The Current State of Veterinary Toxicology Education at AAVMC Member Veterinary Schools

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Veterinary student education in toxicology is important. This study surveyed individuals affiliated with veterinary schools that are members of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. The online survey was designed to collect information about the credentials of the faculty that teach toxicology at veterinary schools, the topics that they include in their coursework, and faculty assessments regarding how prepared new graduates are at performing professional activities related to clinical toxicology. Nearly half of all schools provided a response to our survey. We found that toxicology was included as part of all veterinary school coursework. Toxicology classes across the different programs shared similar content. Most respondents to our survey felt that most of their students were prepared to perform professional activities related to veterinary toxicology. ABSTRACT: This study assessed the depth, breadth, and perception of toxicology education in curricula at Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) member veterinary schools. An online questionnaire was sent twice to all 54 AAVMC members and sent once to a veterinary toxicology list serve. The survey covered areas related to instructor demographics, the depth and extent of toxicology taught, and the respondent’s perceptions of their student’s ability to perform entrustable professional activities (EPA). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Our survey resulted in a 44% response rate. All responding schools included toxicology in their curriculum, and it was a required course in 23 programs. Contact hours in stand-alone veterinary toxicology courses ranged from 14 to 45 h. Most respondents indicated that the current time allotted for toxicology was inadequate, despite indicating that most of their students could perform most EPAs autonomously. One exception related to the ability of students to analyze toxicology data. We found small variations in teaching methods and curriculum content. The results of our study can assist veterinary schools in evaluating their curricula to better prepare new graduates for the management of toxicology issues they may face in their veterinary careers.