By Neil Thompson
In December 2023, I had the privilege of attending the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual conference in San Diego, a gathering that brought together horse doctors from around the world to delve into the latest advancements in equine technology, practice, and innovation.
There was an exhibit hall with companies hocking their wares (one company was selling a horse massager). There were session talks. Pretty standard.
What wasn’t so standard was the amount of interaction during the session talks.
One session that particularly stood out was focused on orthobiologics (biological substances used for musculoskeletal regeneration) and their application to horses.
What made this session unique was the extensive audience participation. Led by two knowledgeable veterinarians, Drs. Kyla Ortved and Lauren Schnabel, the session featured a dynamic Q&A format where the vets took turns presenting cases, then a microphone circulated among the audience to ask questions about the cases. This interactive approach provided a platform for attendees to share their experiences and challenges regarding the use of orthobiologics in equine patients. A surprising revelation for me was the prevalence of cartilage lesions in horses. My first employer was developing an implant for cartilage lesions in humans, so I was intrigued to learn about similar issues afflicting horses.
Another noteworthy session, led by vets Drs. Stephanie Bell and Nikki Scherrer, focused on equine ophthalmology, addressing eye-related issues faced by horses. Uveitis, a condition discussed in detail, prompted numerous questions from the audience, revealing the shared challenges veterinarians encounter in their daily practice.
A compelling panel comprised recent veterinary program graduates, delving into the importance of internships and externships. Attendees, mainly veterinary students, gained valuable insights into the challenges these graduates faced during their training, emphasizing the significant impact of internships on professional development. The panel stressed the noticeable difference between veterinarians with and without internship experiences, highlighting the accelerated growth and preparedness of those who had undergone such training.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of mentorship and managing mental health during internships. The panelists emphasized the significance of pursuing activities that bring joy during downtime, acknowledging the stress and steep learning curve associated with internships.
The panel was followed by an internship/externship fair, where the students could interact with those looking to hire interns and externs. The AAEP annual conference proved to be an immersive experience, providing a comprehensive overview of the advancements in equine science, technology, and innovation. The dynamic sessions, interactive panels, and diverse exhibitors collectively contributed to a day filled with insights, leaving attendees inspired and informed about the ever-evolving landscape of equine medicine.
SANDSWA 