Veterinary Medicine

This elective course provides an opportunity for students to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty investigator. On a case-by-case basis, the faculty investigator, in conjunction with the interested student, determines the content of the course and the evaluation criteria, and obtains approval of the Associate Dean for Research.

This elective course provides an opportunity for students to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty investigator. On a case-by-case basis, the faculty investigator, in conjunction with the interested student, determines the content of the course and the evaluation criteria, and obtains approval of the Associate Dean for Research.

This elective course focuses on the clinical knowledge and skills needed to manage the emergency and/or critical veterinary patient from presentation, through medical and surgical treatment and later during convalescence in the critical care facility or veterinary hospital. Emphasis of this course will be focused on the knowledge, clinical skills and techniques that are needed to manage commonly seen emergency/critical care patients seen in clinical companion animal practice.

This elective course is designed to reinforce and integrate concepts presented in Veterinary Immunology (MICRG 1522) and the Practice of Veterinary Medicine sequence (VMEDG 1501-1606). Overall course goals are: (1) to apply the problem-oriented approach to a clinical immunology case and (2) to integrate immunological biomedical concepts with clinical reasoning.

This elective course will introduce shelter and community medicine, with an emphasis on medical decision making within the framework of animal sheltering and limited resource environments. Population health and management will be explored through various topics including risk analysis, shelter sterilization, animal physical health, animal behavior and mental health, disaster response, animal cruelty investigation, and disease control. Community medicine topics include access to care, private practice relations and community outreach.

A practical look at dog and cat behavior and how it can be understood. This course will emphasize the role the private practitioner plays in assisting clients with pets displaying undesired behaviors and how to provide clients with assistance other than offering referral.

This elective course will offer advanced education relevant to the practice of laboratory animal medicine through the interactive discussion of current controversial topics and literature from the field.

This elective course is a writing-intensive elective designed to help students improve their writing and critical reflection skills, and to introduce them to the concept of narrative medicine, while exploring a variety of topics relevant to the veterinary profession. Readings come from peer-reviewed, scientific literature, and classical and contemporary literary sources, with a mix of both assigned for each session. Writing objectives for each session focus on standards of good composition, and principles of narrative and reflective writing.

This elective course is designed to expand the knowledge base of cytology that students acquired in VMEDG 1645 and to introduce advanced techniques and ancillary procedures used in diagnostic pathology.

This elective course is a clinical-based elective class in which students will use a variety of surgical and dissection techniques to gain additional anatomical knowledge and hone their surgical skills. Each student will select a clinical topic involving a dissection or surgical technique of the veterinary profession. Students are expected to write a proposal for performing their selected dissection. The students will present their projects to the MWU community at a poster presentation of their projects followed by the demonstration of their projects in the laboratory.

This elective course focuses on foreign animal diseases that are important for animal and human health. The elective will include a theoretical and a practical component. Students will be required to join ProMED and instructors will urge the open discussion of postings. The practical component will include a visit to a slaughterhouse and a classroom exercise reproducing a proper response to a FAD. These opportunities will showcase the veterinarian’s role in recognizing and preventing the incursion of FADs into the country.

This elective course will introduce students to the field of sports medicine. The course will use a comparative approach, with a focus on athletic, sporting and working dogs and horses. Content will expand upon concepts introduced in basic anatomy and physiology as well as equine and canine medicine and surgery. A combination of lectures, discussion sessions, demonstrations and hands-on laboratories then will reinforce and integrate these concepts as they apply to the veterinary care of athletes and working animals.

This elective lecture and project-based course will introduce zootoxins, toxin pathophysiology, treatment options, and therapeutic applications of zootoxins focusing on a One Health perspective. The course will also review clinical research methods with a student project consisting of creating a clinical trial protocol regarding a zootoxin of choice.

This course teaches basic veterinary medical Spanish for veterinary medical students who may interact with Spanish speaking clients and their pets/livestock . This class is an introduction to Spanish specific veterinary medicine and is designed to prepare the student for clinical conversations between a veterinary physician and clients. The content of this course aims to be specific and practical and therefore many elements of the Spanish language are not included. We will review applicable cultural aspects of communication. There are many Spanish-speaking countries, each with its own variations of the language. The language presented here should be comprehensible to all Spanish speakers.

This elective course will provide students with the experience in a veterinary infectious disease diagnostic microbiology laboratory. The course will familiarize the students with the potentials and limitations of modern veterinary clinical microbiology laboratory. Areas of focus include the process involved in sample submission, completion of submission forms and specific test requests, hands-on experience and/or demonstration of the current methods used in veterinary pathogen detection, antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the minimum inhibitory concentration method (MIC), test results interpretation and application of test results in veterinary practice.

