DC Interactions

Interacting with the DC Key Players:

There are three main groups of people that make up the DCs: Student DC Clinics (2nd year vet students), Facilitators, and Clients. Below is an explanation of the roles and expectation/functions of each key “player.”

“The DC Clinic Teams I had were amazing, my clients were realistic and sincere, and my facilitators were so supportive and encouraging.”

Former DC student participant

The “case simulations” are 1 week long and each simulation is done twice in the fall semester. Typically, there are 5 different cases running simultaneously, where 4 “clinic teams” are assigned to each case. Clients are paired with Facilitators, and these pairs have two DC clinic teams. Therefore, each case has two facilitator/client pairs and 4 DC clinic teams.

Key Player Interactions:

The Clinic Team, also referred to as the “Clinic,” is typically made up of 5 students per clinic (occasionally there are 6).

DO NOT discuss your case with members of groups that are working on the same case.

We encourage you to share your case with others that are working on different cases. However, do not allow yourself to become a source of communication between two groups working on the same case. Each clinic may take a somewhat different approach to their case. Obviously, a clinic should not have access to data/information that they did not think to request themselves. Likewise, they should not be influenced by prior knowledge of the actions of other clinics (this certainly couldn’t happen in real life)

Interpersonal Problems:

Problems regarding the division of responsibilities, mechanism by which your clinic makes decisions, designation of clinicians to present rounds, working around prior commitments, dealing with dominant personalities or colleagues who don’t contribute, etc. are up to your clinic to solve.

However, please come talk to one of the DC facilitators if there is a problem we may be able to help with.

At the end of the DC, you will have an opportunity to evaluate your associates.

Remember, your clinic will have an important teaching responsibility.

Don’t get so caught up in solving the clinical problem that you overlook the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms!

During DC Grand Rounds at the end of the exercise, you will be presenting your case to groups that worked on the other 4 cases. Therefore, an important component of your presentation is to convey to the other groups the lessons learned from your case. You should list and discuss what you thought were the primary learning issues for your case.

Facilitators are DVMs that are typically practitioners, alumni, faculty and residents.

The job of the Case Facilitator is to facilitate LEARNING.

In general, your clinic should touch base and or talk with your facilitator during each submission period – if only to let them know your group is working well and you feel like you’re on track.

The faculty are busy during DC week, so be sure to plan ahead and schedule an appointment whenever you want to meet.

Be sure to check your e-mail often for messages and clinical updates from your case facilitator. However, e-mail is NOT always the most efficient way for you to contact your facilitator as he or she may be busy meeting with another group. Please discuss alternative methods of communication with your facilitator.

Role & Expectations of the Case Facilitator:

  • The case facilitator will help you complete your initial physical exam and then answer additional physical exam questions throughout the exercise.
    • During the exercise, you must have arranged to have the animal available for examination – either on premises or via a farm call. Since these are so called “paper cases” and a real animal is not actually available for you to examine, your DC case facilitator will basically serve as your hands, ears, and eyes throughout the exercise. They are not a “referring veterinarian” or an advisor.
  • All case submissions are turned into your facilitator and he/she is responsible for returning results to your clinic. 
    • During the 3-4 lab submissions during the exercise: schedule a 15-30 minute appointment to sit down and chat with your facilitator – even if only to touch base.
    • Plan to explain your current thinking & plan – also taking turns as primary speaker.
  • The facilitator will often ask questions. The goal of this part of the exercise is to ensure that you have not overlooked possible lines of thought and to probe the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Often they’re just trying to make you think, rather than lead you in a particular direction.
  • The facilitator will provide some guidance and some support – especially when you are feeling lost. However, be forewarned that it is NOT their job to make decisions for you. Most facilitators will help you primarily by asking questions and helping you consider all the possibilities, rather than just telling you things. They also help to arrange consultations with appropriate clinicians or specialists.
  • The facilitator may also be able to help if you have concerns or problems with a DC client. These concerns may be a part of your DC case. However, many of our clients are now from “outside” the College of Veterinary Medicine and may even be new to the Challenges. If you have concerns, please talk to your case facilitator about them.

Each DC “animal” has an owner with whom your clinic must interact just as you would in private practice. Therefore, you must work closely with the owner to figure out what is going on in your case.

Whenever you meet with your client, be prepared to answer questions!

IMPORTANT Points to remember when meeting your client!!

  • Be professional – Including professional dress and wear name tags
  • DC clients are volunteers and must keep track of 2 clinics.
  • They will be taking notes – in order to keep track of all their assigned clinics.
  • Use the daily calendar posted on your client’s door to schedule appointments. Plan Ahead!
  • Each of you should take at least one turn as the primary speaker. However, everyone should be prepared to answer the client’s questions.
  • Take a “time-out“ if necessary, especially if you need a few minutes after the initial interview & PE to agree on an initial plan.
  • Always meet with your client & facilitator as a group – no splinter groups or solo acts. Everyone should be present, unless there is a compelling reason.
  • This is a learning experience and we know there is clearly some artificiality! Everyone knows there will likely never be 5 veterinarians in an exam room or on a farm call. And a few folks in every class seem to have trouble with the role-playing, stuffed animal, etc. Don’t be self conscious. Just suspend your disbelief, go for it and you’ll have a great week.

Please take this interaction seriously as most cases will also have relevant client issues.

  1. You will need to meet with your client after every submission period and regarding each case decision.
    1. In general, all students should be present during each client interaction so that everyone is at least observing. Many clinics rotate who will be the “primary speaker” so that everyone gets some experience. However, the other clinic associates should be prepared to jump in and help if necessary.
  2. You will need to explain the results of all the tests you’ve run thus far and provide a strong justification for any additional tests you want to recommend.
  3. You must educate your client regarding the conditions that you suspect and the prognoses associated with those conditions – including any public health considerations.
  4. You must obtain your client’s permission to perform any test or procedure you recommend, and he/she must agree to pay for that test.