New ‘European Stream’ at 2021 Virtual VMG-SPVS Congress

vmgThursday 13-Friday 14 May 2021

 

Veterinary professionals around the world with an interest in business, leadership and management are invited to join this year’s VMG-SPVS Congress, which will provide inspiration and the latest insights and learning from speakers from the UK, North America and Europe. New this year is a stream of lectures specifically for European veterinary professionals and chaired by Torill Mosent, Vice Chair of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and President of the Norwegian Veterinary Association.

 

The largest non-clinical veterinary conference in Europe, VMG-SPVS Congress offers state-of-the-art learning and development in all aspects of veterinary business, including financial planning, business strategy, HR and people management, marketing and sustainability.  Speakers this year include:

28/11/2019 A link in the chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership All Rights Reserved - Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960 Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

28/11/2019
A link in the chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership
All Rights Reserved – Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960
Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

  • US coach Katherine Eitel Belt, who will explore how the development of ‘courageous’, unscripted conversations with clients, colleagues and audiences can achieve extraordinary results.
  • Canadian social worker, Professor Angie Arora who will discuss ‘Veterinary social work – a new paradigm’. Angie was principal investigator in a research study to develop guidelines for veterinary teams to better support clients through their pets’ end of life.
  • David Giraldi, Managing Director of Vet Partners, Italy, who will discuss ‘Practice Consolidation: What Europe can learn from a mature veterinary market’.

 

All live sessions will feature a speaker Q&A and the opportunity to participate in polls. The virtual congress platform also offers delegates the opportunity to engage with other attendees and to browse the large online exhibition.

 

The full programme is available here with all lectures available to delegates for three months following congress so they can watch them at a convenient time.

 

Commenting, VMG President Rich Casey, said: “As VMG-SPVS Congress is virtual this year, it offers a fantastic opportunity for delegates to join us from Europe – or indeed – around the world, for two days of exciting, affordable and highly engaging learning.”

 

Anna Judson, SPVS President, said: “We are particularly excited to host our new ‘European stream’, this year.  The profession on the continent faces some specific challenges and we have brought together experts from across Europe to discuss them and offer potential strategies and solutions.”

 

Group tickets start at just GBP100 for access to the whole event – with discounts available for single ticket purchase for those who are VMG or SPVS members.

 

Click here to register.

Olympic runner leads virtual run at BSAVA Congress

BSAVA-Logo-with-Strap-Blue-500WOlympic Athlete Laura Muir is helping host a virtual run at BSAVA Virtual Congress (25-27 March 2021) this year, to highlight the physical and mental health benefits of being active. She has made three inspirational videos to encourage delegates to step out for wellbeing.

 

As well as being a qualified vet, having studied at the University of Glasgow, Laura Muir is the British record holder over the 1500m, a five-time European Champion and is aiming to claim her first Olympic medal at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. She will be encouraging Congress delegates to put their best running feet forward during the three days of Congress.

 

Laura has made three illuminating videos to show how she has successfully balanced running with her veterinary studies, revealing the low points as well as the high points and how the key is to focus on the positives. In the videos Laura is interviewed by vet and runner Brian Faulkner who achieved the extraordinary feat of running 31 marathons in 31 days. Brian will also be speaking at Congress in the Lessons from Lockdown session on the Saturday.

bsva

“There are so many things in life you can’t control,” said Laura. “My own philosophy that keeps me going is ‘do the best that you can do’.  For students it’s about remembering all the hard work they’ve put in over the years. To get to where they are in vet school, is a huge achievement in itself.  For practitioners who perhaps have had a bad day, taking a moment to remember just how many animals they’ve helped might just keep that negative experience in context.”

 

Brian Faulkner agrees; drawing on his coaching experience, he refers to something he affectionately calls ‘bitch spay-ophobia’.  When students and colleagues become fearful that they may cause more harm than good he reminds them of the bigger picture and that the long-term benefits of performing such procedures are the very reason why many wanted to become vets in the first place.

