OPCVMClinicalSciences@LMUnet.edu
At OPCVM, the Office of Clinical Sciences embodies our core value of growth by guiding students through a comprehensive continuum of hands-on learning experiences—from foundational skills to advanced clinical application. Through compassionate accountability, we uphold high standards for clinical and professional competence while mentoring students with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Our distributive clinical model is grounded in collaborative engagement, drawing on a robust network of clinical affiliates, faculty, and veterinary professionals who support students across diverse practice environments. With a spirit of appreciative inquiry, we encourage students to approach each experience with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Clinical education at OPCVM is not only about mastering procedures—it’s about cultivating confident, compassionate, and reflective practitioners.
In the pre-clinical years, students engage in hands-on training with evidence-based models and simulation tools, providing a safe and supportive environment to build clinical confidence across multiple species. Through partnerships with local humane societies, students gain supervised experience in wellness care and surgery. These partnerships support the development of skills in real-world contexts that benefit the community. Surgical preparation and proficiency are emphasized early and often, with progressive skill-building that ensures students are confident and competent by the time they enter clinical rotations.
The Clinical Relations and Outreach (CRO) section of the Office of Clinical Sciences oversees the integration of skills development in the preclinical setting with immersive clinical rotations, in concert with professional skill-building throughout the DVM curriculum.In the third year, students participate in a yearlong practical immersion supported by over 600 clinical affiliates nationwide, gaining experience in both general and specialty care, with additional opportunities outside of clinical practice . The office provides structured support through clinical mentors, rotation evaluations, and competency tracking, ensuring students are prepared for real-world practice. We also emphasize professional identity formation, client communication, and practice maximization as core elements of clinical readiness. Together, we prepare graduates who are not only practice-ready but also poised to lead with integrity, compassion, and curiosity.