In this popular annual episode of the Disease Du Jour podcast, we visit with the Merck Animal Health Equine Veterinary Services Team on what they think are “don’t miss this” events or presentations at the 2023 AAEP Convention. You can find a listing of sessions at the 2023 AAEP Convention here.
Dr. Bryant Craig
Bryant Craig, DVM, associate director of scientific affairs for equine professional services and pharmacovigilance at Merck Animal Health, first highlighted the Vet Story Night on November 30. This fun event is one of the top fundraisers for The Foundation for the Horse. It runs from 8-10:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Sponsors are Merck Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim and Zoetis. Tickets are $65 for general admission and $35 for students, residents, interns and technicians/assistants. Ticket includes theater seating and one drink.
You can enjoy an evening of engaging storytelling, music and laughs as your veterinary colleagues and special guests—including country music singer/songwriter Wynn Varble—entertain during this one-of-a-kind event.
Table Sponsorships are available and include a one-hour pre-event reception. To learn more or to reserve and sponsor a table, click here.
Craig encouraged everyone planning to attend the 2023 AAEP Convention to join in the fun and help support The Foundation for the Horse!
Craig said some of his favorite times at AAEP Conventions are in the trade show. But when listing a top presentation, he included the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture by Patrick M. McCue, DVM, PhD, DACT, the Iron Rose Ranch Professor of Equine Theriogenology at Colorado State University. That presentation will take place on Thursday, November 30, from 2:30-4:45 p.m.
Dr. Duane Chappell
Duane Chappell, DVM, is chair of the AAEP Professional Conduct and Ethics Committee. He said visits with colleagues in the hallways is always one of the bright spots at the AAEP Convention. He suggested that veterinarians attend the AAEP Committee meetings held on Wednesday, November 29. The following day, he suggests that practitioners attend the Foundation Scholarships/Awards from 2-2:30 p.m. Merck continues to sponsor several scholarships each year. Chappell also said Merck is involved with the AAEP Avenues internship program.
Chappell recommended not missing the 6:30-8:00 a.m. panel discussion on The Intersection of Ethics in Equine Practice and the Sustainability of the Profession that he is moderating.
Dr. Chrissie Schneider
Chrissie Schneider, DVM, DABVP (Equine), said she is excited to see her friends from across the country at the AAEP Convention. She invites everyone to attend the Thursday, November 30, Merck Animal Health Sunrise Session from 6:30-8:30 a.m. This session was standing-room-only last year! This year’s Sunrise Session will be a Panel Discussion with Equine Practitioners on “Updates in Creating a Sustainable Practice Model.” Panelists will be Drs. Shane Baird, Stacey Cordivano, Wendy M. Krebs, Cara Wright and Michael Clark.
Friday, December 1, will be the presentation “I Am Change: Transforming Your Equine Practice with Innovative Solutions.” Schneider said the five Sustainability subcommittees will be present about what they have accomplished this year. Merck is sponsoring that session.
Schneider said the new Burst format on Saturday morning, December 2, is something new. According to the AAEP, the goal of the “Burst” session is to present highly informative, abbreviated talks on related practical subjects of interest to the general veterinary practitioner. Practical knowledge will be presented dynamically in a fast-paced, “bite sized” format which will allow the audience to come away with impactful, usable information they can add to their knowledge base and skill sets. Each presentation will be five minutes in length.
Dr. Philip Van Harreveld
Philip Van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS (Large Animal), is a Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. He said he is looking forward to the “warm location” of the AAEP Convention this year.
One of his top “don’t miss this” presentations is the Kester News Hour. Presenters of the highlights in the latest scientific papers will be Drs. Kyla Ortved, Maria R. Schnobrich, Bo Brock, Kathryn A. Seabaugh and Amy L. Johnson. This will take place on Thursday, November 30, at 10:15-11:30 a.m.
He also recommended attending Wright’s Saturday, December 2, 9:40 a.m. presentation on Coping Strategies for Managing On-Call Stress in Equine Practice.
Dr. Cara Wright
Cara Wright, DVM, MS, is a member of the Merck vet team. She was a founding member of the Sustainability in Equine Practice seminars. Wright also is a facilitator in the Decade One and Starting Gate programs for equine veterinarians and vet students.
Wright also invited everyone attending the AAEP Convention to have breakfast and listen to the Merck Sunrise Session. She also recommended the Business and Practice Life: Managing Expenses, Compensation, and Support Staff being held on Friday, December 1, from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
She invited everyone to visit the Merck Animal Health booth #2617 to learn more about the new “Leg Up” program for equine veterinary support staff.
For other scientific programs Schneider said were “not to be missed,” she cited the Friday, December 1 Radiology sessions from 8:00-11:00 a.m. She also recommended Friday afternoon’s Cervical Spine Disease: How to Improve Field Skills from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
AAEP Convention Wrap-Up Podcast
Don’t miss the Disease Du Jour podcast on December 28 that will feature the Merck vets giving information on the presentations they attended at the 2023 AAEP Convention!
