Conveniently located within driving distance of these cities: Atlanta GA, Nashville TN, Lexington KY, Raleigh NC, Columbia SC & Burmingham AL |
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Your Conference Registration includes:
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The Mountain Veterinary
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Click Here to Download the Brochure with Registration Form
The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board now requires 2 hours of CE on controlled substance abuse in the 2019 calendar year for 2020 license renewals for all veterinarians and technicians. Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program will provide a 2 hour CE session on "Recognizing and Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace" on Wednesday, April 10 at the Mountain Veterinary Conference.
Tentative Schedule
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Sunday, April 7, 2019Registration open 10am-6pmExhibitor set up 1pm-6pm, welcome to exhibit when setup |
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Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS and Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPPSponsored by
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Great Smokey Mountains National Park |
Drs. Dohmen and Wentzel will be co-hosting an herb walk in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Transportation will be provided to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, from which we will walk the 1.5 mile Oconaluftee River Trail and discuss the plants along the way. We will provide medicinal plant identification and uses. The trail is an easy walk; it is mostly flat through the forest along the Oconaluftee River. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is known for its wildflowers (over 1500 species), especially in the early spring when the ephemerals are in bloom. Also blooming in the spring are the red maples trees and many flowering shrubs. For more information, go to https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm. This herb walk will encompass the entire afternoon session on Sunday. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, a note-taking device, and your camera! |
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Howard B. Seim III, DVM, DACVS |
See Topics |
100pm – 300pm Chronic vaginitis and incontinence; can surgery help? Surgical management of salivary mucocele Surgical repair of diaphragmatic hernia 315pm – 430pm Principles of GI Surgery The 4-ligature splenectomy 445pm – 600pm Surgical management of canine cystic and urethral calculi |
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Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS (Tech Session)Sponsored by PractiVet |
Hickory 1-3pm 3:15-4:30pm 4:45-6pm |
Education Over Fear - Veterinary Oncology What You Need to Know Chemotherapy Gumbo - Chemo in the Clinic Fine Needle Aspirates - Tips and Tricks Tumor Two-fur - Lymphoma and Mast Cell Tumors Updates in Hazardous Drug Handling - USP 800 |
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Nicole LaForest, BSc, LVT RVT, CCFT (Tech Session) |
1-3pm 3:15-4:30pm 4:45-6pm |
Regenerative Medicine, It’s Not "Just" For Doctors: Learn Technician Utilization Through the Science of Rejuvenation. Two Hour Lecture (Sponsored by Jorgensen Labs) Common Orthopedic Injuries in Small Animals And How We Can Best Provide Patient Advocacy At All Price Points. 75 minute lecture (Sponsored by KVP) Pulse Electromagnetic Frequency Therapy (PEMF), The Science Behind the “Voodoo." 75 minute lecture (Sponsored by KVP) |
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Robbie van Mullem, Digital Media SpecialistSponsored by 3 Sided Media |
Maple 1-3pm 3:15-4:30pm 4:45-6pm |
Making your clinic contagious: 6 infectious tools to market your practice Secure vs Not Secure what does this mean for my website? How to use social media to stand above your competition ADA lawsuits drive concern over website accessibility; navigating unclear rules |
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Monday, April 8, 2019Registration Open 8amGreens Creek Breakfast Buffet 8amExhibit Hall Open at 8am-4:30pmBreakfast Session (7:30-8:30am) - Rod Finnegan, Sponsored by Vet Insure: "Destroyed in Seconds: How to Protect Yourself from Peril & Litigation in the Age of Entitlement"
Lunch Session: Mr. Aaron Bakken, Sales Director, K-Laser: "Successful laser therapy implementation; A detailed guide to successful LTP implementation in your practice"Sponsored by K-Laser
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Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM |
See Topics |
8:30-10am: The ABCs of Early Cancer Detection: Aspirates, Biopsies and Cytology Most skin and subcutaneous tumors can be cured with surgery alone if diagnosed early when tumors are small. To do this we need to identify and diagnose skin and superficial masses with aspirates and biopsies when they are more treat. See Something, Do Something. Why Wait? Aspirate® is a cancer awareness program to do just that. In this talk we will go over the guidelines and the dive into the common lump and bumps on cytology. 10:15-11:30am: What’s New in Cancer? This lecture will focus the latest diagnostics and treatments in oncology including vaccine immunotherapy for osteosarcoma and lymphoma, the newly approved chemotherapeutic Tanovea, CADET BRAF testing for bladder tumors, and new medications. We will cover additional topics based on what’s current at the time of the meeting. 1-3pm: Canine Lymphoma 2019 on a Budget (or Budget-Busting) Once you’ve confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma, the diagnostic and chemotherapy options can be budget busting for many clients. Which tests and protocols do we recommend? What do you tell the owners? This lecture will give a practical approach to diagnostic and treatment options at various price points. We will cover the numbers and prognoses you need to know when you talk the owner about the options. We will also discuss new therapies available and how to use steroids when treatment is declined. 3:15-4:30pm: Feline GI Lymphoma vs IBD: The Struggle is Real This lecture will cover both low grade and high-grade gastrointestinal lymphoma, and the challenges of distinguishing low-grade lymphoma and IBD. This lecture will give a practical overview of diagnostics, picking staging tests, which ones to skip, treatment options, and statistics you need to know when you talk the owner. We will also discuss steroids when treatment is declined. Cats are definitely not small dogs when it comes to lymphoma. |
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Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS - (Tech Session)Sponsored by PractiVet |
Maple 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am 1-2:30pm 2:45-4:30pm |
Education Over Fear - Veterinary Oncology What You Need to Know Chemotherapy Gumbo - Chemo in the Clinic Fine Needle Aspirates - Tips and Tricks Tumor Two-fur - Lymphoma and Mast Cell Tumors Updates in Hazardous Drug Handling - USP 800 |
