Ethical and Effective Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills in Veterinary Education and Training

Abstract

There is a wide range of humane and innovative tools and approaches used in veterinary education and training. Such new methods have been developed by teachers and trainers for pedagogical, economic and ethical reasons. The aim is to create the best quality education, ideally supported by validation of the efficacy of particular tools and approaches, while ensuring that animals are not used harmfully and that respect for animal life is engendered within the student. Veterinary education and training has not always met, and still often does not meet, this essential criterion. In this paper, we review tools and approaches that can be used to enhance education and training and to ensure the humane treatment and care of animals that must be observed as the very ethos of the veterinary profession. A review of the resources offered by the International Network for Humane Education (InterNICHE) is also presented.