Tentative Schedule

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Registration Open 4-8pm (Laurel Foyer)

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)

Continental Breakfast 8am (Biltmore Foyer)

Exhibit Hall Open 8am (Blue Ridge)

Speaker

Time

Topics

Howard B Seim III, DVM, Dipl. ACVS

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Practical Soft Tissue Surgery Techniques

Video segments of clinical case material, carefully edited to form a real life experience, are used as a means of delivering the surgical lectures. All video cases are client owned animals and all of the surgical procedures performed are on patients that have come to the instructor’s hospital. Case selection includes practical surgical procedures that many veterinarians are able to perform in their practice. An advantage of this lecture style is that participants are able to see the case actually operated on during the lecture.

8:30am - 9:30 am : Surgical management of GDV; the 10-minute gastropexy

This seminar will focus primarily on the surgical management of GDV patients. Video of clinical cases during intraoperative decision making will be presented. We will focus on the authors’ preferred method for gastric derotation and the technical aspects of performing a 15-minute incisional gastropexy. Extensive use of video of clinical cases will give participants a real-life experience.

9:30 am - 10:00 am : The 4-ligature splenectomy

Years ago, the anatomist suggested that in order to safely remove the spleen the left gastroepiploic artery and vein must be preserved, or the gastric blood supply would be put at risk. We now know this is not true! I will suggest a way to use this new anatomic information to safely remove the spleen in a non-GDV patient with 4 (maybe 5) ligations. We will then utilize this new knowledge of anatomy to develop a ‘plan’ to rapidly and safely remove the spleen in a dog that is bleeding to death!

10:00 am - 10:30 am : Break

10:30 am - 11:30 am : Intestinal anastomosis – tips to make it easier

When performing an intestinal resection and anastomosis by yourself (i.e., no assistant to help!) I have several tips that may make the procedure easier for you. I will suggest several alternative techniques that you can consider incorporating that will likely make this common procedure easier and more predictably successful. Video of clinical cases will be used to illustrate these techniques.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm : Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm : Surgical management of canine cystic and urethral calculi

A ‘never fail’ technique for retropulsion of calculi lodged in the urethra of male dogs will be presented. What is your worst cystic calculi nightmare……leaving a stone behind after your cystotomy! This lecture will describe a unique protocol that will eliminate the possibility of leaving a stone behind. Video of clinical cases will be used to illustrate this protocol.

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm : Anal sacculectomy: a novel approach

Anal sacculectomy is frequently performed in veterinary practice. It can be tricky to get all the anal sac epithelium and preserve the external anal sphincter muscle and caudal rectal nerve. I will suggest a ‘novel’ technique that allows the surgeon full control of the perianal anatomy and thus preservation of all vital structures during complete anal sac resection. Video showing this technique in a clinical case will illustrate its potential usefulness in your practice.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm : Break

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm : Feline perineal urethrostomy; a novel approach

Feline perineal urethrostomy has classically been approached with the patient placed in a perineal position. Although this positioning is awkward for the surgeon it has become the standard approach. This lecture will suggest taking another look at patient positioning. Placing the cat in dorsal recumbency allows a much more ‘ergonomic’ approach for the surgeon and enhances visualization of the regional anatomy. In addition, this positioning

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Chronic vaginitis and incontinence; can surgery help?

Occasionally young female dogs present with chronic vaginitis, frequent UTI’s and intermittent urinary incontinence. Vulvar conformational abnormalities can be the underlying cause of all three. Surgical correction of the vulvar abnormality may be curative. This session will deal with the author’s vulvarplasty technique. Video of a clinical case will be used to facilitate understanding of the technique.

Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM, Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies

8:30 am - 10:00 am

10:30 am - 11:30 am

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

2:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Using Food as Medicine:

Like your morning coffee? Have a cocktail to unwind? Then you use food as medicine. This talk will teach you to do the same for cats and dogs. I will cover a few home-cooked recipes for healthy animals and chronically ill patients. I will also explain easy home-cooking techniques for clients.

Bach Flower Essences: Psychological Therapy:

Dr. Bach believed emotional imbalances were the root of all disease, and correcting these imbalances could cure any condition. Many conditions in animals are psychological, such as inappropriate urination, separation anxiety, OCD’s, etcetera. I will discuss which Bach Flower Essences are appropriate for a variety of conditions.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Stress:

Adaptogens are herbs that improve the body’s resilience and resistance to stress, mental physical or environmental. This lecture will start with a detailed explanation of adaptogens as an herbal group. Specific adaptogenic herbs will be discussed in detail.

