title: Guidelines for resident training in veterinary clinical pathology. I. Clinical chemistry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Education Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology identified a need for improved structure and guidance of clinical pathology resident training in clinical chemistry.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The committee's goal was to develop learning objectives and competencies in knowledge, abilities, and skills in clinical chemistry; provide options and ideas for training activities; and identify clinical chemistry resources useful for clinical pathology faculty, training program coordinators, and residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Guidelines were developed and written with the input of Education Committee members and peer experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary objectives of clinical chemistry training are: 1) to accrue a thorough, extensive, and relevant knowledge base of the types, principles, and properties of clinical chemistry tests and concepts of pathophysiology in animals; 2) to develop abilities to reason, think critically, and exercise judgment in clinical chemistry data interpretation, investigative problem-solving, and hypothesis-driven research; and 3) to acquire technical and statistical skills important in clinical chemistry and laboratory operations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These guidelines define expected competencies that will help ensure proficiency, leadership, and the advancement of knowledge in veterinary clinical chemistry and provide a useful framework for didactic and clinical activities in resident training programs. The learning objectives can readily be adapted to institutional and individual needs, interests, goals, and resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mmchristopher@ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Mary M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Christopher
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stokol
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sharkey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D006801:Humans; D007397:Internship, Nonmedical; D010341:Pathology, Veterinary / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States