Vet leaders join forces

American veterinary experts put UQ’s vets of the future through their paces at a leadership workshop at UQ last month.

Guest speakers from Washington State University (WSU) spent a day developing professional life skills for about 90 first year UQ veterinary students and staff at UQ St Lucia and UQ Ipswich.

WSU’s Professor and Chair of Veterinary Clinical Studies Dr Rick DeBowes and Head of the College of Veterinary Medicine Counselling and Wellness Department Dr Kathy Ruby ran the Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE).

The VLE is a WSU program developed in conjunction with Hills Pet Nutrition that fosters group work and life skills for vet students.

UQ School of Veterinary Science Associate Lecturer Dan Schull, who helped organise the WSU visit, said students took part in several activities that improved group cohesion and communication.

“Communication skills are very important for veterinarians to get accurate patient histories and to develop rapport and trust with clients,” Mr Schull said.

He said UQ was investigating running its own version of the VLE.

Mr Schull, has joined UQ as an Associate Lecturer in Veterinary Professional Studies and Veterinary Technology.

Michael Meehan is another recent School addition, who not only teaches the undergraduate professional studies curriculum but is also finishing his PhD in the role of the human animal bond in veterinary consultations.

MEDIA: Mr Schull (3365 1274) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (3365 2619)