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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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 2018 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.