A century of veterinary education in Cuba (1907-2007).
The development of veterinary education in Cuba has closely mirrored the political changes the nation has undergone. Veterinary studies in Cuba began in 1907, with an emphasis on clinical (individual-animal) medicine. Over time, the professional curriculum has evolved to meet the needs of the nation. Preventive medicine topics were added to the curriculum in 1959. Food-animal production was taught by a separate college until 1990. In 1991, these topics were incorporated into the professional veterinary medical curriculum, and they continue to be an area of emphasis. All veterinary colleges in Cuba follow a centrally organized, student-centered curriculum. A substantial portion of instruction is delivered at educational units, housed on livestock operations, where students participate in extensive field experiences while receiving didactic instruction. The amount of instructional time devoted to hands-on activities increases as students progress through the five-year curriculum.
Chamizo Pestana
Elpidio Gonzalo
EG
Department of Prevention, College of Veterinary medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Havana, Cuba. chamizo@isch.edu.cu
Aparicio Medina
José Manuel
JM
López Padrón
Alexander
A
Romero
Francisco Lam
FL
Schoenfeld-Tacher
Regina
R
D003462:Cuba; D003479:Curriculum; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D005823:Genetics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D012582:Schools, Veterinary / Q000266:history* / Q000592:standards; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000266:history