| WSAVA - a history of CE provision In the early 1990s, members of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Executive Board had an idea that the best way to provide excellence in small animal medicine for the central and eastern European region was to share the technological advances and know-how of practitioners around the world, regardless of socio-political situation. The whole project was set up after the first national associations of Central Europe joining the WSAVA in Rome 1992. The then President of WSAVA, Dr Andrew Edney, carried out a great deal of early investigative work, progressing from common ideas with Dr. Jacques Drape. Then, in 1992 at the WSAVA World Congress in Rome, the path towards achieving the goal was laid under the guidance of Honorary Secretary Dr. Steve Ettinger. At that time the Czech and Slovak Small Animal Veterinary Association (CSSAVA) was joining the WSAVA under the representation of Dr. Gabriel Varga, the current WSAVA Immediate Past President, along with the Hungarian SAVA, represented by Melinda Magdus; and the countries of that part of Europe were very keen to enhance their knowledge.
For participants, there were (and some of them still are) limited resources to travel to CE meetings. Locally, it was not yet possible to organise and finance workshops and the WSAVA lacked contacts in these regions. Consequently, the decision was made to cut costs by bringing the speakers to the people rather than the people to the speakers. Following the WSAVA Board meeting in Prague, January 1993, the very first meeting to be held in a post-communist country, the first WSAVA Continuing Education (CE) conference was held October 1993. The veterinarians from three central European countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia) were educated in the subjects of practice management and dermatology by Drs. Gabor Vajda and Didier Carlotti. From its first success in a small region of Central Europe, WSAVA CE has continued to expand into many regions of the world and now includes over 26 countries in Asia, Europe, Central and Latin America, with over 4200 delegates attending the events in on a yearly basis. This global project cannot do without a kind contribution of the local WSAVA representatives acting as our local organisers nor without the regional co-ordinators – Drs Clarke, Brauner and Tello. Our great thanks goes to our sponsoring companies, for their long term partnership and generous support over this whole 11 years period – Bayer, Hill’s, Intervet, Waltham. Continuing Education Committee - An update of the past years' activities Successful WSAVA stream during The North American Veterinary Conference (TNAVC) 2008
The WSAVA partnered up with affiliate member TNAVC to host a stream on soft-tissue surgery during the last TNAVC Congress in Orlando. In addition to impeccable organization, huge attendee numbers, and excellent social and exhibitor programs, TNAVC also delivers a solid scientific program. On Wednesday January 23, the WSAVA sponsored a stream on soft-tissue surgery and the attendance was enormous. The large room was filled completely (more than 300 people) to see Dr. Ron Bright and Dr. Gary Ellison perform at their best. After useful tips on intestinal surgery, gastric-dilatation-torsion (GDV's) were discussed in detail. Did you realize that feeding a dog from an elevation increases the chance of GDV's in large-breed dogs? Many more need-to-know facts were elucidated during the exciting morning program. In the afternoon, skin surgery was presented in a clinical and humorous way. Last but not least ,15 minute topics including using the omentum and suction to improve healing of difficult wounds finished a wonderful day. The day was chaired by the vice president of the WSAVA, Prof Jolle Kirpensteijn, who could not resist to add a couple of remarks towards the speakers and the topics too. Thanks to our close cooperation with the TNAVC, the WSAVA was able to reach a large audience of American practitioners and introduce our common goals. South Africa CE Report – Lawson Cairns
My objective for 2007 was to provide CE for veterinarians in regions not currently serviced by the various excellent CE programs provided by drug companies, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), and National Veterinary Clinical Groups. It should be understood from the outset that in the poorer economic and social areas, the main veterinary activities are focused on economically important animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and (on a different level) wild life. WSAVA CE activities complemented existing programs while taking into account the change that is occurring from large animal to the companion animal practice. It was therefore deemed important to try and “whet the veterinary appetite” companion animal practice and the satisfaction it can bring. Additionally, in the developing countries a large portion of the veterinary population is in the state service but could eventually provide the companion animal services, especially once their education is updated. I would like to pay tribute to the assistance which Intervet has provided - both financially and logistically for WSAVA CE in South Africa. Also, I have worked closely with Animal Aid for Africa (AAA) who had been providing CE for some years now and their willingness to share all their know-how has been of mutual benefit to each of us and more especially to the veterinarians in our region. The SAVA has an African Continuing Professional Development Forum that meets once or twice per year and that includes the WSAVA, WVA Commonwealth Association, and AAA who work cooperatively to assist one another. 2007 CE Activities • 7th - 11th June – Kenya
Prof. Fred Reyers flew to Kenya to travel together with an Intervet-affiliated company and addressed in excess of 300 veterinarians on the subject of “Rabies” and then spent a considerable amount of time answering questions on many diverse subjects. The area covered in travel between venues was large and I want to thank Intervet for allowing us to “tag along” and covering travel and accommodation expenses. • 27 – 28th June - Animal Aid for Africa
AAA ran a two-day seminar in Johannesburg attended by 45 veterinarians from the Republic of South Africa and other countries in the region. WSAVA provided 500 Dollars in sponsorship. Virbac brought in Dr. Helen Zulch to provide a presentation on “Aspects of Dermatology”. Excellent colour notes were handed out and were very well received. • 9th – 10th September – Madelane in RSA/border Mozambique, Swaziland
