Incorporating Public Health Competencies into Veterinary Medical Education

Abstract

This study evaluates the success of secondary public health education in enhancing a professional degree in veterinary medicine. Dual-degree programs promote multidisciplinary skill attainment crucial to succeed in today's One Health-centered veterinary workforce. Participant demographics were collected including academic background, dual-degree enrollment status, and intended course of study. Survey data were collected from both Master of Public Health students and dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health students. To measure knowledge attainment, students over a 10-year period were provided core competency and program perception-based surveys upon entering and exiting the public health program. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge of competencies based on a scale of having “no knowledge” to being “very knowledgeable.” Program perceptions were reported through multiple response types. Open-ended response questions evaluated participants’ perceived program success in aiding the development of professional veterinary public health knowledge. The dual nature of this degree program is hypothesized to enhance interprofessional capabilities for those entering the field of veterinary medicine. A qualitative thematic comparison of participants’ entrance and exit survey responses indicated increased levels of concern for career preparation services in dual-degree students. By coursework completion, students’ most valued competencies were related to epidemiology, biostatistics, and behavioral health. Quantitative analysis revealed that students concurrently enrolled in a veterinary and public health program demonstrate significantly higher levels of self-reported knowledge relating to disease measurement, ethical and legal principles, and epidemiological data interpretation. Students with educational backgrounds in veterinary and animal sciences demonstrated significantly higher levels of program satisfaction.