The anatomy faculty at the University of Cornell hosted the 2011 AAVA meeting. The meeting was a great success both academically and socially. Attendees enjoyed visiting with fellow anatomists as well as sharing in research and educational achievements.
A brief summary of the meeting follows:
On the afternoon of Saturday, August 6, a number of attendees convened at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A welcome reception was held that evening at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Tours of the hospital were given and refreshments were enjoyed.
The conference began on Sunday, August 7, with introductions and a history of veterinary education presented by Dr. Donald Smith. The day’s presentations were then grouped into three categories: Exotic/Comparative Anatomy, The Anatomical Learning Environment of the Future, and Research Papers. Drs. Linda Mizer and Nellie Farnum of Cornell led tours of the Gross Anatomy Laboratory and Modular Resource Center. The business meeting was capably and expeditiously presided over by President David Sims. At the close of the meeting, the new officers of the Executive Committee were installed. On Sunday evening, the conference banquet was held at the Museum of the Earth. A lovely time was had viewing fossils, including the famous Hyde Park mastodon. After the banquet, the Outstanding Veterinary Anatomist Award was presented to Dr. Nellie Farnum. Dr. Howard Evans was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Evans’ wife, Erica, was acknowledged for her life-long support of her husband and contributions to the Association.
On Monday, August 8, activities began with a welcome from Cornell’s Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Michael Kotlikoff. The day’s presentations were grouped into Visualizing Anatomy in 3-D, Advances in Animal Development, and Evaluating Student Learning. Various tours of the College of Veterinary Medicine were given throughout the meeting. To close the meeting, many attendees hiked along the beautiful Taughannock Falls gorge.