This elective is a small animal dentistry course offered by the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine with registration paid by Midwestern University. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of comprehensive clinically relevant online modules.

This elective course will emphasize clinical orthopedic cases seen in small animal practice. The student will be introduced to a variety of orthopedic principles along with the anatomy and physiology of orthopedic disease and injury. Students will gain an understanding of the processes that are involved with orthopedic decision-making. Students will have hands-on opportunities to apply knowledge by completing surgical approaches, placing surgical implants, and performing physical therapy techniques. Case-based learning scenarios and peer-reviewed journal articles will be utilized to further student comprehension of fundamental orthopedic concepts.

This elective course is case based in which students will hone their skills in the interpretation of clinical pathology case data for large and small animals. Students will be expected to interpret case data and integrate their interpretation into relevant pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, while also identifying additional testing that may aid in confirmation of the suspected diagnosis. This class will require students to think critically and to support their case interpretations with literature from peer-reviewed sources.

This elective course will provide a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer and infectious disease processes. Students should expect to develop an understanding of how disease mechanisms are used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches while also enhancing their ability to critically interpret current literature. Although open to all 3rd-year veterinary students, it will be particularly beneficial for those interested in pursuing advanced training in the fields of internal medicine, oncology, pathology or research.

Parasitic Diseases in Veterinary pathology is a 2-credit course that will provide an advanced veterinary pathology focused on various parasitic diseases. This class will focus on multiple case-based studies in various species including canidae, felidae, bovidae, equidae, cervidae, non-human primate, rodent, rabbit, reptile, fish and exotics with different types of parasites such as arthropods, protozoans and helminths. Students will gain superior abilities of histopathologic interpretation, lesion recognition and parasite identification within the histopathologic images leading to correct diagnosis. This course will be beneficial for those interested in pursuing advanced training in the fields of veterinary pathology, parasitology, research or practice in small, large and exotic animals.

This elective course designed to teach veterinary students the clinical nuances of feline companion animals. This elective will include lecture and small group case-based workshops. The goal for this course is to integrate the knowledge of mechanism of disease, clinical anatomy, and physiology to apply a problem-oriented approach to the diagnosis and treatment of feline patients with naturally occurring diseases.

This elective course will focus on an in-depth understanding of pain pathways, modalities for providing analgesia, and species differences in pain management. Different modalities for treating pain will be explored, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, local anesthetics, physical rehabilitation, low level laser therapy, acupuncture, and more. Students will gain an understanding of the species differences in experience and treatment of pain, and how this affects day-to-day practice. This course will be conducted through online modules with participation expected in online discussions and work outside of class to complete assigned projects.

This elective course will provide an introduction to veterinary forensic investigations, including an overview of the ways the veterinary profession interfaces with legal and social institutions. It will outline relevant laws and expert witness roles and responsibilities and will provide students with an opportunity to discuss the types of animal-related cases commonly encountered. The course includes a hands-on laboratory session so that students can practice common procedures such as postmortem examination, photography, and evidence collection, and will also include two field trips that will illustrate aspects of forensic scene investigation and prosecution.

This elective course provides an overview of the skills required to evaluate, manage, incorporate and grow a veterinary practice. Students will learn practice management skills that will allow them to demonstrate value as associates and create a competitive advantage for a practice as practice owners. The benefits and challenges of practice ownership will be described so that students can explore how practice ownership fits their financial and professional goals.

This elective course expands upon the treatment of diseases and conditions that are discussed in VMEDG 1761 and 1762 and introduces more advanced topics related to equine practice. This course is designed for those students who have an interest in equine practice and those who want to pursue advanced training in equine medicine and surgery after completing the DVM degree. Class sessions will include labs and workshops requiring active learning and participation. In addition, there will be small group presentations.

This elective course is designed to provide both didactic and hands-on ultrasound education. The course will be divided into major body systems - hepatobiliary and spleen, urogenital, digestive, cardiopulmonary, and musculoskeletal. The didactic portion of the course will present the techniques for obtaining images for that body system and using a case-based approach will highlight common ultrasonographic abnormalities used to aid in the diagnosis of diseases relevant to that body system.

This elective course is designed to teach students the iterative process of veterinary clinical nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on making nutritional recommendations for healthy animals and using nutrition to prevent and manage clinical conditions in sick patients. Emphasis will be placed on clinical skills development using lab sessions and case discussions.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

This course is aimed at helping students develop skills for reading and using peer-reviewed journal articles. Journal articles will be selected from recent editions of veterinary medical journals for demonstration, discussion, and examples. Faculty members will discuss specific aspects of a journal article as described in the syllabus and then use an example from the literature to illustrate the use of evidence in clinical practice.