Friday, November 8, 2024

Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)

Exhibit Hall Open 8am-4pm (Blue Ridge)

Lunch Session at 11:30 AM - 1 PM Presented by Dr. Lucas Trout, DVM, "Nutraceuticals for GI Support" Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.

Speaker

Time

Topics

Dr. Gahee Kim, DVM

Dr. Sara L. Bennett, DVM, MS, DACVB

Dr. Carol Ferguson

8:30 am - 10:00 am

10:30 am - 11:30 am

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

2:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Canine Separation Anxiety - 1 Hour (Dr. Gahee Kim, DVM - Behavior Resident)

TBD - 2 Hours (Dr. Sara L. Bennett, DVM, MS, DACVB)

TBD - Road to a Calmer Clinic (Dr. Carol Ferguson)

Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, PAW Consulting and Simple Solutions for Vets, Assisted by Dr. Cody Creelman, DVM and Dr. Dan Markwalder, DVM

Sponsored by PROVIDE Bank, RWE Design Build, and RWE Planning

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Welcome to "From Associate to Owner: Steps for Success" - Day 1 of 2

Embark on an enlightening two-day journey designed to empower veterinarians in transitioning from associates to successful clinic owners. This comprehensive program, led by esteemed veterinary professionals Dr. Cody Creelman, Dr. Dan Markwalder, and Dr. Peter Weinstein, offers a unique blend of expertise, real-world insights, and practical strategies.

Meet Your Presenters:

• Dr. Cody Creelman: A vanguard in bovine medicine, Dr. Creelman brings a modern approach to veterinary practices. With his rich experience in cattle medicine, and as a co-founder of a cutting-edge veterinary service, he offers invaluable insights into innovative veterinary care and entrepreneurship. His dynamic online presence as an educational content creator adds a unique perspective to contemporary veterinary practices.

• Dr. Dan Markwalder: Dr. Markwalder, a distinguished figure in small animal medicine, has significantly contributed to the field through his expertise in veterinary practice management. With his roots firmly planted in clinical practice, he extends his knowledge to mentor young veterinarians, focusing on business aspects of veterinary medicine and practice development.

• Dr. Peter Weinstein: Bringing a blend of clinical knowledge and business acumen, Dr. Weinstein's background in veterinary medicine and business administration (MBA) equips him with a dual perspective crucial for today’s veterinary entrepreneurs. His leadership roles and contributions to veterinary practice management make him an invaluable resource for those looking to excel in both medical and business domains.

Program Overview:

This event is meticulously curated to guide aspiring veterinary clinic owners through the myriad aspects of establishing and running a successful practice. Participants will gain insights into:

• Creating a compelling mission statement and identifying untapped market opportunities.

• Developing a strategic vision and actionable goals.

• Assessing the feasibility of starting a new practice.

• Crafting a detailed business plan and securing financing.

• Navigating real estate decisions, clinic design, and buildout.

• Forming strategic partnerships with vendors and staff recruitment.

• Implementing effective branding and marketing strategies.

• Understanding current trends for service enhancement and revenue growth.

• Budgeting, measuring success, and achieving profitability.

Interactive sessions, including group challenges and a networking dinner, provide ample opportunities for experiential learning and peer engagement.

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for veterinary professionals aspiring to own or manage a veterinary clinic, recent veterinary graduates contemplating clinic ownership, and associate veterinarians looking to transition into entrepreneurial roles. It’s also beneficial for those already in ownership or managerial positions seeking fresh perspectives and updated industry knowledge.

Join us for this transformative experience to gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to step into the world of veterinary clinic ownership and management successfully!

Session Details

• Ice Breaker - Top 10 Fears for Not Starting a Vet Clinic: This session will engage participants in a discussion about common fears related to starting a veterinary clinic. It will help identify the 'new' faces in the group, encouraging them to share their apprehensions. The facilitators can address these fears, debunk myths, and foster a supportive environment for open dialogue.

• Mission Statement and Finding Your Blue Ocean: In this segment, participants will learn the importance of having a clear mission statement that reflects their values and goals. The concept of the 'Blue Ocean Strategy' will be introduced, encouraging participants to find unexplored market niches with less competition and more growth potential.

• Vision and Strategy: This session will guide participants on developing a clear vision for their practice and the strategies needed to realize it. It will include exercises on long-term goal setting, identifying core services, and aligning business strategies with the envisioned future.

• Defining Goals and Reverse Engineering Practice Needs:Here, participants will be taught how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and work backwards to understand the steps, resources, and timelines required to achieve them.

• Feasibility Assessment of a De Novo Practice: This important session will focus on assessing the viability of starting a new practice. Participants will learn how to conduct market research, analyze financial feasibility, and evaluate operational requirements.

