VET30160 Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Surgery

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is part of the core course in veterinary medicine. In this module the veterinary student will gain an overview of surgical biology, an introduction to surgical methods, and principles of radiography. This module also provides an introduction to history-taking and clinical management of food animals, horses, and companion animals. This module is the basis for all subsequent clinical and surgical teaching. Recorded lectures and further resources on neutering techniques in dogs and cats will be accessible in this module to support students preparation for observing these common elective procedures in Clinical EMS. This recorded content will not be subject to assessment.

Close to the end of the trimester, development of practical clinical skills will be assessed in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This a non-graded but must-complete component in order to pass this module. Students who do not pass the OSCE must attend a remediation session with feedback provided. There will also be a graded midterm and end of trimester assessments. Practical attendance is mandatory. Please note the grading scale for this module will be published on BrightSpace.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics and methods of dealing with the following: surgical asepsis, suture materials and needles, basic surgical instruments, haemostasis and control of operative bleeding, wound healing, management and treatment of all types of wounds, and surgical response to injury.
2. Discuss the principles of the generation and management of x-radiation, the use of the x-ray machine, cassettes, film processing, basic principles of interpretation, and legislation as it relates to the use of x-radiation in veterinary practice.
3. Outline the principles and use of alternative imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in gowning and gloving for surgery, aseptic technique and theatre protocol, instrument identification and handling, knot-tying (instrument tie and two-handed hand tie), and basic suture patterns.
5. Describe the principles of obtaining a clinical history, performing a physical examination and generating an initial problem list, differential diagnosis list, diagnostic plan and initial therapeutic plan for any species.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to clinical examination in ruminants
Introduction to equine medicine
Response to injury
Wound treatment and healing
Halstead’s principles and asepsis
Introduction to operative instrumentation and techniques
Introduction to suture materials
Surgical knots and suture patterns
Principles of radiography
Introduction to neutering techniques in dogs and cats

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

27

Tutorial

4

Practical

4

Autonomous Student Learning

83

Total

118

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practicals and online learning activities and resources. The practicals will focus on the development of day one competencies relevant to basic surgical and medical skills. Students are required to attend and participate in all timetabled practicals. Opportunities for peer assessment and individual feedback will be provided during the practicals. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

All modules in Stages 1 and 2 (MVB) or Stage 1 (GE) need to be attempted as pre-requisites to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
VET30560 - Veterinary Pathobiology I, VET30570 - Veterinary Pathobiology II

Additional Information:
Co-requisites: VET30560 / VET30570


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: MCQ (2 hour) 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Other No

90

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ (mid semester) Throughout the Trimester n/a Other No

10

Practical Examination: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This a non-graded but must-complete component in order to pass this module. Varies over the Trimester n/a Other No

0


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

GROUP / CLASS FEEDBACK - provided post assessment MCQ mid-term Peer review activities - during the practicals Self-assessment activities - during the practicals

Name Role
Professor Pieter Brama Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Vivienne Duggan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Michael Duggan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seamus Hoey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Marie-Pauline Maurin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Mark Mc Corry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Conor McAloon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Avril McGinn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Cristina Ortega Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Pedro Ramos Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Bruno Silva Santos Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Cliona Skelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jorge Espinel Ruperez Tutor
Ms Clodagh Kearney Tutor
Ms Renagh Kelly Tutor
Dr Avril McGinn Tutor
Mr Myles McKenna Tutor
Professor Carmel Mooney Tutor
Mr Ronan Mullins Tutor