Ohio State will train veterinary students using a ‘spectrum of care’ model

A new clinic at Ohio State University will help veterinary students practice in a way that accounts more for their clients’ financial needs.

The 35,000-square-foot Frank Stanton Spectrum of Care Clinic aims to help students who are preparing for private practice get more in-clinic treatment experience while introducing them to a “spectrum of care” model.

“The spectrum of care concept aims to address the growing problem of affordability of veterinary care by providing a continuum of acceptable care that considers available evidence-based medicine while remaining responsive to client expectations and financial limitations, thereby successfully serving an economically diverse clientele,” said Rustin Moore, dean of the university’s veterinary college.

Ohio State’s veterinary students have traditionally received much of their clinical training by observing medical and surgical cases treated by specialists in the university’s Veterinary Medical Center. Integrating the spectrum of care philosophy into students’ curriculum “emphasizes hands-on clinical opportunities across a broad range of cases, including more training in business, effective communication skills and other non-technical competencies,” according to Ohio State.