The Calgary International Equine Symposium, hosted by the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), awarded equine surgery resident and recent StrideSAFE study first-author Dr. Denise McSweeney with the Best Podium Presentation Award during its global conference Sept. 5-6, 2024. This year’s theme, Innovation in Equine Health and Welfare, brought together experts from all over the world, including participants from as far as Japan, to share the latest advancements in equine science.
The symposium awarded researchers who demonstrated exceptional contributions to equine science, with the top honor going to Dr. McSweeney for her work with StrideSAFE. “It is incredibly rewarding to have the hard work of the team recognized and supported by our peers.”
Presentations focused on cutting-edge research including Dr. McSweeney’s entitled “Using accelerometer-based inertial measurement unit sensors to identify racing thoroughbreds at high risk of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury.” The recognition also came with a $10,000 cash award.
Dr. McSweeney believes the unprecedented amount of data being collected and its use to support equine health overall led to the recognition. “I am grateful to the University of Calgary for giving us this platform to share what we have learned from the StrideSAFE data so far. There were many excellent presentations this year, however what we are doing here at StrideSAFE, collecting and interpreting data on the strides of thousands of starters every month, is something that has never been done before and it’s pretty hard to not get excited about it.”
Associate Dean of Research at UCVM, Dr. Hermann Schaetzl emphasized the goal of the symposium. “This year’s winners reflect the diverse and innovative research approaches being developed to improve equine health. Their research is not only advancing our understanding but also paving the way for new clinical applications that can make a real difference.”
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