In veterinary studies conflict between academic literacy and practical preparation for profession exist. A well-balanced competence-based education including knowledge, skills and attitudes is important and will be supported with the described skills lab.

                   Fig 3: Full size Hereford Model from Veterinary Simulator Industries
                            (VSI), will be available in the skills lab for our students

                   Fig 4: Breed´n Betsy - rectal simulator as used in the Clinic for Cattle 
                            

Veterinary curricula in Germany focus on imparting of knowledge, competence-based education is mainly performed in the practical year. Skills and attitudes are important parts of the education and should be implemented.

With funding of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research jointly with the federal states a skills lab combined with a professorship for veterinary ethics will be established at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) to foster education of skills and attitude. The project period will last five years, afterwards the TiHo will run the skills lab on an ongoing basis.

   Fig 1: Building for the skills lab at the TiHo, former Clinic for Small Animals

25 stations about the most important veterinary skills (e.g. surgery, injections, rectal examination, critical care) will be developed and equipped with instrumentation and simulators. To each station also ethical questions about veterinary action are formulated. The objectives for skills and attitudes will be made explicit. The skills lab will be used for tutorials, self-learning, OSCEs and seminars for returnees.

The project "FERTHIK" is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Figure 3: Picture from Veterinary Simulator Industries, Canada

Figure 4: Breed´n Betsy, Australia