Learn more about the 2025 Fall Conference lectures and labs! This page will be continuously updated as we receive additional session descriptions from the speakers.
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Suicide Prevention, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: In this session we will confront these issues headon. We will talk about how to recognize the warning signs of burnout and suicidal ideation, how to start important conversations with our colleagues, and how to foster a culture of support rather than stigma. We will also introduce tools like the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool, explore suicide statistics in our field compared to others, and discuss practical ways to advocate for mental health resources and policy changes within our workplace.
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Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine Inspection Program: During the presentation we will provide a general overview of the inspection process, frequently cited deficiencies and how to avoid them, and post inspection information. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
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Numbers Behind the Needles: Matering Medical Math: Accurate calculations are the foundation for safe administration of veterinary medications. This session will explore the essential math skills every veterinary professional needs, including dosage calculations, fluid therapy rates, continuous rate infusions, and dilutions. Participants will gain confidence and strengthen their ability to think critically and calculate accurately.
Smooth Operators: Anesthesia Case Considerations: In this interactive session, participants will work through real life anesthesia case considerations that highlight the challenges and critical thinking required to create a balanced, multi-modal anesthetic protocol tailored to the individual patient. Attendees will examine patient assessment, anesthetic risk, drug selection, and strategies for managing anticipated complications.
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Hot Topics in Large Animal Veterinary Medicine: From artificial intelligence to zebra rescue, we will cover the hot topics and notable cases affecting today's large animal veterinary technician.
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 | Dental X-Ray Positioning Lab: We will spend the first part going over positioning and maintenance. We will then move onto the hands-on positioning portion where we will spend 35 minutes on a cat cadaver head then 35 minutes on a dog head. We will focus on the harder areas like the canines, upper 4PM, lateral technique and then move to molars, PM's and incisors. | .png) | Urinary Catheter Lab: During this lab you will be taught how to place male and female urinary catheters in the canine and feline patient. You will also be shown how to attach a closed urinary collection system. |
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Elevate the Euthanasia Experience: Part I: We will discuss what families need from vet teams as their pet approaches the end of its life. Focus will be placed on helping families determine when euthanasia is appropriate for their loved one, as well as optional verbiage to use to show empathy. We'll also examine the AVMA Companion Animal Aftercare Policy, and how to help families choose the best aftercare option for their pet.
Elevate the Euthanasia Experience, Part II: In the second session, we will discuss how to prepare for the euthanasia appointment. We'll discuss optimal sedation protocols, and I'll share some of my favorite tips and tricks. We'll also talk about helping children go through the euthanasia of their pet and wrap up with information that you can share with your clients regarding responsible pet burial.
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ECG Interpretation: This session will give veterinary technicians a full overview of all things ECG. We will be discussing the heart's conduction system, proper positioning for obtaining ECGs, causes for arrhythmias, and various common arrhythmias that are seen. The purpose of this session is to have veterinary technicians comfortable with the various types of arrhythmias and what we generally use to treat them.
Cardiac Therapies for Veterinary Technicians and Common Cardiac Medications: In this session we will discuss clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and goals of cardiac therapy in patients with cardiac disease. The goal of this lecture is to give veterinary technicians a better understanding of cardiac disease management and cardiac medications. We will overview all common cardiac medications that we use and discuss their primary usage/mechanism of action. Having a better understanding of these things will help improve survival and quality of life to our patients.
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Sport Horse Showcase: The equine athlete discussions will surround soundness evaluations, imaging modalities, regenerative medications and more! |
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The Sample's Journey through the Diagnostic Lab: Our goal in this session is to mimic going behind the scenes at the diagnostic lab, to show what happens to samples and what a lab technician's career is lile. We will highlight processes in each lab section, and what results look like. We will hand around props (noninfectious). The presentation will focus on images and videos, and include tips on proper submission.
Diagnostics in the Clinic Lab: The goal of this lab is build on skills taught in LVT curriculum to include knowledge of less common submissions. Participants would move between several stations, spending 10 minutes per station, with 10 minutes for donning/doffing PPE and wrap up. Station one -- making and looking at blood smears from different species. Station two -- fecal exams from different species. Station three -- reviewing cytology slides. Station four -- poultry anatomy/lesion review station.
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 | CPR Refresh Lab: This lab offers veterinary professionals a hands-on opportunity to practice CPR techniques in a supportive, team-focused environment. Participants will rotate through skill stations focused on chest compressions, ventilation, and ECG rhythm recognition, followed by case- based scenarios that integrate all aspects of basic and advanced life support. Designed for technicians, veterinarians, and students, the session encourages discussion and collaborative learning while reinforcing practical, evidence-based emergency response strategies. |

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Blood Products: Indications for Use and How to Administer: This course is designed to equip veterinary technicians with the essential knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively administer blood product transfusions in a clinical setting. The course will cover the principles of transfusion medicine, including blood typing and crossmatching, selection of appropriate blood products, administration protocols, and monitoring for adverse reactions. Participants will explore the indications and contradictions for, as well as best practices for handling and storingg blood products. This course emphasizes the critical role veterinary technicians play in the preparation, delivery, and post-transfusion care of patient recieving blood products.
Common Toxins in Veterinary Medicine: This lecture provides an in-depth overview of the most frequently encountered toxins in veterinary medicine. Participants will learn about commonly ingested toxins in dogs and cats; such as human medications, foods, and environmental substances - along with their associated clinical signs and pathophysiology. The session will cover diagnostic approaches, evidence-based treatment protocols, and strategies for client education and toxin prevention. This lecture aims to strengthen confidence in treating toxicoses and improve patient outcomes through early intervention and informed decision-making.
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Redefining Pain Management: Empowering Technicians to Lead the Analgesia Evolution: This session will deliver practical, evidence-based strategies to advance pain management across all areas of veterinary practice. The attendees will build a comprehensive toolkit of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques using real-world case examples and interactive discussions to enhance patient comfort, reduce fear and stress, and improve clinical outcomes. Emphasizing the vital role of credentialed veterinary technicians, this session inspires a cultural shift - empowering the entire veterinary team to identify, treat, and advocate for pain control in every patient, at every stage of care more effectively.
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Complimentary Medicine and Rehab: This session will feature chiropractic, acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and multiple rehabilitation modalities. Get ready for interactive roles in rehab! |
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Dental X-Ray Positioning Lab: We will spend the first part going over positioning and maintenance. We will then move onto the hands-on positioning portion where we will spend 35 minutes on a cat cadaver head then 35 minutes on a dog head. We will focus on the harder areas like the canines, upper 4PM, lateral technique and then move to molars, PM's and incisors.
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 | Fear Free Handling Lecture and Lab: In this session, we will discuss fear free handling and approaches to dog and cat visits, sedation protocols, and restraint options. In addition to a comprehensive discussion on fear free in our hospitals, we will discuss how fear free helps the quality of life of our patients, and ourselves and advocate for healthier and happier mindsets and workplaces. |
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A/C Unit: The Technician's Manual for Addison's and Cushing's: This session will do a deep dive into Addison's and Cushing's. Attendees will learn about causes, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments, monitoring and complications of both diseases, along with communicating with the owners of patients with these diseases.
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Recognition and Assessment of Pain for Exotics, Large and Zoo Animals Alleviated with Physical Rehabilation Techniques: Description Coming Soon!
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Senior Horse Special: Our aging equine population deserves specialized care. This session will cover age related concerns including dental disease, nutrition, athletic abilities, metabolic disease and quality of life considerations. |
.png) | Dental Nerve Block Lecture and Lab: Description Coming Soon! |
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