Student-Led Development of an Elective Course: Cultural Competency and Humility in Veterinary Medicine.

Abstract

With the growth of veterinary medicine and acknowledgment of the lack of diversity in the profession, it is necessary to educate future generations on the importance and growth of diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, few courses in the veterinary curriculum address this need. To fulfill such a need for one U.S. veterinary program, a veterinary student was mentored by faculty and staff to develop an elective course focused on cultural competency and humility in veterinary medicine. Through self-directed learning to design a course aimed at advancing veterinary students' knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the student progressed his knowledge of the topic while also being exposed to the logistical aspects of course design and potential as a future educator. The resulting student-driven, flipped classroom strategy yielded a positive discussion-based learning experience for its first student cohort and goals for its growth as a professional education course.