Just curious - what are the "essential functions" that applicants and students must be able to perform to go to Tufts? I don't remember my vet school having any list like that.
OSU has something similar called the "Technical Standards Form". I am sure most schools use a variation of this. Here is an excerpt from the page available on the OSUCVM website for incoming students:
Standard I -Conceptual, integrative, qualitative, quantitative abilities:
The STUDENT must be able to observe, measure,calculate, and utilize information to engage in critical thinking, data analysis and assimilation, and problem solving in both individual and group contexts that are essential to the function of a veterinarian. They must be able to demonstrate these procedures in potentially stressful situations and in a timely fashion across the range of clinical conditions and time frames.
The STUDENT must be able to comprehend the relationship between tissue histology, gross anatomy and function in biological systems.
Standard II -Stamina:
The STUDENT must possess the physical and mental stamina necessary to reliably and fully participate across the curriculum, including small group learning activities, computer based learning activities and examinations, and clinical rotations.
The STUDENT must be able to demonstrate sustained activity to master the large volume of material needed to meet the OSU CVM performance standards.
The STUDENT must be able to work variable and irregular shifts, including evenings, over-nights and weekends, and function as a collaborative, effective and productive team member within the work hours defined by OSU CVM.
Standard III -Observation:
The STUDENT must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, acquire information from written documents, actively participate in instructional activities, observe patients for signs of disease, and to interpret visual diagnostic tests including but not limited to electrocardiograms, radiographs, and histology slides.
The STUDENT must be able to perceive and interpret signs of fear, aggression, and other potentially dangerous behaviors made by various animal species, and sense and interpret warning sounds and signs in the veterinary health care environment in order to safely work around and with such animals.
Standard IV Communication:
The STUDENT must be able to understand and interpret patients’ clinical presentations in order to obtain information, describe changes in behavior, activity and posture, and perceive non-vocal communications.
The STUDENT must be able to respond in a timely manner to directions given in emergency situations and during clinical and surgical procedures for providing safe and effective treatment and care.
The STUDENT must be able to communicate independently with peers and other members of the health care community.
The STUDENT must be able to communicate efficiently and effectively in both oral and written forms using English.
Standard V –Clinical Skills:
The STUDENT must be able to independently perform, within an appropriate time frame, procedures that include, but are not limited to the following: a comprehensive physical exam on a patient, apply appropriate restraint procedures, palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, manipulate patients, equipment and tissues, and maneuver in the field or operating room.
The STUDENT must be able to independently provide general and emergency medical care, within an appropriate time frame, including, but not limited to the following: airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, suturing of wounds, and other diagnostic and therapeutic (medical and surgical) procedures.
