CVM leadership has a commitment to keeping the curriculum dynamic and relevant for students. One example is a new program focuses on clinical communication, and requires third-year students to conduct mock client interviews with trained actors. During this interview, students takes an oral history, determine the presenting problems and concerns of the client, then communicate to the client the findings of a physical examination, a diagnosis and treatment plans. All this is video recorded, and the student’s performances are scored on a variety of different parameters by three assessors from within the college.
At the end of the course, scores are ranked and the first place student receives the Bayer Excellence in Communication Award. This year’s winner is Caitlin McLagan, class of 2015. “This was a very close competition, with only about a 2% differential between the four top-ranked students,” says Dr. Craig Ruaux. “Overall the entire group of competitors performed admirably.”
McLagan will now go on to represent OSU in a national competition where the interaction scenario will involve an actual client from the small animal hospital and a real animal.
