Using Strategies from Physical Training of Athletes to Develop Self-Study Programs for Veterinary Medical Students.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Student Wellness
• Learning Strategies

Background:

• Veterinary medical students face demanding curricula, often sacrificing personal well-being.
• Elite athletes' training strategies offer a model for managing high-performance demands.
• There is a need for structured programs to support veterinary students' academic and personal lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a self-study program for first-year veterinary medical students.
• To adapt athletic training principles for academic learning and self-care.
• To assess the program's impact on student organization, time management, and well-being.

Main Methods:

• A self-study program incorporating warm-up, study, and cooldown phases was developed.
• The program was offered to first-year veterinary students at Purdue University.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of end-of-semester surveys from 21 participants.

Main Results:

• Students reported improved organization and time management.
• The program helped reduce feelings of overwhelm and enhance well-being.
• Participants found the program beneficial for academic performance and future professional life.

Conclusions:

• Athlete-inspired self-study programs can effectively support veterinary students' well-being and academic success.
• These strategies provide valuable skills for managing curricular demands.
• The program has the potential to be a model for all veterinary students.