 

Participants can support each other by posting details of their run or walk on the Congress platform in the Health and Wellbeing chat room. There are no set times or distance, and delegates are encouraged to take part at a pace, time and location that suits them. Prizes will be awarded for the best selfie taken and posted on Twitter or Instagram tagged #BSAVAVirtualRun .

 

For extra motivation runners will be able to join the BSAVA running community via the Health and Wellbeing chat room where they can pose questions for Laura and other runners and can share their own experiences and achievements.  Attendees can listen to the three motivating videos from Laura at the Health and Wellbeing stand in the exhibition, in which she speaks about Laura the athlete, Laura the vet and Laura the person.

 

“Whether you are a seasoned runner or have never broken out of a walk we are encouraging everyone to participate,” said BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey. “Becoming more active is beneficial to health and wellbeing in so many ways and we are hoping to inspire delegates to lace up their trainers, clock up some miles and feel the difference.”

 

It’s free to join the BSAVA Virtual Run and you can sign up  here.

 

BSAVA Run is part of a motivating range of wellbeing sessions at Congress this year: Keynote speakers Dr Ranj and Jenny Campbell drawing on their own experiences to emphasise the importance of wellbeing. In addition, delegates can exercise their bodies as well as their minds with yoga and some restorative meditation practices.

To register now visit https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home

For information on how to become a BSAVA member visit https://www.bsava.com/Membership/Member-categories

Regulatory Convergence Key to Improve Access to Veterinary Medicines say Global Veterinary Associations

logo-white-backgroundArtboard-1Eleven global veterinary associations have signed a Position Statement calling for increased regulatory convergence and harmonization in order to ensure that veterinarians globally can access the medicines they need to treat their patients.  The Statement, initiated by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), is the latest step in its campaign to secure more equal access to vital veterinary medicines for companion animal veterinarians around the world.

Restricted access to veterinary medicines because of regulatory issues in regions of the world including Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, is a long-standing problem and limits the efforts of many veterinarians to provide optimal care to their patients.  Sometimes, even essential medicines, such as those required to properly manage pain, are difficult to access, causing immense and unnecessary suffering.

The WSAVA recently formed a Therapeutics Guidelines Group (TGG) to spearhead its work in this area and to campaign to ensure more open access to these medications.  Its new Position Statement is designed to raise awareness of the problems around regulation and to call on governments and regulatory bodies to act.  The Statement has been endorsed by:

It follows a 2018 Position Statement from the WSAVA outlining a range of factors which restrict global access to veterinary medicines and the significant impact on animal health and welfare this causes.  This statement also received wide support from the veterinary sector, including those associations listed above.

In a survey of its members conducted by the WSAVA during 2016-2017, 75% of respondents confirmed that that problems in accessing veterinary medical products hampered their ability to meet the needs of their patients and 20% assessed the impact of this issue as resulting in a severe restriction on their ability to provide a high level of care.  During its 2019 World Congress in Toronto, Canada, in July, the WSAVA’s Therapeutics Guidelines Group convened a summit meeting of global veterinary associations and stakeholders to discuss potential solutions.  The new Position Statement was one of the outputs from this meeting.

Dr Walt Ingwersen

Dr Walt Ingwersen

Commenting, Dr Walt Ingwersen, WSAVA Past President, said: “Difficulty in accessing therapeutics to treat patients is a critical issue for companion animal veterinarians in many parts of the world.  It causes huge frustration and means that many, if not most, companion animals globally do not receive optimum care.  It’s a situation which requires urgent change and, working in partnership with our colleagues across the veterinary sector, we are focused on bringing this about.

“While a number of issues impact the supply of veterinary medicines, duplication of the regulatory medicines approval process in various regions of the world is one of the biggest and the focus of our Joint Position Statement on Regulatory Convergence. The WSAVA Therapeutics Guidelines Group has been working hard on the issue of access to and availability of veterinary medicines and will shortly be announcing the first of a set of practical tools to support veterinarians and their associations to lobby their own governments and regulatory bodies.

“To support them, we, as a global veterinary community, will continue to demand change at a global level and our Position Statements are proving effective in increasing understanding and prompting action.”

He added: “We thank our colleagues in other veterinary associations for standing with us and we will continue to collaborate closely to ensure that all veterinarians have access to the drugs they need to treat their patients.”

