9:30-10:20am | DEA Perspective: Veterinary Highlights
The Drug Enforcement Administration will give an overview of recordkeeping, security, and disposal requirements of the Controlled Substances Act related to veterinarians. In addition, drugs of concern will be discussed including fentanyl and xylazine.

10:30-11:20am | Moving the Needle on Antimicrobial Stewardship in Companion Animal Practice in Virginia
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in human and veterinary medicine, and the One Health concept reminds us that the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and the environment is interconnected. Antibiotic stewardship is critical to minimizing antibiotic resistance , and although we care about being good stewards, it can be hard to prioritize in a busy practice. In this session, Dr. Rist will share results from a 2024 survey of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in Virginia on current antibiotic stewardship practices and barriers to their implementation. She will discuss strategies for making incremental steps to improve stewardship in your practice and provide resources.

12:45-1:35pm | Optimizing Outcomes: Nursing Care for Hospitalized Patients
In this interactive session, attendees will gain insight into the many demands of hospitalized patients and how veterinary technicians play an integral role in navigating their needs.  We will discuss the wide spectrum of patients who require care in different hospital settings, and how to standardize the approach to their care to improve experience for patients, veterinary care teams and clients.

1:45-2:35pm | Sample Handling (Total Testing Considerations)
This practical discussion will evaluate the purpose behind diagnostic lab testing from the vantage points of the clinician and pet owner.  We will dive into MANY of the ways that sample handling, patient variation and quality control impact outcomes.  Finally, we will address how to proactively avoid and troubleshoot errors.

3:00-3:50pm | Insight into the World of Laboratory Medicine for the LVT
What do you do when it seems like there are no other options in your career but you feel like you need a change? This lecture provides a look into one of those options, and discusses the subject of the veterinary role in animal research.

4:10-5:00pm | Updates on Heartworm Disease and Intestinal Parasites
This session will provide a high-level overview of the new American Heartworm Society Guidelines for dogs and cats. It will also touch on the current Companion Animal Parasite Council data for intestinal prevalence and treatment recommendations. 

8:00-8:50am | ER Triage: Above and Beyond When Patients Arrive
In this course we will be discussing, not only the patients that come through the door but also our inpatients and YOURSELF!

9:00-9:50am  & 10:10-11:00am | Tips and Tricks in the ER, Part I & II
In this course we will be discussing all the wonderful tips and tricks we can utilize not only in the ER but also in any practice. We will cover topics like giving cerenia pain-free, how not to get bit, making cats vomit, NG tube placement, and many more tips on how to make your life easier as a medical professional.

11:00-11:50am | Power Hour: Rabies and Veterinary Inspections
Many animal healthcare professionals are at increased occupational risk for rabies exposure and are recommended to receive rabies pre-exposure vaccinations. Join Dr. Julia Murphy as she gives highlights of the latest guidelines for rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis will be reviewed. The full text of these guidelines can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7118a2.htm. Then we will have Melody and Wendy join us as they give an overview on what is expected during veterinary inspections.

1:00-1:50pm | Euthanasia Re-Imagined
Euthanasia was ready for an evolution, and much has changed in the past 10 years. Experts and practitioners alike have found ways to celebrate the bond, protect patient comfort, and elevate client pre-planning and communication. And everyone is benefiting from the advancements. Has your veterinary team joined 'The Good Death Revolution'? In this session, we will highlight their 14 Essential Components of Companion Animal Euthanasia and answer your most pressing questions. It's time to look deeper into what clients want, what patients need, and how veterinary teams can find fulfillment in euthanasia work.

2:00-2:50pm | Talk Saves Lives
An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) flagship suicide prevention education program that provides participants with an understanding of suicide as a leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what can be done in communities to save lives. This 1-hour presentation may be tailored for more targeted audiences in a variety of settings (e.g. LGBTQ+ communities, older adults, firearm owners, etc.), and is available in person and virtually.