Veterinary Medical Program Course Descriptions

Required Courses

ANPH 501 Veterinary Histology & Embryology
This course begins with the study of cell structure and progresses through the basic tissues to the study of the organ systems. The histology not only provides the microscopic study of the body but also the correlation between structure and function. Knowledge of the normal structure is necessary to understand the study of abnormal (pathology), which deals with the alteration in the structure and function of the body tissues/organs caused by the disease process. The course also includes the sequence of normal development from gametogenesis and fertilization to the establishment of body form and the development of the fetal membranes, placenta, and various organ systems. Important developmental anomalies occurring in the domestic species, and their various mechanisms leading to these will be discussed.

ANPH 502 Animal Nutrition
This course introduces students to the field of animal nutrition with emphasis on nutrients, the digestive processes, and the application of nutritional sciences to the health and well-being of various species of animals.

ANPH 503 Veterinary Anatomy II
The basis of this course is the comparative regional anatomy of the main domestic species of animals: horses, ruminants, pigs, and domestic poultry. The course also includes didactic and laboratory sessions in fish anatomy. Emphasis is placed on those topics that are of particular clinical or applied importance. Formal lectures are accompanied by dissection sessions, with appropriate reference to the living animal.

ANPH 504 Veterinary Pharmacology I
In this course, the principles of pharmacology, the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and the effects (therapeutic and adverse) produced on the various systems of the body by representative drugs belonging to each pharmacological class of drugs are presented. Species variations in pharmacodynamic activity or pharmacokinetic behavior that contribute to differences in drug dosage requirements are described, and special attention is given to unusual sensitivity of particular animal species (or breeds) to the effects produced by certain drugs. Students are presented with the requisite information for rational selection and appropriate use of drugs for therapeutic purposes in domestic animal species and other species of veterinary interest. The material is presented with an applied veterinary clinical orientation.

ANPH 505 Veterinary Pharmacology II
is presented on drugs used in the management of acute inflammation and control of pain, antineoplastic drugs, anthelmintics, and insecticides, antimicrobial agents, and antifungal drugs.

ANPH 506 Veterinary Anatomy I
The course consists of a series of lectures on the systematic gross anatomy of carnivores. These are accompanied by a series of laboratory classes that cover the dissection of the dog and also include normal, radiographic, and live anatomy.

ANPH 512 Veterinary Physiology I
This course is designed to provide the student with a strong background in the basic physiological mechanisms and concepts of cellular, muscle, nerve, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory physiology. It helps the student to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms controlling these systems and to determine the effects of pathological conditions on organ function as they relate to veterinary medicine.

ANPH 513 Veterinary Physiology II
The aim of this course is to introduce fundamental concepts of blood cellular, gastrointestinal, metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems of domestic animals. At the end of the course, the student has gained a basic understanding of these systems’ physiological functions in health and their interrelationships with other systems of the body. The student is able to discuss possible consequences and signs of their malfunction, and can apply this knowledge to basic cases.

ANPH 514 Animal Welfare and Behavior
The normal and abnormal behavior and bionomics of various domestic livestock, companion and laboratory species are examined in this course. Issues of importance to the general welfare of animals are reviewed.

ANPH 516 Professionalism
Through experiential learning methods, students will be exposed to the concepts of life skills such as values, attributes, aptitudes, and behaviors that are essential to their success as veterinary medical professionals. Emphasis will be placed on skills relating to teamwork, communication, and professionalism.

ANPH 520 Veterinary Toxicology
Basic and clinical aspects of the more common poisonings that affect domestic animals, birds and wildlife will be considered. Initial lectures will introduce basic toxicological principles, calculations, concepts of antidotes as they relate to treatment/prevention of toxic cases, and diagnostic/forensic (investigative) considerations. Emphasis will be given to intoxication by pesticides (rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides), heavy metals (arsenic, copper, lead, iron, zinc, etc.), plants, mycotoxins, gases, feed additives, poisonous and venomous animal toxins, household toxins, prescriptions/recreational/over-the-counter medications, selected industrial pollutants, and to forensic considerations.

