VTMED 5703 - Veterinary Practice: Communication Skills (Foundation Course VIIc)

Spring. 1 credit. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: VTMED 5702. Enrollment limited to: first- year veterinary students. Live animals used in course instruction.

C. McDaniel, J. Morrisey, Staff.

This course introduces students to medical record keeping and to the communication and leadership skills and techniques necessary for effective communication with clients, professional colleagues, and co-workers. In addition, students participate in small group communication exercises working with actors (simulated clients). Core career development and personal financial planning material is introduced in this course, through talks on interview skills, personal finance and loan repayment, and preparing a professional resume and cover letter. The laboratory portion of the course includes clinical skills labs in which students are introduced to basic procedures including IV, SQ and IM injection performed on small animals, cows, and horses. In addition, students participate in a core surgical skills lab; content includes review material and introduction of new suture patterns.