A taste of what’s coming at AVA Conference 2024

 

2024 is up and running and for the AVA Conference organisers this is especially true. The full conference program will be announced shortly, with early-bird registration opening next month.

In the meantime, take a look at the stellar line-up of plenary and keynote speakers we have locked in. And remember, we’re introducing video proceedings this year which means you won’t miss out – sessions will be available to watch on-demand after the conference has wrapped up.

Check out our event website for more information and regular updates:

AVA Conference website

 

Living Well – taking care of yourself and patients with chronic conditions

This year’s conference will feature some of the most experienced veterinary leaders and innovators when it comes to improving the quality of life for animals with chronic conditions.

We’re also looking out for you, with practical and engaging sessions on professional growth and elevating veterinary practice.

Plenary Speakers

Dr Rebecca Ray

“Setting boundaries”

The first plenary session will be hosted by airline pilot turned clinical psychologist, Dr Rebecca Ray, who will examine how we can set boundaries in our professional and private lives.

Dr Ray helps big-picture-thinking people master their psychology and has encouraged thousands to live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic and free. Beck’s expertise as a professional zig-zagger sets her apart as one of Australia’s most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Her science-backed, hard and heart truth approach is uniquely informed by her pivots from pilot to psychologist, from dating men to marrying a woman, and from being burnt out to bestselling author.

 

The Veterinary Surgeons Board Panel

“Complaints and considerations”

Back by popular demand, the Veterinary Surgeons Board Panel will discuss how recent changes will impact your practice. With representatives from state and territory vet boards to answer all of your burning questions.

 

Dr Robyn Alders AO

Ben Cunneen Memorial Plenary “Preventing viral spillover: why and how we should all be involved”

A thought-provoking session presented by internationally recognised expert in food security and One Health, Dr Robyn Alders AO.

The first female veterinary scientist to be awarded an Order of Australia, Dr Alders is a veterinarian with a passion for food and nutrition security in developing countries. Dr Alders focuses on the development of sustainable infectious disease control in animals in resource-limited areas in support of food and nutrition security, income generation, wildlife conservation and public health. She holds honorary affiliations with the Australian National University, the Royal Veterinary College in London and Tufts University, Boston and is a Senior Consulting Fellow with the Chatham House Global Health Programme.

 

Keynote speakers

Dr Sheilah Robertson

Dr Robertson’s career in veterinary medicine has included time as a general practitioner, surgery intern, anaesthesia trainee, PhD student, clinician, and teacher in university veterinary schools in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. She is board certified in anaesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. She is also a certified Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner. Dr. Robertson has published numerous peer reviewed papers related to anaesthesia and analgesia in dogs, cats, horses and even iguanas.

Dr Robertson joined Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice as their Senior Medical Director in 2017. In this role, she supports over 300 veterinarians throughout the US by providing the latest information on pain management, geriatric and end of life care.

Dr Robertson will present on the following topics:

• Managing long term pain and mobility issues in dogs
• How to help aging pets live well – practical care for age related problems
• Assessing quality of life in dogs and cats
• How to implement veterinary hospice and palliative care in your practice
• End of care: Euthanasia and aftercare

Dr Heidi Lobprise

Dr Heidi Lobprise received her DVM from Texas A & M University in 1983 and became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 1993. She is the author/co-author of three dental texts, including the third edition of Five-Minute Veterinary Consult – Clinical Companion Small Animal Dentistry, has written many chapters and articles on dentistry and senior care and has lectured internationally. She helped organize the SPA (Senior Pet Advocates) Initiative and serves on the Fear Free Advisory Board and the Grey Muzzle Advisory Board.

Dr Lobprise will present on the following topics:

• Senior Dentistry - anaesthesia concerns and dental issues
• Making extractions fun (or less stressful)
• Practical therapy to manage chronic periodontal inflammation
• The challenges of senior cats
• Aging and health span – Optimizing quality of life, not just years
• Little Dog, Big Dog; differences in aging and conditions