This course is a clinically oriented follow-up to ANATG 1555 and 1556. The course will emphasize anatomical features for the most relevant clinical disorders, as well as medical and surgical techniques specific to veterinary medicine. Normal anatomy as observed by commonly employed imaging procedures (radiography, ultrasound, CT and MRI) will be presented as a prelude to the clinical imaging course later in the curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to learn clinical anatomy as it relates to small and large animals in both wet labs and live animal labs.

This course focuses on principles of clinical and public health practice, emphasizing a One Health approach: Public Health Principles, Epidemiology Principles, Food Safety & Security, and Zoonotic & Emerging Diseases. Delivery of course material is through a combination of lectures, team- based learning, case study scenarios, and guest speakers.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

This course is an introduction to diagnostic imaging. Digital radiography, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, and ultrasound will be discussed, along with the principles of interpreting images of each of these modalities in various species and disease conditions.

This course introduces the student to general pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause disease including biochemical, structural, and functional changes. Concepts covered in the first quarter include normal and altered cell development, metabolic diseases, inflammation, cell aging and repair, immunopathology and neoplasia. In Pathology II, students apply their knowledge of general pathology to specific disease processes as they affect various organs or systems. Four aspects to be learned for each disease are etiology, pathogenesis, morphologic changes, and biochemical alterations. Laboratories will supplement course material.

This course introduces the student to general pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause disease including biochemical, structural, and functional changes. Concepts covered in the first quarter include normal and altered cell development, metabolic diseases, inflammation, cell aging and repair, immunopathology and neoplasia. In Pathology II, students apply their knowledge of general pathology to specific disease processes as they affect various organs or systems. Four aspects to be learned for each disease are etiology, pathogenesis, morphologic changes, and biochemical alterations. Laboratories will supplement course material.

This course introduces the student to the interpretation of laboratory tests. General principles of laboratory testing will be discussed on a system basis. In group discussions, lab results will be presented and students asked to develop differential diagnoses and follow-up plans. The course will include, but not be limited to, hematology, clinical chemistry, specialized chemical assays, body fluid analysis, protein analysis, urinalysis, cytology, and serology.

This year-long course will introduce students to surgical principles and anesthetic techniques. The students will have the opportunity to practice in wet lab and live animal settings. Aseptic technique, intravenous catheterization, tracheal intubation, basic surgical skills, and other techniques will be emphasized. Students will participate in all aspects of the perioperative management of patients.

These courses will be interactive discussions on medical and surgical disorders based on presenting clinical signs seen in small animal practice. Disorders of the endocrine, neurological, reproductive, hematopoietic, ophthalmologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, cardio-pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and immune systems will be discussed. These courses are designed to emphasize the clinical diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of common diseases. Medicine and surgery, including pre- and post-operative management of surgical patients will be integrated in the course to emphasize the problem-based approach to management of small animal patients.

These courses will be interactive discussions on medical and surgical disorders based on presenting clinical signs seen in small animal practice. Disorders of the endocrine, neurological, reproductive, hematopoietic, ophthalmologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, cardio-pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and immune systems will be discussed. These courses are designed to emphasize the clinical diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of common diseases. Medicine and surgery, including pre- and post-operative management of surgical patients will be integrated in the course to emphasize the problem-based approach to management of small animal patients.

This course will introduce students to principles of diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions found in the equine species. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical assessment of patients, signs of common and uncommon diseases, management of diseases, pharmacologic agents used in equine species, and fundamental techniques used in clinical practice.

This course will introduce students to principles of diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions found in the equine species. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical assessment of patients, signs of common and uncommon diseases, management of diseases, pharmacologic agents used in equine species, and fundamental techniques used in clinical practice.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine is a seven-quarter series designed to teach veterinary students the clinical and communication skills necessary to become competent and successful veterinarians. The main objective of these courses is for the student to build the foundational pillars of communication, physical examination skills, medical knowledge, and critical reasoning, all essential for a successful career in the veterinary profession.

This course will focus on financial literacy to help students make informed personal financial decisions. Shortly after graduation, veterinarians are faced with major financial decisions involving student loans, retirement savings, homes, children, insurance, etc. Making simple but financially savvy decisions early in one’s career can provide significant rewards later in life.

This course will introduce the most common toxins encountered in veterinary medicine with emphasis on the mechanism of action of these toxins and the pathophysiology in the animal body. Clinical presentation of animals exposed to various toxins, and treatment of toxic exposures, will also be presented.

