Simulated Veterinary Clinics: Preparing Future Veterinarians at USU
Second-year students at Utah State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently engaged in a unique educational experience, stepping into a simulated future where they hosted veterinary clinic appointments. The twist? Their clients were professional actors, and the animals requiring care were stuffed toys. This innovative simulation not only brings the theoretical aspects of vet training to life but also fosters essential skills in empathy, communication, and diagnosing.
A Week of Diagnosis
The centerpiece of this immersive experience was the Diagnostics Challenge, where students were divided into groups and assigned specific cases chosen by faculty. Each case involved diagnosing and proposing a course of treatment for a stuffed animal, providing students with a blend of practical application and clinical reasoning. Xander Hemmert, a student involved in the challenge, shared an example of their case involving a tiny, grey-striped toy cat named Austin. “He was our case for the week. He came to us on Monday, not feeling too well, having a bit of difficulty breathing,” Hemmert explained, underlining the realism with which these cases were designed.
Real-Life Scenarios in Controlled Environments
The students conducted their simulated clinic visits at the Eccles Early Learning Education Center, which was equipped with two-way mirrors. This arrangement allowed veterinarian facilitators to observe the student-client interactions discreetly from the other side of the glass. After the initial client interview, students received additional information about their cases, mirroring what they would learn during a physical exam with a live patient. This included details such as possible lab results, allowing the students to make informed decisions based on more than just visual cues.
The Art of Communication
Integral to this challenge was learning to communicate effectively with both the animal patient and its human counterpart. Empathetic listening played a crucial role, as students needed to gather pertinent information regarding the animal’s health while comforting the concerned owner. Hemmert noted the opportunity to engage in a realistic environment further helped him develop these interpersonal skills. “The meeting rooms have been really cool because they give us the opportunity to speak with our clients,” he said, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, trusting space for communication.
Solving Real-World Problems
Once students gathered sufficient information and formulated a diagnosis, they would confer with their team and facilitator to devise a treatment plan. After confirming Austin’s condition as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1 bird flu, Hemmert reflected on the broader implications of their findings. “Now, the family is able to start taking precautions to prevent this from happening and infecting themselves or their chickens that they have in their backyard,” he noted, highlighting the real-world impact of their learning.
Navigating Financial Discussions
An important, often challenging aspect of veterinary practice is discussing financial constraints and payment options with clients. As part of the simulation, students were also tasked with preparing a bill and discussing payment plans. “That can get tricky,” Hemmert admitted, acknowledging the pressures involved in navigating financial conversations with clients.
Barbara Troisi, a long-time participant in the simulations, adds an element of levity and realism to the experience. By jokingly asking for a senior discount during her interactions with students, she provides them with a curveball that tests their composure and professionalism. “That really throws them for a loop,” she laughed, illustrating the unpredictable nature of real client interactions.
Transitioning to a New Curriculum
This Diagnostics Challenge marks a significant milestone, as it represents the last time USU students will experience this specific format due to the impending conclusion of the Washington-Idaho-Montana-Utah (WIMU) program. Although this partnership is set to transition with the graduation class of 2028, the faculty at USU are already working to integrate similar experiential learning into their own evolving curriculum for the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program.
Hemmert encapsulated the significance of this endeavor, stating, “It was a great learning opportunity. The science is fascinating, and knowing that I can provide care for patients and their families while also having a fulfilling job for myself is really valuable for me.” Such commitment and insight promise a bright future for these aspiring veterinarians as they continue their education and prepare for their roles in the veterinary field.
