Speaker: Cassie Jackson RVTg, VTS (ECC)
Join us for an insightful presentation on anesthetic monitoring and the vital role of veterinary technicians. We’ll cover the full process—from pre-anesthetic evaluations to recovery—highlighting how to tailor protocols based on patient age, condition, and procedure.
Explore essential monitoring techniques, the benefits of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), the importance of multi-modal analgesia, and effective strategies to manage hypotension. Perfect for any technician looking to deepen their knowledge and enhance patient care.
Speaker: Sumitra J Price, BA, RVT, CVPM, CCFP, CPHT
Discover the concept of bond-centered euthanasia, a compassionate approach that prioritizes the human-animal bond during one of the most emotional moments in veterinary care.
This session explores how to apply bond-centered euthanasia in clinical practice to support both the patient and the client, offering guidance on creating meaningful, respectful end-of-life experiences.
Speaker: James Golem, RVT
This course explores the techniques and benefits of local anesthesia in small animal practice. Attendees will learn how local anesthetics work, common drug options, and how to perform a variety of block techniques including dental, limb, trunk, and epidural applications. The session emphasizes the critical role veterinary technicians play in administering local anesthesia safely and effectively. With practical tips, real-life case examples, and a focus on improving patient comfort, this presentation equips technicians with tools to enhance multimodal pain management strategies in clinical settings.
Speaker: Alexia Martinez, RVT
This course equips veterinary professionals with practical guidance and tools to support
clients navigating oncology and specialty–level care. Participants will learn effective
communication strategies, care coordination techniques, insurance/financial discussion
frameworks, and approaches to foster shared decision-making. Searchable keywords
include veterinary oncology, specialty care navigation, client communication, shared
decision-making, financial counseling, and care coordination.
Speaker: Marc A. Ledesma, DVM, MS, DACVR
This course is designed specifically for veterinary technicians to develop hands-free radiographic skills that enhance both safety and efficiency in clinical practice. Participants will learn to reduce radiation exposure by utilizing positioning aids, sedation protocols, and proper patient handling techniques. Emphasis is placed on maintaining diagnostic image quality while protecting staff and patients. The program supports veterinary technicians in becoming leaders in radiation safety and compliant, modern imaging practices.
Speakers: Steve Armitage, RVT, CVS Ontario Technician Manager, Cassie Jackson, RVT VTS ECC – CVS Ontario Specialty Manager, Neiva Salas, RVT, James Golem, RVT, CVS Murrieta Technician Manager, Alexia Martinez, RVT, CVS Murrieta Technician Supervisor
This 1-hour session will be interactive. During our time, the panel will not only take live questions from the attendees but also answer pre-selected questions about everything related to emergency and specialty medicine, as it relates to registered veterinary technicians and assistants. The panel will utilize visual aids such as slides or brief demonstrations to illustrate key points. We will also have interactive polls on topics ranging from ECG recognition to triage and RVT opportunities. After the polls close, we will discuss the possibilities and correct answers. Attendees will have the chance to speak with emergency and specialty technicians and ask any questions they want, all while having fun and learning.
Speaker: Leann Shaw, DVM, MS
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of the acute abdomen in small animal veterinary patients. Participants can expect to learn a systematic approach to identifying, localizing, and treating causes of acute abdominal pain. We will cover physical examination findings, differential diagnoses, laboratory and diagnostic imaging modalities, and initial stabilization techniques. In addition, we will highlight specific points to relay during client communication. Common surgical and non-surgical conditions discussed will include intestinal obstruction, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), pyometra, uroabdomen, septic abdomen, bile peritonitis, hemoabdomen, and pancreatitis. This session is ideal for general practitioners, emergency veterinarians, and veterinary technicians seeking to improve clinical outcomes in emergent abdominal cases.
Speaker: Nicole Bennett, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Discuss potential applications of FMT including dogs and cats with
parvovirus, acute diarrhea, chronic enteropathies and atopic dermatitis. How is an FMT performed? How are stool samples screened from healthy donors to be used for FMT? Has FMT been helpful in ameliorating clinical signs in small animal practice?
