Students must be able to assess, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize subjective and objective information. In addition, students must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem-solving, a critical skill demanded of veterinarians, requires all these intellectual abilities. Students must be able to perform these problem solving skills in a timely fashion.

A student should have sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Elicit independently information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers, laboratory tests, and diagnostic procedures.

• Safely execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients, such as, but not limited to, airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, suturing of wounds, other surgical procedures, and the performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch, hearing, and vision.

• Perform routine restraint procedures and to lift patients, tissues, or equipment with or without assistance.

A student must be able to acquire the information presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and clinical sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals and microscopic images of microorganisms, and gross and microscopic evaluation of normal or pathological tissues. Specifically, the student must be able to:

• Observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, acquire information from written documents, and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides, video and other media.

• Perceive and interpret signs of fear, aggression, and other potentially dangerous behaviors made by various animal species; sense and interpret warning sounds and signs in the veterinary health care environment.

• Interpret radiographs and other graphic images, and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs) with or without the use of assistive devices.

Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation while being enhanced by functional use of other sensory modalities including smell. In any case where a student's ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate observation skills.

Students must be able to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in behavior, activity and posture, and perceive non-vocal communications. Students must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing with clients and colleagues. Students must be able to sense and respond to directions given in emergency situations and during clinical and surgical procedures. Such communication skills require the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic senses, enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities. When a matriculant’s ability to communicate through sensory modalities is compromised, the matriculant must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to meet the communication skills. A student must communicate effectively, sensitively and rapidly with other students, faculty, staff, animal companions, and other healthcare professionals. A student must demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback, and to communicate information on the patient’s status with accuracy and in a timely manner to members of the healthcare team. A student must be able to elicit information from patients, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications.

A student must possess the ability to exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients in a wide variety of environmental contexts. In addition, the student must maintain mature, sensitive, and effective and harmonious relationships with patients, caretakers, owners, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals under highly stressful situations. The student must have the ability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The student must be able to exhibit empathy, integrity and concern for others.

The student must abide by professional standards of practice. The student must be able to engage in patient care delivery in diverse settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations.

I have read and fully understand the essential qualifications required of veterinary medical students, as set forth above. I understand that, if I am unable to meet these essential qualifications, I may be dismissed from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Furthermore, I understand that, if I have a disability that might limit my ability to meet these essential qualifications, I may contact the Disability Resource Center (at 1224 E. Lowell Street • Tucson, AZ 85721 • Phone: 520.621.3268 V/TTY • Fax: 520.621.9423 • uadrc@email.arizona.edu) to explore whether reasonable disability accommodations may be available to me.