FelineVMA at the 2026 AVMA VLC

Submitted by Petra Cerna, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), Dipl. ECVIM-CA, DABVP (Feline), MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)

As the FelineVMA representative, attending the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois, January 8–10, 2026, was both inspiring and energizing. This annual leadership-focused event gathered veterinarians, technicians, and emerging leaders from across the profession to sharpen skills, share insights, and shape the future of veterinary medicine.

It was a great experience to be at this conference as it blended leadership sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening communication, mentorship, and strategic thinking within veterinary teams. The keynote lecture on generational differences was inspiring and eye-opening as we move to the future with new generations of veterinarians. As a veterinary medicine faculty member at the university, I very much appreciated the insights into generational differences that helped me become a better teacher and mentor for my veterinary students. 

This conference has reinforced how leadership skills can directly translate into better outcomes for cats and their caregivers. The networking aspects of the conference were especially valuable. Conversations over breakfasts, between sessions, and at social events sparked new ideas for expanding feline medicine education. I am very grateful that I could have taken part in this conference thanks to the FelineVMA and look forward to using my new skills to further promote feline medicine. 

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Submitted by Alexandre G.T. Daniel, MV, MSc, DABVP (Feline), FFABVP (CAPM)

Participating in the 2026 Veterinary Leadership Conference, hosted by the AVMA, was an enriching and genuinely transformative experience. The event brings together veterinary leaders from across the United States and around the world to explore essential themes such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and the mental well‑being of both individuals and veterinary teams. I had the honor of representing the FelineVMA as a “Rising Leader,” and this opportunity offered valuable insights into how leadership development can strengthen not only individual professionals but also the organizations and communities they serve.

When I was first invited by the FelineVMA to attend this conference, my immediate reaction was: this is completely outside my comfort zone. I am accustomed to scientific conferences, but I had never participated in an event centered on leadership and related topics — neither in Brazil nor anywhere else. Leadership is rarely discussed in veterinary schools and remains an underexplored area within the profession as a whole. Perhaps for that very reason, I felt compelled to say “yes.”

From an American perspective, the conference highlights the importance of valuing the veterinary profession by cultivating empathy, strengthening communication, and learning how to guide teams toward collective success. In a time when everything feels fast, impersonal, and fleeting—when information is scrolled past in the blink of an eye, and we are so often absorbed in our own challenges — empathy becomes essential. Leading a team with this awareness is vital, and creating an environment where individuals feel safe is the foundation of effective leadership.

Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to meet and engage with veterinarians from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. These conversations expanded my professional network and exposed me to a wide range of enriching and stimulating perspectives. The sessions provided a deeper understanding of leadership, teamwork, and the ways in which information and knowledge can reshape professional landscapes and improve outcomes.

The FelineVMA plays a fundamental role in promoting and disseminating evidence‑based scientific information to veterinarians worldwide. It is undoubtedly a global leader in veterinary education, transforming the professional lives of thousands of veterinarians — and, consequently, improving the care of hundreds of thousands of cats. Recognizing this impact, and having the opportunity to continue volunteering for the association, contributing to its growth and long‑term sustainability, is truly inspiring. Sharing insights from the Latin American perspective on feline medicine—thereby expanding the reach of high‑quality information and elevating the knowledge of veterinarians across regions—was especially meaningful. And this is a mission that is only beginning.

The Veterinary Leadership Conference reinforced that leadership is not an accessory to veterinary medicine—it is a cornerstone. Having the opportunity to participate, especially as a representative invited by the FelineVMA, has broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to the association’s mission. The insights gained during the conference will undoubtedly enhance my ability to continue contributing as a volunteer, supporting the FelineVMA as it advances the future of feline health worldwide.