LAMS 501 Veterinary Physical Diagnosis II
This course is the large animal corollary to Veterinary Physical Diagnosis I SAMS 515 and consists of expanded physical examination to include lameness and cranial nerves/neurologic examination, as well as practical lectures, hands-on laboratories, and case-based modules for equine and bovine species. The POMR / SOAP format is emphasized and practiced with case-based learning, which also encourages students to integrate material from previous and concurrent anatomy, physiology, and basic science courses as they relate to clinical cases. Students practice ultrasonographic imaging, radiography, limb bandaging and other diagnostic evaluations of the large animal patient. Utilization of the SGU Simulation Laboratory allows technical training in venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, intramuscular/dermal injection, and sterile preparation technique. Group presentation format requires students to perform and practice case workup and communication skills through presentation of medical cases to faculty and classmates.

LAMS 502 Veterinary Clinical Orientation
This course is designed to expose the first-term SGU veterinary student to the basics of physical examination and handling of domesticated species. In addition, pertinent information regarding breeds, colors, and special characteristics of common small and large animal species will be presented. The course utilizes the SGU Simulation laboratory for introductory cardiac and thoracic auscultation prior to live-animal physical examination laboratory sessions. Veterinary Clinical Orientation provides the foundation for additional SGU clinical skills courses held throughout terms 2-6.

LAMS 503 Introduction to Clinical Medicine
This course is designed to introduce 4th term students to the practice of clinical medicine. It is a team-taught course where presenting complaints, history, clinical signs, physical examination, and specific diagnostic testing is used to design problem lists, differential diagnoses, and introduce veterinary methods for case work-up. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to neurologic examination and localization of lesions within the brain / spinal cord. Individual student assignments utilize practical case evaluation and use of current research via electronic journals for support of case evaluation. This course provides the foundation to the third-year courses that specifically cover Small Animal, Equine, and Food Animal Medicine.

LAMS 505 Equine Internal Medicine
This course is designed to familiarize the 6th term SGU student with the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of commonly observed equine diseases. Emphasis is placed on the clinical approach for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the sick equine patient (both chronic and emergent), as well as up-to-date therapeutic opportunities available to equine veterinarians as detailed in the current scientific literature. Herd health issues, the importance of client education, and euthanasia issues are discussed.

LAMS 515 Food Animal Internal Medicine
The principles of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of domesticated ruminants, as well as swine and camelids, will be taught utilizing a lecture format with integrated case discussions to illustrate the context and application of material presented and to promote development of problem-solving skills. Individual and herd medicine will be discussed.

LAMS 516 Large Animal Surgery
Surgical conditions, including trauma, encountered in the food-producing and equine species are presented in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and management.

LAMS 519 Theriogenology
Students are instructed in the diseases affecting the male and female reproductive systems of the large and small domestic mammals. Causes and treatment of male and female infertility are considered, as are obstetrical procedures in normal parturition and in dystocia. Techniques involved in breeding, artificial insemination, and embryo transfers are reviewed along with methods for determination of pregnancy in various species.

LAMS 533 Ethics, Jurisprudence & Career Development
The legal framework that relates to the practice of veterinary medicine is considered with an indication of differences occurring in the legal systems in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. Ethical principles governing professional practice and the self-regulatory nature of control within the profession are discussed in relation to malpractice and professional misconduct. The course includes: opportunities to gain a better understanding of professional ethics, delivery of professional services to the public, personal and business finance, and personal / business management skills. Students are given an understanding of the breadth of veterinary medicine, career opportunities, and other important information about the veterinary profession. In small-group presentation format, students strengthen communication skills by presenting and debating ethical issues in veterinary medicine.

LAMS 529 Ambulatory Services
This course provides students with hands-on large animal training during visits to local farms. Students gain experience in radiography, anesthesia, physical diagnosis, and surgical skills while working with large animals in our ambulatory service program. Large animal staff veterinarians facilitate group discussions on pain management, euthanasia, and herd health management (i.e. vaccination/deworming) to emphasize topics presented in concurrent 6th term large animal medicine courses.