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Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MSSponsored By
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See Topics |
Holistic Food Therapy and Western Herbal MedicineAbstracts: Using Food as Medicine – 1.5 hours (8:30-10) This lecture will discuss using food as medicine, with and without herbs. We will briefly discuss homecooking for pets, both healthy and with chronic disease. Introduction to Western Herbalism – 1 hour (10:30-11:30) This lecture will go over the basics of medicinal use of Western Herbs. The concept of Evidence-based Medicine will be introduced. We will discuss how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety and interactions. How to read a monograph will be explained, and there will be cases presented. Adaptogens: Herbs for Stress – 2 hours (1-3) This lecture will start with a detailed explanation of adaptogens as an herbal group. Monographs of 8-12 herbs will be presented. There will also be an organoleptic component to this lecture, with tasting of the herbs dried and in tincture. Forms of Herbal Administration and Formulation – 1 hour (3:15-4:30) In this lecture, we will go through how to put together an herbal formula. Things to consider include: type of administration, type of herb, number of herbs, specifics of patient, environment and speed of delivery. We will also discuss the determination of dosage, and the many methods to decide on a dose. There will be case examples of formula preparation. Lastly, herbal labeling will be detailed. |
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Howard B. Seim III, DVM, DACVS |
See Topics |
830am – 1000am Feline PU – a novel approach Surgical management of brachycephalic syndrome 1015am – 1130am Surgical management of GDV Prophylactic gastropexy; yes or no? 100pm – 230pm Intestinal anastomosis – tips to make it easier Anal sacculectomy – a novel approach 245pm – 430pm Visceral organ biopsy Wound management secrets |
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Richard Ford, DVM |
Beech 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am 1-2:30pm 2:45-4:30pm |
2019 Vaccines & Vaccination: Protocols, Products, and Controversies Vaccine-Adverse Reactions and Injury Rabies Awareness Challenge; Antibody Testing v. Vaccination: Applications In Practice Tick-Borne Diseases: Ehrlichiosis & Lyme Borreliosis & Anaplasmosis Chronic Cough In The Dog; Update On FELV & FIV Feline Viral Upper Respiratory Disease…Why It Persists! Hyperlipidemic States In The Dog & Cat |
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Tuesday, April 9, 2019Registration Open 8amGreens Creek Breakfast Buffet 8amExhibit Hall Open 8am-4pm
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Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM |
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8:30-10am Cancer Cliff Notes for Dogs: The Common Cancers, What you Need to Know You have just made the diagnosis for cancer in your canine patient. Now what do you tell the client? This lecture will cover 4 common cancers and the information you need to tell owners including the necessary (and not necessary) diagnostics, treatment options, survival times with and without treatment, supportive care options, and prognosis. 10:15-11:30 Cancer Cliff Notes for Cats: The Common Cancers, What you Need to Know You have just made the diagnosis for cancer in your feline patient. Now what do you tell the client? This lecture will cover 4 common cancers and the information you need to tell owners including the necessary (and not necessary) diagnostics, treatment options, survival times with and without treatment, supportive care options, and prognosis. 1-2:30 pm Metronomic Chemotherapy: Setting the Bar Low Metronomic chemotherapy – aka low dose oral chemotherapy - is a newer way of administering old chemotherapy drugs but targets tumor cells in a completely different way than conventional chemotherapy. In this case-based lecture, we will discuss all you need to know about this lower dose, lower risk and often lower cost approach. We will also discuss which cases you should consider it, including cases with advanced metastatic disease – yes there are treatment options for these cases. 3-4pm Breaking Bad News: How to Make it Great (Seriously) When we tell a client their pet has cancer, it is like dropping a bomb. It is not what you tell an owner about their pet’s cancer, it is how you say it. In my opinion, how you break the bad news is more important than what you know about that cancer. No one likes to break bad news, but it is a complex communication skill that you will have to do thousands of times. In this talk, we will discuss cancer communication challenges for you and the client, and practical strategies that you can use in your practice the next time you have to break any bad news. |
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Debbie Hill, CVPM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CCFBSponsored by Patterson |
See Topics |
8:30-10am : Mastering the Art of Herding Cats Projects, people, changing regulations, inventory… so many wandering cats! Everything is important and tracking them all requires a solid plan with good tools. Delegation can be tough for those who fight to stay in control. It can be worrisome if things are not done appropriate and the manager still answers for those delegated tasks. Every team has a personality of its own. Facility issues vary, inventory needs change but must be tracked and just keeping the right people in place is an ongoing issue. These cats can be herded. We do not have to live stressed, out of control lives. 10:15-11:30_Why Would they think that is ok? There are several common areas of concern that we share across size, region or plans. Consider the existence of these problems in your hospital; accountability lapses, lack of training, enforcing the rules and friendly or friends? I am a certified veterinary practice manager, an experienced hospital administrator and an adjunct instructor on veterinary management. And yet I still find that these problems persist in my practices. The reason seems to be that we still hire people and people are an ongoing challenge. We will look at solutions in each area. 11.30-1 Lunch break 1-1.50pm_Finding, Hiring & Keeping the Gem Practices spend a lot of time looking for the right team member. Without a plan, managers are destined to repeat a futile cycle of hiring, training, counseling, and firing that frustrates everyone. Experience has taught that you really don’t want everyone. Take a little time to think about what the team needs and what your clients want. Having a plan will help you not take the first person that comes along. Veterinary experience is nice but may not be the deal breaker that some think. This session will look at a process that gets the right people hired and to build them into the team that best fits your practice and your clientele. 