A framework for curriculum harmonization at veterinary colleges in Latin
America is proposed. The framework was developed considering the expansion of
knowledge, particularly in veterinary public health. Also described are the generic or
process skills for a life-long commitment to learning.
The proposed core curriculum consists of four one-year academic blocks which
include process skills in veterinary education, basic biology, animal health, and animal
production. Each are considered fundamental disciplines crucial for successful
veterinary practice in Latin America. Optional species-oriented elective blocks are also
discussed. The proposed block-based core curriculum encourages curricular flexibility,
and reduces the problem of information overload. The curriculum framework also
promotes mobility for students, teachers, researchers, and administrators in Latin
America.
A qualitative approach using interviews was developed and tested. Data were
collected from an extensive literature review and responses obtained from interviews
with 25 veterinarians selected from Argentina (3), Bolivia (2), Chile (3), Colombia (2),
Costa Rica (3), Guatemala (2), Mexico(6), and Peru (4). Several techniques were used to complement the research, among which were: note taking during interviews,
triangulation, peer debriefing, and confidentiality.
Adopting the proposed framework will help face current societal demands from
the veterinary profession such as those skills for a more service-oriented practice that are
becoming increasingly important to veterinarians. It will also enhance the competencies
of trained veterinary professionals within the various branches that comprises the wide
scope and diversity of veterinary practice found in Latin America. And it will increase
preparation of veterinary students to cover both the broad and in-depth knowledge
required to address the various veterinary fields related to the regional, national, and
international societal demands in a globalized competitive world.
The major conclusion from this study was that veterinary public health has
become an overarching educational theme for veterinary education in Latin America.
Further, the public expectation of veterinary practitioners in Latin America includes
expertise not only in medicine and the animal sciences, but also in food animal
production, economics, and public health. In fact, the concept of veterinary public
health has become an over-arching educational theme that well characterizes veterinary
education in Latin America.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2606 |
| Date | 15 May 2009 |
| Creators | Ortega Meyer, Bruno de Jesus |
| Contributors | August, John R. |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text |
| Format | electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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