EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION / AE / MARCH 2015
III
From the President’s Desk: Member input pivotal to delivering quality and relevant CE By G. Kent Carter, DVM, DACVIM
Although the dust has barely cleared from the 2014 Annual Convention and the 2015 Resort Symposium, the AAEP already is immersed in planning and implementing the CE offerings for 2015-2016. Most of our membership are unaware of the rigorous process and significant manpower that goes into planning, offering and reviewing our continuing education.
The first step in developing our CE offerings is to survey the membership to determine their educational needs and desires. The AAEP conducted an extensive CE needs survey in 2010 and will do so again this year. The results
and that the AAEP is providing continuing education that satisfies a large majority of attendees.
Dr. G. Kent Carter
from the survey as well as feedback from attendees after each meeting are used by the CE steering committee that meets every February to analyze data and determine long-range CE plans.
As last year’s convention chair, I was contacted frequently during 2014 about topics for the convention by members who were not aware that the program had already been developed in 2013. Member input is a valued, important and appreciated component of delivering member-driven continuing education programs, but members should understand that programs are developed a couple of years in advance.
The Educational Programs Committee members begin their work early each year reviewing abstract submissions and invited manuscripts, and they complete the majority of their work by conference calls and electronic commu- nications. The committee group leaders meet in Lexington, Ky., in April for final discussions and ranking of the abstract submissions. This is a rigorous and very fair system that requires a significant commitment of time from both committee members and AAEP staff. Our strategic planning and exacting review process ensure quality continuing education offerings with the right blend of current science and clinically relevant and practical information.
Review of the questionnaire responses obtained from those who attended our Annual Convention in Salt Lake City confirms that our process continues to work well
Another topic that warrants mention at this time is the online membership Rounds, which were developed and are hosted by the AAEP as a member service through which members can seek advice on a difficult case or share information about issues affecting our profession. We have recently received complaints about the nature of some of these online conversations and the directions they can take. We all understand that “tone” is hard to detect in electronic communications but we all must show respect and collegiality for one another. That does not mean we all must agree on issues but I urge everyone to pause a few seconds and consider how others may perceive your post prior to sending it. Repeated argumen- tative posts about an issue may discourage participation by other members; therefore, I encourage you to agree to disagree to move the discussion forward when it appears an issue cannot be resolved.
“Member input is a valued, important and appreciated component of delivering member- driven continuing education programs, but members should understand that programs are developed a couple of years in advance.”
Members also should refrain from any discussions that could lead to anti-trust concerns. Anything related to boycotting a product or company should be avoided as well as discussions that could give the appearance of price setting. I would also encourage all members to declare any conflict of interest they may have when discussing a company or their products.
We have a big year ahead and the first half will be very busy with strategic planning and continuing education efforts. Future issues of EVE will provide you with updates on the progress within the association.
Finally, when you receive this letter, the AAEP staff will be in their beautiful new building at the Kentucky Horse Park. Next time you are in Lexington, I encourage you to stop by for a visit. Congratulations to all involved for a job well done.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