2-2.50 pm _Employee Benefits - what do they want? There is a lot of speculation about employee benefits in all workplaces and veterinary practices are no exception. Different generations in the workplace impact benefit choices and must play a part in determining what is offered to employees. To Baby Boomers, insurance equates to security and Boomers expect a “good employer” to offer a full lineup of health, dental, and retirement options. Younger employees just starting out in life may see time off or opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen field as more important. Creating a benefit package that will attract the employees you want requires a plan. This session will look at not only traditional benefits but some creative options to get you noticed in this hiring world. 3-4.30pm_Safety in the Veterinary Practice Today We are all familiar with the need for safety in our veterinary practices, but the day-to-day actions may not actually match those plans. Sound safety practices offer protection to employees and patients in their care. It also protects the practice from liabilities resulting from injury. This session will look at what is needed for a well thought out safety plan, creating training program standards for employees, testing on the program and a good system to document this training. |
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Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPPSponsored By
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Maple 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am 1-2:30pm 2:45-4:30pm |
Wholistic Pain Management with an emphasis on Rehabilitation Pain Management – an integrative approach Objective: This lecture will discuss multimodal pain management and how to incorporate integrative medicine into your pain management protocols. Allopathic or traditional pain management options will be discussed in addition to an introduction into herbal medication options as well as non pharmaceutical options to improve comfort and function in dogs and cats. Rehabilitation modalities and Non Pharmaceutical Pain Management Options Objective: This lecture will discuss a variety of non pharmaceutical pain management options commonly utilized in rehabilitation practices. We will review indications, settings and dosages, as well as contra- indications of modalities such as cold laser, therapeutic ultrasound, and PEMF, and how to incorporate these into your practice. Herbs for Musculoskeletal Conditions: Objective: This lecture will discuss herbs commonly utilized for musculoskeletal conditions in multiple ways from building and supporting tissues to reducing pain and inflammation. Herbal monographs will be presented including botanical, phytochemical, and traditional information. Herbs for Neurological Conditions: Objective: This lecture will discuss herbs that have specific therapeutic effects on the nervous system to enhance healing as well as reduce anxiety and muscle tension which can complicate the experience of pain. Herbal monographs will be presented including botanical, phytochemical, and traditional information. |
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Dr. Julie Reck and Randy Hall (Aspire CEO)
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Hickory 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am 1-2:30pm 2:45-4:30pm |
Changing Practice Culture: Where to Start? 8:30am-10:00am (1.5 hrs) | Dr. Julie Reck Ready to hear from a veterinarian and current multi-doctor
practice owner about
What the hire! 10:15am-11:30am (1.25 hrs) | Dr. Julie Reck Finding it increasingly difficult to fill positions in your
veterinary practice? Tired of
Employee Engagement: Unleashing Your Practice’s Untapped Potential 1:00pm-2:30pm (1.5 hrs) | Randy Hall Imagine if everyone in your practice consistently put forth their
best efforts, worked I got 99 problems, but my patient isn't one of them! Practice Solutions Workshop 2:45pm-4:30pm (1.75 hrs) | Randy Hall Aspire understands that the management side of veterinary
medicine presents some of |
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Richard Ford, DVM - Tech Session |
Oak 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am 1-2:30pm 2:45-4:30pm |
Zoonoses…How Real The Threat?; Small Animal Vaccines and Vaccinations (Technician Session) |
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Wednesday, April 10, 2019 |
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Lynne Swanson, DVM - Practical Canine BehaviorSponsored by givesmiles.us |
Maple 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am |
CANINE CULTURE, COMMONSENSE and BEHAVIOR Join us to explore canine behavior from the perspective of the dogs. We’ll discuss nine elements of canine culture and commonsense, all of which have practical applications in practice (and in life as a whole). They are: 1 – Dogs understand energy. (And so many things come down to energy, both in quantity & quality…) 2 – Dogs get moving, to move on physically and psychologically. (All about using movement to communicate) 3 – Dogs appreciate teamwork. (What your posture and positions say about you) 4 – Dogs don’t speak, as a rule. (Put your non-verbal communication skills to work) 5 – Dogs avoid tension. (Tension & frustration, however justified, will always work against you.) 6 – Dogs tend to live in the moment. (And herein lies a few lessons for us all) 7 – Given a positive path, dogs will take it. (The power and practicality of well-timed positive reinforcement…and by that we don’t mean dog biscuits) 8 – Dogs like to follow. (But they prefer to follow good decision-makers.) 9 - When addressing canine behavioral issues, think canine psychology (that is, how dogs think and how their behavior reflects K9 culture & social cues) before canine psychiatry (in other words, medication) |
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Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEONC Physicians Health ProgramNC Veterinary Health Program |
Maple 8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am |
The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board now requires 2 hours of CE on controlled substance abuse in the 2019 calendar year for 2020 license renewals for all veterinarians and technicians. Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program will provide a 2 hour CE session on "Recognizing and Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace" on Wednesday, April 10 at the Mountain Veterinary Conference. |
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Please Note The Following:
*Times and Presenters Subject to Change
* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MSGrowing up, Dr. Dohmen always wanted to be a veterinarian. She grew up in a time where allopathic medicine was considered the zenith of all medicine. All her schooling was in allopathic medicine, but she started feeling that there was something more. In her personal life, she had been a vegetarian for years; she wanted to help animals, not eat them. She began to use organic food and alternative medicine modalities for herself and her family. Her family thrived on this more wholistic lifestyle, and she realized that if these things were better for her family, they would be better for her patients also.
