First Virtual Summer Seminar a Success

Monday, July 6, 2020

The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association recently held their first virtual OSU/OVMA Summer Seminar. Forced to transition from an in-person seminar to a Zoom webinar format, the continuing education event was a success.

“We had more than 120 participants, which is comparable to the number of attendees we normally have for this two-day seminar,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, director of continuing education and beef cattle extension specialist at the veterinary college. “Because travel expenses for speakers didn’t play into this scenario, we were able to offer a wide range of topics presented by experts from across the country. We also had some international participants which wouldn’t have been possible in a face-to-face setting.”

Topics covered included canine and feline vaccinations, marijuana toxicity in companion animals, emotional intelligence, practicing best medicine during COVID-19, dermatology, rabbit medicine, minimally invasive procedures of the urinary tract in dogs and cats, optimizing NSAID protocols and client compliance, dog parks and parasites, compounding drugs, the equine uterine microbiome, equine serum amyloid A, equine paranasal sinus disease, a review of ruminant cases, beef cattle nutrition, and blood transfusions in ruminants.

Feedback from participants has been positive.

“This is the best thing that has happened at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Bud Willis, (OSU CVM ’77) from Sulphur, Oklahoma. “You don’t learn like you do if you’re sitting in your office and it’s just you and that screen. You pay attention and you absorb more of it. I think every conference they have should be that way. There’s not any driving to a motel and trying to rest in a strange place and then finding a place to eat. It’s more physically and mentally relaxing.”

“Once we got started, I really liked it,” said Dr. Danny Denham (OSU CVM ’68) of Kellyville, Oklahoma. “I’ve been practicing 52 years and don’t use the computer much. We had our daughter come over and help connect us with Zoom. Dr. Jerry Randall, a friend of mine, came to use our internet. He watched the large animal presentations in the kitchen while I watched the small animal presentations in the living room. We would visit during the breaks and over lunch. I enjoyed the program; it was very well done. I would do it again.”

Additional comments from the post-seminar survey indicated that 75 percent would either prefer a virtual seminar or would attend one in the future. Participants also applauded seminar organizers on delivering a valuable educational opportunity in a well-organized manner with smooth technology.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of Summer Seminar,” said Biggs. “We truly appreciate our sponsors and the opportunity to collaborate with the OVMA. We will continue to focus on our continuing education offerings to reach the veterinary community around the world.”

If you would like to support veterinary medicine, please contact Ashley Hesser, assistant director of development with the OSU Foundation, at 405-385-0715 or ahesser@osugiving.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu