Veterinarians are engaged in professional activities involving diverse species and practice settings, and this can cause us to approach animal care and use decisions quite differently. It’s time for veterinarians to have an intraprofessional conversation about how we approach animal welfare and why.
“Can You Hear Me Now?” (The Conversation) will be conducted in Rosemont, IL (near O’Hare) on November 14-15, 2013. The first day of The Conversation will provide foundation lectures on the scientific, social, political and legal aspects of how and why animal welfare decisions are made. Participants will spend the second day of The Conversation in roundtable discussions considering welfare-related dilemmas affecting animal uses across the profession. A Working Group selected from among participants in The Conversation will use discussions taking place during The Conversation as a foundation for developing a strategy for facilitating ongoing, productive dialog within the profession. The Working Group will meet immediately following The Conversation on November 16, and one additional time at a later date to be determined.
The Conversation is open to AVMA and SAVMA members only, and is limited to 150 participants who will be identified from nominations that are received by July 1, 2013. Participants will be selected to provide broad representation with regard to species, practice type and perspective on animal welfare. There is no fee for registration, but participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses associated with participation in The Conversation. Eleven hours of continuing education credit are available for participants.
To nominate yourself or a colleague for participation in The Conversation, please submit the following materials on or before July 1, 2013:
- A completed nomination form
- A one-page resume or curriculum vitae.
Nominations should be e-mailed (OfficeEVP@avma.org) or surface mailed to the AVMA Office of the Executive Vice President; 1931 North Meacham Rd, Suite 100; Schaumburg, Illinois 60173. Nominees will be notified with regard to their participation by September 1st.
For more information about The Conversation, contact us at OfficeEVP@avma.org.