Veterinary curriculum review and renewal at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

A major review of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) program at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka was undertaken under the umbrella of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE; World Organisation for Animal Health) Veterinary Education Twinning Program with the partnership of Massey University, New Zealand. The review process started with widespread consultation amongst the Sri Lankan veterinary profession and other stakeholders to identify areas in which changes were needed to the current competencies of veterinary graduates. The review was undertaken as a formal process of the University of Peradeniya, in alignment with the requirements and expectations of the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF). Content was aligned with the recommendations of the OIE on the competencies of graduating veterinarians and projections of national and global standards for the veterinary profession for at least the next two decades. Pedagogical revision has been based upon current best practices in veterinary medical education worldwide. Revision of clinical teaching has similarly aimed to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse expectations of animal owners in Sri Lanka. It has aimed to increase the scope of clinical teaching by drawing upon the breadth of clinical resources that are available throughout the country. Key changes to the program included the extension of its duration by one academic year in order to allow for a year of uninterrupted clinical teaching, alignment and amalgamation of related material, the introduction of problem-based learning modules, a significant reduction in lecture content with a parallel increase in tutorial and practical contents, elaboration of several courses related to industries that have recently gained improved importance in the country (e.g. equine, aquaculture, poultry), and introduction of several new courses to cover topics that had not been adequately covered previously. Finally, a program-long thread of material relating to the professional, ethical and inter-personal behaviour of veterinarians has been introduced. Presentation of the revised curriculum to the profession in Sri Lanka has been met with a high level of enthusiasm and a willingness to participate in its clinical teaching.