Calling All Vet Students

 

Do you have an opinion on how veterinary medical education should be changing to meet the needs of today’s profession? About new competencies that new grads should possess? About the cost and quality of your education? About the make-up of veterinary curricula? (I have yet to meet a veterinary student who doesn’t have thoughts on those topics!)

Here’s your chance to send your opinion to the very top!

Students are not the only ones with these concerns.  The North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC), in conjunction with the many arms of veterinary medicine- the AVMA Council on Education, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, various CVM’s, American Association of Veterinary State Boards, and others- has taken a comprehensive look at veterinary education in light of such concerns. Out of the Consortium came a report with 5 specific goals: Day #1 Competencies, All-Career Curricula, More investment in CVM’s, Hi-Quality and Cost Effective Education, and Urgency & Action. Each of these goals and subsequent strategies is addressed in NAVMEC’s report, available on their website at www.navmec.org.

And now- where you come in! NAVMEC has opened a comment period on their report lasting until May 1, 2011. By visiting their website and clicking on “View Draft Report” near the bottom of the page, you can provide your feedback on NAVMEC’s work. Opinions from vital stakeholders-the students- will be reaching the eyes and ears of the regulatory agencies and bodies that most need to hear them. This is YOUR profession. This is YOUR education- take part! Speak up!