49th ASAV Annual Conference together with Veterinary Business Group wrap up
23 Aug 2024
The 49th ASAV Annual Conference together with the Veterinary Business Group saw 396 veterinary professionals including 248 veterinarians gathered under one roof at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort from Monday 12 – Thursday 15 August 2024.
The conference had something for everyone, including a wonderful scientific program, a world class industry exhibition and unrivalled collegiality. The conference wasn’t just an opportunity to learn, but a chance to help steer the future of small animal veterinary and business practice.
Day one started strongly with the Royal Canin Breakfast – 'Acute & chronic enteropathies, fat & fibre responsive … which diet for what GI conditions & why' with Dr Luke Johnston.
Dr Phil Brain kept the ball rolling with 3 sessions focused on coughing and pulmonary hypertension, Dr Belinda Hopper shared her expertise on canine heart failure and Dr Chris Lam followed up with interventional treatment modalities for Mitral Valve Disease.
All attendees enjoyed a bustling exhibition opening night with thanks to our generous conference sponsors.
Day 2 began with the Hill’s Pet Nutrition session “Skin deep: Navigating allergic skin disease” and Dr Dani Hoolihan set the stage for a full day of learning.
Key sessions included Dr Luke Johnston's talk on respiratory noise and character and Dr Belinda Hopper's deep dive into imaging and interpreting lungs.
The afternoon featured discussions on aerodigestive disorders and mediastinum diseases, with Dr Karen Jackson wrapping up with insights into pleural effusion clinical pathology.
The ASAV Annual Meeting & Members' Forum was an inclusive gathering open to members and non-members who are interested in finding out more about ASAV. The ASAV Executive Committee provided updates on projects and plans in the coming months.
The day concluded with a lively beach party which delivered a memorable mix of good times and great company, all kindly sponsored by VetPay.
The ASAV Recent Graduate Dinner saw graduates from the classes of 2020-2023 gathering to catch up and share their early experiences in the profession. This event was generously sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Bank of Queensland.
Day 3 offered a mix of deep insights and vibrant celebrations - from the Bank of Queensland Breakfast 'The outlook for Australia's economy' with Peter Munckton and Colin Taylor, through to the Rio Carnival themed ASAV & VBG Awards Gala Dinner, honouring excellence in our field.
It was fabulous to see so many of our conference delegates dress up for the occasion as they embraced the vibrant and exhilarating spirit of a 'Rio Carnival'. With special thanks to Guild Insurance and Vets Choice for their generous sponsorship.
This special night honoured the outstanding achievements within our veterinary profession, as we present the ASAV & VBG Awards celebrating excellence, leadership, innovation and dedication.
In between breakfast and dinner, it was a day full of engaging sessions with Dr Chris Lam providing critical updates on feline cardiology and diet associated DCM, while Dr Cheryl Fry’s two-part workshop emphasised the importance of creating positive workplace cultures.
After celebrating late into the night, delegates were rewarded the next day with the sun finally making an appearance and proving that the Sunshine Coast truly lives up to its name!
We started the final day with a Vetoquinol Sponsored Breakfast – 'How to minimise stress for cats coming to the clinic and during hospitalisation' with Dr Rachel Korman.
This was followed by Geoff Wilson's fascinating talk on polar survival’s relevance to veterinary science and the inspiring VetLove story.
Chris Lam provided valuable insights into feline cardiomyopathies and aortic thromboembolism, while Cheryl Fry guided us through managing strong emotions in the workplace. The day concluded with Tania Carmody-Gover's session on enhancing practice profitability.
Congratulations to the 2024 ASAV and VBG Award Winners:
2024 ASAV Scientific Excellence Award Winner - Dr Anne Peaston
John Holt Distinguished Service Award for 2024 - Dr Alistair Webb
ASAV Roger Clarke Practitioner of the Year 2024 - Dr Georgina Child
ASAV Student Scholarships - Hwaylee Downey, University of Melbourne
Atwell Award – Best Case Report– Christine Lovatt
Atwell Award – Best Original Study - Courtney Reddrop
Best Stand Award – Zebra Vet
Accredited Veterinary Hospital Scheme
Re-Accredited Hospitals:
- Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney
- Vasse Veterinary Hospital
- Glen Iris Veterinary Hospital
- Kippax Veterinary Hospital
- Mayfield Veterinary Hospital
- Parap Veterinary Hospital
- Whitehorse Veterinary Hospital