Symposium Experience

It is not too early to start thinking about SAVMA Symposium 2019. It will be held at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia March 9-11th. Click here for more details.

Avry Stolzman from Ross University shares her experience at SAVMA Symposium 2018 at UPenn. 

SAVMA Symposium has so much to offer for veterinary students today. Students from around the world are able to meet in a common place and establish networks that could last a lifetime. Students are exposed to many different topics of discussion that range from current research to helpful every day tips. Attendees also have multiple opportunities to experience hands on learning in different wet labs. Attending the 2018 SAVMA Symposium in Philadelphia this year not only supported my current knowledge base but encouraged and excited me for my future in veterinary medicine.  

While at the symposium, I attended many different seminars over various topics. I observed research on cancer therapy, antibiotic resistance, NAVLE study techniques, everyday bovine practice tips and techniques, and several other talks. The advances in cancer therapy continue to amaze me everyday. Veterinary medicine has come so far in not only therapy within animals but research for human cancers and diseases. As many are now aware, antibiotic resistance is not a joking matter. Veterinary medicine has unfortunately been the scapegoat for this rapidly progressing issue. We as doctors, and leaders in one health, need to be aware of what and how we are treating disease. I listened to tips from the developer of Zuku Review, on how to better prepare for the daunting NAVLE. He emphasized to stay calm, you know more than you realize! My favorite seminar was not the one with the biggest, most scientific words, it was one that was actually the exact opposite. I learned everyday tricks to make life easier in bovine practice. Things that are not taught in school but are practical for every day use. These are the things that can make or break a day. Outside of listening to different professionals in this field, I was able to participate in an equine ophthalmology wet lab. I was introduced to several different, commonly used techniques in repairing entropion and lacerations.

SAVMA Symposium allowed me to interact with veterinary students outside of my university. We as students get so caught up in our own little school/study world, that we forget there are others out there just like us, enduring the same grueling curriculum that we are. We are all here for the same purpose! Meeting these people was a nice reminder of that. I am grateful for my opportunity to attend the symposium before I graduate and the experiences I was able to take away from it!