CUTEST PET

Submitted by Hannah Burrows, Iowa State University

STUDENT EXPERIENCE: ACVO CONVENTION

Submitted by Nicki Doan, Ross University

The ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology) is a national convention held annually for all veterinary ophthalmologists and those interested in veterinary ophthalmology to attend. To be quite honest, I was very intimidated by the thought of being surrounded by very intelligent hardworking diplomats who earned their spot in this field. But there were also people like me, who had a strong passion for ophthalmology, and were interested in paving our own paths in this field as well. My goal for this conference was to learn about the new scientific research, observe what a national scientific conference is like, and build connections with those who have the same goals as I do. 

The first day consisted of scientific presentations about the tear film, cornea, uvea, and glaucoma. Presenters were at various stages of the ophthalmology totem pole - there were some presenting research as a veterinary student, all the way up to those in a tenured faculty position. I was very impressed with how much work went into these projects, and how much knowledge came out of it.

In between the general presentation sessions, we had a room full of posters that veterinary students, interns, and residents worked on during that year. These posters covered everything one could literally imagine possible in veterinary ophthalmology, such as infectious diseases, to immunology, to predisposed ocular pathologies. 

In the afternoon I attended the Career Fair, which was divided up into specialty internships, residencies, and employment. I had so much fun getting to know more about these programs and having light discussions with those clinicians. I think the most fun was meeting other rotating interns sharing the same experience as me. There’s just something empowering about sharing a similar goal, and having that support system along the way. 

Meeting other Rossies at the conference was also a highlight of the experience. We island kids share a very unique veterinary school experience, and it’s so comforting to meet others with shared memories of St. Kitts landmarks such as Port Zante, Brimstone Fortress, and Romney Manor. In addition, Rossie ophthalmologists make great role models; seeing someone with a similar background become successful showed me that I can be successful too. 

The next 2 days were quite similar to the first, with the theme of presentations and posters being a different aspect of the eye. Overall, my first scientific conference experience was phenomenal and I am empowered by all the drive and passion for veterinary ophthalmology. I left the conference feeling very inspired by my peers, and I hope to be able to make the same contributions to this field just as they had.

CREATIVE CORNER

Submitted by Amelia Collins, University of Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY

Submitted by Elizabeth G. Evans, Washington State University

EXTERNS ON THE HILL

Submitted by Jacey Cerda, Colorado State University (AVMA Government Relations Division extern)

Multi-talented People

As we walked to an Irish pub a couple of blocks away from the U.S. Capital, Dr. Lindsey Hornickel (a veterinarian and an assistant director with the AVMA’s Government Relations Division [GRD]) talked to me about the purpose of our evening event. At least three members of Congress were likely to be present, and it was our mission to build a relationship with those members and their staff as representatives of the veterinary community. There are several bills immensely important to the veterinary field currently pending before Congress, and it is imperative for members of Congress to meet with veterinarians and veterinary students, like me, to understand our position on those issues; otherwise, our voices are lost in the cacophony of other interested parties whose positions may be detrimental to our profession.  

As we were directed to where the event was happening, I was picturing a large hall full of people speaking to each other in a strict, formal manner. I was wrong. We entered a small room bedecked in dark brown mahogany with less than 30 people present. After just a few minutes of mingling, a member of Congress thanked us all for being there, grabbed his guitar, and proceeded to sing two of his own original songs. Other representatives followed suit on the piano and bongo drums. 

After they played a few more songs, we were able to complete our mission and have positive conversations about veterinary medicine with the members of Congress and their staff. This experience provides a great example of what it is like to be a veterinary student extern with AVMA’s GRD. Veterinarians and veterinary students, like the members of Congress, are multi-talented, and they can use their skillsets to have a positive influence in so many ways. 

In only two weeks, I have met with veterinarians across the U.S. government who work on international wildlife conservation, wildlife disease health, livestock health, and on international development at the USAID. Some work for members of Congress and many have direct influence on public health policy and practice. Some veterinarians practiced for several years prior to transitioning to their government roles, others came straight through from veterinary school, and many have other degrees and skillsets that are perfect complements to the DVM and the work they do. All of these veterinarians, like the members of Congress, use skillsets unrelated to veterinary medicine to do important work. 

I’ve personally had a windy path into veterinary medicine from wildlife biologist to trial attorney to working on zoonotic parasites, and finally to veterinary school. It’s refreshing and encouraging to hear about the myriad ways you can use all of your skillsets to do crucial work, including even running for and being a member of Congress. This externship is a daily reminder to bring all of myself into veterinary medicine because sometimes playing the guitar, or the piano, or the drums, helps you to do the essential work you do in the world. So, let’s remember to bring our whole selves to this wonderful profession of veterinary medicine because we are all, multi-talented people.