At the same time, more and more research became available which indicated that allopathic medicine was not the be-all-end-all that western doctors had always believed. There was even research that vaccines and medicines that have been used and prescribed for years can actually do more harm than good. Becoming disillusioned with some areas of western medicine, Dr. Dohmen began studying alternative modalities.
Dr. Dohmen has received training in Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Bach Flower Essences, and most extensively Western Herbs. She has studied with Dr. Steve Marsden, Dr.Huisheng Xie, Registered Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, and many others. She received her Masters of Therapeutic Herbalism from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2014. She recently down-sized her integrative mixed animal practice in southern Delaware. She now lectures regularly on Western Herbal Veterinary Medicine, and other wholistic topics. She is published frequently in journals such as JAHVMA and IVC (Integrative Veterinary Care Journal). She is writing a hands-on course in Western Veterinary Herbal Medicine with Dr. Kris August slated to be offered autumn, 2017.
Dr. Dohmen is the Past President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association; as well as a member of American Herbalists Guild, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, American Holistic VMA and AVMA. She is on the Editorial Board of the AHVMA Journal. Dr. Dohmen lives on a 72 acre farm with her husband, 2 sons, and many four-legged animals. She has her own organic herb and vegetable gardens.
You can learn more about Dr. Dohmen at www.purplemoonherbstudies.com
Sue
Ettinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)Dr. Sue Ettinger is a practicing veterinary cancer specialist, international speaker, book author, and vlogger (video blogger). She is one of approximately 400 board-certified specialists in medical oncology in North America. She received her veterinary training at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency in medical oncology at the Animal Medical Center in NYC in 2003. She has recently received awards for Exceptional Doctor Performance and the Public Relations Achievement.
Also known as Dr Sue Cancer Vet®, Dr. Sue is the co-author of the Second Edition of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, which is a best-selling book in small animal health for the last several years. She is a frequent contributor to Today’s Veterinary Practice, Today’s Veterinary Business, Clinician’s Brief, Veterinary Team Brief, & DVM360. She also has co-hosted the podcast The Pet Cancer Vet. Dr. Sue is most passionate about raising cancer awareness, and she has developed “See Something, Do Something, Why Wait? Aspirate.®” to promote early cancer detection and diagnosis.
Dr Sue’s popular Facebook page has over 36,000 fans. She can also be found on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube helping clients and veterinary professionals deal with cancer in pets.
Jenny
Cassibry Fisher, RVT,
VTS-Oncology, PractiVet Animal Health – Education DirectorJenny has worked in veterinary medicine for 25 years. Following graduation from Northwestern State University, she received her RVT in 2001 and VTS-oncology in 2015.
Jenny Spent 14 years as the head oncology technician at LSU veterinary teaching hospital, cancer treatment unit, where she worked in the clinic as a medical and radiation oncology technician.
Clinical duties included, administering chemotherapy and radiation treatments in addition to managing the I131 program.
Currently, Jenny serves as the treasurer of the Louisiana association for veterinary technicians (LAVT) and as the nominations chair for the academy of internal medicine for veterinary technicians (AIMVT).
Jenny works as the educational director for PractiVet, providing clinical and product education for customers, distributions partners and the sales team.
Jenny lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, step-daughter and a menagerie of pets.
Richard
Ford, DVM, DACVIM, DACVPMSDr. Richard Ford is Emeritus Professor of Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Ford practiced small animal and equine medicine for 4 years. Subsequently, he held teaching positions at Michigan State University and Purdue University.
He is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is an honorary Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Ford is the Lead Editor of the 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines and a co-author on the AAFP Feline Vaccine Guidelines.
Currently, Dr. Ford, in conjunction with the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, is leading the National Rabies Awareness Initiative, a State-by-State assessment of rabies immunization and law impacting veterinarians in private practice.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Ford spent 28 years with the US Air Force as a Biomedical Scientist. He retired from the USAF Reserve as a Brigadier General, where he was assigned to the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General at the Pentagon.
