BSAVA Congress brings profession together

10 April 2018

• President John Chitty heralds BSAVA’s holistic vision to support people as well as professionals throughout every career
• Standing ovation for Congress keynote Nigel Owens MBE
• BSAVA launches Mentoring pilot scheme and digital library, and discusses the profession’s ‘Big Issues’
• Largest event in Europe dedicated to the provision of small animal veterinary CPD

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) launched an inspiring vision of holistic support for the profession at its annual Congress in Birmingham.

Thousands of delegates were encouraged to empower themselves and their teams by thinking more deeply about their careers and personal development, as well as physical and mental health, with activities running throughout the four-day event culminating in non-clinical lecture stream ‘Beyond the Clinics’ and Careers Fair on Sunday.

 

Keynote address

Congress keynote speaker, international rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE, received a standing ovation after an emotional and inspiring address about his struggles and successes both on and off the field, drawing parallels with veterinary professionals by discussing high-pressure decision-making, trusting your judgement and admitting to mistakes.

“Sometimes in life you get opportunities when you least expect them, and the best thing you can do is grasp them with both hands,” he said.

“Giving yourself time to process things, instead of reacting, gives you a better chance of getting it right… when it comes to tackling difficulties, it’s only when you accept there are issues that you need to do something about that they can be put right and you can make a change.”

 

Big issues

The illegal puppy trade, workforce issues relating to Brexit and modernising animal licensing and inspection activities formed this year’s ‘Big Issues’ stream, programmed by Adrienne Conroy, BSAVA Head of Policy, which focused on a range of topical issues, rounded off with a panel discussion and audience engagement.

The theme was: ‘There is nothing permanent except change: change is constant and inevitable’ and the aim was to help the profession understand and tackle the challenges ahead. The stream focused on areas currently undergoing change and the implications for the profession, while highlighting the impact on the wider societal landscape.

 

Mentorship pilot

BSAVA launched a Professional Mentorship pilot scheme to help tackle the rise of recently qualified graduates leaving the profession. Up to 24 second and third year qualified vets will partner with impartial, experienced and supportive mentors to work through seemingly ‘unsolvable’ professional challenges and unlock their potential.

BSAVA is looking for mentees and mentors to participate in the pilot – which counts towards compulsory CPD and aims to cement a successful transition into practice. Ongoing feedback, evaluation and development will help shape the launch of the full programme in 2019.

For more information please visit www.bsava.com/mentorship

 

Congress programme

BSAVA’s commitment to science and education is stronger than ever, with Congress delivering almost 50,000 hours of CPD through a diverse programme of more than 560 lectures from the world’s leading veterinary speakers, plus range of practical, wet lab, small group and ‘Breakfast with a Specialist’ sessions that has expanded to enhance the CPD experience and to meet rising demand.

 

BSAVA Library

Congress saw the launch of the BSAVA library – www.bsavalibrary.com – which makes published content available to the whole veterinary profession (it is not just a member benefit). This includes BSAVA manual chapters, BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice, Companion articles, Congress lectures and much more.

 

President’s view

BSAVA President John Chitty reflected on an “absolutely brilliant” Congress, in particular the organisation’s holistic vision of support being successfully realised.

“Congress continues to be run by the profession, for the profession and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this happen, it is truly inspiring,” he said.

“Our goal is that everyone walks out of Congress feeling better about themselves having had a good time – not just finding out new things, gathering information and learning, but having those personal interactions as a profession – meeting people, celebrating veterinary achievements, putting a smile on our faces and going back to work with new knowledge as well, that’s going to make you feel good.

“BSAVA is determined to support vets and vet nurses as people as well as professionals, encouraging them to spend time on non-clinical skills or realising how to love your vocation – I think there’s been a realisation that it’s not just about the mechanics of the job, it’s about the person too and if you’re not working as a person you cannot function as a professional.”

 

Global exhibition

Congress’s exhibitor village was more global than ever, with ground-breaking ideas and pioneering technology to help shape the future of veterinary science.

At a time of challenge and change for the profession, this year’s showcase was the beating heart of innovation, with the launch of inspiring new companies, products and services from around the world, and an opportunity to engage face-to-face with hundreds of industry partners.

Evidence-based scientific endeavour remains the cornerstone of BSAVA’s provision, and the organisation moved to an eye-catching new double-decked stand at the centre of the exhibition floor to engage with delegates – including showcasing the new library and the variety of content that comes with membership – and selling the full range of BSAVA publications including around 40 manuals.

 

BSAVA Awards

It was a time to recognise veterinary excellence, with the BSAVA Awards honouring the profession’s outstanding individuals who help to advance scientific knowledge, develop new techniques and constantly raise the standards of veterinary science to improve animal welfare. The new Bourgelat Stream with this year’s winner Clarence Rawlings was hugely popular.

 

Sustainability

BSAVA is committed to embedding the drive towards greater sustainability into its ethos, and worked on several projects in the past year, some implemented at Congress 2017 and some new for 2018. These include redistributing excess lunch bags to local homeless charities, donating surplus stationery to underfunded schools, reformatting print materials so they are 100% recyclable, investing in technology that offers a sustainable alternative and the introduction of a reusable UK-made sports bottle for delegates in an aim to move away from single use plastics.

BSAVA became the first signature for the ‘Learning Without Landfill’ pledge, aiming to reduce the organisation’s and Congress’s carbon footprint.

 

Social programme

Congress is an important event in the social calendar, giving professionals the opportunity to meet old friends and new, network and let their hair down with an exciting agenda throughout the four-day event, including a new movie night, V18 indoor music festival and banquet.

 

Head of Congress’s view

Head of Congress, Angharad Belcher said: “Congress continues to evolve with the sole aim of providing unrivalled opportunities for the whole profession to be inspired, challenging status quo and demonstrating that we are one community whose impact on animal and human health is immense.

“For the team, our volunteers and suppliers who have worked tirelessly, thank you. It’s been incredible to see the collaboration and support so many new initiatives that will generate positive change for years to come.  We can’t wait to build on this for 2019.”