Top-Level Competencies

DVM Curriculum Map

 

First Year
Fall Term Courses
TitleTypeUnitsDescription
VET400 Professional and Clinical Skills -- Y1Core6.0 totalOutline expectations and skill set required to participate successfully in the DVM curriculum as well as providing learning opportunity in communication, team-building, leadership, conflict management, stress management, critical thinking, professional behaviors, history taking, physical examination skills and medical record keeping.
VET401 Basic FoundationsCore12Essential information regarding histology, cell biology, biochemistry, general pathology, immunology, genetics, population health, and imaging that is foundational to all blocks.
VET402 Heme/Lymph/CoagCore6The lexicon, morphology, production, structure and function of peripheral blood cells, their bone marrow precursors and the lymphoid system, the process and regulation of hemostasis, and the laboratory evaluation of all of these in health and disease.
VET406 Pharmacology/Nutrition/ToxicologyCore6Basic principles of nutrition and toxicology as well as pathophysiologic changes, diagnostic procedures and treatments of nutritional diseases and intoxications of domestic animals and wildlife. Incorporate case examples and directed self-learning to reinforce important concepts.
VET407 Connections -- Y1Core1.5 totalFirst-year DVM students work with senior students in the clinical environment to integrate basic and preclinical material. Students also work with a faculty mentor to discuss concepts and skills relevant to a professional veterinarian.
Spring Term Courses
TitleTypeUnitsDescription
VET400 Professional and Clinical Skills -- Y1Core6.0 totalOutline expectations and skill set required to participate successfully in the DVM curriculum as well as providing learning opportunity in communication, team-building, leadership, conflict management, stress management, critical thinking, professional behaviors, history taking, physical examination skills and medical record keeping.
VET403 MusculoskeletalCore9Anatomy, histology, and physiology necessary for understanding form and function of the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons in producing locomotion; and the pathologic processes that produce typical responses to injury of musculoskeletal structures in domestic animals. This course integrates aspects of orthopedics, surgery, radiology, histology, anatomy and cell biology.
VET404 Neuroscience/Senses/BehaviorCore10.5Establish a basis for clinical neurology, ophthalmology, and behavior by providing an integrated study of normal neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology, ophthalmology and behavior.
VET405 Gastrointestinal/MetabolismCore9Examine anatomical and functional crosstalk across organs associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Applied problems in pharmacology, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and imaging are used to reinforce a basic understanding of organ anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and nutrition/metabolism.
VET407 Connections -- Y1Core1.5 totalFirst-year DVM students work with senior students in the clinical environment to integrate basic and preclinical material. Students also work with a faculty mentor to discuss concepts and skills relevant to a professional veterinarian.
Second Year
Fall Term Courses
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET408 Cardiovascular/ RespiratoryCoreMarisa Ames
Kate Hopper
Kevin Woolard
9Normal cardiovascular and respiratory system biology and the integrated response of those systems to injury or disease.
VET409 Renal/ UrinaryCoreDamian Genetos
Kevin Keel
6Examine and explore the normal morphology (gross and microscopic), physiology, pathology and imaging of the upper and lower urinary tract in multiple species.
VET410 Endocrinology /ReproductionCorePouya Dini
Peter Havel
Brian Murphy
Fabio Lima
9Gross/microanatomy, physiology, pathology and common disease syndromes of endocrine glands and reproductive systems in males and female veterinary species. The student should understand normal function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular and organismal level.
VET412 OncologyCoreSami Al-Nadaf
Luke Wittenburg
3This course explores the biological basis of cancer, including its causes, classification, systemic effects, and progression within veterinary patients. Students will evaluate diagnostic tools, staging strategies, and therapeutic approaches. Emphasis is placed on applying this knowledge to clinical practice and effectively communicating cancer-related information to clients and the public.