PTHB 502 Introduction to Research
This course will consist of didactic lectures, reading and written assignments, and class presentations. Topics to be covered include: research as a tool for scientific advancement; selection of research topics, search and review of literature, research inputs and methodology; evaluation of feasible research programs including time frames and budgets; interpretation of results; review of the roles of an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; and evaluation of research ethics. Students devise a small grant initiative proposal with a small budget and present proposals to faculty / classmates.

PTHB 503 Veterinary Bacteriology/Mycology
The introductory part of this course will deal with bacterial morphology, structure, cultivation, and general principles of diagnosis, pathogenesis, use of antimicrobial agents and disinfectants, and epidemiological concepts. Following this, bacterial and fungal pathogens of animals will be covered with respect to habitat, virulence factors, pathogenesis, and effect on different animal species. Specimen collection and isolation, and control by antimicrobial drugs and biological agents will also receive emphasis.

PTHB 505 Veterinary Parasitology
The course consists of lectures and laboratory classes covering the helminthes, anthropods, and protozoa occurring as important parasites of domestic and wildlife species. A taxonomic approach is taken, but emphasis is placed on practical aspects such as the parasites’ developmental cycles, clinical features, pathogenesis of disease, immunology, epidemiology, public health aspects, laboratory and clinical diagnosis, treatment, and control. Particular attention is paid to providing a host approach so that the parasites and their hosts are placed in context.

PTHB 506 Veterinary Pathology I
The course includes general pathology and systemic pathology. The general principles and mechanisms of disease are discussed through the basic principles of cell and tissue reactions to injury, including degeneration, necrosis, pathological pigmentation, disturbances of circulation, disturbances of growth, neoplasia, inflammation, and immunopathology.

PTHB 507 Veterinary Pathology II 
This course completes the systemic pathology of domestic animals with emphasis on the etiology, pathogenesis, gross and microscopic lesions, and diagnosis of diseases of the organ systems in the body. Formal classroom lectures are complemented with laboratory classes and necropsy demonstrations aimed at interpretation of gross and microscopic lesions.

PTHB 510 Veterinary Public Health
The role of the veterinarian in public health is considered with emphasis on the safety of foods of animal origin. The course includes the responsibilities of the veterinarian in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and surveys zoonotic diseases of bacterial and viral origins with special attention to emerging infectious diseases.

PTHB 511 Veterinary Epidemiology
The course will provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts of veterinary epidemiology and will include practical exercises on the strengths and weaknesses of different epidemiological study designs. The quality of evidence of causal relationships provided by different epidemiological study designs will be compared and discussed within the framework of evidence-based medicine in order to judge the benefits of treatment and/or prevention and control methods. The course will include the application of epidemiological principles and the veterinarian’s role in the investigation of outbreaks in animal and human populations.

PTHB 512 Veterinary Immunology
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms underlying the immune system, with emphasis on the interaction between innate and acquired immunity in the response to infection. Mechanisms by which immunological components interact and clinically-related topics are also emphasized. In addition to classroom instruction, small group sessions discuss veterinary-oriented clinical problems.

PTHB 515 Veterinary Virology
The content of the course includes a general consideration of the unique biological features of viruses in terms of their reproduction as well as special points of relevance concerning their diagnosis and therapy. Viruses of particular importance in veterinary medicine are studied, including their therapy, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnoses.

PTHB 516 Avian, Fish, and Exotic Animal Diseases
This course focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the important diseases in domestic poultry, pet avian, and exotic animal species that are commonly encountered as pets and used for laboratory purposes (including reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, small rodents, ferrets, etc.). Strategies for species management, handling and disease prevention are emphasized. The course deals with various aspects of aquaculture, including food fish, shellfish, pet fish, and public display aquaria.

PTHB 530 Laboratory Diagnostics
This offers students experience in practical necropsy and clinical laboratory skills in clinical pathology, microbiology, and parasitology laboratory rotations.
 

