2. Leptospirosis: From the ivory tower to the urine-stained trenches of the hospital<\/p>\n
Speaker: Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology)<\/p>\n
What it\u2019s about: A hands-on, case-driven update that moves from the ACVIM consensus into real-life hospital workflows, including diagnostic testing choices as well as isolation and antimicrobial decisions. Interactive polling and case scenarios will show how to balance rapid patient care with antimicrobial stewardship and staff\/patient safety. The talk emphasizes communication strategies for owner education and practical infection control steps.
Why we\u2019re excited: Lepto is messy and zoonotic. This session promises to arm clinicians with protocols to diagnose faster, reduce transmission risk, and make stewardship-friendly treatment decisions under pressure.<\/p>\n
3. Cracking the code: Mastering radiographic interpretation in birds<\/p>\n
Speaker: Laila Proen\u00e7a, MV, DVM, MS, PhD, DACZM<\/p>\n
What it\u2019s about: Proen\u00e7a walks through a structured approach to avian radiographs, including recognizing normal anatomy, avoiding common interpretive traps, and spotting subtle disease signs across systems. Through example cases she will teach a stepwise checklist for reading images more reliably and making practical treatment decisions. Tips for improving image quality and choosing complementary diagnostics round out the session.
Why we\u2019re excited: Improved radiograph reading means fewer guesswork referrals, faster diagnoses, and better outcomes for avian patients. This is great information for clinics expanding exotic services or wanting to up their avian game.<\/p>\n
4. Street medicine: Providing high-quality care in low-resource settings<\/p>\n
Speaker: Jon Geller, DVM, MPH, DABVP emeritus<\/p>\n
What it\u2019s about: This session covers delivering pragmatic, ethical veterinary care outside the clinic. Topics include how to triage, prioritize diagnostics and treatments, and set realistic standards of care when resources are limited. Geller will discuss planning for mobile or pop-up clinics, problem-solving with minimal equipment, and building community partnerships that amplify impact. Real examples show how to handle unexpected challenges and maintain quality and safety.
Why we\u2019re excited: If you\u2019re interested in outreach or mobile medicine, Geller shares replicable workflows, risk-management strategies, and ideas for running sustainable, community-focused clinics that actually improve access to care.<\/p>\n
5. Feline neurology: Letting the cat out of the bag<\/p>\n
Speaker: Karen Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)<\/p>\n
What it\u2019s about: Kline focuses on the practical evaluation of neurologic cats: how to take a focused history, perform a cat-friendly neuro exam, and use a stepwise diagnostic plan to narrow differentials. She\u2019ll cover common feline neurologic syndromes, sensible testing strategies, and realistic treatment and prognostication approaches for both clinicians and technicians. The session goes over workflows and checklists that make neurologic cases less intimidating.
Why we\u2019re excited: Neurology in cats can be subtle and stressful. This talk provides practical exam techniques and decision trees that speed diagnosis and improve team confidence with the goal of reducing unnecessary testing or referrals.<\/p>\n