VET416 Connections -- Y2CoreMunashe Chigerwe1.5 totalFirst-year DVM students work with senior students in the clinical environment to integrate basic and preclinical material. Students also work with a faculty mentor to discuss concepts and skills relevant to a professional veterinarian.
VET417 Professional and Clinical Skills -- Y2CoreErik Olstad2.5 totalBuild skills in communication, history-taking, client interactions, team-building, conflict, stress management, and professional behaviors.
Spring Term Courses
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET411 SkinCoreCatherine Outerbridge3Structure and function of the skin and specialized keratinized structures in veterinary species. Review mechanisms by which skin responds to perturbations and discuss wound healing and skin pathology.
VET413 Immunology /Infectious DiseaseCoreLark Coffey
Kevin Keel
Stephen McSorley
12Integrate immunology, microbiology, virology, parasitology of common infectious, zoonotic and foreign animal diseases.
VET414 Population HealthCoreSharif Aly
Brian Bird
Qilaon Eumvwih
6Principles of evidence-based medicine, study design and inference, and disease transmission in populations. Topics include biostatistics, outbreak investigation and response, diagnostic tests, vaccine strategies, food safety, foreign animal diseases, and impact of environmental health on animals and humans.
VET415 Clinical FoundationsCoreAlessia Cenani
William Culp
9Essential concepts that are shared across year three blocks to include foundational material in anesthesia, surgery and emergency medicine with cases that include interpretation of clinical pathology and imaging.
VET416 Connections - Y2CoreMunashe Chigerwe1.5 totalSecond-year DVM students work with senior students in the clinical environment to integrate basic and preclinical material. Students also work with a faculty mentor to discuss concepts and skills relevant to a professional veterinarian.
VET417 Professional and Clinical Skills -- Y2CoreErik Olstad2.5 totalBuild skills in communication, history-taking, client interactions, team-building, conflict, stress management, and professional behaviors.
Third Year
Fall Term Courses
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET430 Core StreamCoreRichard Pereira4.0 totalThis course is a longitudinal stream in the third year to include law, regulatory medicine, disaster response, business, communication, and some clinical skills.
VET431 Anesthesia/Surgery StreamCorePeter Delisser
Bruno Pypendop
4.5 totalIntroduction to surgical anatomy, operative and anesthetic skills.
VET432A Comparative Stream ICoreSonia Le Jeune2Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.
VET432B Comparative Stream IICoreCatherine Outerbridge2Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.
VET433A Small Animal Stream IStreamPo-Yen Chou
Jonathan Dear
9Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the infectious, musculoskeletal, neurologic and ophthalmologic diseases of small animals.
VET433B Small Animal Stream IIStreamJennifer Larsen
Sino Marsilio
9Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the dermatologic, dental, and gastrointestinal diseases of small animals as well as preventative medicine and nutrition.
VET434A Large Animal Stream IStreamMartha Monica Aleman Rivera
Robert Brosnan
9Fundamentals of entry level large animal medicine and surgery to promote development of problem-solving skills for diagnosis, treatment and control of various disease conditions.
VET434B Large Animal Stream IIStreamMeera Heller
K Magesian
9Continuation of fundamentals of entry level large animal medicine and surgery to promote development of problem-solving skills for diagnosis, treatment and control of various disease conditions.
Spring Term Courses
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET430 Core StreamCoreRichard Pereira4.0 totalThis course is a longitudinal stream in the third year to include law, regulatory medicine, disaster response, business, communication, and some clinical skills.
VET431 Anesthesia and Surgical StreamCoreBabro Filliquist
Crystal Loranc
Bruno Pypendop
4.5 totalIntroduction to surgical anatomy, operative and anesthetic skills.
VET432C Comparative Stream IIICoreKrista Keller4Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.
VET433C Small Animal Stream IIIStreamAllison Gagnon
Amandine LeJeune
Carrie Palm
10Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the cardiorespiratory, endocrine, and urinary medicine as well as diagnosis and therapy of oncologic diseases in small animals. Introduction to companion, avian, and exotic pet medicine and surgery.
