1. VetPALs Aiding transitions through Vet School and into the Profession
VetPAL Leaders: Robert Campbell & Rebecca Jones

2. What is PAL? PAL – Peer Assisted Learning
University Wide Concept (VetPALs, EngPALs)
Effective tool for both tutor and tutee
Safe, social environment to meet older students
VetPALS awarded best PALs Scheme 2015 at the EUSA Impact Awards

3. Let’s Start at the Start…
September 2013
First VetPAL session
Easter Bush, Wednesday Lunchtimes
Part of the first ever VetPAL student cohort
Attended Sessions on;
Note taking in lectures
Mock exam station workshop
Preparing for Lab Books ©

4. Secondary to Tertiary: The Big Jump
Change in teaching methods
Self study is the majority of learning
Requires motivation and independence
Understanding the increased demands of Vet School
Volume of content
Study techniques
Time management
Reassuring atmosphere
Peers going through similar experiences
Older years guide and share their advice
© jumping-horse-jockey-race /

5. Student to Leader VetPAL scheme was our ‘agony aunt’
VetPALs was our insight into Veterinary Education
Desire to be a mentor
Looked for inspiration from mature VetPAL leaders
© commons/thumb/5/56/

6. VetPAL Leader - Rebecca
Role within VetPALs:
Transition in learning styles in first year
Interest in Mentoring
Edinburgh Award
Meeting Princess Anne
Becoming the organiser of the VetPAL Leader team
Transferable Skills
Inspiration for UCVME and AFHEA Programme
Become President of ‘Edinburgh University Modern Dance Society’
Aim to pursue Veterinary Medicine Education in my future careers

7. VetPAL Leader - Robert Started University very young
Lots of teaching needed to tackle a difficult first year
Attended VetPALs throughout 1st year
Joined as VetPAL leader in 2nd year
‘Speaker’ at sessions
Grew in confidence
Edinburgh Award
Badminton Coaching
Decided to pursue Educational Student Research Component Project

8. ‘Captains’ to the VetPAL Team
Moving up through the years
Edinburgh Award involvement
Development of key attributes
Leadership
Delegation
Time management
Team Player
Listening
Confidence

9. Being the Inspiration …
Development of the younger leaders
VetPALS strengthens vet school community
Reflecting back on the value of the transition process
… Inspired Ourselves !

10. Here and Now… Coming to the end of our own Veterinary Education
Transition out of University is imminent
Employability is now key ©

11. VetPALS – how far have we come?
Over 60 students attend each session
Enrolled 20 VetPAL leaders from all 5 years
Lectures run by VetPAL leaders in Welcome Week
“The Making of… a Better You!” Week launched
Having surplus applicants of students wanting to become VetPAL leaders
Demand for sessions to be run for other year groups
3rd Year – transition to Clinical Years
4th Year – transition to Final Year

12. The Beginning of the End …
Use of our skills and attributes to smooth our transition out of University
Encourages us to look for support systems in our future careers
Continual Personal Development
Once again ...

13. ... ‘the little fish in a big pond’!©