• Business Plan and Securing Financing: Instructors will guide attendees through the process of drafting a robust business plan, focusing on elements like market analysis, service offerings, financial projections, and risk assessment. The session will also cover strategies for securing loans or investments.

• Real Estate: Build or Buy, Tips and Tricks: This segment explores the considerations in choosing a location, whether building a new facility or buying an existing one. Topics will include site selection, cost analysis, zoning regulations, and the pros and cons of building vs. buying.

• Clinic Design and Buildout: Participants will learn about designing a clinic for optimal workflow, client comfort, and staff efficiency. This will include layout planning, interior design, equipment selection, and technology integration.

Session Schedule

8:30 am - 9:00 am : Ice Breaker- Top 10 Fears for NOT Starting a Clinic

9:00 am - 10:00 am : Mission Statement and Finding Your Blue Ocean

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Vision and Strategy; Goals and Reverse Engineering

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm : Challenge--Group Activity

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm : Feasibility--Start Up, De Novo, Business Plan, Financing

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm : To buy, to rent, real estate, clinic design, build up, build out

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Loose ends, ask us anything

4:45 pm - : Meet us in the Bar to continue the conversation

*Each "Challenges" session will feature a unique, veterinary clinic-specific scenario presented by the facilitators. Participants will be divided into groups to brainstorm solutions and then present their ideas. This interactive approach will not only stimulate creative thinking but also foster teamwork and collaborative problem-solving among the attendees.

Howard B Seim III, DVM, Dipl. ACVS

See Topics

8:30 am - 9:30 am : Surgical management of uroabdomen

Occasionally patients sustaining blunt abdominal trauma are diagnosed with uroabdomen secondary to ruptured bladder. Once these patients have been stabilized an exploratory laparotomy is performed to repair the ruptured bladder. This seminar will focus on the intraoperative decision making in patients that have sustained enough blunt force trauma to result in a ruptured bladder. Video of a variety of clinical cases presented to our trauma unit will be used to illustrate surgical methods.

9:30 am - 10:00 am : Chest drain placement

This lecture will focus on techniques used to place chest drains in dogs and cats. A variety of drain types will be used as well as several different techniques. I will include a unique technique that allows percutaneous placement of a chest drain in a fully awake traumatized patient. Videotape of clinical cases requiring ‘emergency’ as well as ‘planned’ chest drain placement will be used to illustrate the recommended procedures.

10:00 am - 10:30 am : Break

10:30 am - 11:30 am : Surgical management of brachycephalic syndrome

This session will discuss the management of upper airway obstruction in brachycephalic breeds. Emphasis will be placed on nasoplasty and soft palate resection. A novel technique for nasal planum resection will be discussed. There is compelling evidence suggesting that not all everted laryngeal saccules need to be resected! Videotape of clinical cases will be used to illustrate surgical techniques.

Leslie Wereszczak, MS, LVMT, VTS (ECC)

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8:30 am - 10:00 am (1.5 hrs) : No Small Problem: Neonatal and Pediatric Emergencies

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (1.5 hrs) : General Practice, Critical Patient: Stabilization Before Referral

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : Catheter Crisis: Hitting the Hard to Hit

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (1 hrs) : Fluid Therapy: Magic in a Bag

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)

Exhibit Hall Open: 8am-4pm (Blue Ridge)

Speaker

Time

Topics

Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, PAW Consulting and Simple Solutions for Vets, Assisted by Dr. Cody Creelman, DVM and Dr. Dan Markwalder, DVM

Sponsored by PROVIDE Bank, RWE Design Build, and RWE Planning

See Topics

Welcome to "From Associate to Owner: Steps for Success" - Day 2 of 2

Embark on an enlightening two-day journey designed to empower veterinarians in transitioning from associates to successful clinic owners. This comprehensive program, led by esteemed veterinary professionals Dr. Cody Creelman, Dr. Dan Markwalder, and Dr. Peter Weinstein, offers a unique blend of expertise, real-world insights, and practical strategies.

Meet Your Presenters:

• Dr. Cody Creelman: A vanguard in bovine medicine, Dr. Creelman brings a modern approach to veterinary practices. With his rich experience in cattle medicine, and as a co-founder of a cutting-edge veterinary service, he offers invaluable insights into innovative veterinary care and entrepreneurship. His dynamic online presence as an educational content creator adds a unique perspective to contemporary veterinary practices.

• Dr. Dan Markwalder: Dr. Markwalder, a distinguished figure in small animal medicine, has significantly contributed to the field through his expertise in veterinary practice management. With his roots firmly planted in clinical practice, he extends his knowledge to mentor young veterinarians, focusing on business aspects of veterinary medicine and practice development.