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals.  Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice and lobbying on important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide.

SURREYGlobal Wellness Guru Joins Clinical Experts for VET Festival 2019

unnamedAmerican physical therapist and Master Yoga teacher Lara Heimann will join veterinary experts from around the world on the speaker panel of VET Festival 2019.  The two-day event, now in its fifth year, aims to combine inspiring, world-class CPD for the whole practice team with an outdoor ‘festival’ atmosphere.  VF18_590

Since its inception, the wellbeing of veterinary professionals has been a strong focus of VET Festival and for, 2019, the inclusion of Lara Heimann in the Wellness and Practice Development lecture, takes this to a new level.  She is globally recognised for the unique vinyasa yoga style she has developed and regularly leads international retreats and workshops.

Speakers in the comprehensive clinical programme include Dr Antonio Pozzi, Head of the Clinic for Small Animal Surgery at the University of Zurich, Switzerland; Dr Susan Little, co-owner of two feline specialty practices in Ottawa, Canada, and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Dr Ronaldo da Costa, Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at Ohio State University, USA.  Other speakers include:

  • Veterinary cardiologist Professor John E Rush. A Diplomate of both the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care, Dr Rush has been a professor for 25 years at the Cummings Veterinary Medicine Centre at Tufts University in Massachusetts
  • Behaviourist Dr Sarah Heath. A founding Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine
  • Soft-tissue surgeon Professor Christopher Adin. Professor Adin is Chair of the University of Florida’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Associate Professor of Soft Tissue

Veterinary nurses are welcome to attend any of the lectures, in addition to those in the dedicated nursing stream. An exhibition of the latest products and services for all veterinary professionals takes place in a dedicated arena.

Lara Heimann

Lara Heimann

Commenting, Nicole Cooper, event director, said: “VET Festival is unique in bringing together cutting-edge, inspirational learning, fun and the great outdoors.  CPD from our world-leading speakers is delivered in a high quality and contemporary setting but, once work is done, we encourage delegates to relax and enjoy free admission for them, their friends and family to the VETFest™ Live Party Night.”

She continued: “With the wellness and wellbeing of members of our profession increasingly in the spotlight, we’re delighted to welcome Lara Heimann for 2019 and hope that she will help our delegates to develop practical solutions to living healthier and more balanced lives.

Supported by MWI Animal Health, VET Festival is a family-friendly event, offering a unique Family Hub, in which parents can listen to lectures while their children play safely without disturbing other delegates.

“Balancing work and family life can often be a juggling act,” Alan White Group Commercial Director at MWI Animal Health, said “particularly in the veterinary profession where time is in short supply. This can sometimes compromise the work-life balance of vets, nurses and other team members.  At VET Festival, the ‘Family Hub’ means that there is no compromise and that both our attendees and their families can get the best out of their time with us – and ultimately, at MWI Animal Health, that’s what we are all about – supporting vets, veterinary practices and the veterinary profession, so that they can do what they do best – providing care for the nation’s animals.”

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information

Veterinary companies retailing or promoting companion animal products, primary care veterinary practices or referral practices interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities are asked to contact Kara Hiscox at KHiscox@fitzallmedia.com

Notes to Editors

For more information about VET Festival, please visit: www.vetfestival.co.uk.

WSAVA Targets Welfare with Release of First Global Guidelines for Companion Animal Practitioners

AW GuidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has highlighted the key role of veterinarians as advocates for animal welfare with the launch of its Animal Welfare Global Guidelines for Companion Animal Practitioners and the Veterinary Team.

The Guidelines, launched during WSAVA World Congress 2018 in Singapore, aim to bridge differing perceptions of welfare around the world and help veterinarians to tackle the ethical questions and moral issues which impact welfare. They also offer guidance to ensure that, in addition to providing physical health advice and therapy to their patients, veterinarians can advocate for their psychological, social and environmental wellbeing. The WSAVA already offers Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, vaccination, nutrition and dentistry.

shane ryanDr Shane Ryan, incoming President of the WSAVA and former Chair of the WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee, said: “As veterinarians, our responsibility extends far beyond the physical health of our patients. Animal welfare as a science is a new and rapidly developing discipline and veterinarians need current, evidence-based information to enable them to maintain the highest welfare standards and to provide knowledgeable, accurate advice for pet owners and communities.

