DVM Educational Goals

The primary educational goal of the DVM program is to set the stage for a productive career within the veterinary medical profession. Whilst the program is designed to provide students with entry-level knowledge and skills, it also provides opportunities for students to follow specific career paths.

The School developed and adopted Learning Outcomes that set the expectations for what a student in the DVM program should know and do at graduation. They fall under the following 8 domains:

Basic science, paraclinical and clinical knowledge
Business
Communication skills
Entry-level clinical skills
Ethics
Problem solving, critical thinking and life-long learning skills
Professionalism
Public, environmental, and animal population health

The School, with input from both faculty and stakeholders, developed and adopted 365 veterinary competencies for a UC Davis entry-level graduate. The individual competencies are housed under top-level competencies (61) such that, throughout the 4 years of the program, students are provided multiple learning and assessment opportunities. In the clinical year, real-time assessment of overarching competencies provides students with feedback and allows the school to ensure that all students are competent at graduation.

DVM Learning Outcomes

Basic science, paraclinical and clinical knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mechanisms of disease and the body’s response at the molecular, cellular and systemic level
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, methods of treatment and typical pathologic abnormalities for common diseases
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms important in maintaining normal function
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the normal structure of the body and each major organ system
Use basic science knowledge and concepts in the practice of medicine as it pertains to professional careers in practice, industry, government service or academia

Business

Demonstrate basic knowledge of small business management and economics
Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory laws pertaining to the veterinary profession
Demonstrate knowledge of the working environment of a veterinary practice
Communication skills
Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with veterinarians, animal health technicians, staff and the general public

Entry-level clinical skills

Demonstrate knowledge and skills in alleviating animal suffering and pain
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in handling and examining
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in obtaining a history from clients
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the interpretation of common diagnostic procedures
Demonstrate technical skills used in the diagnosis and management of diseases
Demonstrate the ability to concisely organize and prioritize medical data and records
Develop and apply diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for common problems identified from the clinical evaluation of the animal

Ethics

Demonstrate humane and responsible treatment of animals
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting individual and population health
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the diversity of roles of veterinarians in society
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the societal responsibilities of veterinarians locally, nationally and globally
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the uses and roles of animals in society
Demonstrate knowledge of the human-animal bond and its importance in society

Problem solving, critical thinking and life-long learning skills

Access biomedical information and medical records from electronic databases and other resources
Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Demonstrate skills and tools necessary to promote life-long learning

Professionalism

Exhibit altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility and compassion in the delivery of the high quality healthcare
Exhibit interpersonal behaviors with colleagues, clients, and patients consistent with those expected of a member of the veterinary community
Exhibit personal behaviors consistent with those expected of a member of the veterinary community
Work as part of a high-quality, professional healthcare team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback

Public, environmental, and animal population health

Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of foreign animal diseases that may threaten animal and human health in the United States
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of common determinants of disease and mechanisms by which the environment can impact the health of animal populations
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of important zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases and of approaches to control animal-to-animal and animal-to-human agent transmission
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mechanisms of introduction and of transmission of disease, as well as disease prevention, control and eradication at the animal population and ecosystem levels
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of new and emerging issues facing veterinary medicine locally, nationally and globally
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of food safety
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of epidemiology and population health
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the veterinarian’s role in maintaining and promoting public and animal population health

Top-Level Competencies