International veterinary service-learning: FARVets as a model for global competency development.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Global Health
• Service-Learning

Background:

• International service-learning programs offer distinct educational opportunities for veterinary students.
• Domestic clinical rotations may not fully replicate the experiences gained abroad.
• Resource-limited settings present unique challenges and learning opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the value of international service-learning in veterinary curricula.
• To emphasize the unique competency development and professional identity formation achieved through these programs.
• To introduce the concept of international service-learning as an underrepresented but crucial component of veterinary education.

Main Methods:

• Review of 15 years of program data from FARVets International.
• Analysis of experiences from 54 clinic trips across 7 global regions.
• Training of approximately 350 veterinary students in surgical, anesthetic, and clinical skills.

Main Results:

• Programs provide hands-on experience in resource-limited international settings.
• Students gain competency development, professional identity formation, and cross-cultural learning.
• These outcomes may surpass those typically achieved in other structured programs.

Conclusions:

• International service-learning offers a distinct and valuable educational niche in veterinary medicine.
• Such programs are essential for comprehensive veterinary training and global competency.
• Further empirical studies are underway to quantify surgical skill development and perceptions of the human-animal bond.