Submitted by: Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
As I sit here cuddling with one of my patients at work, I’m taking some time to reflect on my first month as President of the AAFP. Going on the assumption that the marauding cuddler doesn’t erase my work, I’m putting these reflections to paper.
We certainly hit the ground running this January, starting with attendance at the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC) and very quickly following up with VMX in Orlando. The VLC was a great way to get to know more about myself, and how to hone my leadership skills. During one of our sessions, we were asked to write down what we thought our purpose was. It might seem a little Pollyanna to some, but I did not hesitate when I wrote down “to improve the lives of cats.” My purpose is true. I’ve been passionate about helping cats since before I can remember. As I take up the elected position of president of the AAFP, this also happens to be very convenient. The AAFP is an organization whose mission is to support its members in improving the health and welfare of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. I’m feeling pretty lucky!
Our VMX meeting included a feline-specific AAFP Track and Cat Chats education in our booth. It was also a whirlwind of gatherings with our various industry partners. The energy in the room during these meetings is always visionary. It seems our industry partners are just as jazzed up about cats as we are! Working collaboratively, we have been working on ongoing programs and brainstorming new projects to help our members, conference attendees, and of course, cats. We have some great offerings coming your way in 2020!
We are also excited to be providing some new & innovative continuing education opportunities. Our virtual eConference is coming up April 6, featuring topics on anesthesia with Dr. Sheilah Robertson and behaviour with Dr. Sarah Heath. Not signed up yet? Click here to learn more. We are also thrilled to be launching our new Cat Friendly Certificate programs in early spring. Our certificates will provide individuals with the opportunity to solidify their knowledge of feline medicine and Cat Friendly care. The plans for our fall conference are also shaping up beautifully. The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Head and Neck.’ Not just about dentistry, we’ll explore a myriad of feline health conditions affecting systems of the head and neck, including neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, respiratory, oncology, imaging, emergency and critical care, pain management, feeding tubes, surgery and more. This is one conference you won’t want to miss!
We have also put together a 2019 Annual Report so you can see all of the programs and projects we have been working on to advance our mission and implement our strategic goals and objectives. Please check it out – click here.
As we move forward into 2020, I encourage you to get involved with the AAFP. Membership is rewarding, but imagine the fulfillment of contributing to a committee, task force, or council. Perhaps you even have your eye on a place on the board of directors. In order to bring big ideas to fruition, and to create new ones, the AAFP needs you. Please contact the office to learn more.
One of the things I have always loved about the AAFP is how progressive and forward moving it is. When it comes to cats’ lives, they-WE-never rest. I know that is true about our members, too. There is always so much energy and excitement when we gather, so much energy and excitement from the great things we share. I know we all take that energy back to our practices and places of work, where we share our enthusiasm with our coworkers and put ideas into action to further improve the lives of cats. I’m looking forward to working hard in 2020, so that we can bring together even more energy, and more excitement. With all of this coming our way, it looks to me like the future of cats has never been brighter!
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline)