Veterinary Medicine

In this elective course, applied improvisation (AI) is taught as an instructional strategy. AI adapts the concepts of improvisational theater to teach complex skills so that they can be applied in other contexts, such as veterinary practice, and teaches participants to accept uncertainty and ambiguity as the conditions in which they must learn and work. Most importantly, this kind of learning experience cultivates an other-oriented sensibility, geared toward empathy and collaboration. Overall, the principles and practices of AI support the basic tenets of relationship-centered care in veterinary medicine, such as partnership and empathic connection with other people.

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 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.

This elective course takes a practical look at dog and cat behavior and how it can be understood. 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 with be emphasized.

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 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 online elective is designed to reinforce the concepts of diagnostic imaging and the basics of interpreting a diagnostic imaging exams of common diseases encountered in veterinary medicine that were covered during VMEDG 1635 in a case-based format.  Students will use the clinical PACS software as a method to familiarize themselves with the system prior to clinics.  

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 course will be taught through a combination of student-driven review of material before class, in-class didactic review of important material, and in-class evaluation of cytology and biopsy cases. A major goal of this elective is to improve hands-on cytology and histopathology skills. While a brief review of material will be presented at the beginning of class, it is highly important that students review the PowerPoint® presentations and any resources provided before class, as students will be quizzed on the material. Review of lecture material prior to class will allow the majority of in-class time to be devoted to evaluating real clinical examples of cases.

Infectious Diseases in Veterinary Pathology is a 2-credit elective that provides advanced veterinary pathology instruction focusing on select infectious diseases of animals. This class will focus on multiple case-based studies in various species that may include Canidae, Felidae, Bovidae, Equidae, Cervidae, non-human primate, rodent, rabbit, reptile, and other exotic species afflicted by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, arthropods, protozoans, and helminths. Scanned histopathology slides (glass slides, video, or appropriate images) will be provided to the students prior to each class and students will be expected to read/interpret pathological findings and integrate into etiology (or differential lists), pathologic changes, pathogenesis, and additional diagnostic tools. Students will gain superior abilities in histopathologic and cytologic interpretation, infectious agent identification (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), antimicrobial susceptibility determination of mixed bacterial infections, and results interpretations for patient care. This course will be beneficial for those interested in pursuing advanced training in the fields of veterinary pathology, microbiology, research, or practice in the areas of small, large, or exotic animal medicine.

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 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 online elective course is an introduction to companion animal hospice and palliative care. Veterinary professionals need to be able to compassionately care for patients during all their life stages, including end-of-life. This course contains expert delivered content from the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV) certification program and is designed to inform students about the special needs of patients and their caregivers who are dealing with end-of-life conditions and concerns. The course also serves to provide a basis for developing knowledge of this specialized area of veterinary practice that offers a unique potential practice and/or career opportunity for companion animal veterinarians. 

 

This elective lab-based course expands upon the treatment of diseases and conditions that are discussed in VMEDG 1661 and 1662 and introduces more advanced topics related to equine practice. This course is designed for those students who have an interest in primary equine practice and those who may want to pursue advanced training in equine medicine and surgery after completing the DVM degree. It is also open to students that want to go directly into mixed animal practice following graduation. Class sessions will include labs, workshops, student oral presentations, and a paper. The major objective of this course is to ensure the competence and confidence of those Midwestern University CVM graduates who become equine practitioners, especially those planning on pursuing internships.

This is the continuation of an elective lab-based course that expands upon the treatment of diseases and conditions that are discussed in VMEDG 1661 and 1662 and introduces more advanced topics related to equine practice. This course is designed for those students who have an interest in primary equine practice and those who may want to pursue advanced training in equine medicine and surgery after completing the DVM degree. It is also open to students that want to go directly into mixed animal practice following graduation. Class sessions will include labs, workshops, student oral presentations, and a paper. The major objective of this course is to ensure the competence and confidence of those Midwestern University CVM graduates who become equine practitioners, especially those planning on pursuing internships.

