VETM803C
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VETM803C - Clinical Skills
Course ID
041719
Course Description
The Clinical Skills coursework (VETM 803A, 803B, 803C, and 803D) represents four consecutive semesters of primarily experiential learning designed to create and build upon a foundation of core knowledge and techniques that are essential to the practice of veterinary medicine. In VETM 803C, students will add onto their foundational knowledge from VETM 803A and VETM 803B through the application of core course content to their study of clinically relevant skills. Laboratories this semester will align extensively with Gastrointestinal and Cycle of Life coursework to complement key principles from the core curriculum. Students will advance their understanding of and ability to perform a thorough, focused physical exam that concentrates on both the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive tracts.
The successful student will learn how to:
- perform extra-oral and oral examinations to evaluate the entrance to and the integrity of the upper digestive tract
- palpate the throat for clinical evidence of esophageal disease (I.e. masses/foreign bodies and/or distension) and/or endocrinopathy (I.e. enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- auscultate key abdominal viscera such as the rumen (cattle) and left and right, upper and lower quadrants, cecum, and colon (equine)
- perform abdominal and rectal palpation, to evaluate gastrointestinal and reproductive structures
- perform a breeding soundness exam
In addition to advancing their physical exam skills, students will revisit their understanding of abdominal imaging to shift focus onto the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Students will practice radiographic positioning and interpretation of imaging studies.
Live animals will augment the use of non-animal teaching tools and simulators to practice minimally invasive techniques that facilitate diagnosis. This hands-on approach to learning will be fully integrated with the systems-based curriculum. Skills will be taught using a layered approach, such that the complexity of the skills that are introduced and ultimately assessed build upon one another and advance in difficulty throughout the curriculum. Students who complete this series of courses will be well prepared for VM 818 Advanced Professional and Clinical Skills, which culminates in Sophomore Surgery.
The successful student will learn how to:
- perform extra-oral and oral examinations to evaluate the entrance to and the integrity of the upper digestive tract
- palpate the throat for clinical evidence of esophageal disease (I.e. masses/foreign bodies and/or distension) and/or endocrinopathy (I.e. enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- auscultate key abdominal viscera such as the rumen (cattle) and left and right, upper and lower quadrants, cecum, and colon (equine)
- perform abdominal and rectal palpation, to evaluate gastrointestinal and reproductive structures
- perform a breeding soundness exam
In addition to advancing their physical exam skills, students will revisit their understanding of abdominal imaging to shift focus onto the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Students will practice radiographic positioning and interpretation of imaging studies.
Live animals will augment the use of non-animal teaching tools and simulators to practice minimally invasive techniques that facilitate diagnosis. This hands-on approach to learning will be fully integrated with the systems-based curriculum. Skills will be taught using a layered approach, such that the complexity of the skills that are introduced and ultimately assessed build upon one another and advance in difficulty throughout the curriculum. Students who complete this series of courses will be well prepared for VM 818 Advanced Professional and Clinical Skills, which culminates in Sophomore Surgery.
Min Units
1
Max Units
1
Repeatable for Credit
No
Grading Basis
PNP - Pass/Fail
Career
Veterinary Medicine
Course Requisites
May be convened with
Component
Laboratory
Optional Component
No