(CHICAGO, Illinois) July 16, 2013—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will host its Annual Convention July 19"23 at McCormick Place’s West Building in Chicago and is including veterinary technicians, important members of the veterinary team, in its schedule of educational and fun opportunities.
These offerings include a Veterinary Technician Reception held 6"7 p.m. Monday, July 22, plus a packed schedule of educational sessions and labs to help techs develop their skills and deliver even better care for their patients.
“The AVMA convention isn’t just for veterinarians; there are also outstanding programs and opportunities for veterinary technicians, too” explains Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, president of the AVMA. “While the educational sessions are fantastic, there are additional educational opportunities for vet techs in the exhibit hall. Private practice offers limited opportunities for veterinarians, veterinary techs and other staff to learn about new products, technologies and services that will benefit their patients and clients. The exhibit hall offers an opportunity to stay on the cutting edge.”
This year the convention will include the Jack L. Mara Seminars on Veterinary Technology for technicians only, and many of the interactive labs for veterinarians, including labs on behavior, cytology, and local anesthetic blocks, are also open to veterinary technicians. The Mara Series of labs includes:
- Advanced Periodontal Techniques for the Veterinary Technician, 8"11:50 a.m. Saturday, July 20—Advanced periodontal techniques, oral exams, charting, instrumentation, effective and efficient scaling and polishing, and periodontal therapies.
- CPR for Technicians, 1"3:50 p.m. Saturday, July 20—Advanced class gives participants confidence and skills necessary to respond to unexpected emergencies with both people and animals.
- Blood Typing and Cross Matching, 8"11:50 a.m. Monday, July 22—Participants will practice in-house blood typing and cross matching using a variety of methods.
- Tubes, Tubes, Tubes for Technicians, 2"5:50 p.m. Monday, July 22—Utilizing various types of catheters, participants will learn how to perform intravenous catheterization, central venous catheterization, performing cut down procedures, place nasal oxygen cannulas, and nasogastric tubes.
- Why You Need Anesthesia Ventilators, 1"3:50 p.m. Monday, July 22—Learn the benefits of anesthetic ventilators, how to use them, and managing patients on a ventilator.
For more information about the AVMA’s Annual Convention, please visit, www.avmaconvention.org.
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 84,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine.