#66 This Year Felt Different- AHVMA

<p>This year's American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) conference felt different for me.</p><p>Last year, I attended without knowing anyone. I stepped outside my comfort zone, showed up, and immersed myself in a community that felt aligned with how I believe veterinary medicine should be practiced, without me knowing anyone there.</p><p>This year, I walked in knowing familiar faces, having established relationships, and feeling an even deeper sense of belonging.</p><p>One of the things I appreciate most about this community is that I don't have to constantly explain or justify <i><em>why</em></i> I practice veterinary medicine differently. There's an understanding that health is complex, that every pet is an individual, and that there isn't just one way to support healing and wellness.</p><p>Instead of guilt or rigid thinking, there's curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from one another.</p><p>Throughout the conference, I attended lectures covering a variety of topics, including supporting pets after spay/neuter procedures, headaches, anxiety, and other approaches to improving our patients' quality of life.</p><p>In this episode, I'm sharing some of my personal reflections from the conference, what stood out to me, and why surrounding yourself with people who share your values (while still challenging you to keep learning) matters so much.</p><p><b><strong>My biggest takeaway?</strong></b></p><p>We don't have to agree on every approach or practice medicine exactly the same way to learn from one another. The goal should always be to continue asking questions, expanding our knowledge, and doing what's best for the individual pet in front of us.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/nutrition" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Book your 1:1 nutrition consultation today</a></p><p><a href="https://www.southernveterinaryservices.com/in-home" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Book your 1:1 holistic in home visit today</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@The_NonTraditionalVeterinarian" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Watch this episode on YouTube</a></p><p><br /></p>