With a focus on practical knowledge and skills, cutting-edge treatments, and advanced diagnostics, the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) 64th Annual Convention drew 5,156 veterinary professionals, students, guests, and exhibitors from 45 countries to San Francisco, California, Dec. 1–5.

The meeting offered 127.5 hours of continuing education across all aspects of equine medicine, including dentistry, complementary medicine, reproduction, and more.

The Dec. 2 Opening Session established the importance of hands-on medicine and contemplation in an era of increased technology when physician and author Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, delivered the keynote address. The following day, equine cardiologist and ultrasonographer Virginia B. Reef, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR, provided a blueprint for interpreting the audio and visual clues of equine heart diseases along with the ramifications for performance, life expectancy, and horse and rider safety