Dr. Susan Matthew loves to see her students engaging with learning in real time. To support this, she creates interactive learning opportunities for her students with different approaches to learning. Dr. Matthew’s research portfolio is largely focused on teaching and learning. Her teaching at the college varies from principles and practices of teaching and learning in higher education, to the human side of veterinary education and practice: veterinary clinical communication skills, career development, resilience, and well-being.
What are you currently teaching and what do you like most about teaching students at WSU?
I teach our veterinary students clinical communication skills, career development, and lifelong learning and reflective practice. I really enjoy the strength and breadth of our program focused on the human side of veterinary practice. Our students bring so many different experiences and perspectives to the program that they are able to share with others and build on to advance their skills.
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
My favorite part about being an educator is when I see learners enthusiastically engaging with each of the opportunities available to develop their professional practice. To facilitate this, I aim to create engaging learning experiences that will extend the skills of diverse learners in supportive contexts.
What has been your academic/career path leading up to WSU?
I started work as a small animal general practice veterinarian in Australia before moving into veterinary practice management. After a few years I completed a PhD focused on veterinary education and began working in veterinary professional practice at the University of Sydney. I moved to WSU at the end of 2015 and now serve as director of the College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Academy and one of the associate chairs of Veterinary Medical Education, as well as teaching and doing research in veterinary education and practice.
What drew you to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine?
I was drawn to WSU by the strength and worldwide reputation of its clinical communication skills and veterinary leadership programs, as well as for its unique veterinary education teaching academy – the first in the western region of the USA.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy hiking in and taking photographs of the beautiful scenery and amazing animals in the world around us. There is always so much to enjoy from exploring different parts of the world.