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A day in the life of a veterinarian is rife with challenges � from surgeries and vaccinations to performing euthanasia. Veterinary medical students need in-depth training and hands-on experience to prepare for the emotional and intellectual demands of this work.

That’s where the at the comes in. One of the first teaching and learning spaces of its kind in the veterinary profession when it was established in 2015, the $4 million facility continues to serve as a national model for innovative veterinary medical education.

Pioneering hands-on learning

When veterinary students at UF step into their first clinical rotation, they carry more than medical knowledge; they bring confidence forged in a revolutionary training ground that has transformed veterinary education over the past decade.

“In the beginning, we were teaching students in whatever venue we could find about the skills they would need to face their surgery course,� said ., a clinical associate professor of primary care and dentistry at the college and one of the lab’s original course coordinators. “It quickly grew into preparing students not just for surgery but for comprehensive clinical rotations.�

The lab’s approach combines sophisticated models that closely match real animal anatomy with simpler, basic training tools to enable students to practice critical veterinary techniques. Developed primarily by clinical assistant professor ., with assistance from lab director Joice Gardner, the training modules cover skills from IV catheterization and bandaging to more complex scenarios using dog, cat and horse models.

Setting the national standard

What makes the UF lab stand out nationally is its comprehensive integration into the curriculum and the measurable outcomes in student performance. The college was among the first to establish such an advanced facility, setting benchmarks that other institutions now follow.

“While, at this point, most veterinary colleges do have a clinical skills lab, we were one of the first to have one of this quality,� said ., the college’s associate dean for academic and student affairs. “It is a critical piece of the educational experience in the first two years of the curriculum.�

The laboratory’s impact extends beyond technical skills. Students participate in comprehensive learning exercises involving communication, medical records management, case management and critical-thinking assessments � a holistic approach that produces well-rounded professionals.

Building confidence through practice

Over time, Stone has seen a tremendous difference in students� confidence levels as they begin their clinical rotations in the .

“It has been so rewarding to see students more consistently prepared for the challenges of clinics and, ultimately, real life,� Stone said. “The students have become more confident and have less trepidation about entering clinical environments.�

Jay Schaub, D.V.M., who graduated from UF’s veterinary college in 2022 and is now a clinical assistant professor, credits the lab for his practice confidence.

“Prior to veterinary school, I had no technical or hands-on experience in veterinary medicine,� Schaub said. “The clinical skills lab was a wonderful environment that allowed me to learn proper technique under guidance and then practice on my own until I felt confident.�

Evolving for future success

A collaborative effort among faculty members has been instrumental in the lab’s success. Stone, Wuerz and clinical associate professor Martha Mallicote, D.V.M., have served the longest in their roles, with Gardner overseeing the lab’s daily operations. The college is now hiring the lab’s first full-time faculty member dedicated solely to its continued success � a testament to the program’s growth and importance.

“I can say without hesitation that the foundation of skills I learned in the clinical skills lab are a large part of my success as a doctor and my ability to help teach current veterinary students the same skills,� Schaub said.

By providing a structured, technology-enhanced learning environment, UF is producing veterinarians who are academically prepared, adept in clinical procedures and ready to meet the complex challenges of modern veterinary practice.

“If I reflect on our journey, what makes me most proud is how we’ve transformed student preparation,� Stone said. “We’re not just teaching skills; we’re building confident, competent professionals who are ready to make a difference in animal health care.