ACVIM 2017 Recap, Review of Abaxis and More…

Another successful American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine forum (ACVIM 2017) recently wrapped up earlier this month and, as usual, attendees walked away with a great deal of valuable insight. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of attending the annual event, here’s a briefing of what it’s all about. Additionally, the impressive list of exhibitors that showcased their products and services at the event has inspired us to do a few reviews of our own – in particular, Abaxis and MWI Animal Health. Here are some of our results on the research.

ACVIM 2017

The purpose of the ACVIM forum is to provide a central gathering of veterinary industry professionals where they can network with one another, enjoy educational opportunities and learn about the many products and services that are currently available for use in vet clinics. The initial event was held in 1983 in New Orleans. Since that time, the annual forum has grown from a modest 350 attendees to more than 3,000 (and growing). Participants can also earn continuing education credits for their attendance.

As with forums of the past, ACVIM 2017, held in Washington, DC brought together thousands of veterinary professionals and more than 600 sessions around the theme of “Innovation, Science and Beyond.” As such, attendees were presented with an ideal combination of cutting-edge scientific research, interactive lectures and exclusive networking opportunities with the best and the brightest minds in the veterinary industry.

The 4-day ACVIM 2017 agenda was absolutely jam-packed with valuable presentations, lectures and panel discussions on such topics as cardiology, neurology, oncology and internal medicine for both small and large animals. As usual, exhibitors and attendees alike reported that the event was a resounding success, with many already clamoring to sign up for next year.

Abaxis Global Diagnostics Review

Among other things, ACVIM 2017 inspired us to explore a few of the popular brands currently being marketed to animal health care professionals. One such provider that has been serving the veterinary industry for nearly 30 years is medical device manufacturer Abaxis Global Diagnostics. Abaxis Global provides point-of-care technology, tools and services that are designed to support best medical practices and enable veterinarians to respond to the needs of their clients while operating economical and profitable practices.

The main focus of Abaxis Global is animal health diagnostics, for which they offer a wide variety of tools including their popular line of VetScan products. The company also offers a veterinary reference center called Vetcom, which contains a variety of resources including product brochures, case studies from around the world, white papers and user guides as well as product demonstrations, testimonials, in-clinic videos and much more. Lastly, they offer consulting services geared toward optimizing preventative care and clinical diagnostics.

These value-added options make it easy to see why Abaxis Global has become such a trusted name in the veterinary field.

MWI Animal Health Review

Another well-known brand serving the veterinary industry is MWI Animal Health, which was founded in 1976 by fellow DVM Millard Wallace Ickes. Today, MWI Animal Health is one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical distributors in the U.S., serving the companion animal, equine and livestock markets. In addition to their veterinary products and SDS retrieval service, MWI Animal Health also offers a variety of AAHA-aligned practice management resources in the areas of inventory management, marketing, financials, compliance, continuing education, human resources and more.

Like Abaxis, it’s the additional value-added options that make MWI Animal Health such a valuable industry resource.

Now that you know what we think, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you attend ACVIM 2017? What were your biggest takeaways? How about the products/services? Do you use Abaxis or MWI Animal Health in your practice? If so, what has been your overall experience with them? Please share and let’s discuss!

Our Advice on ACVIM Recap, Review of Abaxis, and More… in 2024

What specific innovations or emerging technologies were showcased at ACVIM 2017 that have the potential to significantly impact veterinary practice?

At ACVIM 2017, a range of innovations and emerging technologies were highlighted that have the potential to significantly impact veterinary practices. Key advancements included the latest in point-of-care diagnostic tools from Abaxis Global Diagnostics, notably their VetScan product line, which supports efficient in-clinic testing. Additionally, interactive lectures and sessions on new developments in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and internal medicine presented cutting-edge research and treatment methodologies. These technologies and insights offer veterinary professionals new tools and knowledge to enhance patient care and practice efficiency.

How do the offerings from Abaxis Global Diagnostics and MWI Animal Health compare to those of their competitors in terms of cost, quality, and customer support?

Abaxis Global Diagnostics and MWI Animal Health stand out in the veterinary market primarily through their comprehensive support and high-quality offerings. Abaxis is known for its cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tools, such as the VetScan series, which provide reliable results quickly and economically. They also offer extensive customer support, including consulting services to optimize practice operations. MWI Animal Health distinguishes itself with a wide range of veterinary products and an extensive support system, including practice management resources that enhance operational efficiency. Their offerings are competitively priced and backed by strong customer service, positioning them favorably against competitors.

How can veterinarians effectively incorporate the resources and tools provided by companies like Abaxis and MWI into their daily practice workflows?

Veterinarians can effectively incorporate resources and tools from companies like Abaxis and MWI into their daily workflows by strategically integrating diagnostic equipment and management resources into practice operations. Utilizing Abaxis's VetScan diagnostics can streamline patient assessments with quick, reliable results, enhancing decision-making efficiency. For practice management, leveraging MWI's resources in inventory, financials, and compliance can optimize operations. Regular training for staff on these tools and technologies ensures they are used effectively, maximizing the benefits of these integrations for improved patient care and practice productivity.

What are some of the key challenges or barriers to adoption of new diagnostic technologies in veterinary practice?

Key challenges to adopting new diagnostic technologies in veterinary practices include the initial cost of acquisition, which can be substantial, and the training required to effectively utilize these advanced tools. There is also the hurdle of integrating these technologies into existing practice workflows, which may require significant adjustments in standard procedures. Additionally, there can be resistance to change among staff who are accustomed to traditional methods. Overcoming these barriers often necessitates demonstrating the long-term benefits and efficiencies gained from these investments to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders.

How can veterinarians evaluate the credibility and reliability of product information and case studies provided by vendors like Abaxis and MWI?

Veterinarians can evaluate the credibility and reliability of product information and case studies from vendors like Abaxis and MWI by verifying the presence of peer-reviewed research supporting the products. They should look for clinical trials and independent studies that validate vendor claims. Additionally, scrutinizing the sources of case studies, checking for conflicts of interest, and comparing findings with existing literature or practices are crucial. Engaging with other professionals through forums or conferences to gather peer opinions and experiences with the products can also provide valuable insights.

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