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine courses are a 7-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 courses are a 7-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 courses are a 7-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 aims to develop skills for the systematic identification, evaluation, integration, and adaptation of scientific evidence. It is also meant to develop the ability to formulate questions and solutions, as well as educate others. This will be accomplished through lecture and the systematic process of building a Knowledge Summary (also known as a Critically Appraised Topic, or CAT), a short critical summary of the best available information on a defined clinical question. Students will also be made aware of research opportunities at Midwestern University.

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 Diagnostic Imaging (VMEDG 1635) 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 and is divided into four major topic areas: public health principles, epidemiology principles, food safety and security, and zoonotic diseases. Delivery of course material will be through a combination of lectures, interactive games, case study scenarios, and an interactive mock outbreak investigation. The main objective of this course is for the student to build the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent and successful practitioner with an overarching understanding of preventive medicine and veterinary public health. 

The Practice of Veterinary Medicine courses are a 7-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 courses are a 7-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 courses are a 7-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 veterinary 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 include normal and altered cell development, metabolic diseases, inflammation, cell aging and repair, immunopathology, and neoplasia. Laboratories will supplement course material.

In this course, 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 is an introduction to the evaluation and interpretation of hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, cytology, and endocrinology tests. Coursework will consist of lectures with integrated case discussions to establish a foundation in the interpretation of lab work in a clinical veterinary setting. The course will also contain separate hematology and urinalysis wet laboratories, to practice and establish proficiency in performing essential clinical practices and techniques. This knowledge base and skill set will be expanded upon in other courses in medicine and surgery, as well as during the clinical year.

Principles of Surgery with Lab is a 3-series course that will introduce students to surgical principles and anesthetic techniques. 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.

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery is a 3-course series designed to 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.

Equine Medicine and Surgery is a 2-course series that 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.

Equine Medicine and Surgery is a 2-course series that 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 courses are a 7-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. In the fall quarter, mixed animal track students will take Practice of Veterinary Medicine IX and in the winter quarter, small animal track students will take Practice of Veterinary Medicine VII.  

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.

Principles of Surgery with Lab is a 3-series course that will introduce students to surgical principles and anesthetic techniques. 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.

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery is a 3-course series designed to 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.

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery is a 3-course series designed to 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 is the first of a 2-course series that 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 is the second of a 2-course series that 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, depending on track. Students must complete a total of 21-27 credits of clinical elective rotations to complete the clinical component of the curriculum. A variety of on-campus 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.

Varied credit (6-12 credits), depending on track. The rotation will provide students with experience handling small animal emergency cases in the Animal Health Institute, Companion Animal Clinic, or at an off-campus partner site(s). 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 is a 2-block rotation based focused on anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and diagnostic microbiology. During the anatomic pathology section of the rotation, students will be assigned cases for postmortem examination (necropsy). Students will be expected to write gross reports that include descriptions and diagnoses, present their gross findings at regularly scheduled rounds, and attend histopathology and other assigned rounds. During the clinical pathology section of the rotation, students will attend and actively participate in sessions focusing on blood work and glass slide interpretation and reviewing practical clinical pathology techniques. At the end of the clinical pathology section, students are required to give a short presentation on a pathology topic of interest and relevance. During the microbiology section of the rotation, students will work on microbiology cases under supervision of a faculty member focusing on the correct handling of diagnostic samples, bacterial and fungal culture tests, and identification at a species level. At the end of the microbiology section, students will give a short presentation on a diagnostic case of choice, focusing on the different advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques performed, if applicable, and the use of test results in veterinary practice.

This rotation occurs in the Large Animal Clinic of the 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, depending on track. Students must complete a total of 21-27 credits of clinical elective rotations to complete the clinical component of the curriculum. 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 Affairs. Some off-campus clinical electives may have additional fees.