VET435A Large Animal Stream -- Equine EmphasisEmphasisJulie Dechant
Nicola Pusterla
Mathieu Spriet
12Fundamental and advanced levels of equine medicine, surgery, lameness and reproduction. Focus on management of individual equids.
VET435B Large Animal Stream -- Livestock EmphasisEmphasisRichard Pereira
Heidi Rossow
12Fundamental and advanced levels of livestock medicine and surgery of individual animals and population health. Focus on all livestock species including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.
VET435C Large Animal Stream -- Zoological Medicine EmphasisEmphasisJenessa Gjeltema10This course provides a taxonomic and topic-based approach towards learning basic fundamentals of zoological medicine. The course introduces and discusses comparative anatomy, physiology, nutrition, management, anesthesia, medicine/surgery, pathology, and conservation of zoological species that are free-ranging or under human care. Didactic principles are reinforced with hands-on labs and field trips.
VET436 Companion Small MammalsElectiveHugues Beaufrere3Fundamental understanding of the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, prevention, and control of medical diseases of companion small exotic mammals.
VET440 Business and CommunicationCoreJim Clark
Erik Olstad
1.5Develop professional communication and business skills that are directly applicable in veterinary clinical practice by actively participating in a wide variety of interactive learning opportunities.
VET441 Clinical PathologyCoreWilliam Vernau1.5Application of problem-solving and microscopy skills to laboratory data and laboratory specimens. Sections to include hematology, immunology, body fluids, exfoliative cytology, urinalysis, microbiology and clinical chemistry data and interpretation.
VET442 Advanced Clinical Skills and Hospital OperationsCoreEmily Berryhill
Bret McNabb
Carrie Palm
3Development of advanced clinical skills using skills learned in years 1–3 of the DVM curriculum as a foundation. Detailed orientation to the VMTH and VMACS, with a focus on global hospital operations that will prepare students for case management in year 4 of the DVM curriculum and for clinical practice following graduation. Some evenings and weekends required.
 
Supplemental Block Courses-Fall
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET439 Laboratory AnimalSupp BlockBetty Ma3Basics of laboratory animal medicine including diseases, medicine, and surgery and comparative biology of the most common species and introduction to regulations. Course will be a combination of lecture, wet labs and projects.
Supplemental Block Courses-Spring
TitleTypeCourse LeadersUnitsDescription
VET437 Avian/ReptileSupp BlockKrista Keller
David Guzman
3Organized by organ systems to present reptile and avian health issues. An overview of applied anatomy, physiology and clinical pathology of common species will be provided through laboratory opportunities and discussion of common diseases and treatments.
4th Year Clinical Year Rotations
TitleDescription
DVM445 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - DavisOverview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases.
DVM446 Pre-approved ExternshipApproved program of study to receive training and experience in specific areas outside the School of Veterinary Medicine. These include private practice, industry, and academic institutions and allow students to pursue specific career paths with excellent educational opportunities.
DVM447 Educational LeadershipThis veterinary education rotation provides students with hands-on experience in educational methodology and teaching, and/or situational leadership, all of which are evidence-based, implementing the neuroscience of learning proven techniques.
DVM448 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - San BernardinoOverview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases. The rotation concentrates on anatomic pathology with a mixed case load consisting of cattle, horses, small ruminants, swine, poultry (both commercial and backyard flocks), other avian species, new world camelids, wildlife, exotic species, aquaculture species, and small animals.
DVM449 ExternshipApproved program of study to receive training and experience outside the School of Veterinary Medicine. Opportunities include private practice and provides first-hand experiences in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities and management and business methods in the private sector.
DVM450 CardiologyDiagnostic techniques of history taking, cardiac physical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization and medical, interventional, and surgical therapy of cardiac disorders will be taught along with the etiology and pathophysiology of various cardiac disorders.
