"Congress over the next few days is as much about community as it is about science and education" - Dr Sheldon Middleton, BSAVA president.

Dr Sheldon Middleton welcomes delegates to Manchester.

The 2022 BSAVA Congress got underway this morning (24 March), welcoming delegates both in-person and virtually from across the globe.

Taking place at Manchester Central (24 - 26th March), this year’s event promises many firsts for the veterinary community, including a move away from the traditional long-format lectures that have long-underpinned the Congress programme. 

In addition to a wellbeing zone, party night and chance to catch up with friends, the new-look event also promises a mix of immersive CPD, interactive sessions, practicals, debates and opportunities to meet the speakers.

"Fantastic to be back"

In his welcome speech, BSAVA president Sheldon Middleton spoke of his delight at being reunited with the veterinary community and addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

“It’s fantastic to be back face-to-face and able to meet each other after the pause of covid." he said. "It’s even more poignant I think, knowing that we’re able to come to an event such as this when people are fleeing their homes in Ukraine and other conflicts.

“Freedom and choice are easily taken for granted and conflicts such as this are stark reminders of our privilege. I encourage those that are able to contribute to the various fundraising appeals that our profession has started.”

Dr Middleton also spoke about the importance of community and praised the resilience of the whole veterinary team during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our community has helped get us through this, but that isn’t its only function,” he said. “We should remember to take time out, and not be part of the veterinary team too. Congress offers the chance to chat with a friend over coffee, go to party night, have fun and remember what an amazing profession we’re part of.

Other highlights of this year's congress include a keynote speech by adventurer Amar Latif, who will be sharing his own stories and experiences of challenges he’s overcome. There will also be an array of fun virtual social events, including yoga and drag aerobics.

Finding balance

Continuing on the theme of community, Dr Middleton thanked BSAVA staff, volunteers exhibitors and sponsors for their contributions to the congress.

He added: “What we do as a profession is amazing. It’s a combination of highs and lows, and it’s a balance. Over the last couple of years, we haven’t had that balance. We’ve not been able to communicate as easily with our clients, so complaints have increased. 

"Staff have been isolating, so more shifts have needed covering. We've seen an increase in the number of pets, so our workload increased, and we’ve not been able to have that coffee with a friend. We’ve not been able to rest. We've not been able to see our community, and we've seen the damage that lack of balance has had on our profession.

He continued: "Congress over the next few days is as much about community as it is about science and education, have a chat with a friend, talk to the exhibitors, go to the wellbeing zone, come to party night, have a rest and try and get some of the balance back and remember how amazing our profession is."