The Changing Role of the Veterinary Profession: Veterinary Students' Identity as Future Educators

• In Event: 46.032 - Student Perspectives and Experiences Regarding Education in the Professions

Abstract

Significant changes in the public understandings of the relationship between humans and animals are creating new, challenging realities for veterinary professionals. This paper discusses one largely overlooked role that veterinarians engage in on a regular basis—that of educator. Drawing from Beijaard, Verloop and Vermunt’s (2000) teacher professional identity model, we discuss an exploratory, open-ended survey conducted with veterinary students, and how the students understand themselves as educators. We focus on two areas of current concern in veterinary medical education: animal welfare and the human-animal bond. This research suggests that there is a need to expand the veterinary medical curriculum to acknowledge veterinarian’s increasingly significant role as educators to clients and the general public.

Authors

• Nadine E. Dolby, Purdue University

• Annette L. Litster, Purdue University