DVM451 Clinical Pathology - VMTHFocus on the practical use and application of laboratory testing in a practice setting to facilitate optimal management of patients.
DVM452 Primary CarePractice wellness care in pediatric and adult patients, address medical management of geriatric patients, and develop a practical, problem-oriented approach to routine medical issues presenting in general practice.
DVM453 Community Surgery - Gourley Clinical Teaching CenterGeneral surgery service to include instruction in physical exams, basic anesthesia, pain management and routine surgeries. Sample surgeries include routine spays and neuters, cystotomy, mass removal, digit amputation, encluceation, etc.
DVM454 Companion Avian and Pet ExoticsBasic components of husbandry, nutrition, handling, diseases, medical and surgical treatment of companion exotics including avian (companion and wildlife), small exotic mammal, reptilian, amphibian and aquatic animal patients.
DVM455 Dentistry / Oral SurgeryExamination, diagnosis and treatment of small animals presenting with oral or dental diseases.
DVM456 DermatologyExposure to veterinary dermatology. Learn the importance of obtaining a good history, performing a good physical examination and characterizing lesions. Various diagnostic and therapeutic techniques specific to dermatology will be demonstrated.
DVM457 Equine Emergency SurgeryIn-depth training and hands-on experience in various facets of equine emergency case management, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment of both equine emergency medical and surgical patients.
DVM459 Equine Field ServiceOn-farm practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of equine disease problems.
DVM460 Equine Medicine In HouseLearn and practice the highest level of equine internal medicine with the goal to generate or implement a problem-oriented approach to clinical problems, determine a diagnostic work-up, prognosis and treatment plan for patients.
DVM461 Equine ReproductionRoutine reproductive management of the horse on local brood mare farms as part of a field service program and of stallion and mare infertility in a tertiary referral setting at the VMTH. Participate in weekly clinical and endocrinology rounds.
DVM462 Equine Surgery and LamenessAdvanced training and experience in equine surgery services to manage all orthopedic and non-orthopedic elective surgical disorders as well as equine lameness disorders.
DVM463 Farrier and Sports MedicineIntroduction to the normal structure and function of the equine foot. Principles of corrective shoeing for many lameness disorders.
DVM464 Community Surgery - CCAHGeneral surgery service to include instruction in physical exams, basic anesthesia, pain management and routine surgeries. Surgeries include routine spays and neuters and other minor procedures such as simple mass removals.
DVM466 Internal Medicine BImprove clinical skills required to manage cases in the Small Animal Service including comprehensive histories, preforming complete physical examinations, obtaining samples, interpreting results, conducting special procedures and assisting faculty and residents in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of disease.
DVM468 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - TulareOverview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases. The case load consists primarily of dairy cattle and poultry, with a smaller number of sheep, goats, exotic birds, and other livestock species. The rotation includes necropsy, histology, bacteriology, and immunology.
DVM469 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - TurlockOverview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases.
DVM471 Livestock Medicine and Surgery In HouseHands-on clinical experience diagnosing, treating, and managing medical and surgical diseases of primary care and referral cases involving dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, dairy goats, meat goats, and pigs.
DVM472 Livestock Reproduction / Herd HealthExposure to individual animal medicine and surgery as well as herd reproductive programs on the farm. A regular client base with a variety of species is served: dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and sheep.
DVM473 Dairy Production Medicine - TulareAdvanced training and experience in a clinical dairy health and production medicine delivery system. Exposure to contemporary dairy production and population medicine programs. Develop ability to communicate with producers and farm employees.
DVM475 Laboratory Animal MedicineProvide exposure to various management activities and techniques used by laboratory animal veterinarians both antemortem & postmortem to support animal research primarily involving rodents but may include many vertebrates from fish to non-human primates.
DVM476 Large Animal AnesthesiaAdvanced training and experience in anesthetic management, acute care problem-solving and decision-making of healthy and physiologically stressed large animal patients.
DVM477 Large Animal RadiologyTraining in the art of making quality radiographs of large animal patients and interpreting radiographic studies.
