Introduction
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (UMN CVM) has long considered partnership to be a key strategy to advance our mission, and this is especially evident when it comes to training confident, competent veterinarians to serve patients, clients, and communities across the state and the nation. We are proud to have led the way in selecting applicants for behavioral competencies that predict success in the profession, not just in academics, and then develop those competencies throughout the curriculum. Our alumni and other community partners participate in these admissions interviews, which have been a valuable recruiting tool as well. Our Veterinary Food Animal Scholars Track is an innovative early decision admissions pathway to recruit undergraduate students interested in food animals and keep them on that path. Another early decision pathway that partners with historically Black colleges and universities is our Veterinary Leadership through Early Admission for Diversity, building on the success of this model.
Experiential education is another cornerstone of UMN’s program, integrating clinical and professional skills early and often. Our Community Medicine program is an Access to Care/Spectrum of Care initiative that trains students to provide responsive and responsible veterinary care to the entire community. Through partnerships with Tribal nations, a local humane society, and community-based organizations, students work in resource-limited communities, supporting animal health and wellness to improve the lives of animals and their people while gaining tools and knowledge to advocate for their clients and work successfully in a range of environments.
UMN CVM is known for its tremendous caseload as well as its depth and breadth of faculty expertise. This provides students with unparalleled experience throughout the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to select from 5 tracks (Small Animal, Mixed Animal, Food Animal, Equine, and Research), which allows them to deepen their competence and confidence toward their anticipated career path while building upon the foundation of a strong comparative knowledge and skill base. As an early adopter of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) resources, students are given immediate coaching feedback using GOLD-E, our feedback tool for the CBVE core Entrustable Professional Activities.
CVM students at a surgical clinic hosted with Tribal partners (photo courtesy of UMN CVM).
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 4; 10.2460/javma.23.02.0086
At each step, from recruiting for success through comprehensive, world-class instruction to unparalleled hands-on clinical experiences, our graduates gain the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of veterinary medicine. The UMN CVM accomplishes this with its talented faculty and staff and dedicated community partners.
