Popular Purdue Veterinary Conference Draws Over 1,000 Attendees

Veterinary professionals traveled from near and far to attend the 2018 Purdue Veterinary Conference September 18-22 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus. A total of 1,006 attendees from 30 states registered for the conference, including 276 veterinarians; 148 veterinary technicians; 155 PVM faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti; 176 students; and 105 other guests.  Additionally, the Exhibit Hall in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom was staffed by 79 exhibitor representatives and served as a popular break location with interactive displays, giveaways, refreshments, and engaging conversation.

Conference sessions were led by 67 speakers who conducted 118 continuing education (CE) sessions.  Tracks included small animal, swine, ruminant, professional development and communication, exotics, APHIS modules, emergency preparedness, and topics of interest to veterinary nurses.  Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops, one focusing on communications and the other titled, “Necropsy Tips and Tricks.”

In addition to offering a solid line-up of general sessions, the conference included special lectures on diversity in veterinary medicine and veterinary wellness, as well as the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton Lecture, which was delivered by Dr. Kate Creevy, the lead veterinarian for the Dog Aging Project.  The Dog Aging Project studies aging and age-related disease in thousands of companion animals throughout the country with the goal of identifying the genetic and environmental factors that shape variation in health span and lifespan, and asks whether canine health span can be increased through pharmacological interventions.

The public also had a chance to participate in the conference by attending the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture Tuesday evening, September 18.  Dr. Sally Irvin, the founder of the Indiana Canine Assistant Network spoke about the role of assistance dogs in healing.  Entitled, “What Prisoners’ Dogs and People with Disabilities Tell Us About the Healing Role of Assistance Dogs,” the free public lecture was held in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall.

The conference doubles as the College’s homecoming and also featured special events celebrating PVM’s outstanding alumni, faculty, and supporters. The Awards Celebration held Wednesday evening, September 19, honored nine awardees, including several faculty members and distinguished alumni. Additionally, the Meet Me @ the Mixer on Thursday evening, September 20, featured entertainment by the Purduettes and provided an opportunity for conference attendees to mix and mingle.  As part of the reception, Dean Willie Reed recognized reunion classes, and in particular honored the Golden Anniversary Class of 1968 and the Silver Anniversary DVM Class of 1993.

Bookending the conference week were two fun recreational outings.  Golfers and golfer-wannabes were able to enjoy the September sunshine while raising funds for scholarships and the support of student activities at the annual Indiana Animal Health Foundation/PVM Golf Outing Tuesday, September 18.  The Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog on Saturday, September 22, capped-off the week, with PVM faculty, staff, students, and alumni as well as community residents and their canine companions participating in the 5K fun run/walk that began and ended in front of Lynn Hall. The event finished just in time for everyone to migrate across campus for the Purdue Homecoming and tailgating festivities that took place around Ross-Ade Stadium and along Stadium Mall prior to the football game against Boston College.

The conference was made possible with the generous support of Banfield Pet Hospital, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Nutrena, Purina Veterinary Diets, Elanco, Zoetis, Coyne Veterinary Services, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.

Look for more detailed stories in next week’s Vet Gazette on the conference’s special events.