• Necropsy Section: students perform a complete necropsy, recognize and interpret gross lesions in a disease process, and prepare a written necropsy report. Emphasis will be placed on collection and submission of specimens to a laboratory for histopathology and for microbiology and toxicology if relevant. Students will correlate gross necropsy and microscopic findings to make an appropriate diagnosis. Safety precautions with respect to equipment, protective wear, and biosecurity are introduced.
• Clinical Pathology Section: students practice laboratory safety procedures, perform a manual complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemistry analysis using an Idexx Vet Test. Students are expected to demonstrate basic competence in the preparation and examination of cytological specimens. Students shall be able to select / provide the correct test(s) for a wide variety of diseases of domestic animals, be able to submit the appropriate sample for these tests, and have the ability to accurately interpret a series of laboratory results in the content of patient history and clinical signs.
• Parasitology Section: students identify common parasites in feces, blood, urine, skin, and body fluids. Emphasis is placed on clinical cases where students are expected to make a diagnosis based on history, clinical signs, and identification of the parasite(s) and recommend treatment and control strategies based on the diagnosis.

PTHB 532 Clinical Pathology
Students gain an understanding of the principles of hematology, cytology, and clinical chemistry in the course. Instruction in interpretation of alterations in peripheral blood smears, cytological samples from various organ systems, and chemical data derived from blood serum or other body fluids is provided. Extensive use is made of clinical cases to emphasize correct interpretation of reports.

SAMS 501 Radiology I
This course will allow students to become acquainted with normal radiological structures, learn the physics behind the taking of a radiograph and interpretation of basic quality assessment in an X-ray. This focus of this course is small/companion animals.

SAMS 502 Radiology II
This course will accentuate what students learned from the previous course (Radiology I / SAMS 501) with emphasis on normal large animal structures.

SAMS 513 Diagnostic Imaging
Principles of radiography are reviewed, including the various potential hazards of radiation. Radiographic imaging techniques utilized in small and large animal species are described along with other imaging methods such as ultrasonography, CT, and MRI as well as the basic principles / practices of radiation therapy. In small group film-reading sessions, students practice proper interpretation of radiographs.

SAMS 514 Introduction to Surgical Skills
The course is an introductory surgical course designed to introduce basic surgical principles and skills that will serve to prepare the student for veterinary surgery. Didactic and laboratory discussions include basic surgical principles: asepsis, sterilization, and disinfection; surgical instrumentation and surgical techniques; surgeon and patient preparation; suture materials and surgical needles; and hemostasis, wound healing and wound management. Surgical skills mastered during the laboratory sessions include knot tying, suture patterns (skin, hollow organ, and tendon), ligatures, surgical drape application, and bandaging. Students are provided opportunities to practice surgical skills using both live tissue, simulation models (i.e., skin and intestine), and suture boards.

SAMS 515 Veterinary Physical Diagnosis I
This course is a follow-up to Veterinary Clinical Orientation LAMS 502 and consists of a combination of didactic, hands-on and case-based learning sessions focusing on small animal patients. This course expands the basic physical examination to include specialty examinations including orthopedic, neurologic, dermatologic, and ophthalmologic exams. The Problem-Oriented Medical Record approach is introduced with use of the SOAP format as students are required to participate in working up “paper-cases.” The laboratory exercises are tailored to provide the veterinary student with the opportunity to practice medical procedures that are commonly performed in the everyday clinical setting. Use of the SGU Simulation laboratory allows students a more in-depth experience with cardiac arrhythmias, murmurs, and abnormal respiratory noises as they relate to commonly observed clinical case presentations.

SAMS 518 Small Animal Surgery
The introductory portion of the course reviews principles of surgery, including asepsis, instrumentation, and surgical techniques. The remainder of the course covers the management and treatment of surgical conditions for small companion animals, including soft tissue, orthopedic, neurologic, and ophthalmic conditions. Introduction to dentistry is also covered in this course.

SAMS 520 Veterinary Anesthesiology
In the didactic portion of this course, students gain an understanding of the principles, concepts, and techniques utilized in general and local anesthesia in various small and large animal species, as well as the basic terminology and proper use of anesthetic equipment and monitoring devices. Laboratory sessions provide the opportunity to master equipment use (anesthetic machines and monitoring devices) necessary for providing safe anesthesia. The SGU Simulation Laboratory is used to practice and gain comfort with endotracheal intubation and video demonstrations of veterinary anesthesia related procedures are used to familiarize the student with additional concepts in anesthesia. This course is designed to prepare the student to enter the Junior Surgery and Anesthesia Laboratory course (SAMS 527) in term five.

