Preparing students for clinical work, UF veterinary lab serves as a national model
A day in the life of a veterinarian is rife with challenges 鈥� from surgeries and vaccinations to performing euthanasia. Veterinary medical students need in-depth training and hands-on experience to prepare for the emotional and intellectual demands of this work.
That鈥檚 where the at the comes in. One of the first teaching and learning spaces of its kind in the veterinary profession when it was established in 2015, the $4 million facility continues to serve as a national model for innovative veterinary medical education.
Pioneering hands-on learning
When veterinary students at UF step into their first clinical rotation, they carry more than medical knowledge; they bring confidence forged in a revolutionary training ground that has transformed veterinary education over the past decade.
鈥淚n the beginning, we were teaching students in whatever venue we could find about the skills they would need to face their surgery course,鈥� said ., a clinical associate professor of primary care and dentistry at the college and one of the lab鈥檚 original course coordinators. 鈥淚t quickly grew into preparing students not just for surgery but for comprehensive clinical rotations.鈥�
The lab鈥檚 approach combines sophisticated models that closely match real animal anatomy with simpler, basic training tools to enable students to practice critical veterinary techniques. Developed primarily by clinical assistant professor ., with assistance from lab director Joice Gardner, the training modules cover skills from IV catheterization and bandaging to more complex scenarios using dog, cat and horse models.
Setting the national standard
What makes the UF lab stand out nationally is its comprehensive integration into the curriculum and the measurable outcomes in student performance. The college was among the first to establish such an advanced facility, setting benchmarks that other institutions now follow.
鈥淲hile, at this point, most veterinary colleges do have a clinical skills lab, we were one of the first to have one of this quality,鈥� said ., the college鈥檚 associate dean for academic and student affairs. 鈥淚t is a critical piece of the educational experience in the first two years of the curriculum.鈥�
The laboratory鈥檚 impact extends beyond technical skills. Students participate in comprehensive learning exercises involving communication, medical records management, case management and critical-thinking assessments 鈥� a holistic approach that produces well-rounded professionals.
Building confidence through practice
Over time, Stone has seen a tremendous difference in students鈥� confidence levels as they begin their clinical rotations in the .
鈥淚t has been so rewarding to see students more consistently prepared for the challenges of clinics and, ultimately, real life,鈥� Stone said. 鈥淭he students have become more confident and have less trepidation about entering clinical environments.鈥�
Jay Schaub, D.V.M., who graduated from UF鈥檚 veterinary college in 2022 and is now a clinical assistant professor, credits the lab for his practice confidence.
鈥淧rior to veterinary school, I had no technical or hands-on experience in veterinary medicine,鈥� Schaub said. 鈥淭he clinical skills lab was a wonderful environment that allowed me to learn proper technique under guidance and then practice on my own until I felt confident.鈥�
Evolving for future success
A collaborative effort among faculty members has been instrumental in the lab鈥檚 success. Stone, Wuerz and clinical associate professor Martha Mallicote, D.V.M., have served the longest in their roles, with Gardner overseeing the lab鈥檚 daily operations. The college is now hiring the lab鈥檚 first full-time faculty member dedicated solely to its continued success 鈥� a testament to the program鈥檚 growth and importance.
鈥淚 can say without hesitation that the foundation of skills I learned in the clinical skills lab are a large part of my success as a doctor and my ability to help teach current veterinary students the same skills,鈥� Schaub said.
By providing a structured, technology-enhanced learning environment, UF is producing veterinarians who are academically prepared, adept in clinical procedures and ready to meet the complex challenges of modern veterinary practice.
鈥淚f I reflect on our journey, what makes me most proud is how we鈥檝e transformed student preparation,鈥� Stone said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just teaching skills; we鈥檙e building confident, competent professionals who are ready to make a difference in animal health care.鈥�
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