Veterinary Healthcare Communication

The Veterinary Healthcare Communications Curriculum (formerly The Veterinary Communication Project at IHC) addresses gaps in veterinarian-client communication training at veterinary schools. The curriculum includes 16 lessons with tools and resources for improving communication skills on various topics. Teaching communication in veterinary medicine is now endorsed through national reports and the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination testing of client communication skills for licensure. Veterinary academic surveys have consistently demonstrated that practice success depends on effective communication skills, and consumer surveys show that good communication is the number one priority when animal owners choose or decide to stay with a veterinary practice.

USDA has provided free resources to veterinary schools on various topics including antimicrobial stewardship and creating a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Feel free to use these resources in your classroom or share with your colleagues.