Considerations on the importance of developing communication skills and techniques at veterinary students

Abstract

Researches in veterinary medicine have demonstrated the importance of communication skills in veterinary practice and the necessity of teaching communication techniques to veterinary students to help them become effective communicators. Veterinary communication is a special one. By the nature of their job, veterinarians make interactions with clients of different ages, cultural backgrounds, professional qualifications: children, old people, farmers, pet owners, professional colleagues, veterinary technicians, staff members etc. They are part of a healthcare team, so effective communication extends and requires an appreciation of individuals from each group. A successful practitioner in veterinary medicine will have to exhibit a keen understanding of various communication skills and techniques that can be taught, practiced, and improved upon with experience. The purpose of the paper is to emphasize the fact that in order to become good practitioners, the veterinary students should learn how to develop and improve their communication skills (verbal, paraverbal, nonverbal, interpersonal, electronic etc.) which will bring them many benefits and satisfactions in their future veterinary activities. For educational purposes, students’ training should include different practice patterns to deepen their skills in communication. It has been proved that people with good communication skills usually succeed in their carriers faster and better than others. Professional development is based on several basic communication skills that need to be learned, improved and incorporated into an individual’s practice routine. Although this may seem like a daunting task at first, the reward makes the effort worthwhile.