AFVAC, in conjunction with AAA, sponsored Christian Demon who addressed the students at the university in Madagascar as well as 16 practitioners. The plans are for a full congress next year with better attendance expected. This is a very poor country but there are a number of very wealthy residents and we have seen a companion animal clinic built, which will contribute to the much needed welfare of companion animals. • 30th September
Intervet supported lectures and lunch for 20 veterinarians and students who drove up from Mozambique as well as 10 Veterinarians from Swaziland. A few local State veterinarians also were in attendance. The effort made by these attendees to travel in difficult circumstances to attend this type of meeting must never be under estimated. Dr. Lobetti lectured on “Liver and skin”, and Dr. Viljoen lectured on “Eye Diseases”. I have received several letters of thanks and enthusiasm for the meeting and enthusiasm for the next series of CE lectures on anesthesia and pain control. • 25th – 26th October - Veterinary Association of Namibia (VAN)
VAN held their annual congress at the Swakopmund Hotel and Conference Centre. 80 veterinarians attended which was a phenomenal turn-out for such a large country with a population of only 2.5 million. Their interest and enthusiasm was great. Dr. Martin Briggs addressed the group for 3 hours on “Aspects of Dermatology”. My attendance was to both introduce Dr. Briggs on behalf of WSAVA as well as to welcome VAN to WSAVA on behalf of Dr. Romberg our president as VAN’s membership was ratified in Sydney. VAN is a very well organized and motivated group. With the exception of the Madelane trip it has not been possible to do purely WSAVA lecture courses so my efforts have focused on combining WSAVA CE speakers/lectures with already organized CE events. This has worked very well for us and has meant that a large number of veterinarians have been assisted by WSAVA CE efforts without spending large sums of money. Southern Africa has a very limited WSAVA CE; despite this, we have managed to provide CE assistance to 471 Veterinarians at an average cost of $12.50 per person. However, it will be hard to continue at our current budget and so would welcome any donations, which will be directly applied to CE programs (see planned events below) that will benefit the welfare of pets and vets in the Southern African regions. My grateful thanks to BSAVA, AFVAC, and NACAM (Netherlands Association of Companion Animal Medicine) who have already agreed to help. Plans for the next year (funds permitting) are to repeat a day or weekend at Malelane for Mozambique, Swazi, and local State veterinarians, rovide a speaker for Madagascar’s Congress via AFVAC, repeat trip to Kenya but spending more time in Nairobi, support Mozambique congress with a lecturer if this event does indeed take place, and to expand contacts in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and anywhere else. WSAVA CE in South America – Luis Tello
In fall of 2007, the Uruguay’s Small Animal Veterinary Association (SUVEPA) held their CE program for 2007. The speaker was Carlos Larsson, professor of dermatology at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Larsson delivered 6 hours of CE about the most critical issues in small animal’s dermatology: pyoderma, immune-mediated diseases (e.g., Lupus and Pemphigus), and the current diagnoses and treatment of allergic diseases. 110 veterinarians were in attendance along with a small number of students, and the CE program was very topical due to the high incidence of dermatological diseases in the country. Some practitioners estimate that around 30% of the case load in private practice is due to skin problems. Thanks to our sponsors Bayer, Hill’s, and Intervet who also had company representatives in attendance. In April 2008 Dr. Jesus Ramirez, Professor at the University Autonoma of Mexico, will lecture on soft-tissue surgery for veterinarians from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Dr Ramirez is well-known within Latin American countries and has already lectured in almost every country in the region. He has a vast experience in the field of surgery, having trained at different universities and specialist centers in USA and Europe. The tour is already organized and we wish Dr Ramirez the best experience during his South American Tour. WSAVA CE in Asia – Roger Clarke
Taiwan February 2007
Dr Graeme Allen, a registered specialist in Radiology and ultrasound who practices in Sydeny Australia was the guest speaker for the WSAVA CE lecures in Taipei, Taiwan, hosted by the TVMA and sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. The lectures were held in a large youth venue in Taipei known at “17” and Dr Allen spoke to over 200 Taiwan vets on various aspects of ultrasonography and radiology. The lectures were well received and the WSAVA program is now an accepted part of the TVMA annual scientific meeting. Malaysia and Thailand March 2007
The Convener of WSAVA CE in Asia, Dr Roger Clarke visited Malaysia and Thailand in March 2007 to speak to the veterinary practitioners and veterinary students on various common soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical procedures. Dr Clarke is a registered specialist small animal surgeon in Australia and a fellow of the Australian College of veterinary scientists (FACVSc) in small animal surgery, and has spoken in Malaysia and Thailand on several occasions. Both these countries are progressing well with organizing local CE and are very supportive of the WSAVA CE program. This lecture tour reached approximately 300 veterinarians. Sri Lanka, June - July 2007
The WSAVA CE program assisted a visit to Sri Lanka's University of Peradenaya Veterinary School in Kandy, by Dr. A. D. J. (Dave) Watson formerly of the University of Sydney, Australia. The visit was jointly funded by the WSAVA CE program sponsored by Bayer, Hill’s, and Intervet and the Australian small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA). The host Association was the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, continuing education program. Dr. Watson spoke to both final year students and practitioners over an extended period of 5 weeks in June and July. His lectures were on problem-oriented medicine, fluid therapy, renal disease, and antibiotic therapy.
