BSAVA Congress takes place at Manchester Central from the 24 to 26 March.

This year's event promises many firsts for the veterinary community.

Short-format lectures, interactive sessions and informative debates are set to be central to the 2022 BSAVA Congress, which is happening in Manchester for the first time.

Details of the new programme released by the BSAVA reveal the full extent of the event’s shakeup, which also includes ‘Day in the life of…’ dramas that will, through role-play, communicate the latest clinical research.

Taking place at Manchester Central over three days (24-26 March), the new-look event will see a move away from the traditional long-format lectures that have long-underpinned the Congress programme.

The event will also be taking a hybrid format, allowing delegates to attend both in-person and online, and providing all delegates access to a host of additional content.

BSAVA president Sheldon Middleton commented: "Congress 2022 represents many firsts for BSAVA. It’s the first hybrid event not just for the organisation but, I believe, the UK’s small animal veterinary community.

“It’s also the first time the event is being held in Manchester, and the first time we’ll have delivered CPD through the dramatisation of in-practice experiences.”

Programme committee chair Paul Higgs said the programme has been designed to provide the highest quality, independent CPD for practice managers, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

“While we’re covering the usual range of disciplines, from orthopaedics and ophthalmology to cardiology and canine medicine, the programme reflects our growing understanding of how individuals learn best, he said. “There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, to test newly acquired knowledge and get hands-on. For the first time, delegates will be able to drop in on practicals at no further charge.”

Mr Higgs added that instead of streams, this year’s Congress includes modules where the content builds, allowing delegates to dip in and out or follow a module from one session to the next.

“When it comes to making the most of what is on offer, delegates have a choice – they can either follow a module around Congress or pick their preferred learning style and stay in that relevant zone,” he said.

“Having said that, as a European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, I’m drawn to the feline medicine: infectious disease module. On Thursday, for example, you’ll find me in Feline Infectious Peritonitis session - there have been some interesting developments on treatment options, and I’m keen to see how that relates to first opinion practice.”

To view the full scientific programme, visit bsavacongress2022/en/page/programme