Design and Implementation of a Safe Equine Radiation-Free Radiographic Simulator for Veterinary Skills Training in the Pre-clinical Curriculum.

This article focuses on the development and integration of a novel, low-fidelity equine radiographic simulator designed for veterinary medical education to enhance students’ proficiency in diagnostic imaging without radiation exposure or live animal use. The simulator allows pre-clinical veterinary students to practice positioning the x-ray generator, imaging plate, and directional markers on life-sized equine models, addressing safety concerns and procedural challenges inherent in equine radiography. Incorporated into a longitudinal clinical skills curriculum, this tool supports experiential learning, promotes radiation safety awareness, and aims to improve student confidence and competence prior to clinical rotations. Limitations include its inability to replicate certain technical aspects of radiographic imaging and the lack of pathological image variety, with future plans to assess its educational efficacy through objective structured clinical examinations.