“Our new Guidelines provide recommendations, checklists and other tools to promote optimal levels of welfare throughout the veterinary visit. They also offer guidance on increasing welfare beyond the doors of the clinic through outreach activities.”

He continued: “As levels of pet ownership increase in many regions of the world, including Asia, it is essential that veterinarians champion animal welfare and the WSAVA hopes that these new Guidelines will encourage our members to adopt best practice and set the highest standards.

“I would like to thank the members of the Animal Welfare Guidelines team, who worked so hard to create them and, of course, our sponsor, Waltham®, whose constant support was instrumental in enabling us to deliver them.”

The WSAVA has called on its members to develop an animal welfare charter for their members and to adopt the Guidelines into daily practice. 32 WSAVA member associations have already endorsed the Guidelines with more expected to follow shortly.  During 2018-19, the WSAVA will develop relevant continuing education (CE) and provide additional tools and translations of the Guidelines text.

The Animal Welfare Global Guidelines for Companion Animal Practitioners and the Veterinary Team are available for free download at: https://bit.ly/2D3RAoc

The WSAVA aims to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through creating an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers.  It represents more than 200,000 veterinarians through 110 member associations.

 

WSAVA World Congress 2018 is being attended by more than 3,000 veterinarians from around the world and brings together globally respected experts to offer cutting edge thinking on all aspects of companion animal veterinary care.  WSAVA World Congress 2019 takes place in Toronto, Canada, from 16-19 July.

Ilinca Zarinschi, our tech vet, and Learn and Travel with Vets on The Balkans

38912475_442896726119256_1830507085800931328_nIlinca Zarinschi, a tech vet from Cluj, Romania has done her externship at Clinica Veterinara Lago Maggiore, Italy with Dr Luca Formaggini and his amazing team. She will tell us more about this experience:

 

“How it all started
I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Luba Gancheva for the first time at the Feline Medicine Congress in Bucharest, talking about her amazing project, Vets on the Balkans. I was so impressed I decided to approach her and find out more.
She explained to me that, as veterinary technician, I could improve my knowledge and skills by signing up for her amazing programme and she thought the best option for me might be Clinica Veterinara Lago Maggiore from Dormeletto, Italy.
So, two months later, I was finding myself flying over the Italian Alps not knowing what to expect from this new adventure.

39008939_498327340608678_2724608909053526016_nGetting there
I took off from Cluj-Napoca, Romania on the 1st of August.
After a long flight and many delays, I landed on Malpensa Airport. Alberto, one of the nicest vet techs I’ve ever met, was waiting for me. He drove me to the Clinic and then to the Crazy Pub where Dr. Luca, Dr. Sara, Dr. Marta and Dr. Giulia and Dr. Cecilia were waiting for me, with arms wide open. It was such a lovely evening, I could hardly wait for the next day to start!

38997000_1870135039950117_1318943628642484224_nThe clinic and the team
My first impression was that the clinic is well equipped and highly organized. Everyone was really eager to explain and share their knowledge with me, even though there were certain subjects I was not familiar with (like operating the Radiology and CT units).
I was very impressed with the surgical ward, Dr. Luca being one of those doctors that you can learn a lot from, having both the patience and experience to share from.
One thing that I am very grateful for is that they taught me how to preform and epidural, something I don’t get to do everyday.
We had various discussions about protocols regarding anaesthesia, vaccinations, post-op therapy and I learned a lot of useful information, which I already passed on to my colleagues.

