Embedding cultural competence into the core curriculum for veterinary students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

Abstract

The Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney has identified embedding cultural competence into the veterinary curriculum as being a central focus of its Indigenous implementation plan. There is a growing international recognition of the importance of cultural competence, and capacity, in professional practice. Faculty graduates will be dealing with clients in intercultural settings in Australia, which is a multicultural society, and when working overseas. Cultural differences can influence the client-practitioner relationship and attitudes towards the health and welfare of animals, and so it is important for graduates to be prepared with skills such as the ability to reflect on cultural belief systems present in themselves and in those they interact with. To address this, we developed a road map of learning outcomes and graduate attributes to embed cultural competence into our degree programs, starting with innovations primarily from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Teaching and assessment of these competences has commenced in the Faculty’s new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and initial qualitative student feedback and results have been encouraging. This initiative has been a crucial milestone for the Faculty and outcomes indicate students have been inspired to develop core knowledge and skills in this critical area.