take a look at that symposium lineup!

Carley Saelinger, DVM, DACVIM 

(Cardiology)

In this lecture we make veterinary cardiology easy to understand and fun (no kidding)! Cardiac issues are very common in  pets with approximately 10% of the dogs veterinarians evaluate experiencing heart disease. We will discuss many of the common cardiology scenarios that pets present in everyday practice. We will  provide you easy to understand and executable plans to help pets live long  and happy lives. Our goal is for everyone involved in the case (pet owner and us veterinarians) to truly understand the big picture of what is going on, what signs to look for and what to expect. Some of the specific cardiology scenarios we will be discussing include congestive heart failure  in little dogs, big dogs and feline patients, degenerative valve disease vs DCM, HCM, pulmonary hypertension and common arrhythmias. And… we promise to make cardiology fun! 

Cassie Jackson, RVTg, VTS (ECC) 

This lecture will cover an introduction to the respiratory system and the diseases that can be associated with it. An overview of common respiratory issues in emergent and non-emergent situations. Discuss the different breathing patterns and abnormalities that can present; understand how this can help prepare you to treat your patient. A discussion of stabilization techniques and further diagnostics that can be performed for advanced care. A brief discussion of advanced monitoring and advanced oxygenation techniques.

Dillon Scott, AHT, DVM

Joining the veterinary profession is a remarkable milestone, but it marks just the beginning of your professional journey. This session explores the expansive career paths available, from leadership roles, to specialization and career advancement opportunities. Along the way, we’ll dive into the real-world challenges including post-grad depression, burnout, and imposter syndrome. Attendees will gain practical strategies to build resilience, confidence, and a dynamic, fulfilling career. Through honest discussion and motivational guidance, this lecture empowers you to think beyond the credentials and step boldly into your potential as leaders, innovators, and essential members of the veterinary team.

Leah Contreras, CVT, RVT

The focus of this talk is to shed light on how each part of the anesthetic monitoring equipment works. It reviews ECG, SPO2, capnometry, non invasive blood pressure (Oscillometric/Doppler) and invasive blood pressure (arterial waveforms). During the review of each piece of equipment, the speaker will tie in how increased knowledge of equipment mechanics can improve anesthetic monitoring and patient safety. Monitoring anesthetic trends and recording will also be touched upon briefly.

Leah Contreras, CVT, RVT

This talk reviews the anesthetic planes as they relate to real time cases. An emphasis is placed on viewing the monitor as a whole picture, instead of trying to troubleshoot every abnormal value under anesthesia separately. The audience will be asked to engage in a question and answer discussion on cases to help them decipher which anesthetic plane the patient is in, and if it is appropriate for the procedure. Cases will range from ASA I-VE with various monitoring equipment reviewed as it pertains to the case.

Clara Pelton, BS, RVT, CVPM 

Knowing how to productively and compassionately give and receive feedback are skills that help people in a leadership role, connect with other members on the team and strengthen areas of needed improvement. The goal is for the feedback to have an overall positive impact on the person, team and organization. During this session, we will also focus on tips and tricks to give feedback that is candid with care and kindness. We will also discuss how to receive feedback in a way that allows you to process the information in a healthy and productive manner. 

Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP 

This presentation focuses on common HR issues that many practice managers experience in their hospitals. Running a business is a difficult thing to do and when trying to manage a team sometimes it can feel impossible. In this presentation I am going to talk about five common problems that managers deal with while managing their teams. Recruiting, employee communication problems, employee training, employee retention, and motivating employees to take more initiative.   

Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP 

This presentation focuses on what to do in different types of emergency situations that a veterinary hospital might deal with. Whether it is a natural disaster, an escaped animal, or a violent client, there are several types of emergencies that can affect us. Hospitals need to be prepared for all these situations before they happen. In this presentation I will talk about what these situations are and how to be prepared for them. I also provide tools on how to implement disaster plans at your hospital. As well as how to talk to your clients about some of these emergencies. 

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP 

Most of us would agree that our practices could all use some improvement in the area of overall practice efficiency. However, narrowing in on what processes need improvement and how to streamline the team working together can be difficult when we are busy working IN our practices.

Imagine if we could step out of the practice and look through an outsider’s lens to see what, where, and how we need either a small tweak or a total overhaul.

Can you relate to any of these:

Do clients leave with questions? Do patients miss treatments? Do employees miss charges? Are doctors performing technical duties? i.e., blood draws, x-rays, injections, etc. Are RVTs cleaning? i.e., mopping floors, taking out trash, etc. Miss a piece of communication from a client? Stay after hours to finish medical records, call clients, or perform surgery?

Practice inefficacies can be an everyday regular part of our practices, so how can we identify, correct, and implement new processes so that they are the exception to the rule? What do these inefficiencies cost us? We will define some common inefficiencies and the price we pay for them. Identify processes in our practice to work on. Review some proven practice processes in highly efficient practices to see how they might be customized per practice. Review and discuss some systems to integrate such as increasing communication, adding technology, and more to help increase efficiency.

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP 

It is no secret that veterinary medicine is notoriously poor when it comes to training our teams. On the first day we introduce our new team member to another person or two, show them where to put their things, have them sign a few pieces of paper, and then assign them to their workstation. We hope they come back after lunch (however not surprised when they don’t). Yet, we lose talent, keep hiring, and repeat the same process expecting the next one to stay. Hmm, that sounds like the definition of insanity. Let’s ask ourselves, “Why is training SO important? Surely our training program is good enough, isn’t it?”

We will take a hard look at training. WHO do we need to train? Who is doing the training? What information is being trained? How can we tell if the training works? What post-training assessment do we have?

We will unpack not only the financial benefits of good training programs but also address an increase in productivity, a reduction in employee costs, a more adaptable, flexible, and happy workforce, the importance of the acquisition process, onboarding plans, and increased retention. We will review training manuals, how to refresh and update current plans or create new training plans, the transfer of learning to knowledge, how to evaluate the training process, and more.

Cindy Vaca, DVM, DAVDC

Comprehensive oral health goes beyond what is visible during a routine exam. Dental radiographs are a vital diagnostic tool that reveal conditions hidden beneath the surface. This wet lab is designed to help veterinary technicians and veterinarians sharpen their intraoral radiography skills. Participants will practice positioning techniques on canine and feline cadavers to capture diagnostic-quality images, learn how to identify and correct common imaging errors, and receive guidance on sensor placement and techniques for obtaining challenging radiographic views 

This is a 3-hour interactive wet lab open to both DVMs and Techs. Previous experience with veterinary dentistry and dental radiography is strongly encouraged to gain the most benefit from this session. 

Dillon Scott, AHT, DVM + Kaitlin Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

This hands-on wet lab is designed for veterinary technicians looking to advance their clinical skills in essential procedures for both canine and feline patients. Participants will observe and practice the placement of nasal oxygen cannulas, nasogastric tubes, Foley urinary catheters (male and female), and sacrococcygeal blocks. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, patient comfort, and the nursing care required to support these advanced interventions. 

This is a 2-hour interactive wet lab for technicians. Having a solid foundation of basic veterinary nursing skills is recommended to gain the most benefit from this session.