AVMA 2023 overview: better than… Taylor Swift
Numerous events took place in Denver over the weekend of July 14-16, including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. But what took the prize in my opinion was the 2023 AVMA convention, which took place through July 18 at the Colorado Convention Center.
AVMA organizers delivered a program full of exciting events, activities and presentations and offered continuing education (CE) sessions by experts from the industry.
There were a wide array of presentations and CE-credit courses that attendees could attend. The ones that caught my eye included:
- "One Health approaches to emerging tick-borne diseases in the United States,” by Dr. Ann Carpenter, epidemic intelligence service officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch
- "Five Things You May Not Know About Ticks," by Dr. Susan Little, Regents Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University
- "Discussing Diabetes Mellitus: Empowering Technicians," by Beckie Mossor, RVT, North Carolina
- "Advancing herd health and animal welfare with beef quality assurance," by Dr. Julia Herman, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Boehringer Ingelheim was one of the top sponsors of the AVMA convention. Photos: Alex Koffler
Community Vet Partners offered attendees cartoon drawings of their pets.
The cartoon offer was popular with attendees.
In addition, the AVMA News team was hard at work during the convention, issuing numerous news releases. Among the highlights:
- Dr. Rena Carlson (Idaho) is the AVMA’s new president for the 2023-2024 term. She succeeds Dr. Lori Teller. In addition, Dr. Sandra Faeh (Illinois) is the new president-elect. In remarks to the House during Friday’s regular annual session, Carlson encouraged veterinary leaders to take steps now that will ensure the future success of veterinary colleagues and the profession overall.
- Dr. Willie M. Reed, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, was named the inaugural recipient of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the veterinary profession.
- Veterinarians donated personal artwork through the VETartNow initiative to benefit The Street Dog Coalition, a nonprofit which provides free medical care and related services to pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness around the country. A total of $12,500 was raised through sales of the artwork, and a matching gift from Hill’s Pet Nutrition brought the amount donated to $25,000.
- Dr. Teller presented AVMA President’s Awards to three institutions that have been instrumental in her professional development and have made a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations and the profession. The 2023 recipients are Meyerland Animal Clinic (Houston, Texas), the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Read more news releases and announcements from the convention on the AVMA News site.
As far as events go, thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim, attendees heard from Daymond John during AVMA’s general session. John is one of the “sharks” from the Shark Tank and also founder of the global lifestyle brand FUBU.
According to a summary of the talk from AVMA News, as John notes in his book, "Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life," the key to getting ahead and staying ahead is to rise and grind each day. Do everything you can to work smart as well as hard, but to achieve more, you've got to outwork everyone else.
Attendees on Sunday evening also enjoyed a special concert by Doug E. Fresh and Ne-Yo.
The exhibit hall was full of energy this year, with companies engaging attendees in games, food and drinks.
AVMA has already announced its 2024 convention will be held in Austin, Texas. Mark your calendars and save the date attend June 21-25.
Photo credit: Certified Humane
About the AVMA
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.
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