A new veterinary sabbatical program
is being offered at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where practitioners
can observe and work with faculty clinicians. The program is designed to
help practitioners continue to develop their medical knowledge and skills
as they participate in various clinical rotations.
“Practitioners attend primarily as observers and information gatherers,” said Dr. Gary Beard, assistant dean. “They don’t have specific caseload responsibilities, but they are encouraged to take part in rounds, and many times they are asked to scrub-in on surgical cases when the opportunity arises.”
The visiting practitioner has full access of university resources, including access to the library, auto-tutorial programs, computer laboratory, telephones, parking permits, access to the Biomedical Communications Department, and film badges. They are also welcome to attend lectures and seminars.
“The dialogue between those in the field and those at the veterinary college is very helpful and educational to all involved,” said Dr. Don Sawyer of Michigan State University, who recently presented details of MSU’s program that began in 1982. “Our clerkship program has been highly successful and I’m confident it will work equally well at Auburn.”
Veterinarians can choose disciplines such as clinical pathology, dermatology, equine reproduction, equine surgery and medicine, general medicine and intensive care, clinical microbiology, necropsy, ophthalmology, production medicine, radiology/ultrasonography, small animal surgery and medicine, small animal neurology, theriogenology, sports medicine, and raptor medicine.
The fee is $500 per week or $100 per day, but certain courses may be more intense and require additional supplies, so a higher fee may be necessary. There is also a one-time registration fee of $25. Veterinarians who occasionally visit the college (less than 3/4 of one day) are not considered as part of the practitioner sabbatical program and are not required to pay a fee.
Sabbatical applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the proposed starting date. A confirmation of study areas and dates requested will be mailed to the practitioner upon receipt of the registration form.
The program is voluntary for the faculty, and availability of specific weeks is dependent on academic teaching loads and other responsibilities during each clinical rotation. Participants must be approved by the clinician and that person’s department chairperson.
“Most importantly, the clinical teaching cases will be referrals, so animal welfare and client relations will be enhanced while creating a healthy learning environment,” Dr. Beard said. “Clinicians will also receive credit and recognition for participating in a continuing education program.”
Seventy percent of the course fees are distributed to the mentor’s department and placed in a special budget for equipment, supplies and travel. This will allow participating faculty members to enhance their programs. Thirty percent is distributed to the Office of Outreach for administrating the program, assembling and printing course brochures, advertising, and establishing a web site.
“We are excited about the program,” Dr. Beard added. “Those who have participated indicate they plan on continuing in the program by observing more areas.”
For more information, contact Dr. Gary Beard, College of Veterinary Medicine, 105 Greene Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849; (334) 844-3699; or beardgb@vetmed.auburn.edu.