29th WSAVA/10th FECAVA/7th HVMS Congress Highlights
From October 6 - 9, 2004, close to 2300 congress delegates from 60 countries came together to enjoy Grecian hospitality amidst the blue skies and waters of historic Rhodes while partaking in unsurpassed continuing education.
From the opening ceremonies, which featured welcome addresses from many dignitaries followed by a "musical journey in the Mediterranean sea" by Nadia Weinberg and her orchestra, to the closing ceremonies 3 days later, there was literally something for everyone - whether you were a veterinarian, student, or accompanying guest. The true cultural and scientific diversity of our profession was highlighted by a continuing education program that featured over 220 lectures covering 23 different disciplines from almost 100 speakers hailing from more than 20 different countries representing every continent but Antarctica. Social programs highlighted Greek culture including fine Grecian cuisine and lively entertainment. A special thank you from the congress organizers to Gold Sponsors Waltham/Royal Canin and Pfizer.
WSAVA Assembly meeting
Dr. Gabriel Varga began his final speech as WSAVA president with a tribute and a moments silence to Professor Akira Takeuchi, a valued colleague and past WSAVA president who had passed away several weeks prior to the assembly meeting. Dr. Varga's speech on the "Globalization of Veterinary Medicine" is aptly reflected by the WSAVA's membership roster which represents 67 member countries and affiliate associations. This year's assembly granted membership to 7 new full or associate member countries, including Bangladesh, Beijing (China), Iran, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Albania, and Jamaica, and the Eastern States Veterinary Association (host of the NAVC) as an affiliate member. Dr Varga's closing comment of "strength by collaboration and friendship" reflected the mood of all present. During the updates on future congresses, there was a rousing round of applause for Dr. Parntep Ratanacorn, chair of the 2003 "East meets West" Bangkok Congress in celebration of having received Thailand's "Best International Conference Award" for 2003. The assembly meeting was highlighted with the 'changing of the guards' that saw Dr. Larry Dee (USA) assume the duties of president and Dr. Brian Romberg (South Africa) move to the position of president elect. Dr. David Wadsworth (UK) was instilled as vice president, turning his seat as secretary over to newly appointed board member Dr. Anne Sorensen (Denmark), with Dr. Terry Lake (British Columbia, Canada) remaining in his position as WSAVA treasurer.
2004 WSAVA Award Winners
WSAVA WALTHAM International Award for Scientific Achievement
This award is based on outstanding contributions by a veterinarian who has had a significant impact on the advancement of knowledge concerning the cause, detection, cure and/or control of disorders of companion animals.
Dr. Marc Vandevelde is a diplomate of the ECVN and currently is director of the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bern. He has published approximately 200 scientific articles. His special interests include the pathogenesis of infectious diseases of the nervous system, neuropathology, neurovirology, and neuroimmunology.
WSAVA WALTHAM Service to the Profession Award
The Award is given to a person who has given exemplary service in fostering and enhancing the exchange of scientific and cultural ideas throughout the veterinary small animal world.
Dr. Oscar Resburgo is director of a private small animal clinic in Buenos Aires and his interest and expertise in hip dysplasia accorded him the distinction of being appointed as the only official radiologist in Argentina by the German Shepherd Breeder Association. He has been a long-standing and active volunteer within the WSAVA, including president of the XXIII WSAVA Congress in Buenos Aires (1998) and providing the Spanish translation for the various WSAVA news items. He is currently the national representative of Argentina at WSAVA.
WSAVA Iams Patsaama Award
This award is presented to a clinical researcher for excellence in the field of canine and feline orthopedic medicine and surgery.
Dr. Gail Smith is professor of orthopaedic surgery and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has contributed to the literature with more than 150 research articles, book chapters, and proceedings, and founded PennHIP in 1993, an evidence-based method of diagnosing hip dysplasia via radiography.
WSAVA Hills Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award
This award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting companion animal healthcare and the family pet/veterinary bond through a special sensitivity to both clients and patients using leading edge clinical nutrition and advanced medical and surgery techniques.
Dr. Tony Buffington is Professor of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and has authored more than 60 scientific publications and 20 book chapters. Dr. Buffington's research has focused on feline idiopathic cystitis and the role of neuroendocrine and stress factors in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Future Congresses
Mexico City, Mexico - May 11-14, 2005
As mentioned in last month's WSAVA News, preparations are well underway for next year's congress, which takes place in Mexico City, Mexico from May 11-14, 2005. The congress will be WSAVA's 30th world congress, the 2nd Iberoamerican (FIAVAC) congress, and the 26th AMMVEPE National Congress. Dr. Raul Carranca. Chair of the congress organizing committee invites everyone to visit the congress website (www.wsava2005.com) to view the preliminary scientific and social programs, and to register online.
Dublin, Ireland - August, 2008
As part of the assembly meeting, bids for future congresses are presented and voted upon with the Veterinary Ireland Companion Animal Society (VICAS) winning the opportunity to host the 2008 WSAVA Congress in Dublin. Ireland. As so eloquently stated by those presenting the congress bid, "This congress will carry a special flavour of enthusiasm and individual effort that will make your stay in Ireland not only enjoyable, but one that will further develop your practice skills and knowledge."
Additional Congress Locations & Dates to Remember
Prague Congress Centre - Prague, Czech Republic: October 11-14, 2006 (www.wsava2006.cz)
Sydney Convention Centre - Sydney, Australia: August 26-29, 2007
