Capacity building and education
Veterinary professionals are challenged by various job demands that comprise personal and contextual characteristics. Tools and methods are needed to strengthen and enhance the capacity of individuals and organisations to adapt and respond; so that a thriving veterinary profession can meet the needs of their communities.
We aim to frame what resilience looks like for veterinary professionals and identify ways that support the capacity of veterinary professionals to thrive.
Research areas
Key researchers: Kate Mills, Ingrid van Gelderen, Sanaa Zaki.
To enhance student learning, educational experiences need to be meaningful and relevant. Veterinary educators must prepare students for working as a veterinary professional and good teaching foregrounds the student experience, actively engages the learner in authentic activities, and flexibly adapts to variation in learning style.
We are seeking ways that advance the educational experience for veterinary science students so that they are well prepared for the transition to veterinary professional practice.
Current research is focused on teaching and learning clinical skills and strategies that foster the development of evaluative judgement and learner self-efficacy.
Key researchers: Ingrid van Gelderen, Sanaa Zaki.
High levels of mental distress are reported in the veterinary profession both here in Australia and overseas. The risk of early career attrition is concerning, and the industry is challenged by a lack of experienced veterinarians.
Our research seeks to frame what resilience and self-management looks like for veterinary professionals. We seek to identify those strategies and supports that enable veterinarians to sustain a thriving career as a veterinary professional.
Key researchers: Jaime Gongora
As a veterinary education provider, the School of Veterinary Science recognises the ever-increasing importance of cultural competence in professional practice and research that will advance the health and welfare of animals and people.
This field aims to enhance cultural competence in staff and students and understand the factors that enable effective interaction with clients and communities across cultures.
Capacity building is considered fundamental for engaging communities in the protection of biodiversity and socioeconomic development in less developed countries.
This field aims to enhance capacity in local communities to document and protect biodiversity and develop sustainable nature-based economic enterprises.