How can veterinarians, either wishing to be or currently employed in vph programmes, expand their knowledge and skills by formal graduate or continuing education?
Whatever type of course is developed, it is critical that it is not only well planned, but also designed with a set of learning objectives that are appropriate to the needs of the individual as well as those of his/her current or future employer. Other principles needed to maximize the effectiveness of any education/training should include: • Provision of adequate financial assistance based on ability, commitment and financial need. • A commitment to continuous learning by the candidate, educational institution and supporting institution. • A requirement to demonstrate a focused need and a plan to address it at a basic level before advancing to a more technical level. • An obligation for the candidate to be a catalyst for community change and improvement from the perspective of VPH. • An outcomes assessment to measure performance of the individual. • That participants should critique any courses or programmes to ensure their ongoing relevance. • Wherever possible online/Internet based
