Animal Welfare Symposium Set for Next Month

By Dr. Angela Demaree, Assistant Director of the GRD

I am taking this opportunity to remind you about the upcoming AVMA/AAVMC Joint International Educational Symposium on Animal Welfare. On the public policy stage, animal welfare and environmental issues have temporarily taken a back seat to the health care debate—that means we have some welcome breathing space to work on bolstering our knowledge base so we're ready for the next challenge.

Conducted at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University, November 9-11, the symposium is designed to provide an opportunity to explore animal welfare as an evolving discipline and discuss how to best educate veterinarians to be effective decision-makers and advocates. As such, it is appropriately titled, "Swimming with the Tide—Animal Welfare in Veterinary Medical Education and Research."

The inaugural Symposium boasts an agenda with internationally recognized speakers. Topics range from how to measure animal welfare to examining fetal "feelings" to understanding regulatory assurance schemes. There is certain to be something for every interested veterinarian, educator, researcher and student in attendance. Discounted registration rates apply through October 15, so don't delay—Sign up today!

Housing and Travel information can also be found on the website, www.avma.org/awsymposium. And, the symposium qualifies for up to 18 hours of continuing education (CE) credit. For more information about the AVMA's animal welfare priorities and legislative initiatives visit www.avma.org/animalwelfare.