Debbie
Hill, CVPM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CCFB Debbie Hill, CVPM SPHR SHRM-SCP CCFP enjoys all things management and has spoken nationally at Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Wild West Veterinary Conference and Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conferences. In addition, she speaks to several manager groups across the country each year on a variety of topics and has been an instructor for Patterson Management University since 2008.
She is an active hospital administrator for a veterinarian with 4 practices in Florida. She entered the profession at the front desk of a one doctor practice in Denver in 1989 and has worked with 10 hospitals with 4-45 employees in 3 states, often as multiple practice settings.
In addition to this experience, attends multiple veterinary conferences each year to stay current in veterinary management. While her hospitals grew, she received her Certified Veterinary Hospital Manager designation in 2005. She is also certified in Human Resource as a Senior Professional in Human Resource (SPHR) and is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional and uses these certifications to help manage her own teams. Debbie was a founding member of the VHMA Ethics Committee and served 6 years on the Veterinary Hospital Manager Association’s Board of Directors, is a member of VetPartners and is the current Chair for the CVPM Board of Directors.
Realizing she has been privileged with a wealth of exposure to management experience and education, Debbie has a strong desire to share with others.
Joseph
Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program,
NC Veterinary Health ProgramDr. Joseph Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Physicians Health Program, has 25+ years experience in working with persons experiencing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
He has worked in long-term residential programs and coordinated both adolescent inpatient dual diagnosis and adult and adolescent intensive outpatient treatment programs.
Prior to joining NCPHP, Dr. Jordan served as Ethics Officer and Director of Special Projects for a national credentialing board. Dr Jordan has previously served on state and national committees and boards devoted to the study, development, and refinement of substance abuse counseling practice.
Dr.
Julie Reck, DVM and Chief Veterinary Officer of Aspire
Dr. Reck is a veterinarian with passion for creating new communication avenues with pet owners. She believes that enhancing the communication capabilities of the veterinary profession will foster a stronger connection with pet owners and create an enjoyable professional environment for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists.
In 2010, Dr. Reck published Facing Farewell, a book dedicated to providing pet owners with information to assist them with making difficult end of life decisions for their pet. In 2011, Dr, Reck opened the Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill. The practice quickly flourished and is now home to four full-time associate veterinarians.
Dr Reck is passionate about positive culture development in veterinary practices. She is the Chief Veterinary Office and a co-founder of Aspire, which provides online leadership and management courses to help veterinary professionals build a thriving culture for their practice.
Randy Hall, CEO of AspireRandy Hall has worked with organizations of all sizes from Fortune 25 businesses to small and midsize organizations to help them effectively execute change, develop leaders, engage employees, and reach more of their potential. Randy serves as a consultant, coach, and facilitator to help veterinary practices and companies create a culture that engages employees, dramatically improves results, and sustains growth. He leverages his animal health, sales, sales management, and executive level experience to ensure that real-world results happen for his clients. He has created learning opportunities and leadership models that enable leaders and managers to build and sustain high-performing, fully engaged teams of people. Randy spent 14 years of his career in the animal health industry. Since founding his own consulting business in 2009 he has worked with thousands of veterinary hospital leaders and staff members to help them capture the full potential of their own veterinary practices. He is the CEO and a co-founder of Aspire, which provides online leadership and management courses for veterinary professionals. Dr. Julie Reck, DVM and Chief Veterinary Officer of Aspire Dr. Reck is a veterinarian with passion for creating new communication avenues with pet owners. She believes that enhancing the communication capabilities of the veterinary profession will foster a stronger connection with pet owners and create an enjoyable professional environment for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists. In 2010, Dr. Reck published Facing Farewell, a book dedicated to providing pet owners with information to assist them with making difficult end of life decisions for their pet. In 2011, Dr, Reck opened the Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill. The practice quickly flourished and is now home to four full-time associate veterinarians. Dr Reck is passionate about positive culture development in veterinary practices. She is the Chief Veterinary Office and a co-founder of Aspire, which provides online leadership and management courses to help veterinary professionals build a thriving culture for their practice.
Nicole LaForest is a Registered and Licensed Veterinary
Technician serving as the current President of the Washington State
Association of Veterinary Technicians. She spends a majority of her
time managing Mayo Veterinary Services, the largest specialty,
ambulatory practice in the US; based out of the Seattle Area and
primarily specializing in orthopedics and regenerative medicine
therapies. Nicole currently holds degrees in Human Healthcare
Management, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine. She is also the
founding member and President of the Academy of Veterinary
Technicians in Regenerative Medicine (AVTRM), an organization
committed to making Regenerative Medicine a specialty in veterinary
medicine.
Robbie
van Mullem, B.S. Social Media and Online Marketing ConsultantRobbie van Mullem is President and Chief Executive Officer of 3 Sided Media and Review Retrievers companies which develop websites, manage social media, and protect the reputation of over two hundred veterinary practices and businesses throughout the Southeast and along the Eastern Seaboard.
