The CEC Model: A Practical Framework for Building Competence, Efficiency, and Confidence in Veterinary Surgical...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Education
• Medical Training

Background:

• Veterinary surgical education needs to develop technical skills, efficiency, and confidence for clinical readiness.
• Current curricula often address these domains inconsistently.
• A structured framework is needed to support surgical skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Competence, Efficiency, and Confidence (CEC) Model for veterinary surgical education.
• Provide a practical, experience-based framework to enhance surgical skill development.
• Outline instructional strategies for cultivating competence, efficiency, and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Developed over 12 years of teaching in preclinical, live-animal, and postgraduate settings.
• Defines competence, efficiency, and confidence based on practical application and judgment.
• Integrates experiential learning and deliberate practice principles.
• Employs strategies like scaffolded autonomy, focused coaching, and guided reflection.

Main Results:

• The CEC Model provides a developmental structure for surgical education, bridging competency frameworks and task-specific tools.
• It emphasizes intentional teaching, learner mindset, and relational support for surgical growth.
• The model is adaptable across clinical, simulated, and postgraduate settings.

Conclusions:

• The CEC Model offers a practical framework for cultivating technically skilled, efficient, and confident veterinary surgeons.
• It supports structured instruction and learner development in surgical education.
• The model opens avenues for research on surgical instruction, learner mindset, and performance.