VRCC’s Kenyan Conference Success

The first 2008 Small Animal Veterinary Education Conference Weekend in Kenya, organised leading UK Referral Centre VRCC and supported by Merial has been a great success. Over 30 East African Veterinary Surgeons from all over Kenya gathered in November at the coast in the elegant Leopard Beach Hotel, ideally located and equipped to host a Conference with its air-conditioned, spacious facilities beautifully situated alongside the Indian Ocean. The Kenyans, all with an interest in Small Animals were a real cross section of the African profession ranging from the very prosperous with large practices in Nairobi to a young Vet who made the long journey from the picturesque ‘Arabic’ island of Lamu, near the Somali boarder undertaking a gruelling 7 hour bus ride accompanied by armed guards from his clinic overlooking the harbour, which is funded by a benevolent French lady. A full and challenging 2 day programme was devised and implemented by VRCC Specialists, Dr Susan North, who whilst being the most experienced and highly qualified Veterinary Oncologist in Europe is also a European Specialist in Internal Medicine lecturing on topics relevant to those attending. Another of VRCC’s Directors and Specialist was Head of Surgery Henry L’Eplattenier who lectured on a wide range of surgical topics and was especially well received as was Merials Dr Hein Hesse who had flown in for a first time visit to Kenya from his home and base in South Africa, the centre of Merials large African organisation. Hein is an experienced and well-respected Vet and an expert in Pain Management and Parasite control. The weekend finished with a prolonged question and answer session with the enthusiastic delegates hungry to gain as much knowledge as possible from the visiting specialists before their long journeys home. The Conference Weekend was successful on so many fronts. The delegates had access to first hand information not readily available to them, the last lecturing team visited over 20 years ago and they were able to interact with each other, forming networks making and renewing friendships. Malcolm Holland at VRCC whose knowledge of the country and its’ peculiarities was especially pleased with this first time turn-out. “VRCC were not seeking any material gain, not selling products or services just fulfilling a desire to pass on their experience for the improved welfare of small animals in East Africa.” A questionnaire was distributed and completed so the next event, which will probably take place in Nairobi, the bustling Kenyan capital, can address the topics identified by the delegates as being of particular interest. Attendance is expected to more than double now Kenyan Vets know that commitments will be fulfilled. Specialists keen to participate in future events or companies with interests or ambitions in Kenya should contact Malcolm Holland at VRCC.

More from

• IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
• Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
• Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
• Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
• Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause