My name is Julia Cane, I am veterinarian based in Argentina, where I run a small animal clinic and laboratory with a strong focus on dermatology and parasitology. I also teach courses in Veterinary Dermatology and Veterinary Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Rosario. As someone deeply committed to both clinical work and academic development, being selected as a WAVD scholarship recipient to attend the 10th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD) in Boston was both an honor and a unique professional milestone.
My participation in the 10th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD) organized by the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD), in July 2024, was an incredible opportunity for my professional growth and for helping to promote veterinary dermatology in my region of Argentina. Thanks to the scholarship I received, I was able to experience this top-level event. Also, the fact that it took place in the city of Boston made it even more memorable.
One of the most enriching parts of the congress was connecting with professionals from other countries. These interactions went beyond sharing technical knowledge. They gave me a much deeper understanding of the realities, challenges, and strengths of veterinary dermatology in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Hearing about these differences helped broaden my vision and gave me new ideas I can apply to the specific needs of my own community.
The scientific quality of the congress was exceptional. The talks and presentations offered a comprehensive update on the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment, and research in small animals dermatology. I got to learn directly from some of the most respected names in the field, which really strengthened my knowledge and gave me practical tools and evidence-based approaches I am already putting into practice. I particularly remember the night at the library organized during the conference, a unique space for camaraderie and informal exchange of ideas, which undoubtedly stands out as one of the highlights of my trip.
As I stated in the work plan submitted for the scholarship, one of my main objectives was to acquire up-to-date material and innovative perspectives to enrich my work not only in clinical practice but also in teaching. This objective has been more than met. I am already integrating the information gathered during the conference into my classes at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Rosario. Specifically, I have been able to update the content of the Veterinary Parasitology Course regarding ectoparasites with the latest recommendations and therapeutic approaches presented at the conference. Similarly, in the Veterinary Dermatology course, I have added new concepts into my classes on diagnostic and treatment protocols that will undoubtedly enrich the training of future vets.
In addition to teaching, thanks to this experience I am applying the knowledge I have acquired to provide more appropriate care to my canine and feline patients in Chañar Ladeado, Santa Fe. I am also offering up-to-date advice to fellow veterinarians in the area, helping to raise the standard of veterinary dermatology in the region.
In summary, my participation in the 10th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, held in Boston, has been a transformative experience that has deepened my knowledge, expanded my professional perspective, and reaffirmed my commitment to excellence in veterinary dermatology and its dissemination in Argentina. I am deeply grateful to the WAVD for this invaluable opportunity.
Julia Cane