As a third year here at SCO, the fall has been really busy with clinic! It has been so fun getting a better grasp on patient care at all of our different locations around Memphis! Even though we stay busy seeing patients most of the time this semester, I was able to attend the American Academy of Optometry’s meeting in Denver, CO last week. It was so much fun! As a student, I love that the school allows us to take time off to go to conferences and meetings like this one. They actually encourage it and give you a few conference days to take off each year to attend meetings like these. I have been to several other national conferences throughout my time here at SCO, but this was my first time attending the meeting for the Academy. I know you may think it is hard to attend these meetings as a “financially challenged” student, but they give away a ton of student travel grants to help pay for flights and hotels to make the trip.
At this meeting, optometrists and students come together every year for continuing education and to present research that they have been working on over the past year. Needless to say, there is a lot to learn whether you are a student or an optometrist. Students are encouraged to go to any of the educational lectures that are offered throughout the meeting, and can even become a Student Fellow if they attend the required events for it. Also there are many receptions and social events to network.
As students, we also had some down time to enjoy the city and sightsee for a bit before heading back to Memphis. It was so cold in Denver, as we were there for the first snow of the season! I’ve posted some of my pictures from my time in Denver below if you want to check it out! I am just so grateful for the opportunity to go to national meetings like this to learn more about our profession, network, see a new part of the country, and make some great memories with some of my classmates! As a student it is easy to get bogged down in school and studying, but I feel like attending these meetings is so important to our optometric education as well. I encourage everyone reading this to try your best to attend one!
The first snow of the season in Denver!
At the SCO reception with friends and classmates Brooke and Katie!
Before boarding our flight to Denver with one of our favorite staff doctors, Dr. Edmondson!
Enjoying lunch in our free time!
Exploring the city and enjoying the famous 16th Street Mall!
A picture looking down on the famous blue bear looking in on the Denver Convention Center where the meeting was held.