Colorado State University (CSU) is inaugurating its new Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex (VHEC) this fall, significantly expanding its veterinary facilities with advanced learning environments. In conjunction with this opening, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is introducing a new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum called the Ascend D.V.M.
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Dr. Sue VandeWoude, dean of the college, stated, "Our Ascend D.V.M. curriculum sets a new standard for how we will teach veterinary medicine at CSU. We’re adopting new teaching approaches for professional training that build upon CSU’s longstanding legacy of excellence in veterinary education. I’m looking forward to our students experiencing an advanced veterinary curriculum that has been painstakingly designed by faculty and staff to maximally prepare our graduates for success."
The curriculum overhaul began over a decade ago, integrating concepts from human medical education, contemporary teaching research, faculty expertise, and student feedback. It emphasizes clinical reasoning, practical training, classroom engagement, well-being, professional identity, and leadership. Dr. Melinda Frye, associate dean for veterinary academic and student affairs, remarked, "This has been a deliberate and iterative process, and I think that’s been at the root of our success. I’m very excited about what we’ve come up with; I think it’s going to be great not only for our students, but for the animals and people they care for."
Notably, the new curriculum features a block schedule for the first two years, concentrating on specific body systems such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or respiratory systems. This structure aims to enhance learning efficiency by minimizing classroom time and facilitating quicker application of knowledge in clinical settings. Frye added, "We know that every time a student revisits a topic, especially if it’s in a slightly different way, it helps cement that information. And then if we offer them opportunities to apply that information to novel, authentic scenarios, it really helps them engage and develop their clinical reasoning muscles."
Each semester will include dedicated “SWIM” weeks, focusing on synthesis, well-being, identity, and mentorship. During these weeks, students will tackle complex clinical cases, engage with professional identity programming, work with assigned coaches, and prepare for their upcoming educational modules. Dr. Paul Avery, professor of clinical pathology and co-chair of the curriculum renewal committee, expressed pride in the collaborative effort, stating, "It’s been an impressive group effort."