VetEd Europe brought new ideas for developing veterinary education and recognition for the Equine Clinic

VetEd Europe focuses on the development of veterinary education and the exchange of experiences and good practices in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development. This year’s conference explored, among other topics, how veterinary education can support the development and assessment of students’ practical and clinical skills and the competencies required for graduation. Different teaching methods, the teaching of communication skills and the use of digital solutions in veterinary education were also discussed.

Artificial intelligence and student well-being in focus

Two increasingly important topics in veterinary education received particular attention at the conference: the use of artificial intelligence and students’ mental health and well-being. Discussions explored how artificial intelligence can support learning and the development of clinical reasoning, while also addressing its responsible use and the impact of its growing adoption on the assessment of students’ knowledge and skills.

Another plenary lecture focused on students’ mental health and the role higher education institutions can play in supporting student well-being. The topic is also important in the broader development of veterinary education, as demanding veterinary studies should support students’ mental well-being throughout their studies alongside the development of professional knowledge and practical skills.

“As Head of the Veterinary Medicine Curriculum, the conference was a valuable opportunity to see what other veterinary schools across Europe are currently working on, exchange experiences and gain ideas for developing our own curriculum. Meetings like these also provide an important opportunity to connect with colleagues from other veterinary schools,” said Kristel Peetsalu.

Equine Clinic initiative receives Best E-Poster Award

The conference also brought international recognition to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Equine Clinic. The poster “The Pink Pony Club” by Roxane Le Coat and Felipe Corrêa received the Best E-Poster Award at VetEd Europe 2026.

“The Pink Pony Club” is a HYRACO initiative at the Estonian University of Life Sciences Equine Clinic that aims to provide veterinary students from different years of study with regular hands-on experience with horses. Through practical activities, students develop their horse-handling skills, gain a better understanding of equine behaviour and management, and have the opportunity to learn alongside fellow students at different stages of their veterinary education.

Internship supports the transition from university to clinical practice

The Estonian University of Life Sciences Equine Internship Programme was also presented at VetEd Europe. A poster by Monika Ungurytė and Felipe Corrêa focused on the programme’s role in the professional development of early-career veterinarians.

The internship combines hands-on clinical work, progressively increasing responsibility and continuous learning, thereby supporting the transition from university studies to more independent professional practice. The programme enables early-career veterinarians to develop their clinical skills and reasoning as well as their confidence in equine medicine.

VetEd Europe provided an opportunity to learn from the experiences of European colleagues and bring new ideas into the development of the Veterinary Medicine curriculum. At the same time, it offered a platform to introduce the international veterinary education community to the work being done at the Estonian University of Life Sciences to advance both practical student education and the clinical training of early-career veterinarians.

The next VetEd Europe conference will take place in Uppsala in August 2027.