Facilitation at Fetch dvm360 aims to fulfill needs, not just CE requirements

CVC is now Fetch, a dvm360 conference, and we're taking the name change to heart. That means delivering a 360-degree conference experience that still focuses on great CE but kicks the learning up a notch. After a session, we want you to do more than just check a box off your list. We want Fetch dvm360 to provide you with knowledge, skills, tools and relationships that give you what you need so you can give pets what they need. 

Sounds great, you might be thinking (or we hope you're thinking), but how can you fit all of that into one session? Answer: facilitation.

Facilitated sessions dismiss the usual linear lecture format in which the speaker downloads facts and figures into the brains of a passive, silent audience. Instead, facilitated sessions capitalize on the knowledge, experience and real-world issues you bring to the session by adding another person to the front of the room (the facilitator) to lead various activities and act as a bridge between you and the speaker. These sessions also recognize that your brain needs breaks to stay engaged (and awake!) over an hour-long session.

So what does all of this look like? Here are some of the activities you can expect in facilitated sessions:

• Goal-setting to plan next steps after the show. Planning your learning path will help you recognize your progress and keep you motivated

• Guided discussion about where you are in the learning path, including what you've learned and what you still have questions about

• A review of real solutions to the cases and problems that are keeping you up at night

• Visual learning tips and practice, including visual sketch noting, to help you learn and remember more

• Stretching and breathing exercises to help you process information and stay engaged in every session (It's caffeine-free and fun, we promise!)

• Follow-up activities and access to resources from dvm360.com that build on what you've learned for continued growth and development

Here's a practical example, if that helps: In Kansas City, Betsy Charles, DVM, MA, served as the facilitator for Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, whose sessions covered canine sports medicine. Dr. Otto told attendees about a study that found dogs at a healthy weight can live two years longer than overweight dogs. Dr. Charles then asked attendees to write down how they could explain that study to a client in the exam room in a compelling way. They were able to jot down their ideas before sharing in small groups and then with the entire room. The study was good information, but the simple activity helped solidify how to take that information and apply it to solve real-life exam room issues.

You won't just walk out of Fetch dvm360 facilitated sessions knowing you learned something great. You'll leave with an action plan to apply at least one of those things you learned. And that's far more valuable than just checking off the next box.