These companies represent both large and small veterinary clinics, mixed animal practices, and specialty hospitals, ultimately reaching millions of clients and prospective customers each year. Robbie van Mullem was raised in the Hammond, Louisiana area, where he received his Bachelor of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University, while serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Robbie began his career in the animal health industry in 2003 with IDEXX Laboratories, where he earned the prestigious President’s Club Award, and was promoted to area manager for the Gulf States Region of IDEXX. Robbie van Mullem saw a significant void of veterinary-specific online management companies, and created his own in early 2010. He currently resides in Louisiana with his wife and two children.
Howard
B. Seim III, DVM, DACVSDr. Seim graduated from Washington State University, completed an internship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada, and a surgical residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
He obtained Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1983.
He is currently on the surgical staff at Colorado State University. He was recipient of the Merck AGVET Award for Creative Teaching, the CSU Award for Instructional Innovation and selected as the North American Veterinary Conference’s Small Animal Speaker of the Year in 2009.
Dr. Seim is founder of VideoVet a Veterinary Surgery Continuing Education video series. www.videovet.org
Lynne Swanson, DVM - Practical Canine BehaviorLynne Swanson, DVM (Cornell ‘86) has shaped and lived with psychologically healthy and happy groups of ten to forty dogs for three decades, and she is proud to be part of an educational effort recognizing the many things we can learn from our canine companions (when we are open to the possibilities). In 2005, she helped to create Safe Harbor Farm K9 Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in coastal NC, and in 2013, she helped develop the Learning "DOG" project for animal shelters.
She is the author of two books: “Learning DOG” (2015 - for shelters, boarding and training facilities) and “SMILE! and other practical life lessons your dogs can teach you (while you are training them)” (2017 - for everyone).
Positive, practical and proactive, SMILE! explores canine and human psychology from a uniquely canine perspective. It is about reducing tension, communicating clearly, leading the way and honoring pivotal differences. It is about the energy we share and the state of mind behind that energy. It is about letting go of the stuff that isn’t working, and it is about teamwork. It is about practicing kindness, dumping bad habits and finding happiness. (After all, if you aren’t happy, your dogs can’t be their best.)
Table of Contents and chapter excerpts at: www.givesmiles.us
Dr.
Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPPDr. Julie Wentzel grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Wildlife in 1998. She graduated from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, where she pursued interests in both wildlife medicine and small animal emergency medicine. After graduation, she completed a small animal emergency medicine internship at Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland, where she remained on staff for another seven years. She completed her Certified Veterinary Acupuncture courses in 2013 and became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2014.
Over the course of her career, she has become a firm believer in a whole-body approach to health both in her professional and personal life. She strives to implement an integrative approach to medicine to improve her patients' lives and assist in their return to a more comfortable and active lifestyle. She recently completed an apprenticeship in Western Herbal Medicine and is excited to offer this to her veterinary patients.
Dr. Wentzel is currently the Treasurer of the Northern Virginia Medical Association in 2017.
In her free time, Dr. Wentzel enjoys spending time with her family, as well as gardening, bird watching, volleyball, and running. She lives with her husband, their three children and one cat in Leesburg, Virginia.
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I just attended the Mountain Veterinary Conference and had a great time! The speakers were the same ones you see at the huge, expensive conferences but in a more intimate, affordable setting. The local area is beautiful and lots of fun to explore - I particularly enjoyed watching the elk herds cross the roads in the mornings. The Cherokee Casino was an excellent venue - easy to navigate ... read more
Katie Gies, DVM | Attendee - white.goosedvm@gmail.com
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I've been meaning to share my very positive review of the Mountain Veterinary Conference for months -- my apologies for not doing this sooner! The Mountain Veterinary Conference was a wonderful CE experience on all levels. There were a wide variety of high quality sessions, the setting was beautiful, the food and accommodations were excellent, and the exhibitors were helpful and informative... read more
Valerie Weiss, DVM | Attendee - vaweiss@ml1.net
“What fun! We doubled our record for the number of copies of SMILE! sold in the first day. The relaxed atmosphere at the Fun n Sun Conference makes it easy to interact with everyone.” ... read more
Lynne Swanson, DVM | Speaker, Exhibitor - Safe Harbor Farm’s SMILE! Project
Thank you for having me speak this year at Sun N Fun; What a GREAT show! I have thoroughly enjoyed the kindness and hospitality shown by all. Great organization, great location, and great session topics! I urge all veterinary professionals to attend Sun N Fun next year, and not miss out on this fantastic CE event! ... read more
Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS | Speaker - jenny@practivet.com
I would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Howie and all those involved in hosting the Colonial Veterinary Conference in Colonial Williamsburg this December 2015. We attended a few years ago and were sold on this meeting for our ContEd This meeting has it all! Great speakers, wonderful hotel, delicious food, kind staff and lotsa' coffee! Howie makes sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.. The biggest impression our first time here years ago was not just the speakers, topics, and location.. but the obvious love this group has for one another AND for our Lord... read more
Dr. Donna M Gage | Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TX
I've been a speaker for at least a dozen meetings hosted by Veterinary Association Management in the last twenty or so years. The meetings are always well organized and managed. More importantly, the attendees are always eager to learn and happy to be there. The Lee family and all the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is very family-friendly... read more
Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LAT | Speaker
Veterinary Association Management conference are intimate and interactive. As a presenter, I have the opportunity to talk about behavior issues – a significant reason for relinquishment, and also how to speak with clients about these concerns, as well as getting pets to vets, including Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.
