Core and selective clinical rotations

In the fourth year of the program (DVM 4), the focus is on developing clinical skills and achieving Day One Competencies through a structured sequence of core rotations, selective rotations, and extramural clinical studies placements (EMS).

Overview

Students participate in 23 weeks of clinical rotations throughout the year, working closely with clinicians in consultations, clinical exams, treatments, and procedures.

The Placements and Academic Support Office coordinates both core and selective rotations

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Core clinical rotations

17 weeks in DVM 4

Core clinical rotations are structured, supervised clinical experiences that enhance student knowledge in specialised areas of veterinary medicine. These mandatory rotations are intended to teach core curriculum content while assessing students' skills in real-world clinical settings.

In fourth year of the DVM program, core clinical rotations span 17 weeks and offer a comprehensive array of experiences as well as a meaningful species-focused clinical experience. Depending on chosen species track, these may include primary care (covering consultations, procedures, and urgent care), referral services, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, pathology (both clinical and anatomic), shelter medicine, production animals, equine medicine and surgery, beef cattle and sheep herd health, and veterinary public health.

Selective clinical rotations

6 weeks in DVM 4

In addition to core rotations, students engage in six weeks of selective clinical rotations aligned with their specific interests. Selective rotations allow students to deepen their knowledge and skills in their chosen field, providing additional practical classes and collaborative activities with peers who share similar interests. Importantly, students are not limited to their chosen track upon graduation.

Some examples of past selective offerings include:

  • Advanced production medicine
  • Indigenous Animal Health Program
  • Neurology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Pre-placement requirements

Clinical rotations and selectives are part of subject VETS90096 Veterinary Professional Practice 5 (VPP5). To access your rotation guide, visit the VPP5 Module on the Learning Management System (LMS) to familiarise yourself with the following information:

  • Rotation pre-placement requirements
  • Rotation FAQ
  • Rotation Orientation Checklist.