Students Needing Remediation in Pre-Clinical Course Failures in a DVM Program: A 10-Year Analytic Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medical Education
• Student Academic Performance
• Educational Interventions

Background:

• Remediation programs for preclinical course failures in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Purdue University began in 2010.
• Understanding factors influencing remediation use and success is crucial for student retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify student characteristics and academic factors associated with failing courses and unsuccessful remediation in the DVM program.
• To determine if early academic difficulties predict attrition despite remediation opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of demographic data, undergraduate (UG) experiences (institution, major, GPA), and DVM academic records for 815 students (Classes 2014-2023).
• Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression to identify risk factors for failing courses and unsuccessful remediation (defined as failure to remediate all failed courses).
• Statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Lower UG GPA, attending minority-serving institutions, and being an underrepresented minority or international student were linked to increased course failure.
• Only failing 3+ DVM courses or failing a DVM year 1 course predicted unsuccessful remediation.
• No demographic or UG background factors correlated with unsuccessful remediation.

Conclusions:

• While certain student groups are more prone to initial course failures, these do not inevitably lead to attrition with remediation.
• The number of course failures and the timing (especially in DVM year 1) are critical predictors of remediation success.
• Early academic intervention in the DVM program is essential to reduce the risk of student attrition.