Steve Dale, CABC | Speaker
I've been going to Veterinary Association Management's Veterinary Conferences for 16 years. They are by far my favorite. The quality and choice of speakers always suits my needs. I feel that I get the most up-to-date and thorough information. Lectures focus on practical advice we can actually use - no ivory towers here... read more
Melanie Bene, DVM | Attendee
My family and I have always enjoyed Veterinary Association Management's (Ralph Lee's) continuing education courses. We have been attending them now for well over twelve years. We are always very delighted to attend the courses and conferences that Veterinary Management Association hosts. The benevolence of the Lee Family always shines forth, and they make my family feel more than welcome. The veterinary courses are extremely relevant to practice, and much of the information obtained can be put into effect the day we return. The speakers are of the utmost quality and ... read more
Drs. Charles and Dawn Jones | Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NC
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak at this past weekend's Sun N Fun conference in South Carolina. It was a great experience. Howie, Martha, Dawn and the entire Veterinary Association Management team always knows how to make a speaker feel welcomed! The conference was so well organized which is a testament to the VAM team. Thank you so much for all your kindness. It was a true honoring getting to speak to the technicians at the conference. It was a great group who stayed engaged throughout! Thank you again. I hope you are all home getting to relax a little after working so hard to make the conference so successful. ... read more
Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) | Speaker
I have been a veterinarian in NC since 1982. 33years. I have been getting my continuing education hours with Ralph Lee’s Veterinary Management for 28 years. My wife is a registered vet technician and we both must get yearly CE hours to continue our licenses. We have come to Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conferences for last 20 years. I appreciate through the years the dedication to providing quality continuing education year after year. We enjoy the excellent speakers on subjects that are useful in regular day to day practice; comprehensive wet labs; and very affordable CE... read more
J. Michael Beck DVM and Jane Beck VMT | Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NC
I've participated in several Veterinary Association Management continuing educational meetings and they are all top notch. Each meeting has it's own look and feel. The one consistent thread is excellent speakers and great topics/content being presented. I will be planning a family vacation around Fun N Sun veterinary conference. It's a must do for anyone looking for good CE and creating great memories with the family... read more
Paul Camilo, CVPM | Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC
The Center of Veterinary Expertise has had the pleasure of participating in Colonial Veterinary conference on several levels, sponsorship, vendor as well as providing speakers over the last three year. Howie and his team always ensure a positive, warm, and successful experience. We look forward to supporting the Colonial Veterinary Conference for many more years to come.
Danielle T. Russ | LVT, BS, BA, AS, Hospital Manager, the COVE, Suffolk, VA
It is not a small thing when gathering your CE credits that the meetings be orderly, well presented, convenient, accessible. Cudos to the Colonial Team. It was an all-around good experience.
Rob McBrayer, DVM | Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SC
I have been a equipment manufacturing design consultant for Snyder Mfg. for over 30 years. I have been attending the Ralph Lee's meetings for over 20 years of that time. The Ralph Lee's meetings are different than the standard veterinary conference meetings that are available. The meetings are designed to be very family friendly. The attendees and exhibitors are treated with more respect than any other of the veterinary meetings I attend. The smaller venue will also give everyone an opportunity to build long term relationships in the industry.
Ralph Ihde | Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IA
I plan each year's continuing education requirements around Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veteirnary Conference. The program venue is especially nice, this time of year, in Asheville, N.C. The Lee family (Howie, Martha and the crew) are most accommodating. They've always made this a pleasurable, meaningful experience. I secure a copy of the conference notes each trip. These notes serve as valuable information for me as I care for my patients on a daily basis. The saddest part, for me, is when the meeting concludes. Soon, I'll be planning for the 2016 conference.
Dr. William “Bill” Martin | Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TN
The Lees' vet meetings are some of the best...and I attend a lot of them! As both a veterinarian and an exhibitor I get the best of both worlds at these events.... Great Continuing Education and Great attendance to the exhibit booth. I attend every one I possibly can.
Dr. Dan Moore, DVM | Vet Assured, Unicoi, TN
I have lectured for Veterinary Association Management for the last 4 years and they consistently have wonderfully organized, informative and practical conferences for practicing small animal veterinarians. With a relatively small group of attendees ... read more
Kristin Welch DVM, DACVECC | CRITICAL CARE, CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
K-Laser USA |
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences |
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3 Sided Media - Sponsor |
K-Laser USA - Sponsor |
ServiceVet Technologies |
All Vet Imaging |
New York Life |
Southeast Medical Books |
Aspire - Sponsor |
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Services |
Supreme Digital Imaging Solutions LLC |
Christian Veterinary Mission |
Patterson - Sponsor |
Sunnex Lights |
Companion Animal Health by LiteCure |
PractiVet - Sponsor |
Vanbeek Natural Science |
Elite Veterinary Products |
Purple Moon Herb Studies |
VetInsure - Sponsor |
givesmiles.us - Sponsor |
QuickPACS Technologies |
Vet Ray Technology by Sedecal |
Idexx Laboratories - Sponsor |
Respond Systems - Sponsor |
Zomedica |
Jorgensen Laboratories - Sponsor |
Rose Micro Solutions |
Click here to download the Mountain Veterinary Conference Exhibitor Contract
Arrowheads point to good luck, so follow them to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. North Carolina’s first casino, Harrah’s promises an electrifying adventure that’s bound to put a smile on your face and, if you’re lucky, a bulge in your wallet.
