In today’s busy equine practice, finding time to learn can be very difficult. In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, we talk to AAEP Director of Education Karen Pautz, MS, about continuing education (CE) opportunities for equine veterinarians.
Her overarching recommendation to veterinarians is to “make sure you know your state’s licensing requirements.”
Pautz reminded veterinarians that there are “a whole lot of ways to get CE.” She also noted that many veterinarians like to learn for learning’s sake. “You can do both at once,” Pautz noted.
She also said there are many ways to get CE. Pautz said, “I can’t list every requirement or mode of learning,” she said, noting that each state’s requirements can be different. For some states, reading a scholarly article is good for CE. Other states allow you to get CE for attending a seminar even if the seminar itself doesn’t offer CE.
“The key is to make sure you document” the method of learning and the group providing the CE, she said.
Learn to Learn
Once you know your state’s requirements for continuing education for veterinarians, Pautz said the key is to “save, save, save your CE” documents. If you are not sure about the CE or lose your certificate of attendance, call the presenting group as they are required to keep records for specific periods of time. However, don’t wait until two weeks before the end of the year to start asking for those CE certificates you are missing!
Most CE providers in the United States are RACE-approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Most states will accept RACE-approved CE.
The pandemic made getting CE from home easier. Today, whether you attend in person, on-demand, or by other means, choose the type of learning that suits your needs. Pautz said hands-on learning can help veterinarians with technical or new skills. “And we’ve not developed a way for hands-on through the internet,” she said.
Pautz also suggested that since veterinarians spend so much time in their practice vehicles, listening to podcasts (such as The Business of Practice, EquiManagement’s Disease Du Jour, or AAEP’s Practice Life) can be a great way to keep up. She said you can even download a webinar and listen to the audio portion. “If it warrants it, you can watch later,” she suggested. AAEP offers the Virtual Wednesday Roundable webinars.
Pautz said members can reach out to her at kpautz@aaep.org if there is something they want to learn.
About Karen Pautz
Karen Pautz, MS, joined the AAEP as the Director of Education in June of 2019. Prior to that she served nearly 21 years at William Woods University. She was the Program Manager, School of Equestrian Studies Online Master’s Degree in Equestrian Education for nearly 7 years after serving as an Assist Professor in the School of Equestrian Studies since August of 2002. For nearly 10 years prior to that she was the New Media Design Director at The Blood-Horse. Karen earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Technology at William Woods, where she had obtained her BA. She also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism for two years prior to starting at The Blood-Horse.
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