Update from the Director

The view from the Director’s office

OASV, OAPV, OABP, OVMA, SRVO – these are just a few of the conferences that I and other AHL veterinarians have attended this fall or will be attending in early winter. It seems to be the season for conferences, and what a great time to network with colleagues and learn new information from researchers and updates from a wide range of veterinary professionals. Conferences and meetings are so important in supporting continuing education, and indeed, is a requirement for maintenance of CVO licensure and most specialty boards accreditations. I always leave a conference re-energized by new ideas that stimulate further reading, discussion or investigation.

So important is continuing education in maintaining ongoing competency as a clinician or veterinary specialist that it forms one of the criteria for annual performance evaluation of AHL veterinarians. Fortunately, one of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic is the availability of on-line webinars and meetings that make continuing education opportunities less expensive and less time-consuming than in the past. I hope that you have the opportunity to engage with other veterinary professionals and to gain some valuable insights at a meeting / conference / webinar near you.

Best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful and memorable holiday season!

Maria Spinato, Director

Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.