• Dr. Peter Weinstein: Bringing a blend of clinical knowledge and business acumen, Dr. Weinstein's background in veterinary medicine and business administration (MBA) equips him with a dual perspective crucial for today’s veterinary entrepreneurs. His leadership roles and contributions to veterinary practice management make him an invaluable resource for those looking to excel in both medical and business domains.

Program Overview:

This event is meticulously curated to guide aspiring veterinary clinic owners through the myriad aspects of establishing and running a successful practice. Participants will gain insights into:

• Creating a compelling mission statement and identifying untapped market opportunities.

• Developing a strategic vision and actionable goals.

• Assessing the feasibility of starting a new practice.

• Crafting a detailed business plan and securing financing.

• Navigating real estate decisions, clinic design, and buildout.

• Forming strategic partnerships with vendors and staff recruitment.

• Implementing effective branding and marketing strategies.

• Understanding current trends for service enhancement and revenue growth.

• Budgeting, measuring success, and achieving profitability.

Interactive sessions, including group challenges and a networking dinner, provide ample opportunities for experiential learning and peer engagement.

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for veterinary professionals aspiring to own or manage a veterinary clinic, recent veterinary graduates contemplating clinic ownership, and associate veterinarians looking to transition into entrepreneurial roles. It’s also beneficial for those already in ownership or managerial positions seeking fresh perspectives and updated industry knowledge.

Join us for this transformative experience to gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to step into the world of veterinary clinic ownership and management successfully!

Session Details

• Partnerships with Vendors: This session will cover how to establish and manage relationships with various vendors, includingnegotiation strategies, contract management, and building long-term partnerships.

• Staffing a De Novo: Strategies for building a strong team will be discussed, including recruiting techniques, defining roles and responsibilities, and creating a positive workplace culture.

• Strategic Branding and Marketing Plan: Participants will learn how to develop a unique brand identity and an effective marketing plan. This includes identifying target markets, developing promotional strategies, and leveraging social media.

• Current Trends and Opportunities in Services and Revenue Generation: This session will explore new and emerging trends in veterinary services, discussing how to capitalize on these trends for revenue generation and competitive advantage.

• Budgeting, Measuring Success, Path to Profitability: Focus will be on financial planning, setting up budgets, defining key performance indicators, andstrategies to track progress and drive profitability.

• Start-Up Clinic Horror Stories: Hard Lessons Learned: A candid discussion featuring real-life examples of challenges faced when starting a clinic, offering invaluable lessons and insights for the participants.

• Hindsight is 2020: Pivoting and Adapting at Milestones: This session will emphasize the importance of being adaptable and responsive to changes in the market, patient needs, and other external factors.

• Closing Session - Break Out Session: De Novo vs Acquisition: This interactive session will divide participants into groups to discuss the pros and cons of starting a new practice versus acquiring an existing one. Each group, led by one of the experts, will debate and present their findings, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in each approach.

Session Schedule

8:30 am - 10:00 am : Staffing; Strategic Branding/Marketing- Pt 1

10:30 am - 12:00 am: Strategic Branding/Marketing-Pt 2; Trends and Opportunities for Revenue Generation

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm : Challenge-- Group Activity

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm : Budgeting, Measuring Success, Profitability

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm : Your Up and Running--what Can go right? Go wrong?

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Loose ends, ask us anything

4:45 pm - : Meet us in the Bar to continue the conversation

*Each "Challenges" session will feature a unique, veterinary clinic-specific scenario presented by the facilitators. Participants will be divided into groups to brainstorm solutions and then present their ideas. This interactive approach will not only stimulate creative thinking but also foster teamwork and collaborative problem-solving among the attendees.

Michael Rossi, DVM, MNS, DACVD

Sponsored by Dechra and Blue Buffalo

See Topics

8:30 am - 10:00 am (1.5 hrs) : Clinical approach to the dermatology patient

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (1.5 hrs) : Adverse food reaction in the canine patient

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : Management of skin lesions in chronic atopic dermatitis

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (1 hrs): Immune-mediated skin disease in the feline patient

Leslie Wereszczak, MS, LVMT, VTS (ECC)

See Topics

8:30 am - 10:00 am (1.5 hrs) : Preparedness and Prevention in Practice: Be Ready, Stay Ready

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (1.5 hrs) : Team Ready! The Principles of RECOVER CPR

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Speaker

Time

Topic

Michael Rossi, DVM, MNS, DACVD

Sponsored by Dechra and Blue Buffalo

8:30 am - 11:30 am

8:30 am - 10:00 am (1.5 hrs) : Clinical management of Malassezia dermatitis

10:30 am - 11:30 am (1 hrs) : Round table discussion in veterinary dermatology