Veterinary Medicine at The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Title of Clerkship: Veterinary Medicine at The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Elective Year(s): Fourth-Year Elective
Department: Department of Medical Education
Type of Elective: Clinical
Clerkship Site: The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Course Number: MDED 703
Blocks Available: All
Number of Students/Block: 1 Student
Faculty: Dennis Michels, Genevieve Dumonceaux
Elective Description/Requirements: The Veterinary Clerkship at The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is a 2-week clinical experience during which students will obtain experience in the field of veterinary medicine, and its application in the practice of human medicine. The clerkship aligns with the One Health concept which is a worldwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. This clerkship will particularly place emphasis on common zoonotic infections, comparative anatomy, and the importance of collaboration between medical professionals in response to disease. This clerkship will provide students with a holistic medical experience before they begin residency training.
Students will spend their rotation working with the veterinary staff and assisting in the animals’ care (see details below for daily schedule). The student will spend mornings on rounds with the veterinary staff using active clinical cases and post-mortem examination to understand basic concepts of animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This will be used to enhance their understanding of human-animal interactions, disease transmission, and differences in clinical signs between people and animals. Hands-on examination with animals will depend on species and human/animal safety. In the afternoon, students will spend their time in guided study and discussion. Topics will include anatomical & physiological characteristics of major animal taxa, zoonotic diseases, and One Health concepts/examples. Daily reading assignments may be modified to coincide with current casework. On the final afternoon, the student will give a short (5-10 minute) presentation on a zoonotic disease, case, or important One Health concept (approved by veterinary staff the previous week). Grade (pass/fail) will be assigned on achievement of clinical objectives.
Length of Clerkship: 2 Weeks
Links to Core Competencies/Educational Course Objectives: At the end of this elective, the student will be able to:
- Explain how zoonotic diseases directly impact human health. (EPOs: MK-1)
- Explain the physiology of health and disease associated with each case (EPOs: MK-4)
- Perform a detailed physical examination of various species (EPOs: PC-1, MK-1)
- Explain how the clinical presentation of different veterinary illnesses compares to a similar illness in a human. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4, PC-5, PC-6)
- Generate an appropriate differential diagnosis for each veterinary problem identified in clinical context. (EPOs: MK-4)
- Identify and utilize appropriate diagnostic tests (such ultrasound, X-ray, and laboratory tests) in different clinical scenarios. (EPOs: PC-6, PC-7)
- Describe a holistic approach to patient care that emphasizes respect and appreciation for life in all its forms. (EPOs: PB-1, PB-3, SBP-4, PC-4, PC-9)
- Obtain and present veterinary literature that supports the care and management of the animals for whom you are caring. (EPOs: MK-7, PC-6, PBL-2)
Professionalism: UT/COM students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.
Instructional Methods:
- Lecture
- Demonstration
- Clinical experience -- Inpatient
- Tutorial -- Online module
- Small group discussion
- Self-directed learning
Evaluation Methods:
- Self-assessment -- student will write a one-page reflection paper
- Participation
- Clinical competency evaluation (pass/fail)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Third Year
Clerkship Director: Viviana Ferreira DVM, PhD
Site Director: Dennis Michels, DVM
Clerkship Coordinator: Jamie Daughton
Phone Number: 419-383-4458
Email: Jamie.Daughton@utoledo.edu
Special Requirements: None
ECC Approved
September 2023