienced faculty, advanced facilities, laboratories, operation theatres, and pathology units.
- International preparation includes IELTS support and guidance for licensing pathways such as NAVLE.
- The program is attracting interest from Pakistani and international participants.
Published by: The Veterinary News & Views
Category: Veterinary Education | Interviews | Clinical Training