Hybrid program aims to prepare veterinary students for the contemporary workplace

Harper-Keele veterinary students with VET.CT radiologist, Dr Ralph Lloyd-Edwards and HKVS Clinical Teaching Fellow, Dr Caroline Taylor (far left). (Photo courtesy of VET.CT).

In a move to offer a flexible educational structure intended to match contemporary professional settings and graduate outcomes, Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS) in the United Kingdom (UK), and VET.CT, a global organization that provides remote veterinary specialist expertise, announced a collaboration that will implement a hybrid model of education in veterinary diagnostic imaging. The model combines practitioners’ in-person lectures with remote support from specialist radiologists and will provide clinical support services.¹

Designed for fourth-year clinical rotations, the program centers on ensuring students’ readiness for their final year of rotations. It incorporates remote diagnostic imaging education through interactive online content and remote live radiography sessions, along with in-person group sessions on advanced imaging.¹

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in telemedicine services has been observed. A survey of pet owners on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary care showed that it led to a 20% increase in veterinarians providing digital or remote consultations, with 47% offering online services. Additionally, a UK service offering remote pet consultations experienced a 900% increase in demand since the pandemic lockdown.²

“One of the strategic aims for Harper & Keele Veterinary School is to promote excellence in primary care practice and to prepare students for the advancements we are already seeing in general practice. Our partnership with VET.CT is a prime example of how collaboration with sector leaders can create contemporary models of clinical education which will ensure graduates are day-one-ready for modern veterinary practice,” Mike Cathcart, BVMS, reader in veterinary education, and director of education at HKVS, said in a news release.¹

VET.CT radiologist Ralph Lloyd-Edwards leading a live lecture at Harper-Keele Veterinary School. (Photo courtesy of VET.CT)

VET.CT's specialist team consists of more than 150 radiologists and 50 multidisciplinary specialists. It will offer support to the multidisciplinary clinical services at Garden Vets at Keele, an independent primary care veterinary practice and teaching center in Keele, UK. Garden Vets, established in collaboration with HKVS, enhances students’ final year of clinical education and learning modeled after the workplace. This holistic approach encompasses educational delivery, diagnostic imaging interpretation, advanced imaging, and clinical case management. Moreover, it allows students to interact with seasoned specialists and radiologists in both classroom and primary care settings.¹

“Being a pioneer in veterinary education is a key focus in our drive to be a force for good in advancing the industry. We are delighted to support education partners around the globe and this partnership with HKVS presents an exciting opportunity to develop an educational model for the future. We are excited to expand partnerships which deliver accessible, flexible teaching and learning opportunities for both educators and students, providing efficient, effective, nourishing education for the veterinarians of tomorrow,” Rebecca Sanchez, head of education at VET.CT, said in the release.¹

References

1. Harper & Keele Veterinary School pioneers new collaborative educational program in partnership with VET.CT. News release. Harper & Keele Veterinary School. June 13, 2024.
2. Three ways Covid-19 has changed the veterinary profession. HealthforAnimals. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://healthforanimals.org/resources/newsletter/articles/three-ways-covid-19-has-changed-the-veterinary-profession/#:~:text=Accelerated%20uptake%20of%20telemedicine%20tools&text=The%20number%20of%20veterinarians%20offering,services%2C%20according%20to%20pet%20owners.