What Do Veterinary Students Value about Service Learning? Insights from Subsidized Clinics in an Urban Environment

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Community Outreach
• Service-Learning

Background:

• Accessible veterinary care is limited for underserved populations.
• Veterinary students need enhanced communication and community engagement skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a communication-based service-learning program on veterinary students' skills and community outreach perceptions.
• To evaluate how the UCVM-CUPS Pet Health Clinics influenced student confidence and social responsibility.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, involving third-year veterinary students (N=30).
• Students completed demographic surveys and pre- and post-clinic questionnaires.
• Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-clinic responses.

Main Results:

• Students reported significantly increased confidence in medical knowledge, technical abilities, and communication skills.
• While willingness to volunteer post-graduation decreased, many planned community outreach.
• Students demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility towards underserved populations.

Conclusions:

• Communication-based service-learning enhances veterinary students' clinical and communication skills.
• These programs foster greater social awareness and a commitment to community engagement.
• The UCVM-CUPS Pet Health Clinics effectively improved student skills and social responsibility.