Registration Open

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May 4 & 5, 2019

Delta Edmonton South Hotel
Edmonton, AB
Phone: 780-434-6415

Trade Fair Hours

Saturday, May 4: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 5: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session & Speaker Details

Keynote Presentation – Saturday, May 4

How to Thrive as a Technologist in Veterinary Practice
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 8:30-10:30 a.m. 

Technicians are the heart and soul of veterinary practice and carry much of the burden of patient care and client communication. Such responsibility can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout, especially when combined with stressful shifts and low compensation. This session will focus on overcoming the biggest struggles that technicians face today including practical strategies and tips for thriving in the profession long-term. 

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a specialist in small animal emergency and critical care living in Calgary. She travels worldwide to work as a speaker, consultant and locum.

Marie graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and then completed a year-long rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University. She then did a three-year small animal emergency and critical care residency at North Carolina State University. After becoming board certified in 2008, she accepted a faculty position at the Ontario Veterinary College, where she was Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine for five years.

Marie is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher and has completed a mindfulness-based stress-reduction course for professionals. She has Compassion Fatigue Training from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training from the Centre for Suicide Prevention.

When she is not working, Marie enjoys practicing yoga, rollerblading, hiking and gardening. For more information, please visit www.CriticalCareVet.ca or follow Marie on Facebook (@DrMarieKHolowaychuk), Twitter (@DrMHolowaychuk), or LinkedIn (MarieKHolowaychuk).

Keynote Presentation – Sunday, May 5

Fear Free Handling: For Your Patient’s Well-being and Yours
Dr. Meghan E. Herron
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 8-9:30 a.m. 

This presentation walks the audience through reading and responding to patient body language, ways to mitigate the environment to reduce stress, and fear-free restraint practices to keep the handler safe and the patient happy. 

Dr. Meghan E. Herron

Dr. Meghan Herron is an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and heads the Behavioural Medicine Clinic at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Centre.

She graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviour after completing a residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is actively involved in the teaching curriculum for veterinary students, providing educational opportunities in all four years.

A seasoned international speaker, she has given lectures and seminars on animal behaviour around the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Companion Animal Program

Saturday, May 4, 2019

What’s New in the Management of Small Animal Toxin Ingestions?
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Technicians are on the frontline of toxin ingestion management in most practices, including fielding calls from owners and performing gastrointestinal decontamination. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, the incidence of toxin exposures will be on the rise. This session will provide technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to manage the most common toxin ingestions in small animal practice.

Zoonoses: Both Sides of the Coin, Part One
Dr. Danny Joffe
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 1:30-3 p.m. 

Several topical zoonotic diseases will be discussed both from a human and veterinary standpoint. 

Zoonoses: Both Sides of the Coin, Part Two
Dr. Danny Joffe
Saturday, May 4, 2019 -3:30-5 p.m. 

Continuation of Part One. 

Sunday, May 5, 2019 – Companion Animal Con’t

Immunology
Dr. Ed Doornenbal
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 10-11:30 a.m. 

What are the basic principles of immunology that we all need to know in practice to help our animal owners make good vaccine decisions? 

History of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Ed Doornenbal
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 1-2:30 p.m. 

What was veterinary medicine like without anesthetics, vaccines, diagnostics tests and antibiotics? This presentation reviews the cures used prior to modern medicine. 

Large Animal Program

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Digital Necropsies: Adding Value One Post Mortem at a Time
Ms. Ashley Gaudet, RVT
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Looking at how performing a post mortem exam can lead to increasing your scope of practice and adding value as a technologist in a large or mixed animal practice.

Equine “One Health”
Dr. Alycia Chrenek
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 3:30-5 p.m. 

Approaching equine health with prevention and maintenance in mind

Equine Disease and Immunization
Dr. Alycia Chrenek
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 1:30 – 3pm. 

Introduction to different equine diseases affecting Alberta and important points related to immunization.

Sunday, May 5, 2019 – Large Animal Con’t

Sometimes it is Black and White: Veterinary Care for the Monochromatics at the Calgary Zoo
Dr. Doug Whiteside
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 10-11:30 a.m. 

This lecture will highlight the veterinary care and some of the health issues of black and white zoo species including the giant panda, zebra, penguins and black and white ruffed lemurs.

On Cue: Enhancing the Care of Zoo Species Through Behavioural Husbandry
Dr. Doug Whiteside
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 1-2:30 p.m. 

This lecture will highlight examples of behavioural training and enrichment of zoo species that enhances their health and welfare.

Professional Development Program

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Importation/Exportation: Zoonoses. Making International Animal Rescue Safe
Dr. Duane Landals
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

lnterjurisdictional movement of animals for humane reasons is a widely practiced activity, and for good reason. While there are unique risks to animal health and welfare, these risks can be mitigated if they are identified and addressed. 

Inventory Management
Ms. Lynn Bussey
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 1:30-3 p.m.

Session description to come.

Technologists and Their Role in Relationship-Centred Care
Ms. Becky Taylor, RVT
Saturday, May 4, 2019 – 3:30-5 p.m. 

Session description to come.

Sunday, May 5, 2019 – Professional Development Con’t

Alternate Careers for RVTs
Ms. Miranda Ducarme
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 10-11:30 a.m. 

Discussion and presentation about career opportunities for veterinary technologists in the federal government and thinking beyond the scope of clinical practice.

Import/Export
Ms. Miranda Ducarme
Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 1-2:30 p.m. 

Discussion about RVT roles in import and export and the resulting relationship between veterinary medicine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.