VMX 2022, the world’s largest and most comprehensive veterinary conference kicked off this weekend in Orlando, Florida and everywhere virtually. Hosted by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), VMX is where world-renowned veterinary professionals gather to experience hands-on workshops and interactive education sessions, learning skills to advance their veterinary career and provide greater care for all animals.
From treating heart disease in cats and dogs to reptile oncology, equine wound management and feline and canine neonatal emergencies, the brightest minds in their field are teaching life-saving, game-changing knowledge and techniques to their peers.
Every year, VMX showcases the newest technologies, pharmaceuticals and treatments in veterinary medicine and this year is no different. Pets are living longer and, like humans, there are diseases and conditions that can now be treated to extend and enhance their quality of life.
“VMX plays a big part in elevating the veterinary profession globally. We’re fortunate to have attendees from all around the world. Our community’s reach knows no boundary and when we work together, there are no limits to what it can achieve,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill at the opening ceremony Saturday night. “In addition to over 1,000 hours of CE (CPD) we have covering small animal, large animal, exotics, practice management, professional development, and veterinary nurses/technicians, we’ve also got great events and activities.”
Attendees immersed themselves in the Expo Hall experience featuring exhibiting companies with innovative and state-of-the-art products and services, unparalleled educational sessions led by expert industry leaders and spaces to unwind and refresh the mind.
Radio and TV personality Bobby Bones hosted the VMX Opening Ceremony. National Radio Hall of Famer and Country Music Association’s “National Broadcast Personality of the Year,” Bobby Bones has been dubbed “the most powerful man in country music” by Forbes.
VMX sessions and event highlights included:
- Breakthrough cancer treatment – Dr Eric Boshoven, DVM, DAVCR (Radiation Oncology). Guided by new Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, this technology enables specialized veterinarians to pinpoint and “blast” the tumor minimizing the radiation dose, reducing the number of treatments, the need for anesthesia as well as side effects from radiation
- Acupuncture to extend life and comfort – Dr Huisheng Xie, SBVm, PhD, teaches that sometimes the best approach to treating animals is to utilise old medicine and new science. He taught the use of acupuncture to enhance clinical results and discussed how this ancient treatment can extend life and provide comfort for geriatric patients. Huisheng Xie can address stimulating animal immune systems through acupuncture, educating their bodies to boost healing power providing them with higher-quality and even an extended life
- Pet CPR – Dr Armi Pigott, DVM, DACVECC discussed the recent standards adopted for performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on cats and dogs for teaching veterinary teams and pet parents. Armi reminded us that CPR, especially CPR with evidence-based standardized training programs does have a positive impact on performance and patient outcomes
- Tips for mobility impaired senior pets – Dr Mary Gardner, DVM, discussed mobility devices that can help senior pets live higher quality lives at home. Mary can demonstrate and discuss assistive techniques and tips for veterinarians and pet owners who can use these devices to support mobility-impaired pets
