The January/February 2026 issue of DVM360 features a compelling cover story on the evolving role of clinical rotations in veterinary hospice and palliative care. In “Clinical Rotations for End-of-Life Care,” author and Caring Pathways Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP, CVPP, leans into a timely and growing conversation: how immersive experiential learning in end-of-life care equips new and future veterinarians with indispensable clinical and communication skills.
As veterinary practice expectations shift, students and early-career doctors must master more than diagnostics–they also need the emotional intelligence and nuanced communication skills to guide families through complex, value-laden decisions around comfort, euthanasia, and quality-of-life. Dr. Carmack argues that comparative clinical rotations, externships, or electives in hospice and palliative care offer a unique opportunity to build these competencies.
Rather than being a niche training experience, these rotations provide real world exposure to:
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In-home hospice consultations
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Pain and symptom management
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Quality-of-life assessment tools
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Shared decision-making conversations
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Compassionate euthanasia protocols
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Interdisciplinary teamwork
Practitioners emerging from these experiences tend to demonstrate stronger client relationships, enhanced confidence in emotionally charged cases, and strengthened professional resilience–skills that translate across general practice, emergency medicine, and specialty care.
Student reflections featured in the piece underscore how these rotations not only build clinical expertise but also shape professional identity, instilling confidence in handling euthanasia protocols, compassionate communication, and grief support in ways that traditional curricula rarely offer.
“End-of-life care is not a niche skill set,” said Dr. Carmack. “It is foundational to practicing veterinary medicine well. When students are given immersive exposure to hospice and palliative care, they graduate more prepared to serve both patients and families with skill and compassion.”
Caring Pathways prioritizes education in veterinary hospice and palliative care, offering clinical rotation and mentorship opportunities that prepare new and future veterinarians to navigate end-of-life cases with clarity, competence, and empathy. Being selected as a dvm360 cover story reflects a broader shift within the profession, one that recognizes end-of-life training as a cornerstone of comprehensive veterinary education.
As veterinary medicine continues to adapt to the realities of aging pet populations and increasingly informed owners, end-of-life care training (spotlighted front and center in dvm360’s latest print edition) is gaining well-deserved recognition as a cornerstone of compassionate and comprehensive veterinary education. Caring Pathways remains committed to advancing this field through clinical excellence, education, and leadership.
Interested in learning more about veterinary hospice clinical rotation opportunities with Caring Pathways?
Contact our team to explore student externships, mentorship experiences, and educational partnerships.