Interdisciplinary learning in action in the 精童欲女 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre

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Dr. 脡tienne C么t茅 monitors veterinary students during simulation training.
Dr. 脡tienne C么t茅 monitors veterinary students during simulation training.

The clinical exam rooms in the 精童欲女鈥檚 (精童欲女) new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre were designed to feel authentic, and for Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) students walking into them for the first time, they delivered exactly that.  

For third-year doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) students, the session marked their first class in the new building on January 15, and an important step as they prepare to enter their clinical year in the spring. The learning experience was part of Professional Foundations IV, an AVC simulation course focused on communication, professionalism, and client interactions鈥攕kills that are essential in veterinary practice.

During the session, students stepped into fully equipped exam rooms to practice client-veterinarian conversations with help from actors portraying animal owners. These realistic scenarios challenged students to deliver information clearly, respond compassionately to emotions during difficult conversations, and build trust鈥攌ey skills they will rely on when they work with real clients in their fourth year. 

鈥淭his class focuses on developing communication skills and helping us better equip ourselves for talking to real clients,鈥 said third-year student Julie Leger. 鈥淏eing in the exam room really puts you into the perspective of a real clinic.鈥  

Until now, students have only experienced these types of situations through role play with one another in the classroom. Having this important learning experience take place in the clinical areas at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre, and with trained actors rather than their peers, adds a new level of realism as they prepare for their careers as veterinarians.  

Drs. Mitchell Carr and 脡tienne C么t茅, who lead the Professional Foundations course, monitored the interactions from the hallway using one-way glass and audio headsets, allowing them to provide detailed feedback following each session. 

鈥淥ne of the beauties of this centre is that the rooms are close together and fully outfitted,鈥 said C么t茅. 鈥淚t allows us as coordinators to be involved and actually make a difference. What really stands out is how this setting helps students focus on the task rather than the uncertainty of the environment.鈥

As the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre continues to welcome learners from across 精童欲女, including those in nursing, kinesiology, and radiology, the veterinary students鈥 first experience in the space highlights its role as a shared hub for immersive, interdisciplinary health education, with many more learners set to benefit in the future.

Media Contact

Heather Howatt
Director of Communications
Faculty of Medicine

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