A Student’s Guide to the AVMA Convention

By Lisa Phelps from Ross University

Are you interested in attending the annual AVMA convention as a student? I have, and I think it is a fantastic idea! However, it can be overwhelming, so I would like to share some tips with you that I learned from my own experience.

1. Know what you want to get out of the experience:  There is an overwhelming number and variety of opportunities at the AVMA convention - wet labs, the convention hall, poster presentations, and so many lectures!  It is easy to get lost in the schedule.  I went to the convention without any idea of what I wanted to do while there.  I recommend that you take some time to sit down and look through the schedule.  What do you want to do the most?  What would you like to learn or experience?  This will help you focus your time so that you get everything that you want out of the weekend.
2. Don’t be afraid to change it up:  As I mentioned before, I had no schedule going into the weekend. I ended up at a marine mammal husbandry lecture that I never would have normally planned on attending.  This lecture provided a very interesting view into a whole side of veterinary medicine that I normally would not have seen! I am very glad I accidently ended up there.
3. Don’t get scared!  There are a lot of brilliant Veterinary professionals who attend this event.  As students, we are just beginning.  You won’t understand every lecture topic, or all of the research posters, or even half of the booths in the convention hall.  For example, I got involved in a lengthy conversation in the convention hall about a 3D reconstructing MRI. The salesman started showing me examples of the machine’s work.  At the time I hadn’t taken a diagnostic imaging class yet and had honestly never looked at an MRI before.  I admitted that I was a student, and we hadn’t covered imaging in our classes yet.  He was very nice and gave me a more simple explanation of the machine. His explanation actually helped me in my diagnostic imaging class later in the school year!
4. Talk to as many people as you can: I know we have heard it over and over again, but the more people you talk to, the better experience you will have.  There are fun events every night (concerts, ball games, etc.) where you have an opportunity to talk with and to get to know your colleagues.   This is what these events are about; it’s good practice for you!  Who knows? You might end up with an exciting externship opportunity!
5. Don’t forget the swag!  Make sure to leave time to go through the convention hall exhibits.  There were a lot of tote bags, socks, water bottles, collapsible dog bowls, sunglasses, etc.  You name it!  To obtain the items you could play games or do another interactive activity!  I even received a free two month supply of dental wipes for my dog.

Attending the AVMA convention is a wonderful opportunity to dip a toe into the pool of our future careers; however, it is expensive. Between hotels, flights, and time away from your studies, you want to make sure you make the most of the weekend.  I hope my guide can help you. Have fun, and I’ll see you there next year!

Dreaming of Warm Waters

Happy Wednesday, Vet Gazetters! Is this chilly weather bringing you down? Check out these beautiful (and warm!) photos submitted by Nicole Clark from SGU!

WINN AND THE AAFP OFFER TWO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2019

Wyckoff, NJ, Hillsborough, NJ, January 30, 2019: Winn Feline Foundation (Winn) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are pleased to announce two scholarships for third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. The $2,500 awards are based upon academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare.

The Boards of Directors of both the AAFP and Winn are thrilled to offer these scholarships to support future veterinarians and continue to advance feline medicine. These two leading feline-dedicated organizations are offering one $2,500 scholarship for a veterinary student with an interest in feline practice and the second $2,500 scholarship for a veterinary student with an interest in clinical scientific research.

All applications will be reviewed, selected, and approved by the AAFP and Winn. In addition to a short application form, interested students will also be required to answer two essay questions asking for the applicant to explain his/her specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, and to describe plans for future participation in feline medicine. 

All completed applications with accompanying supplementary documents must be received no later than March 22, 2019. The winning recipient will be notified of their award on or before April 15, 2019.

Applications and instructions are available shortly on each organization’s websites:

www.winnfelinefoundation.org/partners/affiliations    

www.catvets.com/members/students/   

The AAFP has additional resources housed in the Student Center on their website, including their Toolkit for Veterinary Students (http://bit.ly/aafpstudenttoolkit). The toolkit contains materials for veterinary students to embrace a feline perspective and obtain further knowledge about the standards needed to elevate care for cats. Winn also has a number of various educational resources on their website and information regarding research grant awards.

2019 International Veterinary Experience Scholarship - Individual

Deadline: March 29, 2019 for cycle one (Experiences in January - July 2019).  A second cycle for July to December 2019 will be opened later in the spring/early summer.

Description: The International Experience Scholarship is awarded to deserving SAVMA members who demonstrate a strong desire to participate in a veterinary-related international experience.

Application Link

Two VERY Good Boys

Thanks to Mary Margaret Duffy from the University of Minnesota for sharing this adorable photo of her two boys!