Veterinary students' choices of clinical extramural placements are associated with their final-year examination performance.

Abstract

Background: UK veterinary students must complete 20 weeks of clinical extramural studies (EMS) in placements of their choice. We investigated the associations between EMS choices and performance in the final-year 'livestock and One Health', 'equine' and 'small animal' written examinations.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilised data from 639 students who took their final examinations between 2020 and 2024 at the University of Liverpool. The mark (%) and outcome (passed/failed) of each examination were analysed in separate regression models with the number of clinical EMS weeks in each discipline (farm animal/public health, equine, small animal or mixed practice) as explanatory variables. Overall pass rates were compared between students with and without balanced EMS, defined as 2 or more weeks in each species or 8 or more weeks in mixed practice.

Results: An increased number of EMS weeks in the corresponding species or in mixed practice was associated with improved examination marks. Among students with weaker preclinical performance, those with balanced EMS experience were more likely to pass all their final examinations.

Limitations: This study was conducted at a single UK veterinary school and relied on self-reporting of EMS type.

Conclusion: Clinical EMS is associated with final-year examination performance, although causality cannot be inferred.