Use of a formal assessment instrument for evaluation of veterinary student surgical skills.

Objectives: To (1) evaluate the design and use of a global rating scale assessment instrument in veterinary medical education and; (2) examine the effectiveness of 2 surgical techniques courses for improving the surgical skills of veterinary students.

Study Design: Instrument development; observational; survey-based.

Sample Population: Students (n = 16) registered for 2 elective surgical techniques courses were enrolled on a volunteer basis.