SAMS 522 Small Animal Medicine I
Students are introduced to concepts concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical diseases in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on infectious diseases, dermatology, gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory, and ophthalmological diseases, and emergency / critical care medicine.

SAMS 524 Small Animal Medicine II
Students are introduced to concepts concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical diseases in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on cardiology, respiratory, neurological, oncological, endocrine, and gastrointestinal diseases, and emergency and critical care medicine.

SAMS 526 Introduction to Clinical Practice
As a continuum of the POMR skills learned in SAMS 515 and LAMS 503, the student practices and refines methods of incorporating physical examination, historical information collection, and development of problem lists based on current clinical cases from the Small Animal Clinic. Client relations and communication skills are enforced. Creation of the medical record and the importance of clinical practice management are discussed and practiced by the student.

SAMS 527 Junior Surgery & Anesthesiology Laboratory
Students are divided into teams of three (rotating as primary surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anesthetist) and are expected to apply knowledge gained from previous courses (SAMS 520 / SAMS 514) and concurrent courses (SAMS 518 / LAMS 519 Theriogenology) to the practice of surgery and anesthesia. Students perform canine and feline spay and neuter surgical procedures while maintaining aseptic technique. Additional basic orthopedic procedures are practiced using plastic bone models. Students induce, maintain, and monitor anesthesia and write surgical reports. Preanesthetic and postoperative patient care and pain management/assessment, as well as medical recordkeeping, using the SOAP format is emphasized and required. Students practice communication skills by presenting historical / physical exam parameters of the pre-surgical patient, blood work, anesthetic protocol and surgical plan for spay/neuter patients.

SAMS 528 Small Animal Clinical Services
The objective of the course is to prepare term six students for year-four clinical studies at affiliated universities using clinical case material presented at the SGU Small Animal Clinic. Through supervised hands-on training, students are directly involved in history taking, patient physical examination, and formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans for outpatient and critical care cases. Under faculty supervision, students are responsible for presurgical physical examination and diagnostic workup, postoperative care, and completion of all surgery-related documents (surgical report, anesthesia record, discharge instructions). Surgical students participate in surgical cases in the roles of primary surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anesthetist. Students practice interpretation of clinical radiography. Intensive case management and medical recordkeeping for in-house small animal patients is required, along with client communication and daily case / rounds presentations.

 

Elective Courses

ELEC 501 Special Topics in Reptile & Amphibian Medicine
Students practice and master the clinical examination, disease diagnosis, and surgical / therapeutic approaches of reptiles and amphibians. Appropriate emphasis will be placed on species-specific behavioral and physiological adaptations.

ELEC 502 Introduction to Wildlife Conservation Medicine
This course will encompass formal lectures, interactive sessions, and practical work with special emphasis on field and in situ investigations.

ELEC 503 Communication Skills in Veterinary Practice
In this course, the students will become aware of and demonstrate communication and teamwork skills in dealing with clients, technicians, and other veterinarians. The course will be taught using lectures, role-modeling, videotaping, discs, and group discussions. Various scenarios will be developed around problems veterinarians face in dealing with clients, technicians, and other veterinarians. Behavioral models will be presented on how to handle each of these types of problems. The students will be organized into groups of three. Each group will have a role for the veterinarian, and either the client, technician, another veterinarian, or an observer. The students will play out their roles, and the observer will evaluate how well the veterinarian followed the behavioral model. The group will discuss the role-playing in terms of what the veterinarian did that followed the behavioral model and what he/she could have done differently compared to the model. After some rounds of practicing, the role-playing will be videotaped and put on discs. The videotape and disc will be analyzed by comparing the veterinarian’s role behavior to the behavioral model.

