AAHA Tampa 2008 Networking

AAHA Takes Action
AAHA’s Board of Directors presented major projects and programs that the Association is working on to address industry-wide issues. Attendees learned about initiatives that are likely to impact their medical and financial future and had the chance to ask questions and talk personally with the board about the direction AAHA and veterinary medicine is heading.

“This session opened my eyes to the need for educating pet owners on financial responsibility.”

“It showed me that AAHA is being progressive. It’s rewarding to know that AAHA is still stepping up as a leader. I felt like the session gave board members increased approachability and was a nice overview of what AAHA has been up to that we don’t generally get to hear. ”

“I’ve spoke at several schools and mentoring is the number one need among students approaching graduation, as well as the most misunderstood need. The mentoring guidelines that AAHA is working on are intended to help with that.”
- Dr. Thomas Carpenter, AAHA President

Topic Tables
Intended to be a session filled with numerous conversations and topics that were important to attendees, this meeting merged into one discussion about human resources, gossip in the workplace and retaining employees—hot buttons for everyone participating. People were exchanging business cards, getting advice and resources, and asking colleagues questions well after the allotted session time. It proved to be an extremely beneficial two hours for everyone in the room.

“I found it valuable because of the useable information from so many different sources. Everyone was in the same situation and could relate to one another, which created a nice atmosphere of camaraderie.”
- Dr. Deborah Breitstein
Animal Health Care of Marlboro LLP
Englishtown, NJ

Receptions
Thursday evening’s receptions gave attendees a chance to reconnect with former classmates, get advice from peers and relax with friends as they enjoyed drinks and appetizers.

Practice Manager Reception
Recent Veterinary Graduate Reception
CVC/AAHA Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program Reception
AAHA Helping Pets Fund Reception
Veterinary Management Institute (VMI) and Veterinary Leadership Academy (VLA) Reception
Canadian Reception

“I’m not computer literate and I thought it would be a nightmare because of that. I was surprised at how easy it was to get through the coursework, just so user friendly, very step-by-step,” a DEVTP graduate explained during the reception, addressing a prospective student’s concern about the online learning style.

Lunch ‘n Learns
Twelve small groups enjoyed lunch as experts discussed pressing issues from selling a practice to legal issues and electronic communications. Soon the tables were buzzing with informal conversations among colleagues — tossing ideas around, sharing advice and experiences, asking questions.

“We’re all retiring after this week,” one Selling a Practice attendeejoked. He went on to talk to his table about the reality of his fears, “I’m getting a little nervous thinking about selling. I’ve been in business 38 years. I’m the boss; it’s my baby. I built my practice from the ground up and it’s like sending your kid away for college—but worse!” The table, full of others that could easily relate, immediately began exchanging advice.

President’s Dinner
Dr. Thomas Carpenter hosted dinner aboard the StarShip Yacht to celebrate his year as AAHA President and thank those that helped him through the term. The night began with drinks and mingling, very personal, lighthearted and full of laughter. Dr. Carpenter addressed the crowd with stories over the past year, starting his speech with, “Every time from here on out, when I raise my hand, that means you clap!”

Incoming president, Dr. Anna Worth congratulated Dr. Carpenter and presented him with comical gifts attributed to his passion for running. Then Mike Cavanaugh of Pfizer Animal Health took the stage as “Mikey Buffett” with his guitar and Wastin’ Away in Margaritaville serenade to Dr. Carpenter.

We said goodbye to retiring board members and welcomed new faces to the AAHA Board of Directors, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) presented AAHA with a plaque to honor the Association’s “75 years of service to the profession through hospital standards, education and innovation.”

AAHA Fun Night
Board members decked in AAHA aprons passed out candy and welcomed attendees to the Exhibit Hall Reception. People chatted and relaxed, browsed exhibitors’ booths, and enjoyed drinks and snacks before the AAHA Party.

Beach balls, flip flops and flamingoes kicked of the party as hula hoopers sashayed around the dance floor to Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett inspired tunes from the Landsharks.

AAHA Fun Night was a chance for attendees to get together one last time, dancing, sharing what they had learned and relaxing with friends they wouldn’t see again until next year at AAHA Phoenix 2009.