Celebrating veterinary education excellence: My favorite things in 2023

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As we approach the end of 2023 (can you believe it?), I find myself reflecting on the remarkable year that has passed in the field of veterinary medicine. It has been a year filled with innovative and educational initiatives that have truly enriched our community of veterinary professionals. Hopefully, you close out this year with new knowledge, additional network connections, and successful patient stories to share.

I am extremely proud of our team here at dvm360. They have worked tirelessly in providing you with tools, skills, and knowledge you need to better yourselves and your patients. Now, I want to highlight 5 outstanding developments in 2023 and express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering loyalty of our dedicated veterinary professionals.

Favorite thing #1: Continuing education galore

Continuing education (CE) is the backbone of our profession, ensuring that veterinarians stay at the forefront of medical and personal well-being advancements. In 2023, we were thrilled to host a total of 7 live CE events, collectively providing more than 1000 hours of invaluable education. These events included our newly revamped symposia, Directions in Veterinary Medicine, which each brought a therapeutic focus to the forefront (critical care, pain management, and nutrition and oncology).

What made this year truly special was our expansion into 4 new cities: Arlington, Virginia; Miami, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Long Beach, California. Each of these cities brought its unique charm, and our presence there allowed us to connect with an even wider network of veterinary professionals. To add a modern twist, we rebranded the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference as Fetch Coastal, complete with marketing materials generated by artificial intelligence that were informative and visually appealing.

Our commitment to providing high-quality CE remains unwavering, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our colleagues who made these events a resounding success, especially our phenomenal Fetch faculty. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and insight with our colleagues. We also want to thank all our outstanding sponsors and exhibitors who helped raise the bar in the advancement of veterinary medicine. You are part of the education team.

Favorite thing #2: VetXchange and Inside The Clinic

One of the most exciting initiatives of 2023 was the introduction of VetXchange, an in-studio 30-minute recording designed to bring subject matter experts to the forefront for CE credit. These sessions have allowed us to delve deep into critical medical topics, providing a platform for experts to share their insights and knowledge directly with our audience. It is a dynamic format that has proven highly effective and engaging.

VetXchange demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovative ways of learning and exchanging knowledge within the veterinary community. Inside the Clinic takes viewers into a veterinary hospital showing actional education, procedures, and sound bites that they can easily replicate or perform themselves. This has been a huge lift that we are excited to be rolling out. It is also another fun way of learning and minimizing fatigue by PowerPoint.

Favorite thing #3: dvm360’s Flex CE articles

The dvm360 publication has long been a trusted source of information and insights for veterinarians. In 2023, we took this a step further by housing Flex CE articles in print and online with a strong focus on medical content. This addition allows readers to earn valuable CE credit while keeping up with the latest developments in veterinary medicine. We understand the value of efficient learning, and these Flex CE articles are tailored to meet the needs of our busy professionals. We are excited to have this resource available and believe it is a significant step toward enhancing the accessibility of CE materials.

Favorite thing #4: Flexible live webinars

Acknowledging the busy schedules of veterinary professionals, we aimed to be as accommodating as possible in 2023. That is why we provided more than 100 hours of live webinars at various times, including evenings, lunch hours, and mornings. We understand the importance of meeting our audience where their needs and schedules align. All these live webinars live on demand through our dvm360 flex website for colleagues to obtain additional CE opportunities, for free. The flexibility of our live webinars allowed us to cater to a broader audience and ensure that veterinary professionals could access high-quality CE at their convenience.

Favorite Thing #5: CE Podcasts— The Vet Blast Podcast

The Vet Blast Podcast continued to be a valuable resource in 2023, allowing our listeners to learn while driving to and from work or even during their workouts. This past year, we expanded our podcast offerings, enabling listeners to earn 0.25 to 0.50 CE credits while staying updated on a wide range of topics. The convenience of podcast-based CE is undeniable, and we have been thrilled to see its growing popularity. The Vet Blast Podcast serves as an accessible and engaging platform for continuous learning for all.

Thank you for your unwavering loyalty

Before we wrap up this year-end celebration of veterinary excellence, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated audience. Your unwavering loyalty and commitment to advancing the field of veterinary medicine have been our driving force. Without your support and active participation, none of these initiatives would have been possible. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for your continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

As we approach the holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all veterinary professionals. The dedication, compassion, and expertise you bring to your work are commendable, and we hope you take some well-deserved time to celebrate and recharge. May the coming year be filled with even more discoveries, achievements, and shared knowledge in the world of veterinary medicine.

As we look forward to a new year, we remain dedicated to providing the best educational resources and fostering a sense of community within our profession. Together, we will continue to achieve great things and make a positive impact in the lives of animals and their owners. See you in 2024.