Qualities and competencies to be developed throughundergraduate veterinary education

By the Joint Education Committee of FAVA-AAVS

November 13th 2022
In FAVA 2022 FUKUOKAIntroduction

Veterinarians are expected to diagnose and treat companion, livestock and aquaticanimals, contribute to sustainable growth of livestock and fisheries industries, and takecharge of infectious disease control and prevention and food safety. They are also
required to demonstrate sound understanding of bioethics and animal welfare, contributeto environmental conservation, and work towards a sustainable society. Veterinarians inall countries must provide a wide range of veterinary services based on the One Healthconcept to protect the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment. In
addition to today's globalized world of food distribution and infectious diseases,
veterinary services need to work together within the framework of the entire world, andnot just in one nation. It is therefore particularly important to focus on the competenciesof veterinarians throughout Asia because of the active movement and interface between
humans and animals, and their exposure to wild animals that are the source oftransboundary infectious diseases in the region.
Therefore, in 2022, FAVA and AAVS launched the Joint Education Committee (JEC) toestablish a shared vision to improve veterinary education in Asia. The ultimate goal of
the JEC is to establish an evaluation body for Asian veterinary educational institutions
for veterinarians. For this final goal, the JEC has agreed upon the following seven broadqualities and competencies to be developed through undergraduate veterinary education.

Qualities and Competencies
1. Veterinary professionalism
Embody skills, behaviors and attitudes reflective of the core elements of veterinary
professionalism, and contribute to society by complying with ethics, laws, and regulations
as a veterinarian, with the duty and responsibility in protecting the health and welfare ofhumans and animals.
2. Veterinary ethics and animal welfare
Understand the ethical responsibilities of veterinarians, animal welfare, and the humananimal bond.
3. Knowledge and skills for veterinary practice
Acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform the duties of aveterinarian to meet the needs of the times and to be able to handle a wide range of tasks.
4. Animal-derived food production and safety
Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for developing the livestock and fisheries
industries, ensuring the suitability and safety of food.
5. Infectious disease control
Understand the prevention and control of zoonotic, emerging and reemerging infectious
diseases, transboundary animal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance by implementing
the One Health approach.
6. Communication and collaboration
Possess communication skills to establish appropriate relationships with individuals,organizations, the public sphere, and contribute to local, national and internationalcommunities.
7. Scientific inquiry and lifelong learning
Understand the need for continuous professional development, the development oflifelong learning skills, and the use of evidence-based practice.