ELEC 504 Captive Wildlife Management I (Mammals)
This course introduces students to principles of captive wildlife management from the viewpoint of a veterinarian. Concepts which are essential to the successful management of wild mammals in captivity are taught in didactic lectures and interactive sessions and will include aspects of (1) husbandry such as housing, nutrition and behavioral requirements, (2) major diseases including zoonoses, their prevention and control, and (3) principles of manual and chemical restraint and anesthesia.

ELEC 508 Captive Wildlife Management II (Reptiles)
This course introduces students to principles of captive wildlife management from the viewpoint of a veterinarian. Concepts which are essential to the successful management of reptiles and amphibians in captivity are taught in didactic lectures and interactive sessions and will include aspects of (1) husbandry such as housing, nutrition and behavioral requirements, (2) major diseases including zoonoses, their prevention and control, and (3) principles of manual and chemical restraint and anesthesia.

ELEC 505 Captive Wildlife Management III (Birds)
This course introduces students to principles of captive wildlife management from the viewpoint of a veterinarian. Concepts which are essential to the successful management of wild birds in captivity are taught in didactic lectures and interactive sessions and will include aspects of (1) husbandry such as housing, nutrition and behavioral requirements, (2) major diseases including zoonoses, their prevention and control, and (3) principles of manual and chemical restraint and anesthesia.

ELEC 506 Practical Applications of Molecular Assays
This course provides basic information and experience in developing and utilizing standard and real-time PCR and RT PCR techniques in detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases.

ELEC 507 Study Skills for Veterinary Medical Education
Students are exposed to factors affecting success in veterinary medical school and metacognition groups/teams/questioning. It includes assessment of learning in courses and self-assessment as a learning strategy; examination techniques; learning styles and approaches to learning; application of learning styles; learning strategies for basic science courses, as well as veterinary medical problem solving for clinical cases. Multiple choice test taking skills are discussed.

ELEC 509 Diseases of North American Wildlife I
This course focuses on common North American wildlife species from the viewpoint of a veterinarian involved in their management. The impact of transmission of wildlife diseases on human and domestic animal health are addressed and interactions between diseases, environment, and population management are highlighted.

ELEC 510 Diseases of North American Wildlife II
This course focuses on common North American wildlife species from the viewpoint of a veterinarian involved in their management. The impact of transmission of wildlife diseases on human and domestic animal health are addressed and interactions between diseases, environment and population management are highlighted. Families of wildlife in part two of this course are felines, fur-bearing mammals, rodents, lagomorpha, and birds.

ELEC 511 Large Animal Clinical Parasitology
The course focuses on the biology, epidemiology, and control of clinically important nematode parasites of ruminants and horses. Emphasis is placed on clinical and diagnostic issues relating to host-parasite interactions and the development of evidence-based parasite control programs. This course covers broad issues relating to host-parasite interactions, parasite epidemiology, parasite diagnosis, and the development of drug resistance.

ELEC 512 Special Topics in Fish Medicine & Surgery 
Students participate through practical clinical experience and perform a variety of medical and surgical techniques. Students master the art of clinical examination, disease diagnosis, surgical and therapeutic approaches for fish species. Appropriate emphasis will be placed on species-specific behavioral and physiological adaptations.

ELEC 513 Bioethics Today
This course is designed for students with an interest in bioethics who want to further develop their knowledge and professional competencies. It deals with newsworthy topics including public health, medicine, professionalism, research, veterinary medicine, and others

ELEC 514 Forensics for First Responders
This course serves as an introductory course of forensic procedures as they may be needed by a health care or law enforcement professional. Future physicians, veterinarians, public health officials or law enforcement personnel will study the underlying principles and concepts of modern forensic procedures with emphasis on preservation of evidence and securing of crime scenes, and proper maintenance of the chain of custody in dealing with crime scene evidence.

ELEC 515 Wildlife Parasitology
This course introduces students to major parasites of wildlife species of North America. Parasitic life cycles are presented on major nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, blood protozoans and ectoparasites. Emphasis is placed on those common parasites which cause diseases in wildlife and / or are of major zoonotic importance.

