College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University

Educational Goals

The primary educational goal of the College of Veterinary Medicine is to prepare students for a lifetime of productive activity in the veterinary medical profession. The following eight outcomes define the focus of veterinary medical education at Cornell: the entry-level graduate veterinarian.

The DVM graduate will demonstrate:

• An understanding of the scientific principles underlying veterinary medicine
• The basic clinical skills and attitudes necessary to care for the common domestic animals and other species entrusted to our stewardship
• Critical thinking as evidenced by successful problem solving
• Sound clinical judgment and medical decision-making skills
• An understanding of the interactions among animals, people, and the environment
• A commitment to professionalism, including a commitment to animal welfare and to following the best practices in relation to ethical, cultural, global, business management, and legal issues.
• Self-education and lifelong learning skills to promote professional growth
• An understanding of the limits of one's knowledge and skills and the ability to address those limits through effective use of sources of information and expertise

The curriculum has been organized to accomplish these goals, both in content of the courses and the process and instructional methods chosen.