Over the past 20 years the veterinary profession has experienced disturbing economic trends. Recent studies have demonstrated increasing new graduate debt without a comparable increase in salaries as well as an alarming lack of basic business knowledge and self-esteem within the profession. In 2001 the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) and students at the University of Pennsylvania responded to these trends by organizing the first "From School to Success" Symposium in March 2001.
The purpose of the two-day symposium to be held at the University of Florida will be to identify the core competencies that graduating veterinarians should possess. Such issues include contract negotiation, client communication, large and small animal practice management, financial planning, professionalism and debt management.
The symposium will begin on Friday evening, October 4, with tours of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine campus. The Friday evening program will include a dinner and reception highlighted by keynote remarks by Dr. David Goodnight of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues and Dr. Joeseph DiPietro, Dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After dinner students will have time to socialize with all of the educators scheduled to speak at the conference.
The Saturday Program will begin with a continental breakfast followed by general assembly lectures. After lunch the students will break out into small discussion groups. Discussion Topics include:
- Acquiring skills and aptitudes that lead to economic success
- Accounting 101
- Improving communication skills with colleagues and clients
- Addressing the increasing prevalence of women's/gender issues within the profession
- Career advancement and contract negotiation skills-separate sessions for large animal oriented students and small animal oriented students
- Cultivating leadership skills within a health team
- Managing student debt
Registration fees for attending students will be low ($10) because of generous financial support from the Nestle Purina Company, the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, other participating universities, corporate sponsors and private donors.
Deadline for registration is Friday, Sept. 20th.
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