Please Note The Following:

*Times and Presenters Subject to Change

* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions

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Speaker Bios...

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Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS

Growing 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

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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.

 

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Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS-Oncology, PractiVet Animal Health – Education Director

Jenny 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.

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Richard Ford, DVM, DACVIM, DACVPMS

Dr. 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.

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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.

 

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Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program

Dr. 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.

 

 

 

 

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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 Aspire

Randy 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./p>

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Robbie van Mullem, B.S. Social Media and Online Marketing Consultant

Robbie 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.

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Howard B. Seim III, DVM, DACVS

Dr. 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./p>

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

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Lynne Swanson, DVM - Practical Canine Behavior

Lynne 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

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Dr. Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP

Dr. 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.

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Exhibitors At The Conference

 

Please visit these Exhibitors at the Conference to see the latest and best products and services for your veterinary practice:

3 Sided Media	K-Laser USA	Signtronix
All Vet Imaging	Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Services	Simmons & Associates
Care Credit	Purple Moon Herb Studies	Snyder Mfg
Companion Animal Health by LiteCure	PractiVet	Southeast Medical Books
Diamondback Drugs	QuickPACS Technologies	Sunnex Lights
Fear Free	Sedecal USA Inc	The Natural Vet/ Vet Assured Company
Idexx Laboratories	ServiceVet Technologies	Southern Veterinary Partners
Kacey Company Inc		Vet Classics

 

Click here to download the Mountain Veterinary Conference Exhibitor Contract

Conference Hotel Information

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

Where every hand is holding a very good time.

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.

A casino and luxury hotel combined.

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.

Bask in the earthly pleasures of Mandara Spa.

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.

Ease and enjoyment for all ages.

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.

More than just a casino: Harrah’s Events Center and Conference Center

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.  

 

Room rates start at $129 + tax (standard room, April 7th - April 9th) and rate guaranteed until March 1, 2019.

The group code is: S04MTVS

Guests may call either 1-800-427-7247 or 828-497-7777 and reference the code above to book within the group block.   Guests may also book their room online using the designated weblink below, built specifically for the Mountain Veterinary Seminar:

https://www.totalrewards.com/reserve/?propCode=CHE&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S04MTVS

Creek Tower Standard Room

 

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Classroom

 

HHarrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Mandara Spa

Room rates start at $129 + tax (standard room, April 7th - April 9th) and rate guaranteed until March 1, 2019.

The group code is: S04MTVS

Guests may call either 1-800-427-7247 or 828-497-7777 and reference the code above to book within the group block.   Guests may also book their room online using the designated weblink below, built specifically for the Mountain Veterinary Seminar:

https://www.totalrewards.com/reserve/?propCode=CHE&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S04MTVS

 

Area Information

Cherokee, North Carolina

A culture, a people, and a place that's actually a sovereign nation, Cherokee is located right in the heart of Western North Carolina. It's also base camp for hiking in the Great Smokies, arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, hours of fishing fun, and home to a history that spans millennia. Ready? Let’s go.

From visitcherokeenc.com ...

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.