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Predictors of success for black freshmen entering Xavier University of Louisiana with an interest in the health professions were studied. Health professions were considered as the mainline fields of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy. Students majoring in biology, chemistry, or pre-pharmacy (pre-health) who entered the predominantly-black institution in 1981, 1982, and 1983 were investigated. Success was defined as both persisting in pre-health and maintaining a grade point average sufficiently high to provide a reasonable chance of gaining admission into a health professions school. The following traditional variables were chosen for study: high school grade point average, composite score on the American College Testing Program and scores on its four subsections, scores on the three portions of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test in terms of grade-level equivalents, and sex of students. Complete data were available for 324 students (210 females and 114 males). Of this number 85 were successful by the defined criteria and 239 were not. Almost all the variables distinguished successful from unsuccessful students to some degree. Specific findings are reviewed, along with the question of whether the predictive power varied for black males and females. (SW)

A study assessed and compared the current status of undergraduate, nonprofessional pharmacology courses as taught in the U. S. and Canadian colleges of pharmacy and medicine; courses offered by veterinary medicine are also noted. Pharmacy courses seek to increase general drug knowledge and promote rational drug use. (Author/MLW)

The history of veterinary homeopathy, its future and implications are discussed. The need for investigation into the validity of both allopathic and homeopathic claims is stressed and it is suggested that maintenance of quality is the key factor in any approach. (BH)

The University of Idaho, in cooperation with the Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (WOI) Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine, developed an off-campus facility for the study of food animal medicine. The objectives, design, and program of the regional center are described. (BH)

A course to help students adjust to a practicing career as a veterinarian included sessions on: opportunities in the field, choosing a specialty and location; applying for jobs; women in practice; finances; improving professional skills; the veterinarian as hospital administrator; and malpractice and health insurance. (BH)

The history of the curriculum, faculty, and facilities for veterinary anatomy at Auburn University is presented. Since its beginning in 1892, the program has expanded. A reduction in anatomical contact hours in the professional curriculum is viewed as a reflection of improved teaching methods and expansion of veterinary knowledge. (BH)

A competency-based curriculum in veterinary public health and preventive medicine was developed that included: principles of epidemiology, environmental health, food quality, community health, and international health. A questionnaire used to establish the rank order, learning weight, and priorities within each category is included with tabulated results. (BH)

Questions concerning the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in veterinary medical curriculum are addressed, including: cost; applicability; student reaction; and benefits to faculty. It is suggested that CAI can supplement and expand the students' clinical experience and can increase faculty efficiency and productivity. (BH)

A veterinarian-client relations course at Purdue University is described. It is designed to assist students in developing, applying, and adopting comfortable interpersonal communication and interviewing skills for interaction with clients in the practice of veterinary medicine. (BH)

First-year veterinary medicine students were surveyed during the first and last week of class to determine if student ratings of instructors are free of bias from generalized attitudes. The tabulated results indicate that the students were not biased by preconceived opinions of instructors. (BH)

Veterinarians were surveyed to determine topics that were overemphasized in their professional education, topics that should have been emphasized more, and specific changes that would improve veterinary education. The survey results are tabulated. (BH)

The regulation (voluntary and involuntary) of animal care and use throughout history in research and teaching is reviewed. The role of several organizations concerned with various aspects of animal quality, care, and use is discussed. (BH)

The need to boost the productivity curve for production of animal protein and the demand for specialists in all areas of animal agriculture are discussed. Legislative action and academic priorities must be initiated to assume the responsibility for the control of disease, promotion of health, and efficiency of production. (MLW)

The emergence of the veterinary technician as an extension of the veterinarian's capability into animal agriculture is discussed. Some aspects reviewed include: technician education, current restrictions imposed by practice acts, general acceptance by the consumer, and effective relationships for veterinary technicians working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. (MLW)

Concern about delivery of veterinary medical services to animal agriculture and implications for postprofessional veterinary medical education are discussed. The individual needs and goals of livestock producers, practicing veterinarians, and veterinary academicians are so varied that actual delivery of veterinary medical services is difficult to achieve. (Author/MLW)

The veterinary diagnostic laboratory's prime role has been diagnosis and/or laboratory findings to assist a diagnosis. Interpretation and evaluation and more involvement with decision-making in monitoring groups of animals and their health status are seen as future roles for diagnostic laboratories. (MLW)

A number of statements about well-established information in veterinary anatomy are debated and refuted: (1) sesamoid bones change the direction of tendons, (2) tendons are composed of collagenous connective tissue, (3) anal glands are synonymous with anal sacs, (4) reciprocal apparatus is part of stay apparatus, etc. (Author/MLW)

A survey of research resources in 24 veterinary colleges in the US and Canada reports information on university-wide research facilities, college-wide research facilities, personnel, and instrumentation resources. Corporate research resource management was compared with university research resource management. The survey form is outlined. (Author/MLW)

Graduate training in clinical veterinary medicine is discussed. The options available to the student and problems that must be dealt with are presented, along with the requirements to accomplish a finely structured program that satisfies the needs of both the trainee and clinical veterinary medicine. (Author/MLW)