From theory to practice: students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine are learning the art of grooming

Modern training for veterinary medicine specialists involves not only a thorough understanding of theoretical subjects, but also the acquisition of the practical skills required to work with animals. The study of the subject ‘Fundamentals of Grooming’ is one area that helps to broaden the professional opportunities of future veterinary surgeons.

‘Fundamentals of Grooming’ is an elective module that students can choose from their fourth year onwards. Over the past three years, it has enjoyed considerable popularity amongst the university’s students. During this period, around 350 students from various faculties have taken the module, a significant proportion of whom are from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
The course was developed by the Department of Animal and Food Hygiene named after Professor A.K. Skorokhodko. A key feature of the course is the combination of theoretical training with practical instruction. To help students develop the relevant skills, the department operates a teaching laboratory – the ‘Zoostyle’ Grooming Centre at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.
Practical training at the Centre enables students to work directly with small pets, learn modern approaches to their care and consolidate the knowledge gained whilst studying the subject. This format of learning fosters the development of professional competence, a responsible attitude towards animals and the practical skills required for future veterinary practice.

During the summer holidays, Sofia Naiduk and Violetta Kamyshina, students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, undertook practical training at the ‘Zoostyle’ Grooming Centre and received certificates confirming that they had acquired practical grooming skills.
Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience is a vital component of modern professional education. It is precisely this kind of training that enables future veterinary surgeons to broaden their range of professional competencies and apply the knowledge they have acquired with greater confidence when working with small pets.