Curriculum

The curriculum is competency-based, with a minimum requirement of three years of full-time veterinary specialty training (adjusted to a maximum of six years for flexible training) equivalent to 180 ECTS per the EU directive 2005/36/EC. 

Table 2 summarises the structure, associated hours and assigned credits. The ECTS credits serve as guide for evaluation of the resident’s progression during the residency.

The curriculum relates to specialty training in equine internal medicine with defined and specific objectives and assessment criteria leading to becoming an ECEIM Diplomate. Courses in other disciplines undertaken before the start of the residency-training programme do not result in a reduction of the residency-training programme duration or specific requirements.  

The curriculum applies to training in all nations of the EU, Switzerland, the UK, Israel and Norway. Excluding the North American countries, non-European residency-training programmes may be recognised by the Credential and Educational Committee. In all cases, this curriculum should be used with a direct supervisor who is an ECEIM Diplomate.  

The degree of clinical responsibility assumed by the resident shall be appropriate to the nature of the case, procedure and training experience but must include: 

     • Receiving clinic appointments. 

     • Supervising daily management of hospitalised horses. 

     • Participation in clinical teaching. This can include in-house teaching or in external institutions. 

     • Providing optimal clinical service and prompt professional communications.  

The residency-training programme must include a balanced distribution of exposure to common clinical cases evaluated by equine internal medicine clinicians. The practical skills acquired in the residency-training program are evaluated on a day-to-day basis by the direct supervisor and colleagues. The signing of the resident’s documentation pack (described below) by the supervisor is considered evidence of the resident’s proficiency in practical skills and clinical reasoning. Assessment of general learning outcomes during the residency-training programme will be evaluated by: 

     * Case-based discussion with colleagues and supervisors during the programme. 

     * Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise with colleagues and supervisors. 

     * First author publication of at least two peer-reviewed scientific papers. 

     * Local, national and international presentations. * Formal ECEIM examination.

The following is only a guide to help direct areas of focused study but is not an exclusive list.