Never Stop Learning

The explosion of new information anddevelopment of veterinary techniqueshas made it imperative that practi-

tioners take advantage of opportunities forcontinuing education. Fortunately, in thisday and age, many continuing educationoptions are available. Having just spoken atseveral regional and state veterinary meetings,I have first-hand knowledge. These meetingsare smaller but more personable, which hasan advantage for both the speaker and theparticipant. The smaller audience size allowsspeakers and participants to become ac-quainted and encourages a healthy exchangeof questions and answers. These meetingsalso tend to have a heavier emphasis on socialactivities. My latest adventure was in Portland,Maine. We were treated to lobster every night.

The state and regional meetings are in con-trast to the large national meetings, such asNorth America Veterinary Conference, West-ern States Veterinary Conference, and theAAEP Convention. Having just received pro-grams from these meetings, I cannot help butbe impressed by the diversity of the programsand trade show exhibitors. Other meetings in-clude specialized symposia, such as Laminitis,Stallion, Embryo transfer, Exercise physiol-ogy, and others. It has become a very compet-itive environment, and continuing educationis big business.

How does one decide when and where togo? The deciding factors may be programcontent, location, time of year, CE creditsoffered, social program, and spouses’ pro-gram. At my age, I tend to look at locationfirst, then program content.

I have been told that if you come away froma meeting learning one new thing, it has beena success. I am sure I will see you at somemeeting this fall or winter.

Ed SquiresEditor

FROMTHE EDITOR

Edward L. Squires, PhD

468 Journal of Equine Veterinary Science � Vol 27, No 11 (2007)