3D VETLAB: FUTURE VETERINARY LEARNING

3D printing technology is facing a great time of development and so are its educational applications in the health sciences. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers allow great advances in veterinary teaching, by creating anatomical models adapted to the new learning needs. The 3DVetLab project, integrated in the Docentia-UCM 2017 program, presents several applications of these models intended to complement teaching in veterinary medicine. Two uses of 3D technologies are presented; The models printed using FDM technology and the navigable virtual models with free online access through the Sketchfab platform.

To obtain the models, CT (computed tomography) studies - of living patients or anatomical pieces previously prepared - are used and subsequently optimized by 3D computer software that allows the design of a suitable file for both 3D printing and its virtualization. Both aspects are being used by the 3DVetLab team in order to create models of practice in the subjects of anatomy, surgery and anesthesia. The virtual models created become part of the online library of the project, so that any student benefits from its possibilities.

3DVetLab is also presented as a project that looks to the future, involving students interested in these technologies to encourage their participation in the creation of teaching resources that can be used by future generations.