Harrah’s Casino is home to a 21-story, four-star, luxury hotel nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The 1,108 spacious rooms include amenities such as large baths, upscale furniture and fixtures, and 42-inch HD plasma TVs. In addition to these amenities, guests have access to an arcade, indoor pool and workout room, as well as a 15,000-square-foot conference center and several delicious restaurants. Eight unforgettable suites are located in the Mountain Tower, 21 in the Soco Tower, and 78 in Creek Tower.
Inspired by elements of native culture and Balinese-influenced treatments, Mandara Spa brings casino guests the highest quality of therapeutic luxury. The Mandara brand emphasizes beauty, rejuvenation, and exotic indulgence, aiming to enhance each guest’s resort experience by providing luscious opportunities for pampering.
We know every moment of your time here is important so we provide convenient check-in and checkout kiosks in various locations throughout the hotel. Ask about our “Stay and Play Packages” to take advantage of every opportunity. If you are traveling with children, stay at the casino and let the kids explore the arcade while the adults hit the gaming tables, or take some time and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking,tubing, and much more. Traveling with canine companions under 50 pounds? Ask about our PetStay room benefits.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort houses a new 3,000-seat events center where acts from Hank Williams, Jr. to Lady Antebellum have performed. This unique venue option features amphitheater seating on three levels for a variety of events and programs. The main floor can accommodate everything from a dinner for 800 to a tradeshow with more than 150 booths. The casino can also host groups and meetings ranging from ten to over 3,000 people in a state-of-the-art conference facility. The large meeting space can be broken down into 7 smaller configurations to suit any event or group needs.... from VisitCherokeeNC.Com
"The luxurious 21-story Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel is set amid the beautiful mountain setting of western North Carolina and provides luxury lodging that creates an upscale experience with 1,108 spacious rooms that include breathtaking views. Check-in/Checkout Kiosks are available in the hotel for fast service and are located on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Enjoy many amenities like the fitness room that is open 24/7, the indoor pool and our new outdoor pool featuring a zero entry pool, cabanas and bar area."
An enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is celebrating over 15 years of operation since opening its doors in November 1997. The Casino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space and offers 3,800 slot machines and over 100 traditional table games such as black jack, roulette and craps. The property also features over 1,100 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 10 restaurants, the Essence Lounge, a 3,000 seat Event Center, the luxurious 18,000 square feet Mandara Spa and eight retail shops. In addition to the 56-acre property, guests have privileged access to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation-owned Sequoyah National Golf Club, named one of Golf Magazine's best new golf courses.
Discover the fun of seeing the world through Cherokee eyes.
It might happen on a mud-spattering romp through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Or while hearing the creation legend in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. You’ll be having fun in Cherokee, relaxing, and suddenly, you’re a little more in tune with the natural world. With just one visit to something as profound as the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” you can’t help but look at things a little differently. And you’ll certainly have more fun. How will Cherokee affect you? Plan. Play. Visit. And discover.
Adventures that go deeper.
Each place you visit in Cherokee pulses with the stories and significance of a people whose roots run deep and whose ancient wisdom is fascinating to uncover. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Western North Carolina, Cherokee invites you to smell the wood smoke and open your ears. If you listen closely, maybe you can hear the chanting of the little Nunnehi people of the mountain peaks. No need to resist Cherokee’s invitations to dive right in. Fire off a blowgun if you dare, but make sure your spouse is in the clear. As you cast your line into the trout-filled rivers or wash your face in the sweet spray of a waterfall, let the powerful feelings of Cherokee carry you. Even if it’s just for a day or two.
Open your eyes with us.
A virtual treasure trove of outdoorsy fun awaits in Cherokee. Activities gain new dimensions as you become aware of their origins, steeped in a vibrant cultural heritage. For instance, if you enjoy birding, you may never see the cardinal in the same way after learning about the legend of how it got its scarlet color–just as you may observe in a new way the copper lines in the ancient boulders along the banks of the Oconaluftee where you may be fishing, tubing or kayaking. Did you know that the wolf showed the cardinal those copper lines to paint herself with after she pecked the mud from his eyes? These are stories you and your fellow travelers will learn as you explore Cherokee.
Awaken your power animal.
Cherokee history, song, dance, and period regalia come to vivid life in sites such as the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Cherokee hosts a variety of annual cultural festivals throughout the year where you can share in the celebration of colorful customs and learn about ancient beginnings.
Let your braids fly in downtown Cherokee.
Nostalgic shops offering blowguns and tomahawks, comfy motor lodges, family fun parks, and petting zoos can all be found in downtown Cherokee, NC. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, consider playing the 18-hole Sequoyah National Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, then staying at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
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Designed and maintained by Evolving Web Creation at evolvingwebcreation.com
Lunch Session: Constantine G. Zourzoukis, Business Development Consultant, South Central Zone, New York Life
