Learning to handle large animals at Dookie campus

The four-year DVM course is a graduate degree with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to veterinary studies, designed for students to build and apply their understanding to authentic cases, practise evidence-based decision-making, acquire clinical competencies, and solve clinical problems.

Associate Professor Jennifer Carter, Director of Veterinary Education, explained that the recent upgrade of facilities at Dookie enabled the DVM Coordinators and animal handling team to give students more practice working with sheep, cattle, and horses in a commercial farm environment.

“In March, our first-year students spent a week at Dookie, participating in intensive, hands-on learning,” Associate Professor Carter said. “Our students are trained and assessed on their animal handling skills to satisfy curriculum and accreditation requirements and ensure they can safely undertake their pre-clinical extra-mural studies placements.

“Many of our students have always lived in urban settings, so they haven’t had much prior experience with large animals. Assessments and surveys revealed significant increases in the students’ capabilities and confidence  over the week.

“The students also build strong cohort bonds through enrichment activities during the week they reside at Dookie. They establish their professional networks and build friendships, many of which will be lifelong.”

DVM student Jasmine was nervous before the program began. “I hadn’t worked with horses before and I was shocked to realise how big they are. But having done some practice I’m more confident in handling them, putting a halter on, and leading them,” Jasmine said.

Cassidy, another DVM student, agreed. “It’s been awesome coming here. The instructors’ guidance was really helpful, and I feel a lot better about going in and catching horses. I was a little more familiar with sheep and cattle, but being able to reinforce that knowledge has been cool,” Cassidy said.

Fellow student Barry enjoyed the variety of learning experiences provided. “The facilities are amazing. Being around your friends from uni in a different environment is good too,” Barry said.

DVM student Ming also had fun at Dookie: “I haven't had any experience like this back in my home country of Malaysia. Initially I felt nervous but after the animal handling sessions, I felt pretty great,” he said. “In the future, I hope I can become a mixed practice vet in Australia.”

“With a DVM, you could choose to work as a small or large animal veterinarian, in animal welfare, as a government vet monitoring wildlife health, or as a zoo vet, for example,” Associate Professor Carter said.

“Our aim is to give DVM students the knowledge, experience, networks, and flexibility to succeed in their choice of veterinary career.”