College to honor referring veterinarians, alumni with day of free continuing education…and lunch

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine wants to send a message to veterinarians who refer cases to its teaching hospital: There IS such a thing as a free lunch.

In the first event of its kind, the college is inviting alumni and veterinarians who have referred cases to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital over the past two years to a “Referring Veterinarian Appreciation Day” July 21 at the University Hotel & Conference Center in Gainesville.

“Referring veterinarians are our most important clients,” said Colin Burrows, chair of the college’s department of small animal clinical sciences. “This is our way of saying thank you for their support over the years.”

Eleanor Green, chair of the department of large animal clinical sciences added that she hopes the event will become an annual tradition. “It should be an opportunity to get to know each other better, to meet some of the newer staff and to renew old acquaintances,” she said.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast. UF faculty members will give presentations suitable for veterinarians who specialize in either small or large animals.

On the agenda for small animal practitioners are talks on everything from nutrition, dentistry, CT scans, arthroscopy, ophthalmolological testing, feline heartworm disease and anesthesia in exotic pets. Large animal practitioners will be able to learn more about treating gastric ulcers, developments in equine reproduction, pain management and conducting a passive musculoskeletal examination.

In addition, a presentation providing the mandatory two hours of continuing education in pharmacy will be offered.

Following lunch at the center, transportation will be provided to the teaching hospital, where a variety of demonstrations will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Continuing education credits and certificates will be provided. For information about registering for the free event, contact Kate Ziemak at kziemak@doce.ufl.edu or call her at the UF Office of Conferences at (352) 392-1701, Ext 246.