In my 2019 March-April issue I wrote about my bucket list.1 I spoke about potential items that could (and maybe should) be on my bucket list at the time. I find it interesting to go back and look at that message and my bucket list items given all that has changed over the past two years, and it made me think about what is on my bucket list nowadays?
But first, what was on my bucket list in 2019? I listed some professional and personal goal-related items: contribute to world peace, write a book, travel to Antarctica, complete an Ironman race.1 All those options seemed worthy of being on a person’s bucket list. Big and challenging items. They are all still on my list and could be considered incomplete, but I did do a half Ironman race this past summer so maybe that counts for a little. Nonetheless I am still working on my list. They are life goals vs a list with a specific timeline really, both personal and professional.
My pig veterinarian related bucket list items are still the same as they were in 2019: contribute to feeding the world safe and nutritious animal protein; visit other countries to learn about their swine production systems and animal health strategies (although I did exclude Antarctica); and visit other universities to learn and understand the challenges they face and strategies they use when training new veterinarians.1
As veterinarians, we are all familiar with professional development and continuing education. The pandemic has influenced travel significantly, ranging from travel restrictions to various personal comfort levels surrounding travel. I am disappointed to miss attending the AASV Annual Meeting this year in Indianapolis. But I am sure it will be a great Annual Meeting. Regardless of the delivery mode, in-person or virtual, the meeting is always a great time to connect with each other and learn. My professional bucket/goal list remains the same and professional development and continuing education both still rank high on that list. And usually, attending the Annual Meeting helps me fulfill some of my list items and professional development goals. I hope you were able to attend and enjoy the meeting.
The Journal of Swine Health and Production also strives to help fulfill your professional development bucket/goal list and bring peer-reviewed literature to your living room or work office. I hope you enjoy this issue
Terri O’Sullivan, DVM, PhD
Executive Editor
Reference
*1. O’Sullivan T. Bucket list [Editorial]. J Swine Health Prod. 2019;28(2):63.
* Non-refereed reference.