I often get asked how I can afford to attend conferences as a student, I apply for scholarships! Last year I received the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAV) Conference Student Scholarship and had the most incredible time networking with veterinary professionals and learning from the comprehensive lectures.
Conferences provide you with an opportunity to learn new things. While continuing education (CE) is not a pressing concern for vet students, we still get the benefit of attending these lectures. There are no tests after any of these lectures, so it’s all pressure-free learning!
Depending on the convention, you could learn about anything in your area of interest and beyond. Feline urinary tract disease, managing “dangerous” dogs, emerging new liver diseases in the dog, how to examine goats and alpacas are just a few of the lectures that we were given at the Australian Combined Veterinary Conference this year.
In recognition of the changing nature of small animal medicine, this year the ASAV Conference combined with two growing special interest groups, the Sheep, Camelid and Goat Veterinarians (SCGV) and the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG). Many small animal vets are increasingly being exposed to sheep, goats and alpacas in the areas around major cities. Additionally, most small animal consultations seen by a general practitioner have a behavioural component to them.
Highlights of Day 1 included learning about urinary tract infection management in small animals, clinical examinations of goats and alpacas, and deciphering animal behaviour.
Day 2 at the conference was incredible; I had the opportunity to attend the recent graduate dinner to learn from the experiences of those whom have recently entered the veterinary field. The best thing about conferences, for me, is learning from the experiences of others; Dr. Mark Kelman was this year’s ASAV President, he is a founding director of Paws for A Purpose (a charity with the mission of "Helping Pets and People in Need") and a co-director of Pets In The Park charity.
Dr. Paula Parker was the youngest Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) President in the Association’s 100-year history. It’s been an honour to be able to meet such inspiring individuals, and I hope to someday contribute to the future and success of the veterinary industry.
On Day 3, I attended lectures of the Small Animal and Sheep, Camelid, and Goat Streams; I learned about the current state of Q fever in Victoria and what is being done to control the disease, and I also received an update on liver diseases in dogs and cats. After a day of lectures, the night began with the ASAV and SCGV ‘Galah’ dinner. I was pleasantly surprised at the dinner by the presentation of the student award, I was honoured and delighted by the kind words of Dr. Kelman and grateful to be presented the award by new ASAV President, Dr. Alistair Webb.
The conference concluded with another great day of lectures and networking opportunities. There are a lot of opportunities to chat with veterinarians over meals, in the exhibition hall, and during the social events.
I would like to thank the ASAV Committee for providing me with the opportunity to attend the ASAV Conference Scholarship. I had a wonderful experience at the conference and learned a lot from the impressive variety of lectures. I was left feeling inspired from meeting practicing veterinarians and learning from their experiences in the field.
There are three ASAV Student Scholarships on offer for the 2019 ASAV Conference on the Gold Coast, 12-16 August 2019.
Each scholarship will include:
Full registration to the 2019 ASAV Conference5 nights’ accommodation at The Star, Gold CoastReturn airfares from the capital city nearest the student’s campus
Selection criteria:
The scholarships are open to current ASAV Student Members across AustraliaApplicants should ideally demonstrate involvement in and commitment to small animal practice and/or the ASAV
How to apply:
A 1500 words written submission and CV is required Applications are now open and close Tuesday 11 June 2019.
For more information, please visitwww.asavconference.com.au -> Program -> ASAV Awards