Established in 1947 the Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine emerged. It strives to promote animal and human health. This is for a sustainable future. Education research and public service are its cornerstones.
The College of Veterinary Medicine SNU CVM continuously works to meet global standards. It became the first and only Asian institution accredited by the AVMA Council on Education in 2019. In 2020 it ranked 38th in the QS World University Evaluation. SNU CVM aims to be a world-leading veterinary college. It has set three goals. The first is nurturing future veterinary leaders. The second is contributing through advanced care. The third is securing research excellence.
Imagine students immersed in a renovated student-centered curriculum. This curriculum features integrated wet-lab sessions. Overlapping topics are removed. The number of elective courses increased. This accommodates student requests and societal needs. The Edu-Inno 2031 Project grant supported this curriculum renovation. From the first semester of 2022 the integrated laboratory practice curriculum began. First-year students take integrated practice for basic biomedical science. In 2023 students took integrated practice for veterinary preventive medicine. In 2024 students will take integrated practice for veterinary clinical sciences.
From 2023 the rotation period for large animals increased from one week to two weeks. Clinical rotation in theriogenology also increased. It went from one week to two weeks. This strengthens basic surgical skills including ovariohysterectomy. The self-learning period in the fourth-year program reduced from six weeks to four weeks. Students manage their learning experiences through e-Portfolio. They actively establish learning plans. They explore their career.
Consider the reformed graduation exam. It now includes clinical skills assessment using a Smart Simulation Lab. SNU CVM established this lab in July 2021. It has 12 clinical skills stations. Dummy models and equipment allow practicing various techniques. These include injections surgical skills intubation and CPR. Students can repeatedly practice without live animals using practice videos. SNU CVM offers an elective course for student participation. This facility evaluates clinical skills as part of the graduation exam since December 2022. The clinical skills test uses Objective Structured Clinical/Practical Examination. Specific skills are objectively scored.
Envision the introduction of a linear accelerator for radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be a stand-alone therapy or used with surgery and chemotherapy. The SNU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital now provides radiation therapy. This benefits companion animals and research. Construction finished in late October 2022. Staff training and commissioning followed. The Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology uses this new model of linear accelerator. It features volumetric modulated arc therapy. This combines intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy. It delivers more tightly focused treatments in less time. SNU CVM hired a radiation specialist. This facility serves veterinary oncology patients and biomedical researchers.
Yujin Young a student had a wonderful opportunity. She studied at the Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine. She participated in a two-week Orthopedics/Neurologic rotation. She was impressed with the advanced equipment and cleanliness of the hospital. Clinicians were capable of speaking English.
Seoul National University is an AVMA-accredited school. The rotation was structured similarly to Iowa State University. However Korea doesn’t have specialization training with interns/residents. Instead they have master’s and Ph.D. students working under senior clinicians. They balance clinics and research. Yujin obtained clinical histories performed exams and assisted in surgeries. She presented a case review on a cranial cruciate rupture patient. She learned about different client expectations.
The most interesting aspect was the developed medicine for smaller dog predispositions. The 3D printing method for angular deformity was more affordable. Networking with professionals interested in Orthopedics was invaluable.
In conclusion SNU CVM strives for societal advancement. This is through curriculum renovation educational infrastructure upgrades joint translational research and improvement of the veterinary teaching hospital. It fosters students who can lead in overcoming animal and human health challenges. The Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine continues to evolve shaping the future of veterinary medicine.