Reflecting on a Return to My Roots at the 2024 AVESA Congress in Murcia
HallMark Reflects on a Meaningful AVESA 2024 Congress Experience
HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services is proud to share reflections from the 2024 AVESA Congress held in Murcia, where our Group Operations Director, Diego Sprekelsen Rodriguez, had the honour of reconnecting with his roots, esteemed mentors, and industry peers. This visit to his hometown offered an inspiring blend of professional development and cultural celebration.
Celebrating Murcian Culture and Cuisine
Diego took the opportunity to introduce colleagues to Murcia’s unique charm, exploring its historic streets and indulging in beloved local tapas. The oven-baked Murcian octopus was a standout, and traditional dishes like marineras, and matrimonios brought added joy to the shared experience. The gala dinner at the iconic Casino de Murcia underscored the city’s rich cultural heritage, providing a beautiful setting for networking and camaraderie.
Reuniting with Esteemed Mentors and Old Friends
A true highlight of the congress was reconnecting with former mentors, such as Professor Gaspar Ros Berruezo, the former Dean and Diego’s teacher in Nutrition, and Dª Elisa Escudero Pastor, the current Dean and his pharmacology professor. Together, they facilitated an informal Q&A session with today’s veterinary students, bridging experiences between studying and practising abroad. Diego also reconnected with D. Cándido Gutiérrez Panizo, President of the Veterinary Sciences Academy, and Francisco Javier Domínguez Orive, a former FSA manager now leading EU policy in Brussels.
In this elegant photo taken at the historic Casino de Murcia, Diego Sprekelsen, HallMark’s Group Operations Director, stands with two prominent figures from the University of Murcia. On the left is Professor Gaspar Ros Berruezo, former Dean and an esteemed nutrition expert who taught Diego during his university years. In the centre is Dª Elisa Escudero Pastor, the current Dean and Diego's former pharmacology professor. This reunion at the AVESA Congress beautifully captures Diego reconnecting with mentors who shaped his path in veterinary public health.
Even the university canteen staff remembered Diego fondly, treating him to a coffee—a small but meaningful reminder of his roots in Murcia, where his father, Dr. Carlos Sprekelsen Gasso, was a renowned professor. These connections highlighted the depth of relationships formed during his career and the value of mentorship in professional growth.
Acknowledgements to the AVESA Congress Organising Committee
A heartfelt thank you goes to the AVESA Congress Committee for their dedication to this event’s success. Special appreciation to President Álvaro Mateos Amann, Murcia Committee Chair Pedro Antonio Balanza Vicente, and the entire organising team, including Vice Presidents Juan Miguel Ávila and Teresa López Hernández, Secretary Raúl Hernández Palacios, and other committee members who made the congress a memorable experience.
Reflecting on the Roundtable Discussions
The congress hosted impactful roundtable discussions on critical topics, including One Health initiatives and the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. These sessions explored AI’s potential in disease monitoring and control, emphasising the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex global health challenges. Discussions on water security and sustainability further underscored the need for unified approaches to public health, highlighting how veterinary expertise can contribute significantly to environmental and food safety.
The roundtable session titled "Veterinary Specialisation in the National Health System" at the AVESA Congress featured key figures from Spain's veterinary and public health sectors. Moderated by Álvaro Borge de Castro of AVESA’s Castilla y León chapter, the panel included Consuelo Serres Dalmau, President of the Veterinary Deans’ Conference of Spain, Manuel Martínez Domínguez, President of FESVET (State Federation of Veterinary Unions), and Álvaro Mateos Amann, President of AVESA. Discussions focused on the integration and recognition of veterinary specialisations within Spain's national health structure.
Inspiring New Graduates Towards Veterinary Public Health
For new graduates considering their future, the AVESA Congress illustrated the dynamic and impactful nature of veterinary public health. Topics like One Health and AI’s role in disease management demonstrate how veterinary skills can be applied to global challenges. We encourage those passionate about making a difference to explore veterinary public health as a rewarding career path that extends beyond traditional roles.
In this photo, Diego is pictured alongside a group of veterinary students from the University of Murcia. Diego had the opportunity to share insights about his career in the UK and encourage aspiring veterinarians to explore the dynamic field of veterinary public health.
Conclusion
The 2024 AVESA Congress was a blend of professional growth, cultural celebration, and heartfelt connections. Diego’s journey back to Murcia not only reaffirmed HallMark’s commitment to veterinary public health but also celebrated the enduring relationships that define our industry.
Murcia, qué hermosa eres!
This city and its people continually remind us of the roots that shape us and the future we aspire to create.
This news piece reinforces our values of quality, collaboration, and openness, embodying our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and supporting the next generation in veterinary public health.
