The Ohio State University Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Program representatives (Amanda Berrian – Associate Director, Aminata Kalley – Resident, Samantha Swisher – Resident, Andrea Bessler – Resident) facilitated Curriculum Assessment Workshops at three veterinary schools in Southeast Asia: Khon Kaen University (Thailand), Royal University of Agriculture (Cambodia), and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The workshops were part of the Assessment and Implementation of Day 1 Competencies (AID-1C) methodology, developed through the Veterinary Education Twinning Programme with the University of Gondar in Ethiopia and led by VPH Program Director, Armando Hoet (2015-2022). Today, the AID-1C methodology is a component of the Day 1 Platform for Veterinary Education, a collaboration with The Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) at Iowa State University and managed at Ohio State by Berrian. The Day 1 Platform is an open, online platform for high quality teaching materials designed for use by veterinary schools in low- and middle-income countries.
During the Curriculum Assessment Workshops, input is collected using an online Evaluation Tool from faculty, recent graduates, current students, employers, and other stakeholders of the veterinary school being assessed. The Evaluation Tool uses the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) Recommendations on the Competencies of Graduating Veterinarians and Veterinary Education Core Curriculum Guidelines as a framework, assessing 156 topics under 19 specific and advanced competencies related to veterinary public health and preventive medicine. The competencies emphasize the importance of all veterinarians as integral partners in the implementation of One Health, promoting health at the interface of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
In Thailand (October 6-7), 81 participants contributed to the assessment of Khon Kaen University’s (KKU) veterinary curriculum, including stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Additionally, 21 observers from other Thai and regional veterinary schools (Laos, Vietnam) participated to learn the methodology and apply it at their own institutions in the near future. One observer noted, “This workshop at KKU improved my vision to get insights (into) the methods and goals of assessment, which will be potentially applied to develop my institute.”
In the Philippines (October 11-13), 79 participated in the assessment of the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) veterinary curriculum. Their event was hosted in Manila and, in addition to UPLB stakeholders, included 18 observers from other institutions in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Participants shared their perspective on the activity: “The entire event was very informative, and we got to share ideas and knowledge with our fellow colleagues.”
“The Curriculum Assessment Workshop is a big help in the improvement and updating of the veterinary medicine curriculum. If the changes or adjustments in the curriculum push through, the veterinary student will have a chance to be exposed to what is actually happening in the field.”
In Cambodia (October 11-13), 53 participants evaluated the veterinary curriculum at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA). To accommodate the needs and preferences of the implementing insititution, the Evaluation Tool was translated into Khmer and administered using paper forms (pictured). A participant in the RUA workshop noted, “This workshop is so good and useful for development (of) capacity (of) veterinary medicine in Cambodia.”
In addition to the main assessment workshops held by each veterinary school, the Ohio State team organized town hall-style meetings to survey the students in the last years of their programs. This activity used the same Evaluation Tool as faculty and stakeholders but uses a different format and dynamics to create an environment where students can discuss the topics and ask clarifying questions. A student town hall participant noted, “It was well organized and systematic. I was forced to think and assess our curriculum carefully, and I think this was a really productive event.”
Data collected from the workshops are currently being analyzed to identify each program’s strengths and potential gaps in their curriculum in regard to the WOAH Day 1 Competencies. Each university will receive a customized Curriculum Evaluation Report which will inform the next steps of the AID-1C process, including the prioritization and development of an action plan to address identified deficiencies.
In addition to informing the curriculum review process, the World Organisation for Animal Health Sub-Regional Representatives for Southeast Asia have endorsed the Ohio State Evaluation Tool as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Veterinary Statutory Body Network (AVSBN) Accreditation Standards. The assessments will help ensure harmonization across ASEAN Member States and facilitate the mobility of veterinarians within the region.
For more information about the AID-1C methodology, please contact Amanda Berrian at berrian.4@osu.edu.