Aims

a) Increase the transfer of knowledge and problem-solving skills of the resident. Specialists have the professional, technical and transferable skills necessary for successful employment in professional environments, able to exercise personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations. They should be able to: 

     1. Express thoughts clearly, in both oral and written form. 

     2. Approach problems in an analytical and scientific manner. 

     3. Organise work efficiently and effectively. 

     4. Find required information quickly. 

     5. Contribute to the ongoing advancement of knowledge of equine internal medicine.  

b) Increase the personal and conceptual knowledge of the resident such that they are: 

     1. Acquainted with the current concepts, theories and hypotheses, principles and methods and problems of equine internal medicine. 

     2. Able to maintain current knowledge in equine internal medicine through attendance at conferences and/or other scientific meetings and the perusal of peer-reviewed literature. 

     3. Acquainted with the structures, objectives, approaches and problems of the veterinary profession, and specifically those related to the specialty of equine internal medicine. 

     4. Acquainted with the social role of the specialist and specifically the responsibilities to the equine population, the equine industry, horse owners/trainers/breeders, clients, colleagues, public health, animal welfare and the environment. 

     5. Able to conform to modern standards of skills and equipment.  

c) Increase the knowledge and skills of the resident indirectly related to equine internal medicine, demonstrating: 

     1. A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge, which is at the forefront of their area of professional practice. 

     2. The ability to conceptualise, design and execute clinical research relevant to their own professional practice for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of their discipline. 

     3. The ability to create, interpret and apply new knowledge of a quality to satisfy peer review, and merit publication and presentation to professional audiences. 

     4. A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced professional enquiry to support all the above.  

d) Increase the knowledge and skills of the resident working as a professional specialist so that: 

     1. They develop self-confidence, self-criticism and a sense of responsibility essential for the practice of the specialty. This includes a high moral and ethical standard regarding his/her contribution to the protection of human and animal health and welfare and the environment. 

     2. They can use a full range of investigative procedures and techniques to define and refine problems in a way that renders them amenable to evidence-based approaches. 

     3. They can make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data. 

     4. They can communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non- specialist clients and audiences. 

     5. They can cooperate effectively with specialists and colleagues in other related disciplines, to the benefit of equine health and welfare. 

     6. They act professionally, providing customised and optimal solutions to client problems that focus on the client’s needs, including animal and public health and wellbeing, executed in elegant and technically expert ways.  

e) Increase the knowledge and skills of the resident regarding new developments in equine internal medicine such that they: 

     1. Recognise new developments in the specialty. 

     2. Are aware of regulations in veterinary medicine, animal health/welfare, illegal medication. 

     3. Can judge the ethical issues related to horses used for sports and breeding.