This year-long course will introduce students to surgical principles and anesthetic techniques. The students will have the opportunity to practice in wet lab and live animal settings. Aseptic technique, intravenous catheterization, tracheal intubation, basic surgical skills, and other techniques will be emphasized. Students will participate in all aspects of the perioperative management of patients.

These courses will be interactive discussions on medical and surgical disorders based on presenting clinical signs seen in small animal practice. Disorders of the endocrine, neurological, reproductive, hematopoietic, ophthalmologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, cardio-pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and immune systems will be discussed. These courses are designed to emphasize the clinical diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of common diseases. Medicine and surgery, including pre- and post-operative management of surgical patients will be integrated in the course to emphasize the problem-based approach to management of small animal patients.

This course will introduce students to principles of diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions found in the bovine, porcine, caprine, and ovine species. The clinical presentation and treatment of common disorders and fundamental clinical techniques will be taught. Zoonotic disorders and importance of animals in the human food chain (relative to food-borne illness) will also be discussed.

This course will introduce students to principles of diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions found in the bovine, porcine, caprine, and ovine species. The clinical presentation and treatment of common disorders and fundamental clinical techniques will be taught. Zoonotic disorders and importance of animals in the human food chain (relative to food-borne illness) will also be discussed.

This course will introduce veterinary students to the practice of veterinary medicine on species other than dogs, cats, cattle, and horses. Emphasis will be placed on common species, preventive medicine, and diseases encountered in companion pet exotic veterinary practice. Coverage will be broad and will include birds, non-avian reptiles, amphibians, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, and fish. General husbandry needs, safe handling, diagnostic options, and common diseases of concern will be discussed.

Varied Credits. Students must complete a total of 27 credits of clinical elective rotations to complete the clinical component of the curriculum. A variety of on-campus elective rotations are available.

This rotation will require students to spend a continuous block functioning as primary care practitioners. Students, under the supervision of veterinarians, will work in groups of two and will have primary responsibility for all aspects of primary care for dogs, cats, and exotics in the CVM's Companion Animal Clinic. Students will be scheduled to see patients and do procedures comparable to a high-functioning small animal primary care practice. There will also be designated daily times for teaching rounds. Students will follow up on their cases, maintain their patient medical records, prescribe treatments and diets, and provide wellness/preventive medicine services.

The rotation will provide students with experience handling small animal emergency cases in the Animal Health Institute, Companion Animal Clinic. Students will provide primary care for critically ill patients.

This rotation takes place primarily off-campus on the mobile clinic or at various shelters. Students on the rotation will refine their knowledge and clinical skills in shelter medicine, with the main areas of focus being shelter animal physical health, shelter animal behavioral health, community and public health, companion animal homelessness, shelter management, animals and public policy, research and critical review of the literature, and communication.

This rotation will be divided between anatomic and clinical pathology. While rotating through the clinical pathology service, students with work on teaching cases, review cytology samples, and complete hands-on technical skills through the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at the Animal Health Institute.

This rotation occurs in the Equine and Bovine Center of the Midwestern University Animal Health Institute and at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. Students on the Equine Medicine and Surgery rotation will refine their knowledge and clinical skills in primary and referral equine medicine and surgery through a blend of institutional instruction, ambulatory practice, and private practice experience.

This rotation will introduce the student to the art and science of the practice of veterinary medicine in farm animal medicine, surgery, and population health. The student will work cooperatively with instructors, peers, clients, and farm personnel, in the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of various species of farm and fiber animals. The student will also be working with the public and will gain skills in client communications, medical record keeping and basic familiarity with the medical diseases and management of farm animal species.

This rotation is similar to VMEDG 1801 Small Animal Primary Care but is eight weeks in duration.

This rotation builds upon the student’s knowledge from coursework, laboratory sessions, and prior clinical rotations (if applicable) toward the diagnosis and treatment of patients evaluated through the Companion Animal Clinic Internal Medicine service.

This rotation will allow students to participate in the diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline patients with surgical disease in the Companion Animal Clinic.

This rotation will require students to participate in the anesthetic and pain management of patients. The application of medical knowledge to patient care through critical thinking and communication skills is emphasized. The primary goals of this rotation will be to refine the students’ knowledge and clinical techniques needed to safely anesthetize small and large animal patients in clinical practice.

Varied Credits. Off-campus clinical elective rotations may be completed at research institutions, other veterinary teaching hospitals, government sponsored programs, industry sponsorship, or any approved program associated with veterinary medical education or careers in the profession. To be eligible for academic credit, off-campus elective rotation schedules must be planned with the assistance and approval of the faculty advisor or appropriate faculty member and be approved by the Associate Dean for Clinical Education. Some off-campus clinical electives may have additional fees.