In this episode of the Disease Du Jour podcast, Chrissie Schneider, DVM, DABVP (Equine Practice), joined us to preview some of the sessions and opportunities she is most looking forward to at the 2024 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, which is being held Dec. 7-11 in Orlando, Florida.
Saturday Preview
On Saturday, the AAEP Convention kicks off with committee meetings. These committees are where many decisions and suggestions for the board are made, and almost all meetings are open to members who want to sit in. “The last few years, I’ve gone to at least one of the committee meetings each year, and I highly recommend them,” said Schneider. This year, she will be attending the Wellness Committee meeting, and other members of the Merck Animal Health team will be attending the Engagement Committee, Infectious Disease Committee, and Educational Programs Committee meetings.
Sunday Preview
Sunday starts off with the Keynote Address (sponsored by Merck Animal Health), where Rev. Richard Lesser, DVM, MDiv, will deliver his presentation “Live Your Whole Life.”
After the Keynote Address is the Kester News Hour, which is also sponsored by Merck Animal Health. During this presentation, a panel summarizes the year’s most impactful equine research. “This is a longtime favorite session of mine,” said Schneider. “It’s not only full of information, but it’s usually really funny and engaging and just a good time all around.”
Sessions start after the Kester News Hour, and the trade show also opens at that time. Schneider recommends visiting the trade show to connect with manufacturers, distributors, and other vendors. “On the manufacturer side myself, I’m always really excited to connect with people and answer anyone’s questions,” she said.
The Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture is at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, during which Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, DACVS, will deliver her lecture titled “The Equine Community Leading the Way in Orthobiologics.” Also on Sunday afternoon is a three-hour block of business and practice life sessions sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD, will present three sessions focused on dealing with client complaints, the legal aspect of telemedicine, and understanding your net worth.
Sunday evening is also full of events, including the Internship and Externship Career Night (formerly known as Avenues), the Early Career Practitioners Reception, and Vet Story Night.
Monday Preview
On Monday morning, Schneider encourages attendees to check out the business and practice track session that will cover various topics, including the path of success in equine practice, electronic medical records, associate compensation, navigating perfectionism, and the ethics of emergency care.
The Burst Sessions return for their second year on Monday. These seven-minute presentations cover a wide variety of topics, and attendees have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each block of presentations.
Other notable sessions on Monday cover ridden lameness exams and saddle fit, pain management, breeding, lameness in the back, and noninfectious disease. Merck Animal Health is sponsoring the track “Creating a Culture of Belonging in Equine Practice,” which will cover communication skills and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
After Monday’s sessions conclude, the AAEP General Membership Meeting will take place at 5:15 p.m. “This is an especially important meeting because there’s going to be a vote to determine whether online voting can be used going forward to make changes that are necessary in the AAEP,” Schneider said. “According to the bylaws, the voting has had to be done in person at the AAEP Convention, which poses a variety of issues. Not everyone can go to the AAEP Convention, and even if you’re there, you can’t necessarily attend the Membership Meeting where these votes take place.”
Tuesday Preview
Tuesday morning features a business and practice life track on record-keeping in racetrack, performance horse, and ambulatory practice, as well as a session on the legal perspective of record-keeping. There is also a medicine track on Tuesday focused on infectious disease that will cover topics including EHV-1, EHV-4, strangles, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity. Other tracks on Tuesday morning cover dentistry, ophthalmology, and using imaging in practice.
On Tuesday afternoon is the President’s Luncheon, which requires a separate ticket. “It’s always an exciting and moving event as AAEP honors the outgoing officers, welcomes incoming officers, and recognizes award recipients,” said Schneider.
The four session tracks on Tuesday afternoon include responsible use of antimicrobials, equine practice imaging, working equids, and sports medicine/rehabilitation.
Tuesday night is the after-party, which runs from 8:00-10:30 p.m.
Wednesday Preview
While the Convention will be winding down by Wednesday morning, there are still some interesting sessions taking place in the morning. They will cover topics including theriogenology, imaging, and surgery, as well as an emerging issues session covering social license to operate. “I think that’s a really important track, and I’d encourage you to either attend in person if you’re still there Wednesday late morning or watch online after you get home,” said Schneider.
About Dr. Chrissie Schneider
Chrissie Schneider, DVM, DABVP (Equine Practice), is a Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian at Merck Animal Health. Prior to joining Merck Animal Health in 2020, Schneider was in clinical equine practice for 11 years, including an equine internship, an American Board of Veterinary Practitioners residency at The Ohio State University, and six years as an associate at an equine-exclusive ambulatory practice in Central Ohio.
Schneider is board-certified in equine practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and hiking. She is passionate about helping equine veterinarians navigate their career journeys.
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