38750936_433439873818272_1938692870990987264_nA little piece of Italian heaven

During the 12 days I was there, I got the chance to experience a bit of the Italian lifestyle, I travelled to Milan and explored the surrounding area. I fell in love with Italian cuisine and warm summer nights spent with the girls, we shared stories and experiences and the most important part, I got the chance of rediscovering myself and what I was capable of.
Saying goodbye
I was really sad I had to leave, it was the best experience I’ve had abroad, I would love to be able to go back one day and I highly recommend it to everyone who is willing to broaden their horizons.
A big special THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to Luba, who encourages and empowers me everyday, to Dr. Luca and his lovely, amazing team, to Giulia – who is also the best room-mate that anyone could want , to Marta, Sara, Mariangela, Cecilia, Anna, Chiara, and Alberto (Nayra and Nina too). And a big thanks to Pamas Trading, for making this happen, of course. 12814393_1673705086236432_1339900710371625092_n
Also, I would love to remind you, guys, again, that we have better cannulas but you have prettier pink alcohol, haha.
My best regards and warmest hugs,

Ilinca, “the hybrid” vet tech

39017847_235779323940471_323580860395683840_n 39020903_1823190841099828_7740281119005736960_n 39095656_505572619865056_8953206293150040064_n 39096436_1326484624154769_2308858991083520000_n

WSAVA Endorses FVE/FECAVA Position Paper on Healthy Breeding Global companion animal veterinary association warns of the health and welfare risks of extreme breeding

 

Waltnew

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is the latest veterinary association to highlight concerns about the impact of extreme breeding in dogs by supporting a Position Paper launched in June 2018 by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA).

The FVE/FECAVA Position Paper is a response to the explosion in popularity of dog breeds with exaggerated traits or genetic disorders and, in particular, those with extreme brachycephalic conformation, such as French and English bulldogs and pugs. While these breeds are increasingly popular with owners, they can suffer severe health and welfare issues.  The Position Paper calls for health and welfare to be given priority over looks and offers detailed recommendations to address both the rising demand for these dogs and the increase in supply. They include:

Measures to reduce demand

  • Addressing demand for brachycephalic and other affected breeds through educating owners about the health issues they face
  • Working with influencers, such as media and celebrities, to encourage owners to choose a healthy, high welfare dog which is suitable for their life style.

Measures to reduce supply

  • Introducing the mandatory registration of breeders, pre-breeding screening programs and the sharing of data on conformation-altering surgeries and caesarean sections
  • Educating stakeholders and revising breeding standards and practices to put the health and welfare of dogs first.

FVE and FECAVA have also produced an infographic explaining the causes and consequences of extreme breeding and listing a number of recommendations.

“Extreme breeding is a global concern with our members seeing the results of brachycephalic conformation in practice on a regular basis. The suffering it causes is beyond dispute,” said Dr Walt Ingwersen, President of the WSAVA.

“Following detailed review by our Hereditary Disease Committee, our Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and the WSAVA’s Executive Board, we are delighted to endorse the joint FVE/FECAVA Position Paper and congratulate both associations on highlighting the issue and setting out a clear strategy to tackle it.  It builds on momentum established by the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), an initiative which brings together all of the major stakeholders in dog welfare in the UK to improve the welfare of brachycephalic dogs.”

Dr Ingwersen continued: “Lasting change requires commitment and collaboration between veterinarians, breeder associations and other stakeholders on a global basis.  We are ready to play our part and look forward to working with our colleagues in the FVE and FECAVA and our member associations to deliver on the recommendations made in the Position Paper.”

Dr Wolfgang Dohne, FECAVA President, commented: “We’re delighted that the WSAVA has offered its support to the joint FVE/FECAVA Position Paper. It is important for veterinarians to speak up on this important welfare issue and together we are stronger.”

The WSAVA aims to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through creating an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers.  It represents more than 200,000 veterinarians through 104 member associations.  Its annual World Congress brings together globally respected experts to offer cutting edge thinking on all aspects of companion animal veterinary care.

 

Notes to editors:

 

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) is an umbrella organisation of 44 veterinary organisations from 38 European countries, representing a total of around 240 000 veterinarians. The FVE strives to promote animal health, animal welfare and public health across Europe.

The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) is the platform for the promotion of the professional development and representation of companion animal veterinarians in Europe. Founded in 1990, it currently has 40 national member associations and 13 associate member associations. FECAVA represents over 25,000 companion animal practitioners throughout Europe