Going to conferences

[pressmom]

So I was wondering if anyone on here has gone to a conference for boarded specialists and how they were received as DVM student. If anyone has specific experience going to ACVR, I'd especially love to hear about it.

I'm asking because I'm doing this research project this summer, and my mentor just asked me if I'd like to present with her at ACVR in the fall, and I have a couple of days to decide. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time!

Thanks for your input, as always, everyone!

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[rexosaurus]

GO FOR IT!!! I know nothing about ACVR, but I have full confidence in you!

 

[JIKJen124]

I'm going to my first in September and I can't wait! I too would say go for it! It'll be an awesome opportunity to see, learn and network.

 

[SillyFilly]

You get 'em, girl! That is AWESOME!

 

[alliecat44]

I attended the 2005 ACVIM conference. The neurologist I worked with at the time was the chair/organizer of the neurology section. I got to attend every single specialist session (on neuro)--it was AWESOME. At the time, I was just a technician. ACVIM has a tech program as well--not sure how extensive ACVR's is, because they're smaller--but as a tech, therefore, I wasn't out of place (though I was only hanging out with neurologists and internists the whole time).

I gathered up the guts to go to the "Residents' Review" in neuroradiology. This was a 3-hour session specially for neurology residents going over MRIs, myelograms, CTs, and radiographs. It was way cool--and I even got up the guts to participate in the discussion/answer some questions (correctly!). IT(!)was fantqastic and everyone was really accepting--but for that particularsession, I turned my nametag around.

Anyways, I say go for it--you'll have a fabulous time. My impression was that they LOVE vet students. The radiologists in general are a pretty laid-back bunch, too--so I'm sure they'd be great to hang out with.

Oh, I also attended some sessions at one of the ACVS conferences. Even though surgeons are notoriously type-A and whatnot, nobody cared that "just" a technician was sitting in n some lectures. Have fun!!!!

 

[StealthDog]

I haven't been to a conference for boarded specialists, but I did attend the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association conference last year. Everyone was so friendly and excited to see students there, and we were welcomed into conversations. The networking was great too!

I say go for it, and enjoy yourself!

 

[LVT2DVM]

I agree with Alliecat. As a tech, Ive been to NAVC, ACVIM, ACVS and AVMA and all specialist, residents, students have been super supportive. Like Alliecat, I was a little apprehensive and intimidated and would try and "hide" my nametag, but after I talked to a couple of people they just couldnt be more accepting of people (IMO). After all everyone is there to learn and no one can fault you for that. Dont miss this opportunity (especially for FREE!) Radiology rocks!

 

[PAThbrd]

DO IT!!!

Go to every single conference you have the opportunity to go to, specialty or not. They are often really cheap or free for students, and most welcome you with open arms and appreciate the fact that you are taking an interest in their field so early in your career. Ive been to AAEP twice, to AVMA, SAVMA, and am hoping to go to ACVS this year. I found that it really helps put a practical application to the stuff you learn in class and makes you realize that you've learned and retained a helluva lot more info from class than you thought you did.

 

[JIKJen124]

When is ACVS? I think my fall quarter finals once again get in the way of AAEP... Annoying but life I guess.

YAY FOR FINALLY BEING DONE

 

[PAThbrd]

ACVS is October 23-25 (with the 22nd being wet labs) in San Diego http://www.acvs.org/Symposium/

The schedule looks pretty sweet with some awesome equine lectures. Im pretty sure its going to be our quarter 1 finals, which sucks big time as I really wanted to go. Hoping to go to AAEP, although our 3rd years traditionally have trouble getting there. We have a new dean of academic something (dont remember his title) and hes really supportive, so hopefully he'll fight for us to be able to go.

 

[pressmom]

I think I am going to go! I have to talk to the dean first about missing class, though, so I'm trying not to get my heart too set on it, but I think it will work out. Woo hoo!!