Submitted by: Lauren Demos, BVMS, HonsBSc
We are now halfway through 2017. It’s been a busy few months for me and I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the recent and upcoming AAFP happenings. As warmer months approach, it is hard to think of Fall, but if you are thinking of attending the 2017 Conference, you should make your plans now. This year’s conference will be held in Denver, an ever popular, outdoor-oriented city. Please be sure to take the time to investigate and explore: the city has a fine variety of excellent museums and restaurants, in addition to being in a central location with some fantastic mountain views.
Conference registration is open; please note that attendance will be slightly more limited than prior year’s events (though the speaker lineup and excellent CE opportunities are not!) Therefore, register early if you are interested in attending. Speakers and topics have been confirmed, and explore the scientific and social program here. This will also represent the last year before we move into larger venues and exhibit halls- so enjoy rubbing shoulders with all your fine colleagues in the more intimate setting. Speaking of intimate settings, this year’s offsite event will be held at the History Colorado Center a venue with museum exhibits and which promises to add to your Colorado experience.
We are seeing a wonderful response from students, and new and recent graduates, to participate and engage in AAFP membership and our conference. We had an excellent turnout in applications for the inaugural year of a conference student scholarship sponsored by KindredBio, and the second year for the Royal Canin sponsored Young Veterinarian Scholarship. If you see any of these young people in Denver, please take time to welcome them into the feline profession—they are our future!
In May, the AAFP met with representatives from the ISFM and publisher to discuss strategy of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, as it approaches its 20th year of publication. A happy occurrence at that meeting included the announcement that JFMS Open Reports, a free access sister journal of JFMS, has just been granted indexing on PubMed, representing a major milestone for the young publication only 2 years out. The journal can be viewed here.
More recently, at the end of May, the AAFP Board of Directors met, allowing time to focus on current and upcoming matters for the organization, as well as to continue to ensure we are meeting the strategic goals of the and the needs of the membership. To date this year, we have continued to see growth in membership numbers, with current AAFP membership totaling just over 3600 members, including over 400 new veterinarian members and over 30 new technician and manager subscribers. To all of you, welcome! To those whom may have friends that are not yet members, the 6-month membership is now available for mid-year signups. Thank you to members, new and old, for continuing to help to make this membership a vital, and active association in the feline and veterinary communities.
As always, if you ever have feedback, questions, or opinions on anything AAFP, please contact us at: info@catvets.com