History

The CVE and PGF

The Post Graduate Committee in Veterinary Science was formed in 1961 by a group of forward-thinking veterinarians—university lecturers, professional association members and those from associated industries who recognised during the 1950s the growing need for continuing veterinary education.

This led in 1965 to the formation of the Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science (PGF) at the University of Sydney, which was established under the authority of the University’s Senate and governed by a Council elected by its members. Its aim of funding continuing education for the profession led to the expansion many more services.

These initiatives of 40 years ago established the world's first and leading organisation dedicated to postgraduate veterinary education. The first activity was organizing the delivery of regular refresher courses of two to five days’ duration. In the first year two courses were held and by 1996 there were 68. In 1997 this grew to 94, and by 1998, 102 courses were held. There has been comparable growth in our other activities covering publishing, technical information search and dissemination, distance and online education.

From its inception the PGF enjoyed the support and participation of our New Zealand colleagues. Veterinarians from many other countries around the world also use our resources and attend our courses. With the expansion of veterinary practice and new communications technology we are looking forward to increasing involvement in fulfilling the continuing education requirements of veterinarians everywhere.

On August 4, 2008 the Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science officially became the Centre for Veterinary Education.

Our directors

Tom Hungerford 1968-1987

The first director of the both the Post Graduate Committee and PGF was Dr T.G. Hungerford OBE BVSc FACVSc HAD Fellow of the University of Sydney. Tom Hungerford led the profession with great distinction for many years and he was responsible for expanding the practical application of veterinary science within the community through his encouragement to veterinarians to embrace all aspects of animal health and production in keeping with their training.

Throughout his professional life Tom received many honours. The Queen made him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire; the University of Sydney conferred on him an Honorary Fellowship of the University and the profession continued to honour him even in his retirement. In 1998 The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists honoured him with an oration delivered by Dr Douglas Bryden. All who knew Tom, and those who were so fortunate to work with him hold a warm affection for him. The PGF (CVE) honours him each year with the T.G. Hungerford Award for Excellence in Post Graduate Education, naming of one course every year for him.

Tom passed away on 29 September 2007.

Douglas Bryden 1987-2000

In 1987, this talented and dynamic visionary Tom Hungerford, was succeeded by Dr Douglas Bryden. Doug conducted a mixed practice in Tamworth, NSW for many years. He was founding member and the first Chairman of the Cattle Chapter and President of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in 1987/88, and also published on the subject of cattle medicine.

Under his leadership in our Distance Education programs were started. These programs have now grown to be esteemed as world-class education for veterinarians.

In 1994 Doug was awarded the Gilruth Prize, the highest honour of the AVA. He left the Foundation at the end of March 2000 to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Doug was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of his work in veterinary science, notably in the fields of continuing education and clinical practice.

Bill Howey 2000-2002

In April 2000 Dr Bill Howey took up his appointment as Director. His strong background in veterinary practice and education proved invaluable to the PGF. Bill, at the time of his appointment, was no stranger to the Foundation. He had served as Veterinary Consultant to the Foundation since 1996 and as Associate Director for the best part of 1999. As consultant he was involved in producing over 80 ‘TimeOut' seminars throughout Australia which were attended by over a thousand veterinary delegates. He was also closely involved in the planning and delivery of some major courses, specifically equine. Bill earned the respect and admiration of the PGF team and brought veterinarians the very best programs for their continuing education needs.

Bill's fine sense of equity, his openness and kindness have contributed as a lasting legacy continuing the tradition of supporting the members of the veterinary community with the best quality continuing education.

Bill relinquished his position after just over two years due to health reasons, offering his resignation in August 2002.

Michele Cotton 2003-2007

In May 2002 Dr Michele Cotton, formerly Associate Director for the PGF, was asked to step into Bill's position whilst he was on sick leave, continuing to act as Director after his resignation in August. In December 2003, Michele was offered the position of Director of the Post Graduate Foundation.

Michele’s extensive career in veterinary practice encompassed both large and small animal veterinary medicine and surgery, zoo animals, wildlife, teaching and research. Having been a solitary practitioner for much of her professional career and a grateful recipient of PGF support, she was well aware of its importance to veterinarians worldwide.

Under Michele’s leadership the innovative online course, TimeOnline, was developed in 2006. The first course ran in August 2006 with Adam Toyer presenting Arthritis. In October the same year NurseED, the continuing education program for veterinary nurses was launched. This was a series of specially designed annual workshops, and seventy vet nurses attended the first course ‘Intensive Care and Anaesthesia—A Nursing Perspective’, a great turnout for our inaugural course!

Michele was a strong guardian of the directorship as she continued the work of the PGF and left in November 2007 to pursue other career options.

Hugh White 2008-present

Dr Hugh White was appointed Director in March 2008 bringing fresh vision and energy that will lead the way into a more vibrant time. Hugh served on the PGF Advisory Council for a number of years, endeavouring to expand the services that were offered to members. As President he engaged with the University of Sydney to resolve issues that impacted on our future and facilitated the PGF realignment within the University as a Centre.

Hugh has 35 years experience as a practicing veterinarian, predominantly in mixed rural practices, with the focus varying from dairy to beef cattle, equine and small animals. He was a partner in the New England Vet Centres based in Armidale NSW and has lived and worked in the New England area for 25 years. His interest in continuing education evolved while completing a Masters in equine reproduction, studying for his ACVSc membership, and presenting lectures at PGF courses held under Tom Hungerford's directorship. He was on the AEVA executive for seven years and was actively involved in the growth and development of the Bain Fallon courses. He was also involved in running management workshops for veterinarians with the Financial Management Research Centre.

Hugh’s insight into the workings of the PGF, combined with his veterinary experience and knowledge has enabled him to confidently take on, and bring his own style to the directorship of what is now the Centre for Veterinary Education.