Program Overview

Introduction to the D.V.M. Communication Curriculum

The D.V.M. Communication Curriculum at Colorado State University is an internationally recognized program designed to equip career-ready veterinarians with "day-one skills" to work with diverse clients, animals, and team members.

Program Structure

The CSU communication curriculum is composed of 57 hours of experiential learning, and students are taught a 20-communication skill toolbox throughout the four-year curriculum. The program includes preparatory readings and/or quizzes beforehand, classroom communication interactive exercises, followed by a client interview or small group communication laboratory, and concludes with a video review and reflection assignment.

Influential Learning

The influential learning occurs in the communication laboratory, where students interview simulated clients individually or in small groups, receive individualized coaching and feedback from their peers and client, and reflect on a video recording of their performance in a small group setting.

Courses

The program includes the following courses:

• First Year
  • Foundations in Veterinary Medicine: Client Perspective (2 hours workshop + 1 hour laboratory per student)
  • Foundations in Veterinary Medicine: Preventive Medicine History (2 hours workshop + 1.5 hours laboratory per student)
• Second Year
  • Foundations in Veterinary Medicine: Problem History (2 hours workshop + 1.5 hours laboratory per student)
  • Foundations in Veterinary Medicine: Ethical Dilemma (2 hours workshop + 1.25 hours laboratory per student)
• Third Year
  • Junior Practicum: Clinical Communication Skills I and II (24 hours workshop + 18 hours laboratory per student)
• Fourth Year
  • Community Practice Rotation (1-2 hours video review rounds per student)
  • Grand Rounds (15-minute clinical case presentation)

Additional Educational Offerings

The program also includes:

• Intern orientation
• Resident orientation
• Healer’s Art
• 57 hours intensive training

Program Outcomes

The D.V.M. Communication Curriculum is rated as the number one competency by alumni upon graduation, and it is considered a model veterinary communication curriculum. Students have reported significant improvements in their communication skills, with one student stating, "I came into vet school having had a career that involved supervising and management and considered myself to be a good communicator. I was amazed at how much I learned and improved my communication skills." Another student noted, "A big reason as to why I wanted to become a veterinarian was to protect and strengthen the human-animal bond. To do this, communication and building relationships is vital. I was very fortunate to undergo CSU’s veterinary communication training." A third student commented, "Eliciting the client’s perspective changed my own view on how to approach difficult topics and gave me compassion and understanding for where she was coming from. I am incredibly grateful for our communication training."