In today’s interconnected world, it often feels like we have access to the latest information at our fingertips. As Veterinary professionals, we may believe that our local, regional, and national conferences suffice. However, I challenge you to break free from this norm and explore conferences beyond your borders. You will be amazed at the innovations and practices in global Veterinary medicine that go beyond your daily experiences.
I recently attended the Latin America Veterinary Conference (LAVC) in Lima, Peru. This experience opened my eyes to the richness and diversity of global Veterinary medicine and underscored the importance of learning from our international colleagues.
As a destination, Latin America offers everything a Veterinary professional could desire in a global experience. The cuisine is exceptional, and the people are remarkably kind. Peru, with its ancient cultural heritage, offers a rich historical tapestry visible at every corner. This amazing destination caters to U.S. travelers by providing all lectures in English, with translations available in Spanish.
The Peruvian Veterinary Landscape
One of the most striking revelations from the conference was the unique structure of the Veterinary market in Latin America. As half of the country is in the Amazon and uninhabited, obtaining the full demographics on the number of pets is challenging, due to the feral populations. However, 59% of Peru has at least one pet. The population of Peru is 34 million and there are approximately 2,500 Veterinary practices in the country.
A fun animal health fact about Lima is the love of cats. While Lima itself has only four feline-only practices, cats are seen in high regard and are a part of one of the most popular tourist destinations. Parque Kennedy—otherwise known as the cat park of Lima and home to over 100 stray cats. These well-cared-for felines are living the best life!
There are three striking differences between the Veterinary market in Peru and other markets. First, unlike many other parts of the world, the region does not have Veterinary technicians. That’s right—there are no programs to train Veterinary technicians. Veterinarians in Latin America must possess a wide range of skills, in contrast to practices in the United States and Europe, where Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in daily operations.
Second, Latin America does not require continuing education (CE) for maintaining licensure, which ensures that Veterinary professionals stay updated with the latest advancements. Despite the absence of this requirement, there is an overwhelming passion for education among Latin American veterinarians. The LAVC had over 5,000 veterinarians in attendance, who were eager to learn and engage. Unlike many other countries where attendees may quickly exit after sessions, these veterinarians asked numerous questions and stayed after to connect with speakers. It was inspiring to see packed rooms and fully engaged audiences, renewing my passion for continuing education.
Third and most surprising is the difference in the realm of mental health. In many Western countries, Veterinary professionals face high levels of stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. However, the mental health challenges in Latin America seem to be less severe. This may be attributed to various cultural aspects, such as a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality and the warm, embracing greetings. These cultural differences highlight the importance of exploring alternative strategies to address our own mental health challenges.
The insights gained from the Latin America Veterinary Conference in Lima, Peru, remind us of the importance of global collaboration. I implore all professionals and corporations to consider attending the LAVC. We have much to learn from our international peers, and they will benefit from our engagement. To truly advance as a profession, we must foster a more connected and resilient global Veterinary community.