ELEC 516 Client Grief in Veterinary Practice
Students explore the parameters of grief and loss as they relate to veterinary clients and their companion animals. Students build supportive skills to help clients deal with emotion and events surrounding their loss. The following topics are discussed: the Human-Animal Bond, grief, communication skills in delivering “bad news” and how to talk with clients about terminal illness and pet death, euthanasia, pet death and children, after-care including cremation, burial, memorialization and remembering, and establishing a support system for clients, as well as veterinary hospice and understanding caring for caregivers.

ELEC 518 Special Topics in Research
Students are provided an opportunity to receive course credit for work performed in specific areas of research or other related veterinary medical interest. This participation may take place within the SGU-SVM research program or off-campus during the summer / winter school break alongside a veterinary researcher. Approval of the overall project as well as approval of the principle investigator/veterinarian and assignment of course credit is made by the appropriate SGU Academic Program Director and the SGU Associate Dean of Research.

ELEC 519 Special Topics in Research
Students are provided an opportunity to receive course credit for work performed in specific areas of research or other related veterinary medical interest. This participation may take place within the SGU-SVM research program or off-campus during the summer / winter school break alongside a veterinary researcher. Approval of the overall project as well as approval of the principle investigator/veterinarian and assignment of course credit is made by the appropriate SGU Academic Program Director and the SGU Associate Dean of Research.

ELEC 520 Special Topics in Research
Students are provided an opportunity to receive course credit for work performed in specific areas of research or other related veterinary medical interest. This participation may take place within the SGU-SVM research program or off-campus during the summer / winter school break alongside a veterinary researcher. Approval of the overall project as well as approval of the principle investigator / veterinarian and assignment of course credit is made by the appropriate SGU Academic Program Director and the SGU Associate Dean of Research.

ELEC 521 Wildlife Casualties
This course introduces students to the critical care of injured wildlife. With the principal aim of release of successfully treated wild animals back into their natural environment, this course links aspects of rehabilitation work with those of veterinary care. Relevant medical issues are addressed with an emphasis on ethical and legal implications of dealing with wildlife species.

ELEC 522 Veterinary Disaster Emergency Management
This course covers the background and basic training needed for veterinary responders in natural and human-made disasters. Topics covered include animal and public health in disasters; the veterinarians role in preparation response, liability, and legal issues; local, federal, global organizations involved in disaster planning and response; decontamination; water/food-borne illnesses, pets, zoonoses; animal disease outbreaks; carcass disposal; crisis communication; human and animal bond. One-third of the course is dedicated to small-group assignments/presentations involving animal issues in disasters and recommended preparedness / responses.

ELEC 523 Special Topics in Avian Medicine & Surgery
Students will learn general clinical and medical procedures through active participation with live animals. Surgical procedures typically used in clincial practice will be presented using instructor-facilitated review and discussion of videotapes from actual clinical cases. Emphasis will be placed on species-specific behavioral and physiological adaptations of birds as they relate to clincal practice.

ELEC 524 Culture and the Practice of Medicine
This course discusses the relationship between culture, illness and disease, and the cultural environments of both bio-medical and traditional healers: the ways cultural beliefs and behaviors influence the emergence, spread, incidence, prevention and control of diseases, are emphasized. Culture-specific and culture-impacted disease problems are used as examples and focus on, but are not limited to, infectious diseases that influence the practice of both human and veterinary medicine, such as Ebola, SARS, Chagas Disease and Avian Influenza. 

The Clinical Training Program
The final year of the St. George’s University veterinary medical program is delivered at our affiliated veterinary medical schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and Australia. St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine students are fully integrated with the final year students at these affiliated schools in a program of rotating assignments for a 48-week period.

Year four consists of forty-eight weeks of clinical training at one of our twenty-nine affiliated AVMA-Accredited veterinary schools: Twenty weeks of instruction in seven core subjects and twenty-eight weeks of electives that may be a continuation of core subjects or concentrations in select specialties. The clinical core subjects include a minimum of four weeks each in Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery, six weeks of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery; and two weeks each in Diagnostic Laboratory, Clinical Anesthesiology, and Diagnostic Imaging. The remaining weeks of the clinical program are made up of elective rotations (Clinical Rotations). (16 credits / each term). Externships approved by the affiliated schools may be included in the clinical training program.