NAVC features research in companion animal medicine
The studies covered a range of subjects in companion animal medicine: antimicrobial resistance, osteosarcoma prevalence, veterinary pricing trends, shelter population estimates, and the benefits of service dogs.
These were among the topics of research released during the North American Veterinary Community Conference, Feb. 4-8 in Orlando, Florida. The North American Veterinary Community, a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of education, publications, and other services, also announced that it has renamed its flagship event as the Veterinary Meeting & Expo starting in 2018.
At the 2017 conference, AVMA staff gave several presentations on the Association’s work on issues including veterinary wellness, telemedicine, and economics. The Association’s booth in the exhibit hall connected attendees with AVMA offerings such as economic reports, resources for practicing veterinarians, and materials for client education.
Banfield Pet Hospital joined with the NAVC to present the first Veterinary Emerging Topics Report, focusing on antimicrobial resistance in companion animal medicine (see story). Nationwide released a study on the prevalence of osteosarcoma in dogs and gave an update on veterinary pricing trends (see story). Michigan State University researchers presented new estimates for the population of shelter dogs (see story). Purdue University researchers released findings on the benefits of service dogs to owners’ emotional well-being (see story).
NAVC news
The 2017 NAVC Conference attracted more than 17,000 attendees and had 425 speakers and 721 exhibiting companies. Among the attendees were 6,834 veterinarians, 1,757 veterinary technicians, 553 practice managers, 314 support staff members, and 722 veterinary and veterinary technology students.
The North American Veterinary Community has renamed the conference as VMX starting in 2018 partly to resolve any confusion between the organization and the conference.
Ahead of the 2017 conference, the NAVC announced the introduction of a new publication, Today’s Veterinary Business, and the acquisition of the Veterinary Advantage publications.
Today’s Veterinary Business will cover topics relating to practice management, marketing, communication strategies, industry news, retailing and merchandising, and financial benchmarks. The first print issue will be available in August.
The Veterinary Advantage publications focus on serving the animal health distribution channel. The NAVC acquisition includes the companion, equine, and livestock editions of Vet-Advantage as well as the Fountain Report, a weekly newsletter for executives.
The 2017-2018 NAVC officers are Drs. Gail Gibson, Skowhegan, Maine, president; K. Leann Kuebelbeck, Brandon, Florida, president-elect; Cheryl Good, Dearborn, Michigan, vice president; Laurel Kaddatz, Pound Ridge, New York, treasurer; and Melinda D. Merck, Austin, Texas, immediate past president. The other members of the board of directors are veterinary technician Paige Allen, West Lafayette, Indiana; veterinary technician Harold Davis, Davis, California; Dr. Sally Haddock, New York City; and Dr. Bob Lester, Harrogate, Tennessee.
Related JAVMA content:
Report explores antimicrobial usage at Banfield hospitals (April 15, 2017)
Analyses delve into osteosarcoma prevalence, veterinary pricing (April 15, 2017)
Research offers new estimates for shelter dog population (April 15, 2017)
Study finds service dogs contribute to owners’ emotional well-being (April 15, 2017)
NAVC holds conference, launches Today’s Veterinary Technician (March 15, 2016)