Balancing knowledge and basic principles in veterinary parasitology - Competencies for future Danish veterinary...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Parasitology
• Zoology

Background:

• Veterinary parasitology is crucial but challenging for students due to complex life cycles and Latin names.
• Curriculum changes shifted parasitology earlier, before foundational subjects like pathology and pharmacology.
• Reduced contact hours and integrated teaching with bacteriology/virology hinder deep learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address difficulties Danish veterinary students face in acquiring essential knowledge in veterinary parasitology.
• To improve students' understanding of parasite transmission, control, and clinical relevance.
• To adapt parasitology education to meet the needs of modern veterinary practice.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of curriculum structure and contact hours for veterinary parasitology.
• Introduction of a dedicated paraclinical refresher course in the fourth study year.
• Development of a "One Health" track focusing on zoonotic parasites.

Main Results:

• Students struggle to gain active knowledge and understanding of basic parasitological principles.
• A refresher course provides practical, host-oriented clinical and diagnostic parasitology.
• The "One Health" track offers specialized knowledge on zoonotic parasites.

Conclusions:

• The current veterinary curriculum presents significant challenges for effective veterinary parasitology education.
• Refresher courses and specialized tracks are necessary to ensure competent veterinary clinicians.
• Integrating One Health principles enhances understanding of zoonotic parasite importance.