AVMA 2023 in Denver, Colorado. What can I say about this year’s American Veterinary Medical Association Convention? Growth, personal development, empowerment, horizon broadening, while forming new bonds of camaraderie and friendship. These are a few of the words I can think of to sum up what I experienced at AVMA ’23.
This was my first time flying anywhere by myself, staying in a hotel by myself, my first time in Colorado, and my first time attending an event like this by myself. That’s a lot of firsts. And, I suppose, it’s fitting for the general theme of the Convention and for myself at this stage in my life and career. Both of the guest speakers were individuals who, by being their authentic selves, not being afraid to take some risks, and making more than a few mistakes, found empowerment to grow in their careers as well as lives.
Empowering Guest Speakers
Mariana Atencio shared her experience as a journalist and how she has embraced her authentic self and started the journey of coaching other’s on how to do the same. By flipping the script and acknowledging that, while others may see aspects of our “perfect selves” as negative, it is by owning and utilizing these things that we become authentic. Through living a life of authenticity, we can forge better bonds in life and in business.
Daymond John, known for his presence in the popular Shark Tank television series, presented his story of “rags to riches” and shared his 5 SHARK points for success in life and business. Set a goal: become what you want. Let it be the last thing you think about before sleep and the first thing you think about when you wake. Homework: keep track of the actions you complete and the ones you don’t take. Amore: Love. Love what you do and the people who help you attain it. Remember: You are the brand, live every moment with this in mind. And finally, Keep Swimming: Never give up. If you fail, get back up and keep going until you succeed.
Endless Lecture Opportunities
Through the AVMA App that was provided all attendees, I was able to look ahead at all the various lectures that I could attend for CE credits, each being worth one credit. There was something for everyone, whether working in Management, Emergency, Large Animal, Exotic, Small Animal Clinics, Food Animal, or Research. I came out of the Convention with twenty-four CE credits, eight more than is required. There were so many great lectures to attend. I didn’t even care about the credits as much as the knowledge gained.
Leadership and Management
Much of my focus was on Leadership and Management. This is the track my own career has been on for the past two years. Mindful Listening, Turning Employees into Long Term Team Members, Handling Feedback that Hurts, Mentoring the Next Generation, and Vulnerability in Leadership are just some of the powerful lectures that were presented for those on the leadership, management, and personal development track. While this is essential to this career track, much of the information is useful regardless of which path you’ve chosen. You should never pass up good information.
Advancing Cancer Detection
Todd Cohen delivered an eye-opening lecture on Cancer detection. He explained how we, as veterinary professionals, could improve upon our current practice. Most cases of companion animal cancer are not diagnosed until Stage three, if not Stage four. At this stage treatment options are far more limited and prognosis is far from favorable.
This lecture hit particularly close to home. I had to say goodbye to my 13-year-old Pitt Bull, Merlin, when we discovered a kidney mass during routine radiographs in September 2020. Then, in August 2022, my husband and I had to watch helplessly as our 10-year-old Rottweiler, Missy, suffered through convulsions secondary to a suspected brain tumor. Thankfully, in veterinary medicine, we have the option to end the suffering of our beloved companions through Humane Euthanasia. In both of these situations we were able to go this route rather than watch as Merlin and Missy suffered.
Whether following through with Oncology (Cancer) treatment or not, early detection of Cancer cells can grant pet parents more options. At the least, it grants advanced preparedness. OncoK9 is a test available for early detection. Had I known about the test, I absolutely would have taken advantage of it for my fur babies. And it is a test that I will be taking advantage of moving forward. Buddy, our 7-year-old Rottweiler, is now one year past the recommended age for early cancer screening. Mairin, our 3-year-old Boxer Mix is one year away. Pet parents and veterinary professionals can take advantage of OncoK9 Cancer SAFE (Screening Age for Early detection) Tool at cancersafe.petdx.com.
Pancreatitis Diagnosis and Treatment
I also attended a back-to-back presentation, first on testing and diagnosis and then on the treatments of Pancreatitis. David Twedt did an in-depth dive into Pancreatitis and the various causes of this umbrella disease. He also reviewed a new and innovative solution in managing pancreatitis in dogs, called Panoquell-CA1. Panoquell is now available for us to obtain in my own hospital. I also supplied the FAQs sheet to my hospital’s veterinarian. Find the FAQ at www.cevaconnet.com/internal-medicine/library/.
Impressive Exhibit Hall
Of course, attending lectures was only the tip of the iceberg. The exhibit hall opened on Saturday with a live marching band performance. Veterinary professionals packed the stairs, waiting to gain access to the exhibit hall. All the companies you would expect to see at a veterinary convention were present and a few new businesses had booths available to share what they’re bringing to the table.
Real Dog Box was a new company to grace the exhibit hall. They provide meal options for pets alternative to dry kibble. Real Dog Box offers CE courses in fresh food nutrition for pets.
This was especially valuable as, of late, during nutrition and feeding conversations with clients, I’ve seen a rise in clients feeding raw food and fresh cooked meals. Regardless of the reason for this change in pet feeding habits, one thing is undeniably important: ensuring that your pet receives proper nutrition.
During my discussion with Ruby Balaram, the owner of Real Dog Box, I was informed that there are only about 100 Veterinary Nutritional Specialists in the world. Real Dog Box doesn’t only offer food and treats but also an option to equip veterinary professionals with the tools necessary to have the nutritional discussions with pet parents who want to feed something other than dry kibble. For more information, veterinary professionals and pet parents should visit real.dog/box.
Networking and New Friends
Finally, outside of lectures, exercises in personal development, and an overwhelmingly vast exhibit hall was the most enjoyable, and arguably important, part of attending AVMA Convention: the connections and new friendships that were forged. I met and had incredible conversations with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and practice managers from Florida, Utah, Missouri, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and, of course, Colorado. Some of these bonds only thrived for the duration of the convention, or even for a single day or lecture. But others will continue well beyond the five-day convention.
These connections allow for sharing experiences, knowledge, techniques, and medical advancements that you might not otherwise gain access to.
Great Things to Come
If you’re a veterinary professional who hasn’t experienced an AVMA Convention, I strongly recommend it. AVMA Convention 2024 will be held in Austin, TX June 21st-25th. For further information regarding AVMA and Convention Registration you can check it out at https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention.