Veterinary Education for the 21st Century:
The DVM Curriculum
The professional curriculum at Cornell is science-based, and reflects the leading edge of scientific knowledge and clinical medicine. It is comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and continually evolving to prepare veterinarians to pursue diverse career paths within the veterinary profession. It provides a broad-based education in all of the traditional subjects and, in an era of increasing specialization, gives students the opportunity to develop an area of greater expertise. In addition to a strong foundation in biomedical and clinical disciplines, the educational program also emphasizes important related topics in veterinary medicine such as: communication skills, client relations, ethics, public health, practice management, and professional development.
The goals of the professional curriculum at Cornell are to:
These goals are achieved through the design of the curriculum and the flexible structure of Foundation and Distribution courses. The teaching formats, in particular the incorporation of small group learning and collaborative work, foster self-education, problem solving, and help students recognize the limits of their knowledge and skills. Preclinical courses use clinical cases to fuel scientific curiosity, while emphasizing the scientific principles that underlie medicine. In this curriculum, students become actively engaged -- working independently as well as with faculty, peers. This rich learning environment helps students assume greater responsibility for their education, learn to use additional resources, and fosters habits of lifelong learning.
The College has modern and well-equipped teaching and clinical facilities, and draws upon faculty who are dedicated teachers and leaders in their respective fields. A variety of educational resources are available to support student learning; these are readily accessible to students at all hours. Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that allows for the most up to date diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on inpatients and outpatients. Under the direction of the clinical faculty, students play an integral role in the healthcare of animals, and in communications with CUHA clients.
These courses, required of all students, account for approximately 70% of the four-year curriculum.
Approximately 30 percent of the professional curriculum is provided through Distribution courses, which are grouped in sets. Students must fulfill credit requirements for each set, but may choose from among the courses in each set. A large number of courses is available, offering additional flexibility and opportunity to pursue special interests, or to develop knowledge about a particular topic or species in greater depth.
Distribution requirements include the opportunity to complete additional clinical rotations in the following areas: theriogenology, cardiology, exotic animal medicine, oncology, laboratory animal medicine, and equine primary care. Students may also obtain clinical experience for academic credit off campus-in institutional settings with established teaching programs, or in facilities offering unique clinical or research experiences. Cornell students pursue a wide range of experiences according to their professional goals and interests.