From what makes an exceptional athlete, to social licence to operate: Fi Farmer BVSC MRCVS reports on the highlights of BEVA Congress 2024

BEVA Congress 2024 did not disappoint. Packed into three days was an exceptional clinical programme, sensitively handled topical discussions, a bustling exhibition hall, a lively social schedule, a run club for the fitness fanatics and a space for networking and connecting with colleagues and friends, old and new. The overarching theme was “One Medicine”; the idea of outgoing BEVA president, Roger Smith, a champion of sharing expertise and learning with our human medical colleagues.

Over the course of the congress, five human medical experts were invited to impart their knowledge, and indeed there was much overlap. From Bill Ribban’s talk on stress fractures in young human athletes to Andy Carr’s ‘Improving evidence for orthopaedics’, it was obvious Roger was right, and there is much we can take from our human medical colleagues. Where man goes, horse follows and it is predicted that equine surgeons will soon be using custom-made orthopaedic implants for their equine patients, as is commonplace for human surgeons today.

The congress itself echoed the theme of one health and within the programme there was thought put towards mind, body and science.  Lectures given on safety in practice and how we can incorporate new methods to protect ourselves, show a modern and progressive thinking and an attitude that contributes to better mental health for the industry. There was also an exceptional lecture on burnout by Simon Barnett – what it is, and importantly how to spot it. It was hard hitting and important, and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a lecture where so many of the audience went up to thank the speaker afterwards. Perhaps a sad indication of where many of us within the industry sit, but well done to BEVA for tackling this head on.

How better to make us think about the body than an Opening of Congress presented by Olympian, Sally Gunnell OBE. An inspiring and emotional talk on what makes a champion had some truly notable crossovers of achieving excellence, be it over hurdles to bring home the gold medal, or in practice achieving excellent clinical standards. She spoke of the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people, of building a team, of paying attention to all the one percents that add up. She shared with us a remark another exceptional athlete, Linford Christie, said to her as she headed out to the Olympic stadium; “Where are you going to be on the plane home? At the front with the gold medal winners, or at the back?” While gold medals aren’t up for grabs when vetting, it’s a great mantra to apply when dealing with cases and clients – where am I going to be? Will I have used all my years of studying and experience to lead to a successful outcome? Will I have done my best?

Science won at BEVA and the standard of lectures was exemplary. The John Hickman Plenary Lecture, given by Dr Dean Richardson was a delightful insight to a very successful career. He reinforced what we all know, but give ourselves a hard time about; failure. Quoting Churchill, he reminded us, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm”.  His funny, informative and inspiring lecture explored the need for harmony between biology and mechanics in his job as an orthopaedic surgeon. He praised the advancement in three-dimensional imaging, stating “You can’t fix what you can’t see.”

One of the many stands in the exhibition hall

Unsurprisingly there were plenty of lectures showcasing advanced imaging, but these also included great tips for first opinion vets as well as detailed discussions for surgeons and those working at a more advanced and specialised level. Across dentistry, orthopaedics and medicine there were great clinical summaries of commonly seen conditions with opportunity for reflection on how we can achieve best practice day to day. 

The elephant in the room most certainly was not avoided, and BEVA dedicated a day to discussing social licence to operate (SLO). The stream of lectures delved into the prevalence of and protection against long term and fatal injuries. Delegates heard from numerous experts, including Sally Taylor, head of equine regulation at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), as she explained how the pre-race vet checks have strengthened the relationships between BHA and practicing vets. Chris Whitton also shared his experiences of fatalities and new precautions at the Melbourne Cup in Australia, and voiced his concerns for if fatalities don’t reduce. Advanced imaging modalities such as PET, CT and MRI were discussed, to demonstrate their place in identifying the risk of fatal injuries in racehorses, with outgoing president, Roger, commenting, “We need to be aware of public perception, and show the benefits of what we do.”

A huge current affairs panel was held on the corporatisation of equine practices, whereby the packed-out hall heard from three vets in independent practice and from three vets working as clinical directors in a corporate. Delegates were asked to participate in a poll with questions such as “Do you think corporatisation has benefitted the veterinary industry overall?” This was asked at the beginning and the end of the discussion, and it was interesting to see the difference in the answers. I for one had my thoughts challenged, and pros and cons of both sides were explored and picked apart. The passion from both sides was palpable as salaries, career progression, clinical freedoms and HR facilities were debated back and forth. Chaired brilliantly by past president Lucy Grieve, who passed on audience questions to the panel,  including the million-dollar question to those that had sold, “Do you feel guilty?” The honest responses were refreshing to hear, and each member of the panel did an exceptional job of sharing their perspective.

The exhibition was an exciting hubbub of activity. A broad range of exhibitors were displaying their services and knowledge and many an interesting conversation was had in this room. Large enough that in three days there was still a new stand to visit and exhibitor to chat to, but not so big that it was overwhelming, the hall echoed the community of equine vets, and there was a real sense of connection throughout the event. Happy hour in the exhibition hall led into the well-organised social events. From a glitter-filled Thursday night in the heart of Liverpool to ballgowns on Friday evening, we’re all aware vets know how to party, but equine vets definitely do it best.

BEVA runs along the docks

Next year BEVA Congress will be held in Birmingham and I urge you all to attend. But of course, BEVA activities span the entire year. As summarised by Roger in the Presidential Address, BEVA provides its members with exceptional CPD, both in person and online. BEVA trust is constantly improving equine welfare through its volunteering initiatives. BEVA council members work hard in working groups spanning topics such as SLO, sustainability and responsible antibiotic use. There are programmes for students and overseas colleagues, and BEVA works closely with other organisations to promote equine welfare and to stand by its mission statement; that it is committed to ensuring those in equine practice thrive. Roger finished the address with a statement I believe we all know to be true, and the second Churchill quote of the conference:

“There’s something special about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a (wo)man.”


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