During these lectures contact was made with approximately 200 students and 100 practitioners and field workers. Dr Watson generously donated his time free of charge.
Dr Watson's visit is part of an ongoing program to assist Sri Lankan vets commenced by the Commonwealth Veterinary Association in 2006. We hope that the WSAVA and ASAVA can continue to help this program. China, September 2007
Dr Colin Dunlop, a veterinary anaesthetics specialist from Australia was the Guest speaker at the China WSAVA CE program sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. Dr Dunlop commenced the lecture tour in Beijing on September 14th where he spoke to the Beijing SAVA (BJSAVA) and them went to Shanghai to speak to the members of the Shanghai SAVA (SHSAVA) and in Shenzen to the Guangdong vets (GDSAVA). Before returning to Australia, Colin also spoke to the Hong Kong vets at an evening seminar. Anaesthesia is critical to the performance of high quality small animal surgery and on this tour, Dr Dunlop reached an audience of over 500 Chinese vets and Colin concentrated on introductory inhalation anesthesia, a field that needs development in Asia.
Dr Colin Dunlop is a diplomate of the ACVA and a Fellow of the ACVSc and a registered specialist in small animal anaesthesia who works in specialist practice in Sydney Australia. Colin is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker and he also manages a commercial business providing anaesthetic equipment to the veterinary profession in Australia. India, December 2007
Following the success of this tour Colin kindly consented to speak in India in December 2007. Colin was accompanied in India by his wife, Dr Georgina Child, a registered specialist veterinary neurologist. Dr Georgina Child is a Diplomate of the ACVIM and is engaged in referral specialist practice in Sydney, Australia.
The Indian tour commenced in Delhi on 1st and 2nd December at a combined meeting of the newly formed Federation of Small Animal Practitioners Association of India (FSAPAI), hosted by at the Delhi Small Animal Veterinary Association. This was followed by the WSAVA CE program hosted by the Pet Practitioners of Mumbai (PPAM) and sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. The 2 day meeting was a great success attended by over 200 Indian vets. On their return to Australia via Mumbai the speakers kindly gave a short seminar at the Bombay University Veterinary School (founded 1886) the oldest and first Vet School in India. The lectures were given in the newly refurbished but antique lecture theatre at the school and they were very well received. The speakers were thanked by Dr Sunita Patel, the President of PPAM, the first woman president of this association. The Convener of WSAVA CE in Asia, Dr Roger Clarke, accompanied and assisted the speakers on this occasion. Dr Clarke welcomes any indications of interest from experienced lecturers who would be willing participants in this worthwhile program. He can be contacted at: rogerclarke@pobox.com Morocco – January 2008 – Prof Hassan Bouayad
Through the support of WSAVA, the AMVAC held a CE course on cardiology in Rabat, Morocco January 11-12, 2008. The delegates were very interested and satisfied. We are very thankful to the WSAVA for its help and support.
Through WSAVA we would like to thank the president of AFVAC, Dr Carlotti, the president of GECA, Dr Rousselot, and our speakers, Dr. Drouard and Dr. Collet, for all they did to ensure the success of this event.
On behalf of the AMVAC committee and all the delegates, we would like to thank all of you and we are looking forward to organizing future CE sessions in order to improve veterinary practice in Morocco.
Attached is a picture of the speakers, the delegates and the AMVAC committee taken after the lecture.
|
|