Speaker: Kellyi Benson, DVM, MS, DACVIM-SA
This presentation will explore current concepts in the diagnosis and management of chronic enteropathy in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on the evolving classification of chronic enteropathies, dietary trials, diagnostic work-up, and long-term management strategies. Additionally, the talk will introduce the concept of aerodigestive disorders as a differential in chronic gastrointestinal disease, particularly in brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs.
Speaker: Ian J. Wachowiak, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery)
This lecture will cover how to recognize disc disease as well as how to treat most effectively. We will discuss the variety of treatments and prognoses so that we may set owner’s expectations appropriately. Lastly, we will cover discospondylitis (not to be confused with spondlyosis deforms) diagnosis, the variety of etiologies, and treatment along with additional considerations and prognoses.
Speaker: Jed Sung, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)
This practical, skill-building program is designed for veterinary surgical trainees and clinicians aiming to improve efficiency and outcomes in gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries. The course integrates step-by-step surgical strategies, time-saving techniques, and intraoperative decision-making to optimize performance during enterotomy, gastrotomy, resection and anastomosis (RnA), and GI biopsy procedures.
Participants will learn how to streamline surgical setup, prepare the operative field, minimize contamination, and execute precise closures — all while reducing operative time and enhancing patient safety. The course includes tips for tool handling, use of stapling devices, fluid management, and tube placements, as well as leak and patency testing.
Speaker: Joseph Zarin, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
In this lecture, we will break down conduction system anatomy and the P-QRS-T complexes. The concept of an ECG lead will be explained, as well as how to use 6 lead ECGs to better characterize electrical signals within the heart. The most common ECG diagnoses and how they appear on ECG tracings will be explained.
Management Panel: Cassee Wdowiak, CVPM – Area Manager, Emily Luckie BS, PHRca, - Hospital Administrator, Sharon Money, aPHR – Hospital Administrator, Darla Rodriguez, BA, RVT, Elite FFCP – Operations Manager, Sumitra J. Price, BA, RVT, CVPM, CCFP
This will be a moderator-led Q&A focused on topics related to management. Providing knowledge, discussion and critical thinking; and valuable insights and takeaways for the participants
Speaker: Sumitra J Price, BA, RVT, CVPM, CCFP, CPHT
This presentation is applicable for all team members in the veterinary setting. The objective is to provide key understanding of how compassion fatigue affects physically, mentally and spiritually. There will be discussion on how to control the physical factors, reset mental and spiritual resources that are affected daily in the veterinary setting to help ensure prolonged recovery and career satisfaction.
Speaker: Cassee Wdowiak, CVPM
Participants will examine the difference between leadership and management, learn how to build trust and autonomy among high-performers, and gain practical tools for identifying and nurturing leadership potential within their teams. The session will also address common barriers to empowerment — such as resistance to delegation and peer conflict — and offer actionable strategies for fostering a leadership-driven culture.
Speaker: Clara Pelton, BS, RVT, CVPM, Leadership Coach
This interactive session dives into the core of human resource management (HRM) challenges and strategies unique to veterinary practices. As the veterinary field continues to evolve, effective people management and leadership has become just as critical as high quality patient care. This session will explore key HR topics including hiring and retention, workplace culture, performance management, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws- all within the context of a busy, multi-role veterinary environment. Designed specifically for practice managers, this presentation offers real-world tools and actionable insights to help you lead teams with confidence and compassion.
Speaker: Emily Luckie, BS, PHRca, RYT-500
This course explores stress management and self-care strategies tailored for veterinary professionals. We will examine how chronic workplace stress, cynicism, and incivility affect emotional regulation, individual wellbeing, and hospital culture. Participants will learn practical techniques—including breathwork and movement—to manage stress in real time. The session includes interactive components designed to help attendees experience self-regulation and walk away with tools they can immediately apply in a veterinary setting. Keywords: veterinary burnout, stress management, self-care, incivility, workplace wellness, mental health, veterinary leadership, emotional regulation.
Speaker: Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP
Many hospital team members work in a toxic environment. In this presentation I talk about how to recognize a toxic environment, what type of effects a toxic environment has on team members, and what both team members and leaders can do to help change them. I also discuss what things can lead to a toxic environment and how each person can influence the toxicity and make it better.
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