Being a veterinarian can mean you are caring for pets, conducting research, or working in academia. It can also mean you are taking care of our resources and wildlife, our food supply, our public health, or so many other aspects of our society. But no matter what you do as a veterinarian, being involved in organized veterinary medicine gives you the ability to make a difference outside of your scope of work to help our profession, to influence policy, to advocate for One Health … The opportunities are endless, and the impact immeasurable.
Part of our job as a veterinarian is being a leader, and, just like learning how to be a good clinician takes time and continual growth, so does developing the ability to lead. What better way to learn to do that than by attending the AVMA’s annual Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC), which gives you the opportunity to further develop your leadership skills! I have attended multiple VLCs throughout my veterinary career and each time I take away many new insights. For instance, I have developed skills as a mentor, and learned how to communicate effectively, while always being inspired by veterinary professionals at all stages of their career.
And so, I invite you to attend the AVMA’s 2025 VLC, which will be held January 9-11 in Chicago. Our theme is “Collaborate, Educate, Advocate,” as the VLC includes AVMA governance meetings, continuing education sessions focused on leadership development, and networking opportunities designed to equip you with leadership skills that will benefit both you and the veterinary profession. While the entire VLC is a truly memorable experience from start to finish, my favorite part of the conference is the networking. It is amazing the ideas you get and the problems you can solve when so many impressive individuals come together. Everyone is there to learn, mentor, and support each other.
Navigating change and staying flexible are keys to success for all of us, no matter our role in the veterinary profession. And that is why I am looking forward to hearing our keynote speaker, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, an award-winning education and psychology instructor and a bestselling author who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, wellness in the workplace, and optimal performance both at home and work. She will share accessible and practical strategies that help foster resiliency and wellness within ourselves and others. There will be something for everyone in what is sure to be a noteworthy keynote address.
We know all of us have demanding professional and personal lives, and that is why the 2025 VLC schedule has been revised so that attendees can depart the conference following the AVMA House of Delegates meeting, which takes place on the morning of Saturday, January 11, the final day of the conference.
I hope to see you there! For more information, and to register, please visit avma.org/VLC.
Sandra Faeh, DVM
