Students make the most of the 2016 AVS congress.

The 2016 Association of Veterinary Students’ congress, held at the University of Liverpool, equipped attendees with broad knowledge on a variety of subjects, including the influence of large-scale production on dairy farming, horse fertility practices, and recognizing and addressing mental health issues within the veterinary field.

Location and Attendees

• The Association of Veterinary Students’ congress in 2016 was hosted at the University of Liverpool, a renowned institution for veterinary science studies.
• Students from diverse backgrounds attended the congress, all sharing a common interest in veterinary science.

Scope and Subjects Covered

• The congress had a broad scope and covered a wide array of topics that are pertinent in the field of veterinary science.
• One primary area of focus was on the impact of large-scale production systems in dairy farming. Discussions centered on how these systems affect the health and wellbeing of livestock and implications for the broader agricultural industry and product consumers.
• Another section of the congress was dedicated to the fertility practices in horses. This would have included insights into breeding methods, genetic advancements, as well as the challenges and breakthroughs in ensuring successful equine reproduction.
• Recognising and addressing mental health problems within the veterinary profession was another critical topic discussed at the congress. This segment would have shed light on the emotional and psychological stressors veterinarians often face and discussed ways to recognize and manage these issues effectively.

Purpose and Outcome

• The intention of the congress was to enrich the education of veterinary students, giving them nuanced insights into various aspects of their future profession.
• The congress not only focused on technical understanding and advancements in veterinary science but also highlighted areas of vets’ personal wellbeing, recognizing the common mental health problems within the profession.
• The report on this congress was compiled by Jordan Sinclair, the editor of the Journal of the Association of Veterinary Students. Although the abstract does not detail the outcomes, the congress likely facilitated networking between students, academics, and professionals and served as a stepping stone for future engagement and collaboration within the field.