Shaping Future Veterinarians: Educational Innovation, Simulation, and Professional Challenges

Veterinary education stands at a pivotal crossroads. Shifting patterns in student engagement, the rapid emergence of transformative technologies, evolving professional and public expectations, and the growing complexity of veterinary practice have combined to create both an urgent need and a genuine opportunity to reimagine how we train the next generation of veterinarians. Despite sustained, and in many regions, growing, demand for admission to veterinary degree programmes and postgraduate studies, the expectations placed on graduates continue to rise. Future veterinarians must be equipped not only with sound clinical knowledge, but also with adaptability, technical fluency, professional competence, and transferable skills to meet an evolving landscape. Traditional teaching methods alone are no longer sufficient to meet this challenge, and educators are increasingly called upon to innovate. In this context, educational innovation has become central to veterinary training. Simulation-based learning represents one of the most promising frontiers in veterinary education. From high-fidelity anatomical models and procedural trainers to immersive virtual reality environments, simulation offers students repeated, low-risk opportunities to develop clinical skills before entering live practice settings. These approaches align closely with the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and reflect a broader commitment to ethical and effective education. Alongside technological innovation, there is a growing recognition of the importance of integrative and learner-centred pedagogies, including collaborative and interdisciplinary learning approaches informed by One Health and One Welfare frameworks. At the same time, veterinary curricula must actively support the development of professional competencies and transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and lifelong learning, which are essential for professional identity formation and preparedness for contemporary veterinary practice in diverse contexts. Equally important are the professional and regulatory dimensions of veterinary training. Many specialties operate within frameworks governed by both European and non-EU authorities, making familiarity with these structures an essential component of professional preparation. Social factors, including wellbeing, workforce diversity, career expectations, and geographic distribution of veterinary services, further shape the context in which education must be delivered and planned. Technological advances are further transforming both education and practice. Generative artificial intelligence, automated workflows, image-based diagnostic tools, AI-assisted diagnostic systems, and personalised learning platforms are already beginning to transform how students learn and how clinicians practice. Understanding these tools, including their potential, their limitations, and their ethical implications, must become part of the veterinary curriculum. This Research Topic invites contributions that explore, evaluate, and advance the full spectrum of innovation in veterinary education and professional development. Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, case reports, and perspective articles sharing their experiences, methodologies, and outcomes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Development and evaluation of simulation models for clinical and surgical training • Virtual reality and augmented reality applications in veterinary education • Integration of generative AI (GenAI) and AI-assisted diagnostic tools in teaching and practice • Personalised, adaptive, and competency-based learning strategies in veterinary curricula • Collaborative and interdisciplinary educational approaches informed by One Health and One Welfare frameworks • Social science perspectives on veterinary education, student wellbeing, and workforce planning • Global and regional regulatory frameworks governing veterinary specialties and practice • Application of the 3Rs principles in education and clinical training • Technological innovation in laboratory teaching, image analysis, and diagnostics • Development of professional competencies and transferable skills, supporting professional identity and preparedness for contemporary veterinary practice By bringing together diverse perspectives from educators, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and professional organisations, this Research Topic aims to generate a rich, forward-looking body of knowledge that can meaningfully shape the future of veterinary education worldwide. Topic editors: Virginia C. Resconi, Francisco José Vázquez Bringas, Pablo Morón-Elorza Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82201/shaping-future-veterinarians-educational-innovation-simulation-and-professional-challenges