Introduction: Critical thinking is a fundamental skill in various fields, and plays an essential role in veterinary medicine. It refers to the ability to analyze, create and evaluate information in an objective and reflective way to make informed decisions. Being a learned skill, not an innate one, it promotes fresh and constant learning that involves both theoretical and practical knowledge. This allows a deeper understanding of the clinical situation; and if not, it allows the medical team a space to feed their thinking. 1 Development: Developing and maintaining critical thinking skills is an ongoing process that requires Commitment and constant practice. For veterinary medicine, this means not only acquiring academic knowledge, but also questioning and exploring the reasons behind each clinical decision. An effective way to encourage critical thinking is to participate in clinical discussions and continuous learning activities. Through hands-on interaction and analysis of complex clinical situations, our ability to consider different perspectives and make more informed decisions can be improved. In veterinary medicine, critical thinking has a great impact on clinical decision making. Being able to carefully evaluate information, consider alternatives, and predict possible outcomes is essential to providing quality care to our patients. There are scientific studies that support the role of critical thinking. Recent research has highlighted how the application of critical thinking can improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease in animal patients (Smith et al., 2020; Garcia et al., 2021). These studies have shown that professionals who practice critical thinking tend to show greater accuracy in diagnosis and greater efficiency in choosing the appropriate treatment.
In the domain of animal healthcare, the importance of analytical thought becomes evident as a foundational competence. This skill assumes a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of optimal care to our non-human patients. It transcends the confines of innate abilities, necessitating persistent dedication and practice. Beyond the mere acquisition of academic knowledge, veterinarians must delve into the underlying reasons that steer their clinical decisions. Active participation in discussions and continuous learning endeavors within the veterinary community provides a nurturing ground for the cultivation of this indispensable skill. Engaging in hands-on activities and dissecting intricate clinical scenarios contribute to the development of an aptitude for embracing diverse viewpoints, which, in turn, results in more enlightened and informed decisions.
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