A Model Euthanasia Workshop: One Class’s Experience at Tufts University

Abstract

Performing euthanasia is likely one of the most challenging tasks a veterinarian faces. Four students at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine felt that they and their classmates needed additional training on this subject. They informally surveyed the classmates to determine what topics and formats the students desired. The findings were used to develop the Euthanasia Workshop at the university, a voluntary series of lectures and discussions on technical and emotional issues relating to euthanasia. The four students then informally surveyed 30 North American veterinary colleges to determine the scope of euthanasia training in other veterinary programs. They found that euthanasia, while often covered within other courses, is rarely taught as a standalone course.