Veterinary Training: European Committee Publishes Minimum Competency Requirements

The European Coordinating Committee on Veterinary Training (ECCVT) has released its report on veterinary education. In this document, released by the FVE on April 24, the committee details the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that a newly graduated veterinarian in Europe must demonstrate from the very first day of practice. Through this European Coordinating Committee on Veterinary Training, the three founding organizations* aim to coordinate their perspectives on the veterinary training curriculum. This year, they are urging policymakers and stakeholders to support the harmonization of veterinary education in Europe, a prerequisite for ensuring the same level of veterinary services across the continent. Accordingly, the ECCVT, which meets twice a year, has just published a summary document** on “day one” competencies and advocates for their inclusion in Directive 2013/55 (Article 38), which lists the knowledge and skills required of veterinarians. It lists 36 core competencies (see list below) that every graduate must possess on their first day of practice to be able to fulfill their professional obligations effectively. These minimum required standards serve as the entry point into a variety of roles offered by the profession. Veterinary expertise thus encompasses knowledge, skills, and behaviors—not merely technical knowledge, but the ability to apply it in a variety of contexts. * Established in 2004 by the European Association of Institutions of Veterinary Education (AEEEV), the European Committee for Veterinary Specialization (CESV), and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE).** http://www.fve.org/uploads/publications/docs/eccvt_d1c_annex_v_2015__adopted.pdf  

The 36 Core Competencies of the European Veterinarian

1. Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the profession in relation to animals, clients, society, and the environment.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the organization, management, and legislation pertaining to veterinary practice.
3. Promote, monitor, and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance systems; apply the principles of risk management to professional practice.
4. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, colleagues, and authorities, using language appropriate to the various audiences.
5. Carefully prepare medical records and client files, as well as clinical case reports, in a format that is satisfactory to colleagues and understandable to the public.
6. Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of services.
7. Understand the economic and emotional context in which veterinarians operate.
8. Be able to critically review and evaluate the literature and presentations.
9. Understand and apply the principles of clinical governance and practice evidence-based medicine.
10. Use professional skills to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, with the aim of improving the quality of animal care and veterinary public health.
11. Demonstrate the ability to manage incomplete information, deal with the unexpected, and adapt to change.
12. Be aware of one’s personal and professional limitations and know how to seek advice, assistance, and support when needed.
13. Demonstrate a capacity for continuous learning and a commitment to professional training and development.
14. Participate in self-assessment and peer review processes to improve performance.
15. Obtain an accurate and relevant medical history regarding the animal or group of animals to be treated, as well as their environment.
16. Handle and restrain animals safely and with respect, and teach others how to assist the veterinarian in performing these techniques.
17. Conduct a comprehensive clinical examination and demonstrate the ability to make clinical decisions.
18. Develop appropriate treatment and management plans in the best interest of the animals and in accordance with available resources.
19. Provide emergency care and first aid for all species.
20. Assess the physical condition, well-being, and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and nutrition.
21. Collect, store, and transport samples; select appropriate diagnostic tests; interpret and understand the limitations of their results.
22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with diagnostic services, particularly by providing an appropriate medical history.
23. Understand the role of imaging and other diagnostic techniques in establishing a diagnosis, use basic imaging equipment, and perform an examination that is effective and appropriate for the case, in accordance with safety standards and applicable regulations.
24. Recognize warning signs of notifiable diseases and zoonoses, and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
25. Access appropriate data sources on authorized medications.
26. Prescribe and dispense medications correctly and responsibly, in accordance with the law and the latest guidelines.
27. Report suspected adverse drug reactions.
28. Properly apply biosecurity principles, including the sterilization of equipment and the disinfection of clothing.
29. Perform aseptic surgery correctly.
30. Administer safe sedation and general or regional anesthesia, and implement chemical restraint methods.
31. Assess and manage pain.
32. Recognize when euthanasia is indicated and perform it with respect for the animal, using an appropriate method, while being sensitive to the animal owners’ feelings and taking into account the safety of those present; provide information on the disposal of the carcass.
33. Conduct a systematic initial postmortem examination, record observations, and collect and transport tissue samples.
34. Conduct ante-mortem inspections of animals intended for the food chain, paying particular attention to animal welfare; correctly identify conditions that affect the quality and safety of products of animal origin; and exclude animals whose products are unfit for consumption.
35. Conduct inspections of food for human consumption and animal feed, including post-mortem inspections of food-producing animals.
36. Provide guidance and implement species-specific prevention programs in line with common standards for veterinary health, animal welfare, and public health.