Student Testimonial

Annemarie Fogh Larsen is a student at the Internal Medicine specialisation track. In november 2015 she participated in the course "Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Endocrine and Urological Diseases" as a part of the speciliasation. She gave this testimonial to share her experience as a student at CACS as well as her motivation for enrolling in the Internal Medicine specialisation track.

Why did you choose to specialize in internal medicine and what benefits do you see in specialisation within companion animal diseases?

Eight years ago I was employed at the University Hospital for Companion Animals as a clinician where I worked within different specialties and it quickly became clear to me that internal medicine had my main interest. After some time I felt a need to improve my knowledge and skills in this occupational field and therefor it was a welcomed opportunity when I saw the Master of Companion Animal Clinical Science programme was offered with a specialisation in internal medicine.

The Master programme fulfilled my need for a university-based professional continuing education with a clear connection between research and clinical practice.
There is no doubt that among owners of companion animals the demand for specialized treatment is increased. It is essential for veterinarians to meet this demand by choosing a specialized continuing professional education.
Beside the need to accommodate the demands from the companion animal owners my goal has been to further elaborate my clinical competences in order to deliver a high level of tutoring of the veterinary students at the University Hospital.
On the personal level the Master’s programme fulfills a personal ambition of mine in the sense “to hold the professional banner high”.

How did you experience the first course on the specialisation?

I find that the structure of the first specialisation course did well in its combination of theory and practicals. The level of the lectures has been high and you feel an evident improvement of your professional competencies. At the same time there has been a good correlation to the professional prerequisites you had before entering the programme. Therefor I have not felt that there was a huge gap between my current competencies and the curriculum at the programme.

What do you see as the biggest advantage in relation to the international lecturers and how did you experience their teaching?

I find it inspiring to experience how things are carried out elsewhere in the world. One of the benefits with lectures from Great Britain or USA are that these countries often have a higher patient-flow and the owners of companion animal have a different tradition/culture/economy which gives veterinarians in these countries a greater experience with advanced  diagnostic approaches and treatments than what is present in Denmark.
Specifically I perceived Jon Wray and Rory Bell as amazingly skilled lecturers who could communicate their knowledge in a truly inspiring and pedagogical way. You sensed that they were specialists with a passion for their profession and who wants to share their skills. This has inspired me in my daily work where I teach veterinarian students.

What is your description of the best the course has to offer?

It is difficult to identify a specific highlight. But I will emphasize the pedagogical way the teachers communicated the curriculum which ensured that every single day of the course I would go home with my head full of new knowledge that I could put to use immediately in my daily work at the clinic.
Furthermore I will emphasize the nice casual atmosphere between students and teachers which made the foundation for exciting and inspiring dialogue and discussions.
I also find it incredibly pleasant that we are a little team of students who gradually have gotten to know each other very well. I think the atmosphere between us is really nice and relaxed and I always look forward to when we get together.

Is there anything from the course that has changed your method or approach in your daily job?

The many different diagnostic and therapeutic methods have improved both my teaching and my treatment of patients.  I feel that I am far better prepared when I inform clients about the different diagnostic approaches and treatment options we can offer their companion animal and I experience that this gives both me and my clients a greater contentment.
Furthermore I have been inspired and better equipped to seek and relate to the newest scientific publications concerning diagnostic and treatment of medical disorders with companion Animals.

How did you experience the practical parts of the course and is it your impression that your practical skills have improved?

The sessions with training in abdominal ultrasound scan, interpretation of cultivated urine etc. worked really well. To become just about average in the understanding of the ultrasound scan demands a lot of practice, but the course’ practical training gave me some good tools and not least the motivation to train my abilities in this area independently.

Would you recommend this course to others?

Definitely yes! You have to be aware that the programme demands a considerable workload in terms of preparation and homework. But the process of the course is organized in a way that allows the programme to be combined with a reasonable work- and family life.