Developing and Implementing a Competency-Based Veterinary Medicine Program at the Université de Montréal

Abstract

This article outlines the comprehensive reform of the Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Université de Montréal, with a focus on the integration of a competency-based approach within the existing curriculum. The primary purpose of this reform was to enhance student competency and address specific deficiencies in competencies as revealed by annual outcomes assessment surveys. The authors developed a competency framework with seven competencies and specific elements, providing a foundation for the educational redesign. This framework guided the creation of learning-assessment situations (LAS) aimed at promoting active and contextualized learning throughout the program. The competency development and assessment pathway (CDAP) matrix was established to align LAS within the traditional program structure and track student progress. A learning portfolio and a competency certification process were introduced to support student learning and assess competency achievement. The authors discuss change management, including the paradigm shift towards programmatic assessment, and provide insights into the evolution of the program post-implementation. Preliminary outcomes assessment reveals positive changes in how teaching staff and students perceive the program. Despite challenges related to human resource constraints, the authors emphasize the significance of this reform, which aligns with current trends in medical education. This paper underscores the importance of tailoring educational approaches to specific institutional environments while maintaining programmatic rigor and quality assurance.