DVM478 Large Animal UltrasonographyHands-on experience in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of primarily musculoskeletal injuries and abdominal disorders in horses and the occasional non-equine patient.
DVM480 Neurology / NeurosurgeryProvide specialized veterinary care for animals with neurological diseases; i.e., disorders of the brain, inner ear, spinal cord, and vertebrae and diseases affecting muscles, nerves and the neuromuscular junction.
DVM481 NutritionAdvanced training and experience in the principles and practice of small animal clinical nutrition.
DVM482 Medical OncologyAdvanced training and experience in diagnosis, staging, medical management, and prognostication of cancer in animal patients.
DVM483 Small Animal OphthalmologyOngoing education, training, and experience in an ophthalmic specialty practice dealing with companion and exotic species. Learn to take histories related to ocular problems, to competently examine an eye, and to perform basic diagnostic procedures.
DVM484 Orthopedic SurgeryLameness examinations and treatments for all orthopedic diseases to include osteoarthritis, developmental diseases, trauma-induced injuries and cancer. Both medical and surgical treatments are used and presented to owners in an evidenced based fashion.
DVM485 Anatomic PathologyAdvanced training and experience to develop a general understanding of the nature of common pathologic lesions and their interpretation in light of clinical history. Postmortem techniques and practice in writing descriptions of gross lesions.
DVM486 Primate MedicineAcquire skills to perform physical examinations, blood collection, cystocentesis, catheter placement, fluid therapy, basic wound care, bandaging, suturing, amputations, and orogastric tube feedings.
DVM487 Radiation OncologyStaging and treatment of patients with cancer and use of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer in companion animals. Management of clinical patients, the indications for radiation therapy and technical aspects treatment planning and dose calculations.
DVM488 Shelter Medicine / SurgeryExposure to all areas in a variety of shelters in the Sacramento and Bay Area. Accompany Shelter Medicine Program personnel on consultations; depending on schedule.
DVM489 Small Animal Sports Medicine and RehabilitationParticipate in physical rehabilitation evaluation to diagnose movement dysfunction, design and effectively implement an evidence-based treatment plan to restore, maintain or enhance optimal physical function after injury, surgery or disability. Emphasis on development of observation and manual assessment skills.
DVM490 Small Animal AnesthesiaExperience in anesthetizing small animals in a clinical setting.
DVM491 Small Animal EmergencyEmergency practice includes the immediate recognition, evaluation, and care of patients with acute illness and injury.
DVM492 Intensive Care UnitGain and demonstrate competence in both the immediate and ongoing care of a diverse group of critically ill small animal patients. Gain proficiency in invasive procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stabilization of the respiratory distress patient and hemodynamic stabilization.
DVM493 Internal Medicine AImprove clinical skills required to manage cases in the Small Animal Service including comprehensive histories, preforming complete physical examinations, obtaining samples, interpreting results, conducting special procedures and assisting faculty and residents in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of disease.
DVM494 Small Animal RadiologyParticipate in technical aspects of producing radiographs, interpreting radiographic and other diagnostic imaging studies and performing diagnostic ultrasound exams.
DVM495 Soft Tissue SurgeryParticipate in management of cases referred for advanced surgical techniques to include all aspects of case management from hospital admission to discharge including daily case rounds.
DVM496 BehaviorUnderstand the importance of behavior in companion animal practice, primarily that of dogs and cats. Apply the knowledge to prevent and treat problematic behaviors in companion animals.
DVM497 Research 
DVM498 Aquatic MedicineFocus on the application of basic fish health principles to address current problems as experienced by fish as held for research, as large populations in state fish hatcheries and as part of the collection of large public/private aquaria.
DVM499 Zoological MedicineExperience in order to become proficient in performing physical examinations and collecting diagnostic samples form a variety of non-domestic animals. Majority of the rotations spent providing patient care at the Sacramento Zoo.