MARINE MAMMAL VETERINARIAN, ‘FEAR FREE’ RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFLECTION ROOM AMONG HIGHLIGHTS OF OVMA’S 2020 MIDWEST VETERINARY CONFERENCE FROM FEBRUARY 20-23

(Columbus, February 18, 2020)  — Add more than 6,000 people + four days + 35 continuing education tracks + 90 world-renowned speakers from the profession + 410 hours of educational and laboratory sessions + 150 exhibitors and the result is the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association’s (OVMA) 2020 Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC) to convene February 20-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).

“We’re very excited for the MVC Sunday Lunch featuring marine mammal veterinarian Dr. Claire Simeone,” said OVMA Communications & Technology Director Krysten Bennett. “Our Reflection Room was created because studies have shown that when participants reflect on what they learned or discuss it with others, it enhances their retention of the material.”

The lunch, on February 23 at 11:45 a.m., will feature Simeone sharing insights about treating sea lion eye diseases and her focus on “zoognosis,” or the sharing of knowledge between species — humans and animals.

Exhibits will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 20-22. The exhibit hall will also include a selfie station, community bulletin board, The Gathering Corner, new product showcase and rabies titer testing.

The Veterinary Exploration Conference on Saturday, February 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will provide high school juniors and seniors, undergraduate college students and their parents with the opportunity to learn about veterinary careers, financial aid, admission requirements and more in a relaxed setting.

The Connection Corner Networking Lunch will bring together OVMA’s veterinarian and student members for lunch and speed networking in a casual setting on Friday, February 21 at 11:45 a.m., followed at 5:30 p.m. by the Shelter Animal Reception gathering.

Additional highlights this year are the Reflection Room and the Product Demos Theater, New Product Showcase, fish health and medicine seminars and suggestions on implementing “fear free” techniques for comforting even the most reluctant animal patients and their people.

“MVC is a valued partner and remains on a growth trajectory.  It is no secret in the veterinary community that MVC provides a national caliber conference with great sessions, speakers, exhibits, networking and value in an easily accessible location,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page.

OVMA represents the core principles of stewardship, compassion, community and lifelong learning among its more than 2,400 veterinary medical members and provides them with opportunities to learn, discover and engage throughout their careers.