Radiology as a tool for teaching veterinary anatomy.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy Education
• Radiographic Imaging in Veterinary Medicine
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has historically used radiographic films for teaching veterinary anatomy.
• The teaching methodology evolved from instructor-dependent sessions to a more self-directed learning approach.
• Assessment methods for radiographic image recognition have also undergone changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the innovative approach to teaching and examining anatomy using radiographic images.
• To describe the implementation of this new methodology in phase 1 of the updated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum at the University of Guelph.

Main Methods:

• Transitioned from instructor-led small group teaching to a self-taught model for radiographic imaging.
• Introduced a novel examination process for assessing the recognition of anatomical structures in radiographic images.
• Applied these changes within the phase 1 DVM curriculum.

Main Results:

• The imaging component of the anatomy course became largely self-taught.
• A new examination process for radiographic image recognition was successfully implemented in 2001.
• The approach was integrated into the new DVM curriculum at OVC.

Conclusions:

• The OVC has successfully adapted its veterinary anatomy teaching to a more self-directed, technology-integrated model.
• The new examination process effectively assesses students' ability to recognize anatomical structures in radiographic images.
• This pedagogical shift prepares DVM students with essential skills for modern veterinary practice.