This year’s AAEP Convention promises a rich blend of clinical education and engaging discussions on timely industry issues, including social license to operate (SLO) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Building on the success of last year, the popular Burst sessions will also make a return, providing impactful information on a range of clinical topics in a fast-paced, bite-sized format.
In this preview, we’ll highlight the SLO, DEI, and Burst presentations in this year’s program so you can craft your “must-attend” list for the event.
Social License to Operate
With increasing public attention on horse welfare, especially in racing and competitive sport, social license to operate has become a critical topic for the industry.
The “Emerging Issues: Social License” session will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 8:00-11:30 a.m., sponsored by the United States Equestrian Federation and moderated by Dr. Tracy Turner. This session will feature five 20-minute presentations on SLO across various disciplines. Olympian David O’Connor will discuss SLO in USEF competitions; Dr. Tom Lenz will present on its role in the American Quarter Horse Association; Dr. Goran Akerstrom will cover the FEI; Dr. Doug Corey will address SLO in rodeo; and Dr. Jeff Berk will focus on racing. An hourlong panel discussion featuring all five speakers will follow, concluding with a presentation on humane endings by Dr. Cia Johnson.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The convention will also feature important conversations around DEI, aimed at creating a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable environment within the equine veterinary profession. These sessions will explore how promoting diversity can improve team dynamics, enhance patient care, and strengthen client relationships.
On Sunday, Dec. 9, the AAEP’s DEI Committee will host a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Social Hour from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Product Demo Theater at the Trade Show. This informal event will provide attendees with the chance to network with peers who are passionate about advancing DEI in equine practice.
The following day, a session titled “From All Walks of Life: Fostering Diversity in Veterinary Medicine,” moderated by Dr. Kim Harmon and sponsored by Merck Animal Health, will take place from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Turpin Mott will open the session with “Courageous Conversations: How to Say the Thing That Needs to Be Said in a Way That Empowers Your Team” (2:00-3:30). From 3:30-5:00, Dr. Garry Morgan, Dr. Liara Gonzalez, and Turpin Mott will lead a presentation on practical DEI strategies in veterinary practice.
Burst Sessions
Back by popular demand, the Burst sessions, sponsored by Zoetis, return for their second year on Monday, Dec. 9, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. These fast-paced, seven-minute presentations offer an efficient way for veterinarians to gain practical insights on a wide range of topics.
During the first hour, Dr. Holly Stewart will discuss castration tips; Dr. Kelly Knickelbein will present on ocular examinations; Dr. Sherry Johnson will cover machine settings for musculoskeletal ultrasound; Dr. Jennifer Hatzel will present on recipient mare management for ICSI-produced or vitrified embryos; and Dr. Amelie McAndrews will discuss when to refer teeth for extraction. The hour will conclude with a Q&A session with all five speakers.
During the second hour, Hatzel will present on managing the late pregnant mare; Johnson will discuss ultrasound assessment of the medial cranial meniscotibial ligament; Stewart will cover bandaging and splinting; Knickelbein will present on uveitis; Clement will discuss the use of oxytocin to suppress estrus; and McAndrews will present on maxillary cheek teeth. The hour will conclude with another Q&A session about the topics.
The final hour will feature McAndrew presenting on mandibular cheek teeth; Stewart discussing regional limb perfusion; Johnson covering rehab programs for hind proximal suspensory injuries; Dr. Amanda Adams presenting on diagnosing endocrine disorders; Knickelbein discussing enucleation in the field; and Hatzel covering ovum pickup, followed by a final Q&A session with the six speakers.
Final Thoughts
Veterinarians will have many opportunities at this year’s Convention to learn about industry trends, enhance their clinical skills, and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of equine practice. Consider attending a few of these sessions to participate in conversations directly related to the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine.
Related Reading
- Disease Du Jour: 2024 AAEP Convention Preview
- 2024 AAEP Preview: Product Spotlight
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